“Therefore unimportant?” Lord Seddon asked as they walked down the close toward the entrance.
Never gossip with senior staff or family members.
“What do you know about our household, Miss Downing?”
“It’s a lovely, happy place to work,” she said quickly. “I really should take everyone back there soon to continue with our lessons.”
“Life lessons are equally as important as teaching etiquette and manners, Miss Downing. The perfect apricotine is one such life lesson, as you will shortly find out.”
“If you say so, my lord.”
“I do. Now, our family is different, Miss Downing. We rarely stand on ceremony and don’t keep our distance from those in our employment, which is the first lesson you need to learn. We’re also clairvoyants. What surprises me is that no one has told you by now.”
“Ah….”
“I suppose it’s not really something you bring up in conversation, but surely you’ve noticed some odd goings on,” Lord Seddon asked.
“Yes.” She was in shock. Clairvoyants? How was that possible? Eliza didn’t believe in things like that. And yet Lord Seddon appeared entirely rational.
“Hello!”
Turning at the greeting, they noted Mrs. Fletcher approaching.
“Sister, how wonderful to see you, and just in time to assure Miss Downing I am quite sane. I just told her we are clairvoyants.” He said the words as if they were discussing the latest book he was reading.
Clairvoyants?Was that even possible?
“Did you? Well, I suppose it was well past time for that, or Miss Downing may think we are a little unsteady in the head with all the things we say and do sometimes. Like the time I asked if you were all right after that fall you took,” Mrs. Fletcher said, addressing Eliza. “The maid who pushed you was punished, I hope?”
The hair on Eliza’s arms rose at that. Shehadbeen pushed, but no one had owned up to the act.
“Good Lord, you’ve really been through it, Miss Downing, but know you’re safe with us. We will protect you,”Lord Seddon said. “What has you here today, Ellen?” he added.
Eliza had to actually look away to stop the tears. These people who knew nothing about her, or her past, were willing to stand up for her.
“Are you all right, Miss Downing?” Mrs. Fletcher said.
“Yes,” she said quickly. “Thank you for your kind words.”
“Why are you here, Ellen?” Lord Seddon asked his sister, and Eliza took the opportunity to regain control of herself.
“Olivia had a wish to see her aunty Ivy and Lottie. They are visiting while I came to see what you were about.”
The deep pang in her chest was yearning. Being with a family as close as the Nightingales made Eliza remember what she’d lost.
“So, my heathens, what is Miss Downing teaching you today?” Mrs. Fletcher asked.
“Don’t start her on that. She’s displeased they are not in the classroom as we speak,” Lord Seddon said.
“It is highly unusual to treat your staff like you do,” Eliza felt she needed to say, then echoed her earlier statement. “I should be back in the house, preparing lessons.”
“It’s highly unusual to treat your staff with kindness?” Mrs. Fletcher asked politely.
“Of course not, but with familiarity, yes.” Eliza suddenly felt uncomfortable as they both looked at her.
“We’re different,” Lord Seddon explained.
“I’m sure you’ll get used to it in time.” Mrs. Fletcher patted Eliza’s hand.
