1 The Lord's place

The day had barely begun, but Tom was already dressed. He found it hard to sleep past 4:30; after all it wasn't a year since he had been a fully-fledged chimney sweep. He was lucky, thinking of how it had begun, he would never have guessed the way it ended.

He was wanted at the lord's place, six o'clock sharp, that's what he'd been told. Tom was lucky, not many orphans were strong or nimble enough to be chimney sweeps. It paid well enough, not enough for a house mind you, but he'd learnt to sleep it rough. It was better than the orphanage.

As Tom hurried up to the servant's entrance, the door opened and the cook came out. "Scuse me," he asked, " Do you know where the housekeeper will be Miss? I ought to speak to her, before I get started."

"Alright dearie, she'll just be in the lounge. You just wait hear and I'll pop along and get her OK?"

Tom smiled, he was often received with spiteful remarks and cutting comments; he was unused to such kindness. "Thank you," he replied.As the cook pottered off, he eased his way into the cosy kitchen. He looked around to see neatness to which he was unaccustomed. There was a small fireplace and a comfy chair in the corner. Along with a rug and a large ginger cat stretched out in front of the fire. On the other side of the room was a large stove from which Tom could smell a roast chicken cooking. The thought of it filled his mouth with saliva and he could almost taste the gravy in his mouth. Then Tom wandered over to the fireplace and knelt down. He soaked in the warmth as he gently stroked the cat. Its coat was soft and fluffy, and it purred loudly and vibrated under his touch. Then he heard the smart rapping of footsteps as they marched down the hall. The door opened and Tom stood up, turning round abruptly. It was the housekeeper.