Hetty Pov

The day was finally here. The Foundling Hospital's Last Sunday. The last time I'd ever have to clean those bleached walls, polish those stone-cold steps and wring out the dreary uniform.

The last time I'd ever get to see my friends.

As we awoke for the last time, clearing our beds and folding our sheets I caught Sheila's miserable gaze from across the room. We were the only two Foundlings who had no idea about their future.

And yet here we were, having to face uncertainty while our friends chatted about their futures animatedly. What was Matron planning for us?


"Maybe staying here isn't so bad.." I pondered while Sheila and I rolled out some dough in the kitchen, "Are you missing Elizabeth?"

I'd noticed her unusual quietness and she averted her gaze from mine in order to blink back her tears. I knew how she felt.

"We're having a leaving picnic tonight, you should come.." I offered kindly.

"But I'm not leaving am I? I'm stuck working here for the rest of my life.." she burst out bitterly, "Why would I want to come to some stupid picnic anyway?"

"Fine!" I retorted annoyed, "Forget I asked.."

We continued rolling out the pastry and I heard her sigh, "Fine, if you insist I'll come.."

I smiled and shook my head at her stubbornness. Sheila was always hard to read.


Vince Pov

I couldn't concentrate. I knew I should've felt elated at the prospect of leaving the hospital but my thoughts kept returning to Judd, my oldest friend. Why was he suddenly excluded from the rest of us leavers?

"It's just he's my friend sir, he's one of us!" I told the Colonel later that day.

"Judd is only thirteen," Cranbourne replied, "He has to stay here for another year, he will not be going with you.."

My suspicions were confirmed, although I still wished he was leaving with us. I couldn't imagine how he must have felt with the rest of us leaving. Yet at the same time I felt a loss in my heart, an ache that made me feel guilty for being able to leave.

Without Judd, I had no one. No friends in the household, no allies waiting to receive me in the army (for I would return to the army eventually, as I had become a favourite of the Colonel's).

I couldn't face Judd just yet, I needed to cut off all attachment to him. For yearning after a lost friend was a sure sign of weakness, and if I wished to impress the Colonel so that his offer still stood, I needed to prove to him that I was stronger than he knew.

By the time lunch came, I ignored the seat that Judd had saved for me.

I turned to Walter, "You and me.. we should stick together when we get out of here.."


Hetty Pov

We served lunch to the boys and I noticed Gideon, looking sadder than usual. The prospect had finally dawned on him; he was going off to the army and he had no clue what his future held.

My heart ached for him. The last time I might ever see my brother.

I voiced my concerns to Cranbourne.

"He'll be alright Hetty. He'll work hard and do well.."

"But he's not a soldier is he?" I stated anxiously.

"He doesn't have a choice, the other boys will look out for him. Gideon is a brave and resourceful young man.." he concluded, but that left me in more uncertainty than I was in before.

What if something tragic happened to him?


Vince Pov

Judd pestered me all throughout lunch, wondering what Cranbourne wanted to discuss with me. I couldn't tell him the truth, I just couldn't. But I couldn't ignore him forever.

"You're only thirteen! Alright you're a kid. You're staying here, and you're not coming with me.." I exploded, before swallowing down my hurt as the other boys looked on in shock, "With us.."

I bowed my head, as he turned his face away trying to hold back tears.

"You're all going! You're all going to be together and I'm going to be here by myself.." he exclaimed, after he'd wiped clear of his tears.

"You'll be fine.." Ned assured.

"I won't know anyone, I'll be... I don't know what I'll be!"

"Look! We're having a... picnic in the tower, tonight.. why don't you come?" Ned offered as I clenched my teeth together trying to not scream about how unfair this was.

He paused.. "A picnic? With food?"

"Well, maybe.." Mathias grinned as Judd attempted a smile at their kindness. It still wouldn't make any difference. We were leaving and he was.. well, staying.


