“Business engagements.” Harriet repeated, putting air-quotes around the words.
Esther grabbed her sister’s hand immediately. “Harriet Cooper. You must tell me this instant what you mean,” she demanded, “I cannot understand your riddles anymore.”
Harriet saw the concern on her sister’s face deepen; seconds away from turning into anger.
“I have to admit something about my marriage,” Harriet blurted out finally. “I have not been fully honest with you, and everyone else. In earnest, Simon told me that we are only married in name, and that he does not desire a relationship with me. He moved away on the first day after our wedding.”
Esther appeared as though someone had stunned her into a statue made of marble. She opened her mouth to speak once, and then closed it again.
“Harriet….”
“Please,” Harriet responded quickly, looking away so she did not have to stare directly into her sister’s eyes in fear that she mightfind pity for herself there. “No need to worry. As you can see, I am doing quite fine.”
“But why did you not tell me?” Esther pressed. “All this time, you have been in a sham of a marriage and we were never any the wiser?”
“Quite the actress, am I not?” Harriet said, a ghost of a smile lurking on her face. “Still — I do not think we should detract from the subject at hand — which is that I need your help with the baby.”
Esther pressed her lips together. Harriet knew that she was trying her hardest not to have a full blown reaction, and for that she felt grateful. Esther’s ability to calm her nerves was another reason why she felt her to be the right person to share this with.
“I shall help you, of course, I will,” Esther nodded. “But I believe that you need more help than just with the baby.”
“Judgments on my marriage later,” Harriet insisted. “For now, let us only focus on the baby. She cries a lot — I assume that she misses her mother.”
“The same mother that was crass enough to abandon her?” Esther said, inflamed.
“Everyone has different circumstances,” Harriet reasoned. “I cannot judge her unless I truly know what beckoned her to do this.”
It was true. Harriet did not know who the mother was, but she felt a certain kind of sympathy towards her. She had found that baby Catherine was truly a joy to be around — when she wasn’t crying. Parting with such a baby would have been hard, and surely not a decision made recklessly.
“Can I…?” Esther paused, composing herself. “Do you mind if I meet the baby?”
Harriet nodded, and guided her sister up the steps to where the nursery was. There was a maid inside, whom Harriet requested to leave.
Esther gasped as she finally laid her eyes on the little baby. “Oh my goodness.”
“Her name is Catherine,” Harriet said, looking over both of them from a distance. “Isn’t she adorable?”
“Oh, she looks quite positively edible,” Esther chuckled, her mood immediately lifted. The baby seemed to be responding positively to her as well.
This is what Harriet meant when she said that Esther just had a way with children.
“Whatever it is that you’re doing now,” Harriet said, her voice growing urgent, “You must teach me it as well.”
“What is it that I am doing?” Esther turned to look at her sister, “Holding the baby, you mean?”
“No, no. It is just your…” Harriet sighed, struggling to explain, “I just do not know how you do it, but I can see that she is noticeably more calm in your presence.”
Esther placed a comforting hand on Harriet’s shoulder. “You’re doing fine. Let me offer you some advice. First, call for a physician to make sure the baby is healthy and see if she needs any special care. It’s always good to have a professional’s opinion.”
Harriet nodded, taking mental notes. She felt like she was learning the alphabet all over again. “That makes sense. What else?”
“Buy new clothes and accessories, making sure they are appropriate for the season,” Esther continued. “You want her to be comfortable and properly dressed.”
“Of course,” Harriet said, feeling more grounded with each piece of advice.
“Bathe the baby regularly and ensure that her room is clean. A clean environment is crucial for her health,” Esther added, her voice gentle yet firm.
Harriet glanced around the nursery, mentally noting a few areas that needed attention. “I’ll make sure of it.”
