The Little Orphan Waif's Crusade

By Rachel Downing

In the wake of her father's passing, seven-year-old Matilda is determined to heal her sister Effie's shattered spirit. Desperate to restore joy to Effie's life, Matilda embarks on a daring quest, aided by the gentle-hearted postman, Philip. Together, they weave a plan to ignite the flame of love in Effie's heart once more.

 

But love's path is never straightforward, and its origins are often found in the most unexpected of places.

 

If you enjoy the works of Dilly Court and other historical romance, prepare to be swept away by this tender and uplifting story. In a tale of resilience, kindness, and the enduring power of love, Rachel Downing crafts a poignant novella that will capture the hearts of readers longing for the warmth of Victorian romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luke Martin
• Release date: Mar 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224239504

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Look at this! Matilda called out excitedly. She lifted the snail off the ground to inspect its shell, brushing her tiny index finger over the bumpy ridges. This one has flecks of green on it. Matilda had always been curious, and more often than not she would spend her free time exploring the nooks and crannies that the London slums provided her. Even though her mother didn’t have money for toys, she was able to keep herself entertained with all the wonders the world already provided for her. Now that she was five, her adventurous and determined nature was at an all-time high.

Oh wow! Theo ran up to Matilda, a snail in his own hand too. He was the same age as Matilda, and they had become quick friends through their shared love of exploring and playing make believe - creating stories where they were the heroes. She being the youngest daughter of a seamstress, and he the youngest son of a butcher, the two would eventually start to work for their parents, but until then: Mine is bigger though.

So? Matilda giggled. Beauty of brawn. That’s why I always win our races.

Theo’s brow furrowed. You do not!

Do so!

Not!

So!

Neither of the five year olds would back down as their faces started to turn red with determination.

Not not not!

So so so!

Another older voice cut through their friendly shouting match. Tilly! Please! Enough of your screaming. Effie - Matilda’s older sister by ten years - was standing with her hands on her hips. Her mousy brown hair was just a shade brighter than Matilda’s, but they had the same pale green eyes. Mother wants you home now anyways. Say goodbye to your friend.

His name is Theo. Matilda responded, but Effie had already begun to walk back toward home. Matilda sighed. Sorry about my sister.

It’s okay. Theo carefully put his snail down. My da’ will probably be wantin’ me back too.

Matilda and Theo said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways.

As Matilda hurried her little legs to catch up to her sister, she remembered when Effie used to play with her. Then, Effie had been the one to show Matilda where she could explore. She would take Matilda up on her shoulders and carry her off on adventures. Things had started to change when Effie had to start working with their mother, mending clothes and sewing. Things really changed, though, when their father died in an accident. Matilda knew that Effie had adored her father, and without him coming home every day from the dockyards with a new story or joke to tell it seemed to suck the life out of her. Where Effie used to be humorous, kind-hearted and patient, she was now short-tempered, unsociable, and never joined in with any of Matilda’s games.

Matilda missed who her older sister used to be but never loved her any less.

The house that the three of them lived in wasn’t always comfortable, but they always made sure to keep it clean. It only had two bedrooms, so Matilda had to share with her mother Adeline, but she never complained. She made sure to do her part when it came to cleaning, and did her best not to wake her mother up too early.

As Matilda arrived home a few moments behind her sister, she called out to her mother. Mummy! Mummy! Me and Theo went snail searching today!

Oh did you now? Adeline’s voice was always kind and warm. Unless Matilda was in trouble, then her voice could be scary - but always with the intent to teach her daughters how to live dutifully. She was currently sitting on her sewing chair in the small living room, with two of her other seamstress friends, all working on various items of clothing. Well you’ll have to go clean up before you come and help me finish off with Miss Allison’s skirt.

Mhmm! Matilda nodded excitedly. She rushed off to clean herself up. She tried to ignore the sound of Effie sighing at her antics.

CHAPTER 2

Adeline had been a seamstress for many years now, taking it up after the birth of Effie to help lighten the load on her husband. Now that he was gone, sewing took up the majority of her day, and was the sole way of providing for her daughters. They had moved to this house a year after his death, as it was a cheaper - though a rougher - area. Adeline loved her work. She always did the best she could with each mend and commission. Many times, she told her daughters about the importance of generosity, and being willing to help those in need. Her kindness and skills paid off, as she became a favourite person to go to, with anything to do with material, some even paid extra - even if it was with some chicken eggs as Miss Allison once had!

Effie was almost as good as her mother. Quick with a needle and thread, and even quicker at determining the best way to go about fixing a tear. She didn’t have the same grace and poise as Adeline, but her mother was sure she’d learn it in time, and she more than made up for it with her skill. There wasn’t the same love of the work and helping people, but Effie did enjoy creating a particularly good cross-stitch design, or mended something so well that it looked practically new; well, as brand new as the well-worn hand-me-down clothes most of the people wore could look.

Matilda’s little fingers weren’t dexterous enough yet to fully use a needle and