“What will become of Sally?”
“They are not pursuing legal redress. Though I’m afraid the other nurse will not be as fortunate. I suppose Sally will be free to return to her own home, her own child.”
“But how will she support herself and her son?”
He sighed. “I do not know. That continues to be a problem for many.”
The moral character of the future man may be influenced by the treatment
he receives at the breast and in the cradle.
—ALMIRAPHELPS,GODEY’SLADY’SBOOK,1839
CHAPTER25
After Sunday services a few weeks later, Thomas Cox caught up with Charlotte as she stepped through the churchyard gates into a fine summer’s day.
“Good morning.”
Charlotte smiled up at him. “Hello. How fare the lambs?”
“Very well, and how fares Miss Lamb?”
“Very well, I thank you.”
“I noticed Mrs. Beebe took pity on your poor shoulder this morning.”
“Yes. I was careful to refill her teacup twice at breakfast.”
He chuckled and they walked on.
“Miss Lamb!”
She was surprised to hear Mrs. Taylor call out to her. Lizette Taylor gestured for her to stay where she was and, taking her husband’s arm, all but pulled the man over to where Charlotte and Thomas waited.
When they drew near, Mrs. Taylor smiled brightly from Charlotte to Thomas. “Miss Lamb, you must introduce us to your new friend.”
“Of course. This is Thomas Cox. My employers, Dr. and Madame Taylor. And you know Anne.”
“Yes, of course. How do you do?” Thomas gave an awkward bow and a charming smile.
“Dr. Taylor is a physician, as I mentioned,” Charlotte said to him, then turned to Dr. Taylor. “Mr. Cox is very interested in your uses of milkweed.”
Thomas quickly added, “Oh, that and other plants as well, sir.”
“Mr. Cox is known as quite the local healer,” Charlotte explained.
“No, no,” he demurred, “purely amateur. I do what I can for my family. But I am interested in learning more.”
She noticed Dr. Taylor look from her to Thomas, then back again.
“Well, then, you must come by the cottage this afternoon and take tea with us. I shall tell you all I know, and you shall be left with the better part of that hour to enjoy Mrs. Beebe’s cakes.”
“Thank you, sir. But I should not like to intrude on your holiday.”
“No bother at all, Mr. Cox,” Dr. Taylor said.
“Of course you must come,” Mrs. Taylor added cheerfully.
