Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

“ F inally, ” Harriet said to herself as she descended the steps of the estate. One of her maids had informed her that her most awaited guest had finally made an appearance, and she could not get herself down those steps fast enough.

“Your Grace, the duchess awaits your presence in the drawing room,” one of the maids informed Harriet, who did not need to be told twice as she dashed over to the drawing room.

“Esther! Oh, you’re here,” Harriet embraced her sister tightly.

“I came as soon as I possibly could,” her older sister replied, her tone laced with concern. “Now, you must tell me, what was the reason that you summoned me so urgently?”

Harriet looked to one of her maids who was standing at the doorway, “May I please have a moment alone with the duchess?”

“Of course, Your Grace,” she nodded and promptly left the room.

“What is with all this secrecy?” Esther inquired. “You have me believing it is really something quite serious.”

Harriet grabbed her sister’s hands, and guided her down the sofa so that both of them could sit first. “I am afraid that it is. I need your help with…” She paused, wondering what the right words to use were. “… A child.”

“A child?” Esther stood up immediately, a smile spread across. “Oh, Harriet. What wonderful news. You should have told me in the letter — this is nothing to hide.”

Esther’s joy quickly turned into confusion when Harriet resisted her attempts at a congratulatory hug.

“It’s not quite what you’re thinking…” Harriet said as she pushed her away.

“Not quite what I am thinking?” Esther asked, one of her eyebrows rising until it formed a defined arch.

“Yes, well,” Harriet played with the front of her dress. Telling her sister was proving to be more difficult than she imagined. “I need your help in taking care of a child, but it is not mine.”

“Not yours?” Esther asked, looking entirely dumbfounded, “Whose is it, then? And why do you have to take of it?”

“I would quite like it if your questions did not have so much of a judgmental undertone…” Harriet sighed.

“No — I didn’t mean to come across as judgmental. But what you’re describing has left me with more questions than answers.” Esther’s face pulled down into a frown.

“I suppose I should be more clear,” Harriet nodded, steeling herself. “A few days ago, a child was delivered to the estate steps. No more than a year old and with nothing but a small note that had her name in it.”

Esther gasped, bringing one of her hands to cover her mouth. “Who could do such a thing to a small baby?”

Harriet shrugged her shoulders. “I do not know. People do all manner of ridiculous things. But now I cannot simply dispose of her. Truthfully, she is quite stealthy in the way that she attaches herself to your heart. But I have no experience in taking care of a child. I sought out your help as you are the only person I know who is a complete natural when it comes to children.”

Esther nodded, trying to take in all of the information. Harriet was not surprised that it was too much for her. But compared to how their mother Albina would likely react, Esther’s reaction was quite tame.

“I see,” Esther struggled to keep her expression even, “And you have no information on where this child appeared from? Children do not manifest out of thin air — this baby likely has parents who are somehow connected to you.”

“Or my husband,” Harriet muttered under her breath.

“Pardon?”

“Nothing,” Harriet changed the topic, “I am not too concerned about who the parents are at this moment. The duke has taken it as his responsibility to find that out.”

Esther nodded, reluctantly. “Surely, the duke must have been quite stunned to see this happen. I have heard of babies being left in baskets in gossip or read about it in books, but never has it happened to anyone I know personally.”

Always a first with me, Harriet thought to herself. She was not sure whether to think of herself as unique, or just blessed with bad luck.

“Well, this is your chance to witness it in reality,” Harriet said. “As far as the duke’s reaction is concerned, well, it was news that shocked him enough to return home.”

“Was he away for a business trip again?”

Harriet smiled, knowing that she could not hold the secret much longer. “Esther, have you ever thought it odd that the duke was always away whenever you visited?”

“It has been unfortunate that neither Phillip or I have been able to spend time with him since your wedding. But that is because he was busy with business engagements, was he not?” Esther asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“Business engagements.” Harriet repeated, putting air-quotes around the words.

Esther grabbed her sister’s hand immediately. “Harriet Cooper. You must tell me this instant what you mean,” she demanded, “I cannot understand your riddles anymore.”

Harriet saw the concern on her sister’s face deepen; seconds away from turning into anger.

“I have to admit something about my marriage,” Harriet blurted out finally. “I have not been fully honest with you, and everyone else. In earnest, Simon told me that we are only married in name, and that he does not desire a relationship with me. He moved away on the first day after our wedding.”

Esther appeared as though someone had stunned her into a statue made of marble. She opened her mouth to speak once, and then closed it again.

“ Harriet…. ”

“Please,” Harriet responded quickly, looking away so she did not have to stare directly into her sister’s eyes in fear that she might find pity for herself there. “No need to worry. As you can see, I am doing quite fine.”

“But why did you not tell me?” Esther pressed. “All this time, you have been in a sham of a marriage and we were never any the wiser?”

“Quite the actress, am I not?” Harriet said, a ghost of a smile lurking on her face. “Still — I do not think we should detract from the subject at hand — which is that I need your help with the baby.”

Esther pressed her lips together. Harriet knew that she was trying her hardest not to have a full blown reaction, and for that she felt grateful. Esther’s ability to calm her nerves was another reason why she felt her to be the right person to share this with.

“I shall help you, of course, I will,” Esther nodded. “But I believe that you need more help than just with the baby.”

“Judgments on my marriage later,” Harriet insisted. “For now, let us only focus on the baby. She cries a lot — I assume that she misses her mother.”

“The same mother that was crass enough to abandon her?” Esther said, inflamed.

“Everyone has different circumstances,” Harriet reasoned. “I cannot judge her unless I truly know what beckoned her to do this.”