Hetty Pov

I overheard the boys, it seemed this picnic was turning out to be an exclusive for everyone. I sighed and positioned the cutlery at the table where Mr. Calender stood patiently.

"Good afternoon, I've just come back from India..." he bragged. I attempted politeness.

"That's nice, sir"

"I think your Mr. Cranbourne is suggesting we take one of you on as a servant.." he mentioned casually, and my attitude changed instantly.

"Hetty Feather, sir! A pleasure to make your acquaintance, perhaps I could fetch you some tea?" I curtsied with a cheery grin.

My offer was ignored however as the Colonel intruded in, on our conversation. Well, it was worth a shot.

Mathias held back a laugh as I returned to the boys' table, "Perhaps I could fetch you some tea..?" he mocked as the others laughed.

I grinned back, "Do you want to know what Harriet's got you?"

Mathias' grin vanished, "What?"

Clearly, he didn't realise the lengths Harriet went to in order to keep the romance alive.

"She's made you something. And I'm sure you've got her the best leaving present ever..?" I teased as he frowned inwardly. Typical.

As I finished clearing the table, I noticed how sad Vince seemed as though something was troubling him. Perhaps the leaving was affecting him more than he cared to mention...


Vince Pov

"Mathias, what's happening tonight?" I asked impulsively, trying to sound casual.

"A picnic," Judd answered, "And you're not invited, cos no one likes you"

He slammed his fists on the table, "I HATE YOU!"

Great. Just what we needed, him to get all touchy about us leaving. I was only making plans for my future, he should be preparing himself for his future.

"If I want to be there, I'll be there. It's not like they invited you cos they like you!" I exclaimed back fuming. My eyes diverted to Hetty's worried gaze but I ignored her. Judd looked deadly serious.

He looked like he wanted to kill me.

Well, that was fine cos in that moment I saw red too.

We charged at each other across the table, as Hetty's cry went unheard. We wrestled over the table as others leapt up to stop the fight. The fight escalated as Mathias held me in an armlock while the others continued to pin down Judd.

The chaos was obvious.

Gideon accidentally elbowed Mr Calender in the face as he turned and Mathias landed a final punch in my face as Mr Cranbourne yelled furiously, "What is the meaning of this?"

Mr Calender held a hanky to his nose, "You thought one of these children would be suitable for my household!"

Everyone turned and looked around to see the destruction they had caused. And someone's chance of leaving the hospital had ruined, all because of Judd and I's petty argument.

Once again, I'd failed. Miserably.

The Colonel round us up into the one of the classrooms, while we awaited our punishment.

"Have you any idea how serious this is?" he berated, "You injured a patron; I fear I have made a grave error in judgement! I'm not sure that any of you belong in the Queen's own artillery; especially not together!"

After giving us all one last disappointed look, he turned to Cranbourne before exiting, "You'll hear from me.."

We all turned to one another. Forget pleasing a patron, we'd be lucky if we even got to join the army!


Hetty Pov

I reanacted the scene to the girls in the kitchen. I shouldn't have found the fight so amusing, but it was the only exciting thing that had happened that day. I'd seen fights before, but never anything as chaotic as this.

"...then Brigwell joined in, Vince had Mathias like this, John fell on top of Ned and then Mathias punched Vince and..."

Harriet rushed towards me concerned, "Is Mathias alright?"

"He's fine!" I reassured before continuing, "Mr Cranbourne came back with Gideon who then elbowed one of the govenors.."

Cook slammed a jar onto the table, silencing my rant.

"It might seem funny, boys fighting but you lot should be working together. You know what your problem is? It's not all your little scams, it's a problem with th' world; those above us treatin' us like dirt.." Cook stated wisely, and for once I was spellbound.

I didn't realise the implications, the boys could have forfeited their chances at freedom in the army. And here I was finding it all so funny!

"Stop fightin' amongst yourselves and work together!" she concluded, "It's a hard life for a woman out there, so sort yourselves!"

We stared at her somewhat crestfallen by her words. It seemed our futures wouldn't be so exciting after all..

