Death Comes to the Nursery

(ebook)

Chapter 1

Kurland Hall,

Kurland St. Mary, England, 1825

Lucy, Lady Kurland, looked up dubiously at the smiling face of the beautiful young woman standing in front of her, and then back at the letter in her hand.

You’re Agnes’s cousin, Polly?

Yes, my lady. Polly curtsied again. Agnes wrote and said you were looking for a new nursery maid, and as I was wanting to be leaving London, she told me to apply for the position. She nodded at the letter Lucy held. That’s from you, isn’t it? Offering me a job?

A note of uncertainty crept into Polly’s voice, and her smile faltered. Don’t tell me Agnes was making it up, and you don’t want me. I’ve sold everything I have to buy my ticket here.

Lucy set the letter to one side and considered Polly anew. Yes, she looked nothing at all like her cousin Agnes, but just because she was pretty didn’t mean she wouldn’t be a hard worker. Agnes had spoken very highly of her, and Lucy had an excellent opinion of her son’s nurse.

I understand that you are experienced with dealing with young children? Lucy asked.

Yes, my lady. I have two younger brothers and a sister. I always had to help me mum out, especially after me dad scarpered.

Have you been employed as a nursery maid before?

No, but I’m willing to learn. And with Agnes telling me what’s what, I’m sure I’ll pick it up in no time. Polly must have seen the indecision on Lucy’s face because she carried on speaking. "Please, my lady. Just give me a chance. I promise I won’t let you down."

Lucy sighed and picked up the letter again. Let’s start with a month’s trial, shall we? If you settle in well and prove to be satisfactory, I will consider hiring you for a full year.

Polly clasped her hands together on her bosom, her blue eyes sparkling. Oh, thank you, my lady!

Lucy beckoned to Foley, who had accompanied Polly into the morning room. Will you take Polly up to the nursery, Foley? Ask Agnes to take care of her cousin. I will come up to see Ned at suppertime as usual.

Yes, my lady. Foley smiled fondly at Polly and held open the door. Come along then, young ’un. I’ll get James to bring up your bags.

Lucy tucked the letter into her pocket and made her way slowly through the house to the study of her husband, Robert. It was a bright late-summer morning in Kurland St. Mary, and sunlight flooded through the windows, patterning the wooden floors. Lucy knocked on the door and went in. Her husband was sitting at his desk dealing with the account books and didn’t look particularly pleased to be interrupted.

Robert . . .

What is it?

I just interviewed Polly Carter for the position of nursemaid.

And what does that have to do with me? Robert asked. Was Ned scared of her? Will she not suit?

Lucy sat down in front of his desk. I’m sure he’ll love her. She’s Agnes’s cousin.

As you are constantly telling me how wonderful Agnes is with our son, I’m wondering why you appear so doubtful about her cousin.

She’s . . . very pretty, Lucy confessed.

So what? Robert set his pen down. Are you worried I’ll run off with her?

Hardly. Lucy had to smile at that. But I do wonder how the rest of the household will deal with her. Foley almost fell over himself being nice, and that isn’t like him at all these days.

He needs to retire, Robert said. Have you reason to believe the girl will be incompetent?

None at all. Agnes recommended her, Lucy said. I’ve offered her a month’s trial before I make up my mind completely.

Then perhaps you might give her the benefit of the doubt. It’s not like you to be worried about a pretty face, my love. Robert came around his desk and sat on the edge directly in front of Lucy. Why do we even need a new nursemaid? We have three women in that nursery already. I don’t want Ned smothered in petticoats.

He is hardly smothered, Lucy objected. He spends much of his time with you, and he also enjoys going down to the stables and Home Farm with James.

Still . . . , Robert said. Why add another maid?

Lucy looked down at her hands, which were folded together in her lap. I thought you might have realized why by now.

Realized what?

That I’m increasing again.

Good Lord! Robert stuttered. But you’ve been so . . . well.

As opposed to my last experience when I was not well at all? Lucy asked, and Robert nodded. Grace says that every pregnancy is different, and that this time I may suffer no ill effects at all.

I damn well hope so. But Grace is an excellent healer and I trust her judgment. I hated seeing you so indisposed, Robert commented. When is the little blighter due?

Just before Christmas, I think.

Robert came over, lifted Lucy out of her seat, and sat down again with her in his lap. He kissed her cheek and wrapped an arm around her thickening waist.

How wonderful to think that Ned might soon have a little brother.

Or a sister, Lucy reminded him.

Even better. He kissed her again. In all seriousness, my love, what delightful news.

I haven’t told anyone else yet, Lucy confessed. But now that you know, I’ll probably speak to Dr. Fletcher and my family.

If you are happy to do so, then go ahead.

She cupped his chin. Are you really pleased?

