“Of course not. Doctor knows best. I would offer to nurse her myself, if she would allow me. But she has always insisted my own health is too indifferent.” Miss Fitzjohn glanced at Anne. “She can be a bit ... peevish, as you will discover.”
When Anne said nothing, Dr. Marsland replied, “She has that reputation.”
Miss Fitzjohn tilted her head, studying Anne. Not shifting her gaze to the physician, she said, “Thank you for arranging for Miss Loveday to be here. Now, I should like to have a private word with her. I am sure you have other patients to see?”
“Oh, I ... Of course.” He bowed. “Ladies.”
When he had gone, Miss Fitzjohn gestured to a chair near her own.
Anne sat and surveyed the woman with interest. She had not seen Katherine Fitzjohn in years and only in passing then. She was three or four years older than Anne and had not associated with local children as her male cousins had, which was only to be expected for a gentlewoman of her station, even if her health had not been “indifferent.” She must be at least thirty now, though she looked younger. Her dark hair hung in a listless knot at the back of her head and her pale complexion lacked brilliancy, yet her big brown eyes shone with intelligence. Anne thought she was rather attractive up close with her long-lashed eyes, arched brows, and thin bell-shaped nose.
Miss Fitzjohn began, “It will be nice to have another woman about the place. There used to be more but they seem to have disappeared one by one. First, I had to dismiss our longtime lady’s maid. And then the doctor’s former nurse decided to retire. We used to have a housekeeper as well, butnow Mrs. Pratt struggles along as cook-housekeeper in one. Thankfully we still have old Buxton.”
“You ... had to dismiss the lady’s maid? Why?” Anne asked, hoping to avoid a similar fate.
“Yes. Martine attended both Mamma and me, but in truth, she was devoted only to Mamma. Quite a fierce watchdog. I discovered she was stealing from us. Trifles mostly. Hair pins, thread, fabric. Then one day I sent her to the shops for a new powder box and a bottle of Gowland’s lotion. When she returned she gave me less change than I was due, as I had verified the prices the previous day. It was only a few shillings, but Mamma agreed we had to let her go.”
“I see.”
“And I was sorry when Mrs. Horlick gave notice, but really ... it was time. A kindhearted soul to be sure, but rather ancient and domineering. Telling us all what to do, even Mamma. ‘Keep the windows closed. Don’t serve her tea too hot. No spicy or rich foods. Candles snuffed by ten.’ All wisdom from her many years of nursing, I don’t doubt, but she was nearly tyrannical some days. And you know, we can only have one tyrant in the house at a time!”
Miss Fitzjohn chuckled, dark eyes alight. “Even Mamma grew tired of her managing ways. All that to say, I would not try too hard to emulate your predecessor in that respect.” She fiddled with the doily on the arm of the chair before looking up once more. “You assisted your father, I believe Dr. Marsland said?”
“Yes, he practices near Gloucester.”
“The surgeon here is Mr. Humpage. Decent fellow.” Miss Fitzjohn twisted her lips to one side, then asked, “And what did Mamma say about your arrival?”
“That she is not an invalid, and rumors of her near-demise have been greatly exaggerated.”
Miss Fitzjohn laughed. “Sounds like Mamma. She hasspirit, I’ll give her that. I wish I had a small portion of hers.”
Anne noticed no lack of spirit in the daughter but refrained from comment.
“And have you met our new lady’s maid?” Miss Fitzjohn asked.
“No. Not yet.”
Katherine nodded. “A pretty young thing. Neat and clean in her person. Little experience, but Mamma liked her and decided to engage her. She likes having pretty young people around her. Which is why she rarely seeks out my company!” Miss Fitzjohn gave a forced laugh. “Rosa is supposed to assist me as well, but I rarely see her. I don’t make a fuss. I am through competing for attention—from Mamma or ladies’ maids.”
Anne had no idea what to say to that. Miss Fitzjohn tilted her head to one side, then added, “Odd, though. We had not yet advertised for a new lady’s maid when Rosa wrote to ask if there was a position available at Painswick Court.”
“How ... fortuitous.”
“I hope so. She listed only one reference. I wanted to wait until we had written to this former employer to verify her character, but Mamma engaged her on the spot. Oh well. Mamma is pleased with her so far.”
“Well, I’m sure I shall meet her soon.” Anne rose. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to return to Yew Cottage for my things, but I shall return soon.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” Katherine Fitzjohn waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t let me stop you. Mamma must not be kept waiting.”
Anne let herself out of the house, walked back through the avenue of trees to the door in the wall that led to St. Mary’s, and crossed the graveyard.
Reaching Yew Cottage, she told Miss Lotty about themeeting and Lady Celia’s willingness for her to step in as nurse. Then she went upstairs to pack her valise and medicine case. Anne left her trunk and some of her belongings in the guest room, almost as a promise to herself that she would be returning—a reassuring reminder that she was not being ousted from her room yet again.
Going back downstairs, she asked Miss Newland, “Are you sure you don’t mind me going?”
“No, my dear. Dinah is here and Ursula promises to visit more often while you’re gone. And...” She bit her lip before continuing. “I have a confession to make. When I wrote to you about someone in Painswick needing your help, it was Lady Celia I had in mind. I had not yet injured my ankle.”
Surprise washed over Anne. “Oh?”
