Susan was startled. “What? I don’tunderstand.”
“At my advanced age, I just don’t have the stamina to attend to the child as she needs. I cannot give her the love, attention, and personal care sherequires.”
“Then what you are looking for is a nanny, no? Or agoverness?”
“I think she needs one person who is both. And it seems to me you are the perfect person to helpher.”
“But, Mrs. Darlington, I have a job. I teach school, and I love it very much. Teaching is my passion. I’ve never considered working with only one child. I don’t believe I’m qualified forthat.”
“Oh, but I believe you would be. Would you like to meetElizabeth?”
Susan was certainly conflicted. She had never thought for one moment to take another job. But she was also taken with the young child’sstory.
“Yes, I’d like that. And how old is shenow?”
“She’sfive.”
“Where isshe?”
“In the nursery. We have a maid who stays with her most of the time. She needs expert care, but Charlotte does a fairly good job looking after her. But the child needs more attention and she needs to start beingeducated.”
“Then let’s go take alook.”
Aunt stood and led the way down the hallway to a room at the farend.
“Does His Grace know you’re speaking to me about yourplan?”
Aunt shot her a quick glance. “No. He doesn’t. And if he did, I’m sure he would disapprove. But… something needs to be done for the child’s sake. If you were to agree to take this challenge on then I would need to convince him.” She paused for a moment. “And another reason I’m approaching you is that I know he admires and respects you greatly. He was most impressed at how boldly and courageously you handled being abandoned by Simon—a most shamefuloccurrence.”
They paused outside the nursery door. “I must tell you, Elizabeth doesn’t speak very much, and she’s exceedingly shy with strangers, so don’t expect her to respond to you verymuch.”
“I understand. I have to deal with shy new students all thetime.”
“I’m glad you understand. Let’s go in, shallwe?”
Aunt opened the door. The nursery was bright, with sunlight streaming in the window. Charlotte, the attendant, was seated in a chair by the window, knitting. Elizabeth was seated near her on the floor drawing with a pencil in a copy book. She looked up when they entered the room. Seeing Susan, the child gasped and crawled to hide behind Charlotte’schair.
“Hello, Elizabeth. Won’t you come out to say hello to our guest, Miss Susan?” Auntasked.
The child peeked from behind the chair but retreated back again after she took a good look atSusan.
“Elizabeth, Miss Susan teaches school and would love to meet you. Won’t you please comeout?”
But the child would not respond. Charlotte got up and looked as though she wanted to drag Elizabeth out from behind thechair.
“No, please, leave her be. I don’t want to force her to see me. There are better ways to coax herout.”
Charlotte stopped and sat backdown.
“You see the situation,” Auntsaid.
“I do. And what an adorable child. It pains me to see her so withdrawn. She should be inquisitive and lively and explore everything at thatage.”
“Now you see myconcern.”
Susan was thoughtful. “Ido.”
“And will you helpher?”
