“I suppose he is but five or six years older than myself.”
“All the more reason.”
“Dr. Taylor holds nothing but respect for me—even after everything he has learned about me. Do not look at me so. I mean only that he treats me like a gentleman’s daughter—a lady—even after I have proven otherwise. Still, I see the wisdom in what you say.... Do you think your old aunt would still welcome me if I brought a baby not my own?”
“Oh yes, I am sure of it! She wrote back directly to assure me of her pleasure in having you and the babe come, and I do not think this will sway her, once I explain ... I know you will not wish to lie to her. Nor do I, but perhaps the villagers need not be told that the babe is not your own.”
“Better for them to think me an unmarried mother than a wet nurse?”
“Yes. I am afraid so. Others might insist you pass yourself off as a recent widow, but I will not suggest such a ruse. We shall hope the distance from Doddington and my aunt’s solitary life will provide all the shield you require. I shall write to her directly and apprise her of the situation.”
“Thank you.”
“Still, I must beseech you one last time. Let me call for the matron. She will find another fine woman to suckle this child, and I shall take you to Crawley in my own carriage.”
“Aunt, I appreciate your concern. And I am sorry to disappoint you. But I could no more give up this child than my own, had I to do it over again.”
“But you did not give him up—the good Lord took that situation out of your hands. He has something else in store for your future. He knows what is best.”
“I do feel Him, somehow. A bit of comfort amid this ... broken glass slicing at my heart. I am clinging to the hope that He is in this. That He will redeem this, me, my son.”
“Of course He will. Your son is with his loving father right now.”
“Yes.” Charlotte nodded. “Yes, he is.”
After Aunt Tilney left, Charlotte found Dr. Taylor in the foundling ward. Together they walked to the far end of the entry hall—out of earshot of the other nurses.
Charlotte began quietly, “It would not be appropriate for me to live in your house without your wife present.”
Dr. Taylor lowered his head. “Of course you are right. I had not considered that. My father does live with us, but still ... I understand.” He nodded, resigned.
“I could take Anne with me to Crawley,” Charlotte continued, knowing she sounded too eager, “and nurse her there for as long as you need. My aunt assures me we would both be welcome.”
Daniel’s face brightened. “You know, it was very common until recent times for infants to be sent to the country for a year or so. It was believed the fresh air away from London would benefit the children, and some families still hold to this practice. Would you really be willing to take her with you? To care for her?”
Charlotte nodded. “Unless, of course, you cannot bear to be apart from her... .”
“Crawley is not so far off, you know,” he said. “If I might visit Anne from time to time, I should think it an excellent plan. I wonder I did not think of it.” He tapped his thumb against his lip as he thought. “I would ask that you postpone departure for a fortnight. Give both you and Anne time to gain strength for the journey. The roads can be treacherous at times.”
“Very well.”
“You are quite certain you are willing?”
“Yes. I will care for her as if she were my own. Until your wife is recovered, of course.”
“You do not know what this means to me, Miss Lamb. You will be recompensed well and have my eternal gratitude.”
Charlotte smiled weakly.Now if only I shall be able to bear another parting....
The Hospital Foundling came out of they Brains
To encourage the Progress of vulgar Amours,
The breeding of Rogues and the increasing of Whores,
While the Children of honest good Husbands and Wives
Stand expos’d to Oppression and Want all their lives.