Why would I not be? He raised a dark eyebrow.

Because Ned isn’t even three yet.

Which is why you have my full permission to employ as many people as you want in the nursery, so that you, my dear, don’t wear yourself out. He smiled at her, his dark blue eyes full of amusement. Polly can’t be that pretty, now, can she?

* * *

Polly wasn’t pretty.

Robert let out his breath as the new nursemaid curtsied and sent him a very saucy smile. She was beautiful. Her hair was gold, her eyes were blue, and her skin was perfectly tinted, like a porcelain ornament. She also had the figure of a goddess.

Good afternoon, Sir Robert. Right pleased to meet you. Polly smiled down at her small charge, who was building a brick tower on the rug in front of the nursery fire. Young master Ned looks just like you.

Welcome to Kurland Hall. Robert finally managed a reply. I do hope you are settling in well?

Yes, indeed, sir. Everyone has been so kind to me. She sat down on the rug, presenting Robert with an excellent view of her bosom, and offered Ned another brick to add to his tower.

Robert took the chair beside the fire and reached forward to ruffle Ned’s hair. Good evening, old chap.

Ned gave him a ferocious glare that reminded Robert rather too forcibly of himself and returned to constructing his fortifications.

He’s a lovely little boy, sir. Polly commented. So polite! Not like my little brothers, who can curse with the best of them.

I don’t think Lady Kurland would approve of that, Robert murmured. Ned certainly does seem to have a pleasant disposition.

He glanced up as Agnes came into the nursery carrying a supper tray. Dark-haired, tall, and thin, she looked nothing like Polly.

Good evening, Agnes. How lovely for you to have your young cousin working in the nursery with you now.

Agnes busied herself setting the tray down and did so with something of a thump. I’m certainly glad to have another pair of hands, Sir Robert, what with Lady Kurland’s news.

Yes, another charge for you on the way, Robert agreed. I am relying on you to keep an eye on Lady Kurland. She does tend to overexert herself.

Don’t you worry about that, Sir Robert. I know her ways.

Robert fought a smile. His wife did tend to be overly managing, even if she was often right about what needed to be managed.

The nursery door opened, and Lucy came in, her fond gaze immediately going to her son.

Ned, are you ready for your supper?

To Robert’s relief, his son and heir ignored his mother just as completely as he had ignored his father and set another brick on top of the wavering tower.

Just as Robert was about to repeat Lucy’s advice about his supper being ready, the tower crashed to the ground, and Ned’s lower lip wobbled. Before Robert could react, Polly swooped the boy up and marched him over to the table.

Never mind that, Ned. We’ll build it even bigger next time. Now, come and eat your supper. Cook said she had something special for you tonight.

Robert caught Lucy’s gaze and shrugged. Whatever else Polly Carter might be, she certainly had a way with children. Knowing his wife, that would more than justify her staying on at Kurland Hall.

He held out his hand to her as he rose from his seat. Everything seems to be in order here, my dear. Perhaps we should leave Ned to enjoy his supper?

I . . . For once, Lucy looked conflicted, her gaze straying to the table, where Ned was chatting away to Polly as she cut up his meat.

We have your father, my aunt Rose, and all the Fletchers coming to dinner tonight. Perhaps it would be a good opportunity to share our news with them? Robert suggested. And are you quite certain Cook will provide us with sufficient victuals?

Of course she will. Lucy finally came toward him. But I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to check.

Robert hid a smile as he bid his son and the nursery staff good night, and escorted his wife down the stairs. Polly would either succeed in becoming a good nursemaid or she wouldn’t. His wife was clever enough to decide the matter without referencing Polly’s looks, and that was good enough for him.

He went into his dressing room and allowed his valet to offer him a new cravat to replace the wrinkled one around his neck. He tied it neatly, without help, and secured it with the jet pin Lucy had given him for his last birthday. His valet assisted him into his new winter coat, which was dark blue and cut in the severe military style he still favored.

Since his visit to Bath and the hot springs, he’d installed a large bath in the dressing room, which meant he could indulge in regular hot soakings. It didn’t quite replicate the healing power of the waters in the Bath spa, but it was certainly a help for his wounded thigh. He barely needed to use his cane these days.

Lucy had already changed for dinner, so he met her down in the drawing room, where his father-in-law, the Honorable Ambrose Harrington, rector of Kurland St. Mary and its outlying parishes, was warming himself in front of the fire.

Ah! There you are, Robert. I was just telling Lucy that it’s time to put young Ned up on his first horse.

He’s two years old, Robert pointed out. He’s still mastering walking.

Which is why it’s the ideal time to do it. Mr. Harrington was a keen horseman who loved to hunt. He turned to his wife, Robert’s aunt Rose. Don’t you think so, Rose?

