Chapter 10: A Night Time Encounter

After the efforts of the day, I was only too pleased to get back to the dormitory, ready for bed. I stripped off my dress and hung it up, pulled on the nightgown – somehow I was more embarrassed to be wearing that than my uniform – and climbed into the iron framed bed. Yes, the attic room was cold and drafty but I found that I was soon asleep; a consequence of the day’s hard work.

I have no idea how long I was asleep for but I woke suddenly, aware that there was somebody in the room with me. I blinked in the darkness and realised there was a figure standing in the doorway. There was a smell of tobacco and brandy.

A woman’s voice said, “You looked so peaceful. It almost seemed a shame to disturb you.”

I realised it was Gloria. Startled, I sat up and pulled the sheets up around me.

“Such modesty. I thought you might like some company. It must be lonely up here.”

“No, it’s all right, Ma’am,” I said, remembering to be respectful. “It’s just that I’m so tired from the day.”

“They shouldn’t work you so hard.” Gloria sat down on the end of my bed. She was no longer wearing her jacket, just a white shirt and the tweed waistcoat. She was wearing a man’s tie but had pulled it loose and her shirt collar was unbuttoned. She reached towards me and put her hand on my thigh. I backed away as far as I could in the bed, still clutching the sheet.