"Would you like me to do that for ye, Miss?"

Christine had gotten the nail into the hard wall enough it wasn't going to fall, but it was still barely in. She looked to the girl and nodded as she handed over the hammer. "Sure, but do be careful."

Ellie was used to tools and hard labour, being a handy girl from the Cragg. She was surprised that Christine knew one end of hammer from another. A few stout taps hit the nail on the head. "Done, Miss."

Christine picked up the painting and placed it on the nail, making sure it was straight and smiled. "Looks lovely. I will finish with these things and you can finish cleaning, they could be here any moment."

Ellie nodded, rubbing a clean duster over the newly hung frame. The girl hummed a soft tune as she worked, she couldn't help it, she was happy. She was getting her own room. Of course, she would have to clean more when the furniture was in place, but for now she consoled herself by adding some more beeswax to the tired and thirsty surface of the wardrobe.

While she cleaned, things were peaceful until the sound of a bell to announce someone inside. Then another. And then there were voices and some banging sounds. Christine was trying to help the delivery men guide the furniture in around her rows of bookshelves to the upstairs. She called out as she approached the stairs, "We are coming, Ellie. Stand by the room and let them know where you want the things placed.'

Ellie scrambled at the news of the new arrivals. The sounds of banging, heavy boots, and men's voices reached her ears

"Towards me, aye. Easy there. Watch that corner. Right. Couple steps more..."

A older man in dark coveralls and youth about her age appeared carrying a bedframe for a single person.
It was made from painted black metal, yet the fastings were shiny brass. As the men came into the room, Ellie was squeezed into the tiny space next to the open window.

"'Allo dear, where do you want this?" the older man asked

"Under the painting, please." she answered.

"Drop it 'ere Matt."

There was a gentle thud as the bedframe was put down. More heavy footsteps at the men descended the stairs. Ellie ran her fingers over the frame of her new bed. The pair eventually reappeared, this time with a small dresser.

"And this?"

"Next to the wardobe, sir." Ellie pointed. She was forced back next to the window. A tinier thud.

"Right. Matt, you can handle the mattress." More boots downstairs, more voices, boots upstairs again. Soon the boy appeared with the mattress. Ellie grabbed one dangling end, and together they dropped it on the frame. The boy disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared. There were more voices downstairs and the closing of the front door. Ellie was too busy to pay much attention leaning on the door lintel staring at her new room.

Christine simply waited out of the way and then paid the two well for their time , thanking them for the quick delivery. She then stepped upstairs and looked at the small room. "Well, what do you think? It isn't much but it is your own space, right?" The woman smiled and was already turning to get linens for the bed so she could make it up to sleep in that night.

"Yes." Ellie's voice was soft, but her smile widening.
"My own space." she repeated.

Christine patted her shoulder when she returned and then placed the bundle of fabric into her arms. "Your very own private space. Every young woman deserves it. Make up your bed and you can relish having your room for the rest of the day. Tonight I will show you the kitchen and teach you how to cook one of my favorite meals."