It was true. Harriet did not know who the mother was, but she felt a certain kind of sympathy towards her. She had found that baby Catherine was truly a joy to be around — when she wasn’t crying. Parting with such a baby would have been hard, and surely not a decision made recklessly.

“Can I…?” Esther paused, composing herself. “Do you mind if I meet the baby?”

Harriet nodded, and guided her sister up the steps to where the nursery was. There was a maid inside, whom Harriet requested to leave.

Esther gasped as she finally laid her eyes on the little baby. “Oh my goodness.”

“Her name is Catherine,” Harriet said, looking over both of them from a distance. “Isn’t she adorable?”

“Oh, she looks quite positively edible,” Esther chuckled, her mood immediately lifted. The baby seemed to be responding positively to her as well.

This is what Harriet meant when she said that Esther just had a way with children.

“Whatever it is that you’re doing now,” Harriet said, her voice growing urgent, “You must teach me it as well.”

“What is it that I am doing?” Esther turned to look at her sister, “Holding the baby, you mean?”

“No, no. It is just your…” Harriet sighed, struggling to explain, “I just do not know how you do it, but I can see that she is noticeably more calm in your presence.”

Esther placed a comforting hand on Harriet’s shoulder. “You’re doing fine. Let me offer you some advice. First, call for a physician to make sure the baby is healthy and see if she needs any special care. It’s always good to have a professional’s opinion.”

Harriet nodded, taking mental notes. She felt like she was learning the alphabet all over again. “That makes sense. What else?”

“Buy new clothes and accessories, making sure they are appropriate for the season,” Esther continued. “You want her to be comfortable and properly dressed.”

“Of course,” Harriet said, feeling more grounded with each piece of advice.

“Bathe the baby regularly and ensure that her room is clean. A clean environment is crucial for her health,” Esther added, her voice gentle yet firm.

Harriet glanced around the nursery, mentally noting a few areas that needed attention. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“And give the baby soft foods,” Esther said. “She’s still very young, so her diet should be gentle on her stomach.”

Harriet nodded again, grateful for her sister’s wisdom. “I hadn’t thought about that. Thank you, Esther.”

“Lastly, spend time with her and give her a lot of affection,” Esther said, her eyes warm with love. “Babies need to feel loved and secure. It helps them grow and thrive.”

Harriet looked down at Catherine, feeling a surge of determination. “I will. I want her to feel safe and loved, even if she’s not mine by birth.”

“Have you considered hiring a nursemaid?” Esther inquired. “They can be a great help for new mothers. I highly recommend that you find one at the earliest.”

“I have spoken to Simon about this,” Harriet nodded, “He told me that he will keep a look out. Do you have any recommendations?”

“I know of one — one of our acquaintances employed her and I know that she is just lovely with children. Shall I write you her details?”

“Yes, please!” Harriet said immediately.

Esther nodded, taking out a small pad of paper from her purse and quickly scribbling the details on it.

“Here,” she handed it over. “I believe that she would not turn down the opportunity to work at your estate. With her, little Catherine will be in safe hands.”

Harriet nodded. “I shall convey this to the duke at the earliest. Heaven knows how much I need I help…”

Esther smiled, hugging her sister. “You’re doing wonderfully, Harriet. And remember, I’m always here for you. You’re not alone in this.”

Harriet returned the hug, feeling a renewed sense of strength and purpose. “Thank you, Esther. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You can write to me any time you require any sort of help,” Esther promised.After all, this is what sisters are for.”

“I have not even told Frances yet,” Harriet frowned, feeling the guilt creeping inside her. The three sisters had always been very close, and keeping secrets from one another felt wrong.

“Frances will understand, but I am surprised that you have kept this from mother,” Esther said, and Harriet knew that she was not referring to the baby.

“She keeps her visits short, and does not ask me too many questions,” Harriet nodded. “Perhaps she has finally learned to not interfere too much. I am grateful for that, as I would not know how to handle her if she was overly intrusive.”

Esther nodded. “I suppose it’s only natural for her to keep her distance, after it was discovered that she planned for the duke to be trapped in a scandal with you.”

Harriet's cheeks flushed at the memory — the embarrassment still fresh as though it had happened yesterday.

“Ah, yes. Her antics have been the main reason why the duke wants to maintain his distance from me,” Harriet admitted with a frown.

“Worry not, Harriet,” Esther grabbed her hand gently. “It has only been a year since your marriage. In the grand scheme of things, it is as though no time as passed at all. I am certain that the both of you can develop a loving relationship as you get to know each other.”

Harriet did not respond immediately. She had not called her sister over for advice on her marriage — only for the baby.

“I suppose no one can predict the future. But I would rather not think about it,” Harriet mumbled under her breath.

Truthfully, she did not know where her relationship with Simon was headed. They were civil with each other, but there was no feelings on either side.

“As you wish,” Esther nodded, deciding not to push further. “You have a lot on your plate as it is.”

Harriet wrapped her sister in an embrace. “Thank you, Esther. You do not know how much it has meant to me that you decided to come here.”

“Anytime, my dear.”

“Just...” Harriet struggled with her words for a moment. “Please be sure that the news does not get out. It is hard enough dealing with the baby, it would be impossible to deal with a scandal at the same time.”

“Of course. I shall not even tell Phillip, if you want,” she nodded immediately.

When Esther finally left the estate, Harriet was left with a renewed sense of hope. Yes, it would be a difficult process trying to learn how to take care of baby Catherine. But Harriet was determined to give her the best possible care until her future was more certain.