I think it is up to Robert, my dear, Rose answered him, her warm smile reaching out to both of them. I didn’t set my children on a horse until they were four or five.

But you lived in the city. Here in the countryside, being a good rider is essential. Mr. Harrington asserted. Present company excepted, obviously.

Robert tried not to let the rector’s comment bother him, but it was difficult. Before his horse had fallen on him at the battle of Waterloo and almost killed him, he, too, had thought like his father-in-law. Now he could barely manage to be around a horse without a thousand fears engulfing him.

You don’t have to do it yourself, Kurland, the rector said encouragingly. I’m sure one of your stable hands would be happy to help. Or even better, send the boy down to me, and I’ll see that he’s taught the proper way to do things.

I know you would take great care of him, sir, but I’d rather wait a year or so until I am confident Ned will both understand and enjoy the process, Robert said firmly.

And I agree with Robert. Lucy came up alongside him and linked her arm through his. Ned loves visiting the stables with James, and that is quite enough for now.

If you say so, my dear. Mr. Harrington sighed. I’m only trying to make sure that my first grandchild is properly prepared for his responsibilities.

To everyone’s surprise, the normally selfish and indolent Mr. Harrington had taken quite a liking to his fearless grandson. His interest in Ned’s progress and desire to be involved with his life had come as quite a shock to everyone, especially his daughter.

I do hope young Ned will be coming down to pay his respects to his grandparents this evening? Mr. Harrington asked. "Mayhap we can ask him how he feels about learning to ride a horse by himself, eh?"

Lucy caught Robert’s gaze, and he shrugged. He had no issue with Ned coming down for a few moments before he went off to bed, but he knew his wife was less inclined to encourage any unnecessary attention on him.

I’ll ask James to check if Ned is still awake. Lucy headed out toward the hall. While she attended to the matter, Robert welcomed his old friend Dr. Fletcher and his wife, Penelope, who had just entered the drawing room. His land agent, Dermot Fletcher, also joined them and made polite conversation until Lucy returned. Robert wasn’t the kind of man who enjoyed large gatherings, but the people invited to dinner were all well known to him and therefore quite acceptable.

Was our son and heir awake? he murmured in Lucy’s ear as she came to stand beside him.

I believe he was. He’ll be down in a moment. I told Agnes he should not stay above a quarter hour.

In case his grandfather starts spoiling him? Robert asked.

In case Ned starts to think he can escape his proper bedtime every night, Lucy replied. It is difficult enough to get him to go to sleep as it is without offering him too much excitement.

Good Lord, Mr. Harrington murmured as he turned toward the door and raised his glass to his eye. What have we here?

Lucy sighed as a blushing Polly, who was holding Ned by the hand, curtsied to her father. I assume Agnes was too busy to bring Ned down herself.

One must assume so. Robert patted her shoulder. Don’t worry. I’ll go over and make sure your father isn’t saying anything too outrageous.

Robert cast a quick look around the room and noticed that both the Fletcher brothers were staring at the beauteous vision that had descended among them. Dermot cleared his throat as Robert went by him.

Is that Agnes’s cousin, sir?

Apparently.

She looks nothing like her.

She is rather fetching, isn’t she? Rose, who was standing beside his land agent, offered her own opinion of the nursery maid. She didn’t appear concerned that her recently acquired second husband practically had his aquiline nose down Polly’s rather excellent cleavage. When did she arrive, Robert?

This morning.

Ah, that explains why I didn’t meet her, Dermot said. I was out visiting the Home Farm.

I’m sure you’ll take the opportunity to introduce yourself to her fairly soon, Dermot, Robert said encouragingly. "You are the one who dispenses the wages and manages the household staff."

He went over to his father-in-law’s side and rescued the blushing nursemaid from his attentions, directing them instead onto his grandson.

Polly curtsied to him. Thank you, sir. I’ll go and wait over there until Master Ned is ready to return to the nursery.

She retreated to the door. Robert returned to his wife, who was standing with Penelope Fletcher in the middle of what appeared to be an animated conversation.

Well, if I were you, Lucy, I wouldn’t allow that woman in my house.

Why not? Lucy asked mildly enough. She appears to be an excellent nursemaid.

Lucy and Penelope had a somewhat fractious relationship. But Robert knew his wife would always champion her employee against her friend’s objections.

She is far too pretty! Penelope rolled her eyes in Robert’s direction. "You would not want to give your husband ideas, now, would you?"

Ideas about what? Robert joined the conversation.

You know very well what I’m referring to. Penelope sniffed. Men can be weak and easily mislead—especially when their wives are no longer in the first blush of youth.

Lucy raised her eyebrows. As we are the same age, Penelope, are you suggesting that Dr. Fletcher will also stray?