She took one look at our fallen faces and motioned to her biscuit tin, allowing us to smile a little.

I guess it we would just have to settle with our small luxuries...


Vince Pov

"Thanks Vince, thanks for this.." Mathias muttered bitterly.

"Wasn't my fault!" I insisted, much to everyone's disapproval. Couldn't they all take they blame? Why was it always my fault?

"How am I meant supposed to get Harriet a present, stuck in here.." he mumbled sadly, and I realised that perhaps I shouldn't have lashed out as I did. I sighed annoyed.

"You could give her this.." Judd stated, holding out a piece of pastry, "I nicked it while Cranbourne was stopping the fight.."

Mathias smiled graciously, as the others chuckled with him.

"Well.. it is a bit cold.." he said light-heartedly.

I didn't realise I was smiling at Judd's gesture until he looked at me. Then I remembered the fight, and put up my stony-faced mask again.

It was better this way, he wouldn't be so miserable when I left, if we fought beforehand. Truth be told if I was him, I'd want me gone.


Hetty Pov

"At least the boys still have each other.." Sheila sighed, as we finished up in the kitchen. I gave Harriet a look.

"We're having a picnic in the tower, you can come if you want.." she offered. Oops! I forgot to mention that I'd already invited Sheila...

"She's already invited me.." Sheila muttered as Harriet gave me a withering look, "Hetty!"

"Judd's coming as well.." I mentioned smiling.

Harriet shook her head, "Looks like we're going to need more food.."

I settled the last of the dishes in the sink before returning to my friends.

"Do you think Gideon's in trouble, can he still join the army?" Harriet asked suddenly. Somehow, the thought of him not going off to the army didn't bother me so much. Even if he didn't make it at least we'd still have each other.

"He'll be alright," Sheila reassured, "I think he's quite handsome.."

The confession caught both Harriet and I off-guard. Sheila's face held a dreamy expression, and Harriet and I laughed.

She turned to me seriously, "Hetty, you know it's not just Mathias that I'm going to miss.."

"I didn't want to think about it.." I replied honestly, gazing at Harriet lovingly. The knowledge of Harriet's success in the household allowed me to feel somewhat elated for her.

"Maybe you'll see each other again.." Sheila trailed sadly, clearly thinking of Elizabeth.

"But.. she's going to America and I don't know where I'll be.." I stated aloud, for the first time that day.

Harriet gazed at me through glossy eyes and we hugged fiercely. We parted and turned to Sheila who was looking a little left out. She might have been a lot of things, but we were starting to see Sheila as a dear friend of ours as well.

The three of us hugged emotionally, fully aware of the future ahead of us.


Vince Pov

"I can't even tell her I'm going to miss her.." Mathias sighed pacing up and down the classroom. The boys were silent as they heard his frustration. I felt the same about Hetty. Yet, I couldn't even begin to face her after what I'd did.

How was I going to say goodbye to her, after all that we'd been through?

"I'm scared.." Mathias mentioned quietly, "If I tell her.. you know.. that I love her... I don't know.."

He fidgeted with his hands, as we all looked up in surprise. Mathias had never been this clear with his emotions and it was obvious that him leaving Harriet wasn't going to be easy.

"Why don't you write her a letter?" Ned asked thoughtfully, "Write a letter, tell her how you feel and that's your present!"

Mathias nodded wistfully, as I struggled to hold back my own confession. Did I love Hetty?

I couldn't. Not on top of leaving Judd behind, I couldn't think about her just yet.

Walter started at the window, "Isn't that the lady who came in late?"

"She's probably looking for Gideon after he hit her husband.." I mentioned to everyone's annoyance.

"Very funny.." he spat out. What? Too soon?

He turned to me a little worried, "You don't think she is, do you?"

I sniggered, he always was so naïve.

"If I say I'm sorry, maybe she'll speak to him.." he wondered aloud, "We might still get to serve together?"

Everyone turned to him disbelieving. And how did he plan on doing that? Next minute he was climbing out the window, trying to grab her attention.

