“And give the baby soft foods,” Esther said. “She’s still very young, so her diet should be gentle on her stomach.”
Harriet nodded again, grateful for her sister’s wisdom. “I hadn’t thought about that. Thank you, Esther.”
“Lastly, spend time with her and give her a lot of affection,” Esther said, her eyes warm with love. “Babies need to feel loved and secure. It helps them grow and thrive.”
Harriet looked down at Catherine, feeling a surge of determination. “I will. I want her to feel safe and loved, even if she’s not mine by birth.”
“Have you considered hiring a nursemaid?” Esther inquired. “They can be a great help for new mothers. I highly recommend that you find one at the earliest.”
“I have spoken to Simon about this,” Harriet nodded, “He told me that he will keep a look out. Do you have any recommendations?”
“I know of one — one of our acquaintances employed her and I know that she is just lovely with children. Shall I write you her details?”
“Yes, please!” Harriet said immediately.
Esther nodded, taking out a small pad of paper from her purse and quickly scribbling the details on it.
“Here,” she handed it over. “I believe that she would not turn down the opportunity to work at your estate. With her, little Catherine will be in safe hands.”
Harriet nodded. “I shall convey this to the duke at the earliest. Heaven knows how much I need I help…”
Esther smiled, hugging her sister. “You’re doing wonderfully, Harriet. And remember, I’m always here for you. You’re not alone in this.”
Harriet returned the hug, feeling a renewed sense of strength and purpose. “Thank you, Esther. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You can write to me any time you require any sort of help,” Esther promised.After all, this is what sisters are for.”
“I have not even told Frances yet,” Harriet frowned, feeling the guilt creeping inside her. The three sisters had always been very close, and keeping secrets from one another felt wrong.
“Frances will understand, but I am surprised that you have kept this from mother,” Esther said, and Harriet knew that she was not referring to the baby.
“She keeps her visits short, and does not ask me too many questions,” Harriet nodded. “Perhaps she has finally learned to not interfere too much. I am grateful for that, as I would not know how to handle her if she was overly intrusive.”
Esther nodded. “I suppose it’s only natural for her to keep her distance, after it was discovered that she planned for the duke to be trapped in a scandal with you.”
Harriet's cheeks flushed at the memory — the embarrassment still fresh as though it had happened yesterday.
“Ah, yes. Her antics have been the main reason why the duke wants to maintain his distance from me,” Harriet admitted with a frown.
“Worry not, Harriet,” Esther grabbed her hand gently. “It has only been a year since your marriage. In the grand scheme of things, it is as though no time as passed at all. I am certain that the both of you can develop a loving relationship as you get to know each other.”
Harriet did not respond immediately. She had not called her sister over for advice on her marriage — only for the baby.
“I suppose no one can predict the future. But I would rather not think about it,” Harriet mumbled under her breath.
Truthfully, she did not know where her relationship with Simon was headed. They were civil with each other, but there was no feelings on either side.
“As you wish,” Esther nodded, deciding not to push further. “You have a lot on your plate as it is.”
Harriet wrapped her sister in an embrace. “Thank you, Esther. You do not know how much it has meant to me that you decided to come here.”
“Anytime, my dear.”
“Just...” Harriet struggled with her words for a moment. “Please be sure that the news does not get out. It is hard enough dealing with the baby, it would be impossible to deal with a scandal at the same time.”
“Of course. I shall not even tell Phillip, if you want,” she nodded immediately.
When Esther finally left the estate, Harriet was left with a renewed sense of hope. Yes, it would be a difficult process trying to learn how to take care of baby Catherine. But Harriet was determined to give her the best possible care until her future was more certain.