Of course he won’t. Penelope patted her hair. I am still beautiful, whereas you, my dear Lucy, have never been much more than passable.

Robert hastened to intervene as his wife visibly drew herself up. I can assure you that my wife has nothing to worry about. I am very content with my choice.

Penelope regarded him dubiously for a long moment and then nodded. I will allow that, seeing as you turned down my beauty for her . . . average looks, maybe you aren’t inclined to chase your nursemaid.

Thank you, I think, Robert said. But I believe you were the one to break our engagement, not me.

Penelope waved away his correction. It hardly matters now, does it? We both ended up with the partners we deserved. She smiled fondly over at her husband, who was in deep discussion with his brother. I, too, am well content with my lot.

Foley appeared at the door and loudly cleared his throat.

Dinner is served.

Ned disappeared back up the stairs with his new nursemaid without making a fuss, and Robert turned his attention to the prospect of his dinner.

* * *

As the gathering was informal, after making sure that Ned was on his way back to bed, Lucy accompanied Robert into the small dining room. Penelope’s comments about her husband becoming enamored of a pretty face hadn’t bothered her. She’d known as soon as Polly appeared and every man in the room stared at her that Penelope would say something. As Penelope was accustomed to being the most beautiful woman in the room, she probably hadn’t enjoyed being outshone.

Lucy took her seat and waited as her father said grace before dismissing the servants so that they could serve themselves. Robert much preferred to eat his meals in comfort, and with her current guests being so familiar, she was more than willing to accommodate him.

He caught her attention as he sat down and raised his eyebrows as he picked up his wineglass. Lucy offered him a tiny nod in return, and he cleared his throat.

My wife and I are happy to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family at Christmastime.

Everyone turned to smile at Lucy, who felt herself blush.

How lovely! Rose said. A little brother or sister for Ned.

Indeed. Robert gave one of his rare smiles. We are delighted.

Dr. Fletcher winked at Lucy. I’ll assume that Grace is caring for you, but don’t hesitate to ask for my help if you need it, my lady.

Gladly, Lucy replied. In truth, I am feeling remarkably well this time.

I’m pleased to hear it. Dr. Fletcher toasted her with his glass.

As everyone settled in to eat, Penelope leaned in close to Lucy.

As you are expecting, I’ll double my warning about allowing that young woman in your house. Even good men are known to stray when their wives are unable to accommodate their more physical needs.

I have no concerns about that, Penelope. Lucy spoke as firmly as she could.

Then let’s just hope that your confidence in Sir Robert is justified, Penelope stated. "Because if I were in your shoes, Lucy Kurland, I wouldn’t be quite so sanguine."

Chapter 2

"I’ll accompany Master Ned to the stables."

That’s my job, Mr. Fletcher.

And I’m telling you that I’m doing it today.

You bloody well are not—

Lucy hastened toward the two men, who were nose-to-nose at the bottom of the stairs in the main hall, glaring at each other.

What on earth is going on?

Dermot Fletcher swung around, his expression that of a small boy caught in mischief.

Lady Kurland! I do apologize for disturbing you. I was just offering to walk young Ned down to the stables.

Which is my job, as you well know, Lady Kurland. James, who was the most senior footman at the hall, jumped into the conversation. I was just about to go upstairs to collect him and Miss Polly when Mr. Fletcher decided to interfere.

I was not interfering, I simply—

Lucy stared at both men until they fell silent. I think I will walk with Ned today, so neither of you are needed.

Mr. Fletcher took a step back and bowed. As you wish, my lady.

He stalked off into the house. Lucy distinctly heard his office door slam farther down the corridor.

I’m sorry, my lady, but that Mr. Fletcher is being right annoying to Miss Polly, James said. And she ain’t for the likes of him, I can tell you that.

I didn’t ask for your opinion, James, Lucy said severely. And I’m fairly certain that Polly would not appreciate you wrangling over her like two dogs with a bone. When she is with my son, she is doing her job and not to be distracted by either of you.

Oh, she does her job, my lady. Don’t you be thinking otherwise, and the young master likes her very much, and does as she tells him, James hastened to reassure her. Now, I’d best be going upstairs, my lady. The young lad will be worrying as to where I am.

Lucy held up her hand. I told you that I am going with Ned today. Please return to the kitchen and find something else to occupy your time.

James looked crestfallen as he bowed and went back toward the servants’ stairs. Lucy raised her eyes heavenward and walked up the stairs to the nursery. Penelope had been wrong about Robert being interested in their new nursemaid, but in the past three weeks, every other male in the household, from Mr. Fletcher downward, had been acting like fools over the poor girl.

And to be fair to Polly, she was nothing but pleasant to everyone. She performed her job well and encouraged none of the men dancing around her for attention.