Apparently the event of her being starved out of her stronghold had not occurred to her. ‘Lizzie Tiddy brings me up a tray night and morning.’
‘Lizzie Tiddy?’ Abbershaw looked up inquiringly. ‘Who’s that?’
A smile, derisive and unpleasant, spread over the wrinkled face. ‘She’s a natural,’ she said, and laughed.
‘A natural?’
‘She’s not right in her head. All them Tiddys are a bit crazed. Lizzie is the wust.’
‘Does she work here?’ Meggie’s face expressed her disapproval.
Mrs Meade’s smile broadened into a grin, and her quick eyes rested on the girl.
‘That’s right. No one else wouldn’t ha’ had her. She helps Mrs Browning, the housekeeper, washes up and such-like.’
‘And brings up the food?’ There was an eagerness in Abbershaw’s tone. An idiot country girl was not likely to offer much resistance if they made an attempt to escape as soon as she opened the door.
Mrs Meade nodded.