We stayed at the Lovejoy residence for just over four weeks. Out stay there was not wonderful, but it was a million times better than being on the streets. As soon as we reached the house, a kind maid named Miss Stephanie scrubbed us down in a spotless bathroom. It wasn't quite so spotless when Freddie and I had been in it, however. We were cleaned from head to toe, and when I stared into the mirror hanging above the basin, I saw a great resemblance to my former self. I just wished my hair would grow, I loved having long hair.
After being cleaned thoroughly, and our clothes taken to be disposed off, we were given new "uniforms" that we would be expected to wear all the time throughout our stay, and also when we would be serving Mr Lovejoy and Mr Hockley on the Titanic. I had a black polo neck jumper, with a bottle green pinafore, and shiny black shoes. Freddie had the same, only green trousers instead of pinafore. We did both look so smart, but also a little plain. I had been used to frocks of all silks and colours. But at least the clothes were warm and comfortable, unlike the rags we had been wearing previously. We were given two sets of the clothes, which would have to make do for the week before they were washed.
When we were all shined up new, Mr Lovejoy requested our presence in the drawing room. Miss Stephanie said we'd better go quick, Mr Lovejoy didn't like to be kept waiting. So we swiftly made our way. The drawing room was a vast space, filled with luxurious furniture and artwork. Mr Lovejoy lay on a couch, smoking a cigarette. It was obvious he did this often, as there was a thick, foggy haze of smoke about the room. He was talking to a man who had his back to us, also drawing deep on a cigarette. He turned around when we came in, and this was the first time I laid eyes upon Caledon Hockley.
He was not particularly tall, yet had a domineering feel about him all the same. His dark hair was swept neatly across his head, and he gave a slimy smile at me. He swung his legs down and stood up, shortly followed by Mr Lovejoy, who quickly put out his cigarette.
"Ah, Cal, here are the children I have employed to wait on us. I hope you find they are in order" he said.
My stomach lurched wondering what would happen if we weren't in order.
Mr Hockley surveyed us for a few moments, his eyes resting uponmine. Freddie cowered behind me, but I stared him out. I wasn't going to be intimidated by this man. After what seemed an eternity, his eyes moved away from mine, and down to Freddie.
"A bit young, aren't they?" he said to Mr Lovejoy. This was it, I thought, back onto the streets for us. But Mr Lovejoy answered him.
"The boy perhaps, he is six. But the girl, she is sixteen and will be of great use to us. She cannot be without her brother"
Cal Hockley took one last glance at Freddie and me, then said "Very well, I see your point. You may leave now."
Me and Freddie made to leave, but just as I turned to go through the door, I distinctly heard Mr Hockley say,
"What did you say her name was again?"
"Scarlett. Scarlett Monty. And her brother, Freddie."
"Scarlett". Cal repeated, almost to himself. But he was putting a new twist on my name, and I hated the way it curled round his sly lips. I almost came to dread our voyage.