It was a test.
And so far, Agnes was passing it with flying colors. Nothing in her demeanor changed to indicate an exaggerated scorn. If anything, she seemed to appear even more understanding than before.
“But there is no need for you to worry, Your Grace,” Agnes continued, hands folded in front of her. “I have experience with all ages. You should rest easy now that I am here.”
Harriet nodded, “Would you like to meet her?”
Upon Agnes’s approval, Harriet led her to the nursery. Catherine was sleeping softly — her afternoon nap.
“We must be quiet,” Harriet instructed in a hushed tone. “She is a very light sleeper.”
Agnes nodded, and tiptoed over to the cradle. Her movements were as light as a feather. She stood over it for a few moments, her face lighting up.
She did not overstay her welcome either. As quickly as she had walked over, she came back, and both ladies exited the nursery, now finally at liberty to speak in a normal tone.
“I am quite impressed, Miss Bart,” Harriet nodded earnestly. “You are one of the few people that did not wake her up.”
“As I said before, Your Grace, I am experienced in taking care of children. It is a craft that I have nearly perfected over the years.”
Further down the hallway, Harriet could see Mrs Alridge and some of the maids lurking around.
“Come to my room,” Harriet suggested, wanting more privacy. “I should like to continue this discussion over there.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
Harriet felt a weight press down on her as she closed the doors behind her.
“Would you like to have something to drink?” Harriet asked.
Agnes fought back a smile. “I am quite fine, thank you, Your Grace.”
Of course. A true professional. It would not be sound of her to drink on the job.
But whether she had asked the question to test her, or to use it as an excuse to calm her own nerves was not certain.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Harriet pointed to the sofa, but Agnes waited until Harriet herself was seated to follow her lead.
“Are there any more questions that you would like to ask me, Your Grace?”
Harriet opened her mouth to speak, feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her.
“Tell me more about yourself,” she decided to start off in a light hearted manner. “What made you decide to be a nursemaid? That, too, so young.”
“It was an easy decision for me, Your Grace. I do not have any brothers, only five sisters of whom I am the eldest. My mother passed when we were children, and we had been left in the care of my grandparents since,” she admitted. “I had always assumed a motherly responsibility as the oldest, and when it came time for me to use that as a means to earn for my family, I took the opportunity.”
Harriet nodded, impressed. “And you have many years of experience already?”
“That is correct. I started much earlier than most.”
That made Harriet feel at ease. She did feel a bit wary about the age issue — but had received confirmation that it was not a big problem at all.
Now to deal with the other… matter.
Agnes seemed to sense Harriet’s hesitation and spoke softly, “If there is anything you wish to discuss, Your Grace, I am here to listen. My duty is to care for Catherine, but I am also here to support you in any way you need.”
Harriet glanced toward the door, as if seeking reassurance that they were truly alone. She then looked back at Agnes weighing her options.
This woman had been sent by Esther, someone Harriet trusted wholeheartedly.
