“Did she do something to make you uncomfortable?” The question was urgent and held a degree of protectiveness.
Harriet swallowed loudly, “I would not say that. In fact, she was quite accommodating, I should say.”
Simon gave her a quizzical look, “Then what is it that makes you so unsure? I was told that the nursemaid was one of the best in the country.”
“That may be…” Harriet tightened her fists along her sides. “I just have this feeling that she isn’t the right person to care for Catherine.”
Simon leaned back in his chair, studying her. “And this feeling is based on evidence?”
Harriet shook her head, and cracked a small smile. “Let’s call it intuition.”
“Ah,” Simon nodded, as though he suddenly understood. “Like a mother’s intuition.”
Harriet’s eyes widened at the words, racking her mind quickly on how to refute it. But then, ended up exhaling loudly instead.
“Is that what you believe this is?” She did not have a name to the feeling herself.
“It certainly seems like it — you are overprotective over who should spend time with her,” he nodded. “Though, the situation itself is quite strange so I should not be surprised I guess.”
Harriet tried to imagine herself as a motherly figure — Catherine’s face flashed in front of her eyes. To her surprise, theimage was not one that she disliked. In fact, it filled her with a sense of warmth.
“I just do not think this is the right nursemaid,” Harriet insisted once again.”
Simon pressed his lips together, and his clasped both his hands. “I suppose there is no harm in looking for other options.”
Hearing this, Harriet felt immediately filled with gratitude. A part of her was worried that he would reject her request, and instead insist that they go with the first person they found.
“Yes, please. Perhaps the nursemaid that Esther suggested — that might be better.”
“Yes,” Simon replied, his expression thoughtful. “There are a few more nursemaids we can consider. We’ll find someone who meets your standards.”
Harriet felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you. I appreciate your patience.”
Then, a concerned expression came upon his features. “You know, Harriet. Just because I am not here in the estate at all times does not mean that I am not aware of what happens here.”
Harriet crinkled her nose in confusion. “I am not sure if I understand you?”
Simon leaned back into his seat, his expression noticeably more relaxed. “This morning, do you believe that you forgot to fulfil one of your duties?”
Harriet’s hand flew to her chest. What sort of hidden accusation was this?
“Not that I can think of. After I woke up, I made sure to tour the estate to ensure that everything was working as it should be before I went to see little Catherine.”
Simon shook his head, “Before that.”
“Well, I was interviewing the nursemaid before that and—” she stopped midway as it suddenly clicked for her.
Eliza. She must have told on her.
“Do you remember now?” Simon pressed.
“Is this about me making my meals on time?” Harriet sighed, remembering what Eliza had told her. “Because, surely, you can just trust me to do so on my own instead of recruiting my own maids to spy on me.”
“It’s hardly as dramatic as spying,” Simon laughed. “Besides, it does not matter now. I’ve instructed your maid to bring your dinner to your room. You’ve neglected to take care of yourself, and that needs to change.”
Harriet’s eyes widened, feeling a mix of emotions bubbling inside of her. Was it irritation that she felt most strongly, or was it admiration?
“I have to say that you are a mystery to me.”
