Page 9 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
“I’ll be happy to help her adjust as best I can as long as I’m here,” agreed Audrey.
“If you need help sending a letter to your employer in Harrogate then please ask. We can easily post a letter for you, to explain why you haven’t arrived yet.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind. I’ll write a letter to explain. I’ll admit it has been worrying me a little.”
They ate in a companionable silence, and true to her word, Mrs. Driscoll presented her with a plate piled high with kidneys, ham, eggs, and sausages.
“This is quite a treat,” she told Mrs. Driscoll. “I have to admit the food at the Bell Inn was meager.”
“I’m afraid that place does not have a good reputation, we always avoid it when traveling. I cannot believe how abominably the landlord treated you and that poor child.”
“He was scared for his own health, perhaps,” commented Audrey, giving the landlord some benefit of the doubt. “I would certainly never go there again. Which reminds me, I must go and see how Sasha is doing. Pray, excuse me, Diana.”
“Of course, Lettie,” said Mrs. Driscoll, before pausing, and listening intently to a noise in the hallway. “Ah, I think you might be delayed a few minutes. I suspect Nurse Walters has arrived.”
Within seconds, the door opened to show a formidable-looking woman of late middle age.
I don’t think I ever want to disagree with her about anything,thought Audrey as she took in the new arrival.
“Mrs. Driscoll,” came the assertive voice of Nurse Walters.
“Nurse Walters,” responded Mrs. Driscoll in an equally confident tone. She stood to greet Nurse Walters, before asking if she would care to take breakfast or a cup of tea. Nurse Walters shook her head at both suggestions and peered at Audrey.
“Nurse Walters, let me introduce you to Miss Laetitia Banks,” said Mrs. Driscoll.
“You’re the young woman who helped with the child at the inn?” queried Nurse Walters, straight to the point.
“Yes ma’am,” responded Audrey.
“Just call me Nurse,” barked Nurse Walters, although not unkindly. “Where is this poor wee child? And where is His Grace?”
Mrs. Driscoll explained what had happened and where everyone was. “The doctor is due within the hour,” she added.
Nurse Walters turned to Audrey again. “You are a governess?” she enquired.
“Indeed, ma’am. I’m sorry, I mean Nurse,” Audrey responded nervously. “It is my first position as a governess. I was travellingto Harrogate and was staying at the same inn as the child when the terrible incident happened.”
“Well, I’m not sure if we need a governess, but learning may prove to be a distraction to the poor child.” Nurse Walters was nothing if not direct. “All my charges are clever and enjoy book learning,” she added with pride.
“I’m sure they are, Nurse,” Audrey commented while thinking to herself,I doubt anyone would dare disagree. “I shall, of course, take my lead from you.”
“I’m glad to hear that miss, erm... Miss Banks.” And with that, her attention moved from Audrey to what she obviously regarded as more important things.
“Very well. Cookies and milk. The child will need cookies and milk,” specified Nurse Walters. “I’ll check over the house and make any changes. It has been good to catch up Mrs. Driscoll.” Nurse Walters stood, nodded at Audrey with a curt, “Miss Banks.” And the whirlwind left the room.
Remembering what it was like to be orphaned at a relatively young age, Audrey knew that the person who had helped her most during the first dark months of grief was her own nanny, Mrs. Flinders. She was also acutely aware that she would be leaving in a few days to take up her position in Harrogate, and it would be Nurse Walters who could give Sasha stability until her family was located.
Audrey stood by as Nurse Walters soon settled into sorting linens and arranging furniture upstairs. Mrs. Driscoll just let Nurse Walters do as she wanted, and it was obvious to Audrey that this came from Mrs. Driscoll’s long experience, and knowledge, that there was no other way.
***
Toward the end of the morning, the duke arrived with Dr. Carstairs. The physician handed his tall hat and bag to Mrs. Driscoll and turned his gaze to the duke and Audrey.
“So, you have both been in contact with a woman who died of the putrid sore throat?” were the first words he spoke, to which the duke nodded.
“There is also Barton my coachman, and Jake the footman,” he added.
Audrey looked across at the duke, remembering there was something she needed to tell him and the doctor. “I’ve found out today that the little girl was ill first, and her mother must have caught the illness from her. Which I think means the child has immunity.”
