In response, Catherine stirred lightly in her sleep, causing Harriet’s heart to nearly burst.
What was it about this little… human being that every move she made was just the most adorable thing that Harriet had ever witnessed?
When she left the nursery, she ran into one of her maids, Eliza, who stood in the hallway with a tray firmly in her hands.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” she greeted with a smile. “I’ve brought your tea and toast. Will you be taking breakfast in your room or in the dining room?”
Harriet bit down on her bottom lip, “Will the duke be present at the table?”
“His Grace left for some work early this morning,” Eliza informed.
“Then, I shall take my breakfast in my room.”
She would be closer to Catherine, in that way. In case she woke up and needed something. Once again, Harriet’s thoughts started to wander.
Eliza returned to the room shortly after with another tray of breakfast. As she was setting it down on the table, Harriet engaged her again.
“Has the nursemaid arrived yet?”
“Why, yes, actually,” Eliza nodded, “She has just arrived. She goes by the name Mrs Linton, and is currently waiting for you in the drawing room.”
Suddenly, Harriet lost all her appetite and got to her feet.
“Oh, then you should have told me sooner. I shall go and see her immediately…”
“Your Grace!” Eliza called out behind her, frantically, “I…”
Harriet turned to look at her, confused. “What is it?”
It was rare that any of the maids stopped her like this.
“It is just that you have not touched your breakfast, and the entire staff has strict orders from the duke to ensure that you are properly fed at all meal times,” Eliza said, her cheeks flushed.
A crack of a smile appeared at the edge of Harriet’s lips. She did not know what the duke’s obsession was with her eating habits, but it was almost endearing.
“I believe I can survive an hour without food,” Harriet assured her, smiling. “There is no cause for alarm.”
She could tell that Eliza felt reluctant, but had no power to influence her decision ultimately.
“As you wish,” Eliza muttered, stepping out of the way.
As she made her way to the drawing room, Harriet’s mind raced with questions and doubts. She wanted to do what was best for Catherine, but the thought of handing her over to a stranger felt oddly unsettling.
Mrs. Linton stood as Harriet entered the drawing room. She was a woman of middle age, with a kind face and a no-nonsense demeanor. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she wore a simple gray dress with a white apron.
“Good morning, Mrs. Linton,” Harriet said, offering a polite smile. “Thank you for coming.”
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Mrs. Linton replied, her voice calm and professional. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Please, have a seat,” Harriet gestured to the settee, and they both sat down. “I understand you have experience as a nursemaid?”
“Yes, indeed,” Mrs. Linton said. “I have been a nursemaid for over twenty years, caring for children of all ages. I was told that the duke was in search of a nursemaid, and therefore made my way over to the estate at the earliest.”
Harriet nodded, trying to focus on the conversation. “And you’re familiar with caring for infants?”
“Oh, yes, Your Grace,” Mrs. Linton assured her. “I have cared for many infants, and I understand the importance of routine, cleanliness, and affection in a child’s early development.”
Despite Mrs. Linton’s credentials and her calm demeanor, Harriet felt a lingering doubt. The woman was perfectly qualified, yet the thought of entrusting Catherine to her left Harriet uneasy.
