Page 42 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
Anna recalled her name because Leah had been particular about her, offering nothing but praises for the nursemaid’s characterand work ethic. Only when the duchess had gone into the room where she had been waiting, she met a younger face than she had been expecting.
“Your Grace, it is an honor to meet you.” The girl greeted with a smile.
She did not have Katherine’s boisterous mannerisms, but she made up for it in her gentleness and thoughtful words and responses. Despite her young age, Eloise appeared to be seasoned in many skills and crafts and told Anna that she even knew how to make clothes for infants and older children.
“That is brilliant. We have been looking for a way to get him more clothes. Some of the maids have been trying their best, but there is always something a little wrong with them. They mean well, but they overestimate the size of his head sometimes.” Anna sighed, smiling when the girl giggled.
“A common mistake. Which is why very young children are recommended to wear attires with buttons on them. They are much easier to put together,” Eloise said.
“That sounds brilliant. He does have a large number of knitted hats, stockings and gloves, but the rest of his clothes are of questionable character.” Anna felt the need to point out.
“Perhaps I could take a look at them and fix them for you. Sometimes, all one needs is a good pair of shears, some more fabric and a threaded needle and you can work wonders out of clothes you think are ruined.” Eloise offered.
Anna had barely spoken to her for an hour but she felt immensely at ease with the nursemaid. She still wondered if it was all right to fully trust her with the nature of Nicholas’ origin, but ultimately, because Eloise had come highly recommended from Leah, Anna thought it was going to be fine.
“Would you like to meet him? Nicholas?”
Eloise’s eyes brightened almost instantly and she nodded.
“Absolutely.”
The girl was utterly smitten with him from the moment she lay her eyes on him. Nicholas stared up at them, his eyes wide and curious as he observed the stranger that had accompanied his guardian. Eloise cooed at him and wriggled her fingers slowly at him, making him giggle as he reached out to hold her hand.
“Would it be all right if I held him? Eloise asked eagerly.
“Of course,” Anna agreed, fighting the reluctance in her bones as the nursemaid carefully lifted him out of the cradle.
“Aren’t you a precious darling? Good evening, Lord Harrow. My name is Miss Eloise and it is a pleasure to meet you.” Eloise greeted, beaming happily when Nicholas made no fuss and expressed no discomfort.
“That’s not his name.” Anna said suddenly, unable to take her eyes off of the little boy she had come to adore over a short period of time.
“I-I beg your pardon?”
The duchess swallowed, reaching out to stroke his hair softly, her heart clenching within her painfully.
“He’s not my son. He was abandoned at the doorstep of the house a few weeks ago. I have been taking care of him ever since. And I was unsure of whether or not I was doing the right thing, so I asked my sister what I should do and she suggested that I find a nursemaid to assist me. My maids and I have truly tried our very best and we are looking for his parents – and some might say I did not need to go so far. But I do not think so. He is so lovely, so innocent and undeserving of the hurt and fear he felt when he was abandoned. And I just can’t help but want to give him everything I can. Is that… strange?”
Eloise shook her head immediately, cradling Nicholas to her chest.
“Not at all. What it tells me is that you have a kind and loving heart. You have treated him like you would any of your children, when you become a mother. And wanting a little bit of help is a good thing. Many people would choose their pride over getting some much-needed assistance but you have tried your hardest to ensure that he is properly taken care of and that is remarkable, in and of itself. Do not trouble yourself with thoughts that onlywant to tire you out. You have done quite well thus far, Your Grace.” She assured Anna gently.
Anna watched the nursemaid carry the baby for a little bit and then she spoke up, her tone sounding almost far away as though she wasn’t speaking about herself.
“Sometimes I wonder if I was so adamant to care for him and adore him because I had spent months before his arrival feeling lonely. My husband and I had gotten married as a way to save our reputations and hours after the ceremony, he left me all by myself – with just a few staff – and went to live separately in the country. And at first, I liked it. I enjoyed the freedom and my maids kept me company. But as the time passed and the days remained the exact same, I started to feel stifled by the freedom I had once desired. Even though I appreciated it… I still wished I could have had my husband around. I hated him for abandoning me. I think I still do, but … I wish I had gotten to know him and we had some sort of friendship. Then perhaps it wouldn’t feel as though I’ve used someone’s child to fill the void within me.”
Eloise was silent for a moment, but then she said, “I might not be able to help you with anything else, but you can rest assured that Nicholas is being taken care of properly. And at least, it will be one less worry for you. And I do not believe there is nothing wrong with you using others to fill in the void within yourself. As long as your affections for them are real and you are not forcing your ideals or desires on them, it is all right.”
Gently, she handed Nicholas to the duchess and he immediately clung to her, burying his face in her chest.
Anna laughed, patting his back gently as she tried to gather herself. There was a creak of wood coming from the hallway but when she turned to peer out the open door of the nursery, she did not see anyone.
Shaking it off as nothing, she smiled at Eloise kindly and told her,
“Thank you for this. And welcome to the Morland Estate. I look forward to having you as a member of my household.”
Eloise beamed happily and clapped her hands.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will ensure that you do not regret this. Thank you!”
