Blanche and Helen

This story follows Blanche Hodginson, who was the main character in the book Cow Hey. It is pure fiction other than the fact that Blanche and Helen lived in the area at that time. Because of the sensitive content, I have changed the names of many of the characters.

Blanche and Helen - the Invitation

May 20, 1907 There they were, Mary and Helen standing in their joint doorway at Bench Wells, chatting, when I came up and handed each of them a large...

Blanche and Helen -2 Preparing for the Party

May 23rd I was busy cleaning in the kitchen floor when Mr. Warrington surprised me, by pinching my bottom on the way through. I was about to protest...

Blanche and Helen - 3 the Party

The first to arrive were Mrs. Morrison and her daughter, and the whole of the Thornley family. Mrs. Warrington ushered the big family group into the...

Blanche and Helen - 4 after the Party

My Mum came into the kitchen as they were getting ready to leave, and offered to help me clean up. The others had all gone off somewhere so we were...

Blanche and Helen - 5 another Meeting

Having been engaged to open the door and serve the food and drinks for the evening’s activities, I was on hand for the next meeting. During it, I was...

Blanche and Helen - 6 the Meeting (continued) and Compstall Festival

Mr. Warrington said, "My question for the rest of you is, are you now willing to put your name in writing to the company, and pledge £50 on account...

Blanche and Helen - 7 Aftermath and the Nightingale

It was after seven when I returned to the house. “Sorry, sir, to be late,” I said to Mr. Warrington, “but I was at the Compstall Festival and had...

Blanche and Helen - 8 More on the Nightingale

Mr. Wainwright continued his lecture. “Here is a summarised account of the treat they received written by Mr. Heys and Mr. Watson, two ornithological...

Blanche and Helen -9 the Finds

It is now September, and Mrs. Warrington and her mother have arrived back, and I feel much more relaxed about my job again. Mr Warrington was in a...
Cherry

Blanche and Helen - 10 Blanche tells Fred

One day in late October, I had a visit from Fred. He really had come to see Mr. Warrington, to tell him about a find that Rosie had made. When she...

Blanche and Helen - 11 The End and Epilogue

I had to face facts, and deal as quickly as I could with the situation in hand. I told my adopted parents that my brother’s wife had invited me to...