Was he mad?!

We watched him until he turned the corner but he was still intent on trying to resolve things. We busied ourselves with Mathias' gift.

"I know you're braver and better than I will ever be.. you can say these things out loud, I can't. I try but, I can't. I would do anything for us to be together forever and one day I will find you and... we will be married because I love you.."

I watched Ned scribble down the letter as I swallowed down my feelings. It was wishful thinking, but I couldn't help but suddenly yearn for Hetty.

She knew how to solve things, make everyone feel better. She spoke up to Matron when no one else would, and ultimately, she was the ones that gave us hope. Hope that somehow things would be alright.

I realised that in all my drama, I'd forgotten about her. How she must have felt, not knowing where her future lied..


Hetty Pov

We entered Matron's office together. It was no use keeping me waiting from my fate, I needed to know what was going to happen to us.

"Please tell me where I'm going.." I begged.

Just then the Colonel barged in with Gideon and the Calenders.

"Well I am lucky so many visitors!" she stated in surprise.

"This boy no longer wants to join the army; the greatest adventure of his life. Apparently, he wants to go into service!" the Colonel concluded. I smiled brightly at Gideon. He'd actually challenged the Colonel's decision to put him in the army and had made his own choices; I was so proud!

"Rosamund has decided, we'd like to take him on.." Mr Calender added.

I couldn't help myself, I hugged him excitedly!

Mr Calender looked at me, "We could take on another foundling, a girl perhaps?"

I couldn't believe my luck. Finally, a household that wanted me!

"Of course!" Matron exclaimed before adding, "Sheila here would make an excellent kitchen maid!"

My joy vanished. What? My only chance at some kind of future and Matron still tried to make my life a misery.

"... unless of course, you still wish to remain at the hospital?" Matron finished, after singing Sheila's praises. Sheila was at a loss. I looked at her pleadingly, but I didn't blame her when she grudgingly accepted.

Of course, she would. Who wouldn't?


Vince Pov

Harriet finished reading her letter and Mathias and her hugged lovingly. I figured I should make amends.

"The thing is..like his note said, I don't want to say that I'll, you know, miss you.." I told Judd afterwards.

"I can say it, I'm going to miss you. I really will.." he replied.

"You'll be fine.." I trailed.

Judd looked at me confused, "Did you want a hug?"

"No"

"No.." he concluded, as we went back to normal again. The others laughed.

Now there was only one person left to say goodbye too. Hetty climbed down the hatch, seemingly anxious and I watched on confused. What was she up to?

After a few sips of the stolen ale, we were all laughing again, our sorrows forgotten.

"Hey Vince, you're not still scared of Joseph Twinner are ya?" Mathias mocked.

"That's not funny.." I warned as everyone 'oohed'.

"What about Hetty?" Sheila added slyly, "We all know you and her have something going on.."

I cursed my reddening cheeks as everyone continued to prod me with questions about her and why I was blushing so much.

"Okay, okay.. I like her.. no big deal!" I finally stated as everyone clapped and patted me on the back.

Just then, Cranbourne's head poked in through the hatch, and we all silenced ourselves. Oh no.

He studied the attic, noting the way it had been decorated and instead of demanding we all go to our beds, he smiled forgivingly and left us alone. I knew then, that no matter what he'd done in the past; he was a good man at heart.


Hetty Pov

I couldn't believe it. Matron was far more evil than I first imagined.

I watched in horror, as I saw Mr Brumsden hand her a ticket to New York. So that was how she'd found out where I was when I'd run away..!

She opened her locker to put it inside, and reader, I have never seen so much money in my entire life. Wasted.

She was never going to give it all to the hospital. She was using us, them and only I could stop her now.

Fear set into me, as I realised that if I did choose to do something about this - my own future would be sacrificed. There was no point sucking up to Matron now. I had to reveal her plan and hope that she would be sent down for her actions.

If not, who knows what would happen to the hospital?