Chapter 2

“Becky! Becky!”

Rebecca slowly opened one eye upon hearing her name and feeling her knee being gently shaken. She had just had a wonderful dream where she had learned the secret to cure every disease affecting mankind. The details were already fading, but the euphoria of knowing she could eradicate sicknesses was still there.

“Becky, are you awake?” Alice asked, frowning as her pretty onyx-coloured eyes observed Rebecca.

“Mhm,” said Rebecca sleepily, opening her other eye. She gave a great yawn and rubbed her eyes, sitting up. “The carriage has stopped,” she stated.

“That’s why I was waking you up,” said Alice. “We have arrived at Dorchester Place.”

“Indeed?” said Rebecca, leaning towards a window. She tilted her head, taking in the magnificent building before her. “Oh, it’s lovely, isn’t it?”

The house must have been built during the Tudor reign, and its original architecture maintained—something she appreciated. Pitched gable roofs, half-timbering, stucco, brick, multiple chimneys ... it was like stepping into history. However, when she looked further down, she noticed the architecture had changed, as though someone had later added to the charming house. Their footman came to the door, opening it with a slight bow.

“Your hair is sticking up in different directions, Colin,” she teased, alighting from the carriage and chuckling as she smoothed his hair.

He blushed, patting his hair. “My apologies, Miss Barnes,” he said. “The wind was a little strong about an hour ago.”

“I missed it,” she said. “I was asleep. I could sleep through a thunderstorm, or so my mother always says.”

“I’ll just get your luggage, miss,” said Colin, still blushing. Rebecca nodded, grinning as he hurried away. Colin was a handsome young man she had hired several months ago to accompany them whenever she visited the homes of the sickly. She had done it as a favour for one of her mother’s friends, but Colin had quickly proven his worth during a sticky situation with a jealous physician.

The physician was one of the many who liked to accuse her of witchcraft merely because she managed to help cure those they had rejected as having no hope of recovery. Rebecca had done what they couldn’t, so the only plausible reason appeared to be witchcraft. The eighteen-year-old had stepped between her and the angry physician, forcing the man to step down and back away.

“So, this is our home for the next few weeks,” said Alice, appearing beside her. “Possibly months.”

Rebecca stretched her arms above her head and bent down briefly, touching her toes. She straightened, moving her body from side to side to work out the kinks in her body.

“You shouldn’t do that where everyone can see you,” Alice said disapprovingly. “And you shouldn’t be so affectionate with that young man. He already seems to have feelings for you.”

“Colin is like an adorable puppy,” said Rebecca. “Besides, I’m nine years older than him. I doubt he’s looking at me as anything but his current employer.”

Alice rolled her eyes. “You continue to believe that,” she said. She turned to the house, frowning at it. “I hope Lady Oakham will not be difficult. These aristocrats usually are. They expect you to bend over backwards to do their bidding merely because they’re paying you.”

“You’re already thinking so negatively,” Rebecca chided. “The woman lost her husband six months ago and has a four-month-old—she must be struggling. Let’s just focus on helping her and overlooking any flaws.”

Alice snorted. “Flaws? That is a gentle way of putting it. I do not like tending to aristocrats, but they do pay well, I suppose.”

“Precisely,” said Rebecca. “And with that money, we can help those who cannot afford physicians.”

“Pah!” Alice exclaimed. “Physicians. They’re not worth the prestige bestowed upon them of being healers. Women are true healers but are not allowed the same education.”

“Some are wonderful,” Rebecca countered. “If not for several outstanding physicians taking me under their wing against the advice of others, I wouldn’t be the nursemaid I am today.”

Alice merely pursed her lips and frowned at the building. Rebecca knew Alice meant well because she was merely protective, but her pessimistic attitude towards aristocrats could be tiring.

“I have a good feeling about this,” Rebecca told her, squeezing her hand. “We’ll meet some lovely people and help a mother and her baby. That in itself is reward enough.”

Alice sighed, nodding. “If you say so, I believe it,” she said. “However, how long does it take for someone to come outside and greet us? Do they expect us to go through the servants’ entrance?”

“They could be busy,” Rebecca offered.

“Hm,” Alice harrumphed. “I’ll bet they would have tripped over themselves if we had been aristocrats.”

“Alice!” Rebecca cried, laughing. “That will do. Frankly, I’m more concerned about whether all our luggage has arrived yet. I’d like to get started with treatment right away.”

The conditions for accepting the request to help Lady Oakham included a spacious room for her workroom and a bedroom joined to hers for Alice. She only carried a few necessities with her because she preferred to travel light.

A butler finally appeared at the front door, earning himself another harrumph from Alice.

“Be nice, Alice,” Rebecca whispered before approaching the butler. “Good day, sir. We’re here to see Lady Oakham. I am Miss Barnes, and this is Miss Ayres.”

“Yes, we’re expecting you, Miss Barnes,” the butler replied. “Would you please follow me? Lady Oakham asked me to take you straight to her.”

“We’re not allowed to freshen up a little before meeting Lady Oakham?” Alice asked incredulously. “We’ve just travelled several hours! We’re dusty and tired, and frankly, we would prefer a little time to settle.”

“Alice!” Rebecca chided, widening her eyes at her friend. She turned to the butler, who appeared taken aback, although he was trying to hide it. “Please, forgive my friend, sir,” she said. “We’re happy to meet with Lady Oakham. Please, lead the way.”

The butler nodded a tad stiffly, likely still affected by Alice’s outburst. “Please, follow me.”

He walked ahead, standing at the door to show them in before taking the lead again. Rebecca drank in her surroundings, pleased the interior matched the exterior. Dark wood, ceiling beams, intricate panelling—even the door had screamed Tudor with its round arch at the top and bordered with contrasting stones that stood out against the brickwork.

They paused outside a slightly ajar door, two women’s voices filtering out of the room. The butler knocked lightly and pushed the door open, announcing their presence before gesturing for them to enter. Rebecca stepped inside, encountering the gray eyes of a young woman who just looked tired and her older companion’s curious dark blue eyes.

It was obvious who Lady Oakham was. Rebecca’s heart went out to the woman. Her skin had lost colour and judging by how loosely her clothing hung on her petite frame, she had lost weight rapidly. The bags under her eyes indicated she wasn’t sleeping well—she needed a calming tea and a long nap.

“Please, sit down, Miss Barnes, Miss Ayres,” the countess said. “I’m so happy you could come. How was the journey here?”

Rebecca and Alice settled on a settee opposite the women. “We’re happy to be here, My Lady,” she said cheerfully, causing their eyebrows to rise slightly. Perhaps they were not used to happy people. “The journey was uneventful and restful, save for the uneven roads and dust. Unfortunately, we all have to eat a little dirt when travelling.”

Lady Oakham smiled. “Yes, we certainly do,” she said. “This is my aunt, Lady Hannah. She is staying with us for a little while.”

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, My Lady,” Rebecca said, bowing her head politely.

“And you, Miss Barnes,” said Lady Hannah. “I have heard so many good things about you. You seem so young to be so accomplished and well-known.”

“I appear young, but I’m twenty-seven,” she said.

Lady Hannah widened her eyes. “Indeed? Well, that’s still rather young, but I must say you do not look it. Is there a secret to your youthful appearance?”

Rebecca chuckled. “Thank you, My Lady, but there is no secret at all. However, I do believe being truly content and happy is helpful.”

“I will keep that in mind,” said Lady Hannah. “Tea?” she asked, gesturing at the maid that entered the room.

“Actually, I wanted to ask if I could have a teapot of hot water,” she said.

“Just hot water?” Lady Oakham asked, frowning.

“Yes, if that is not too much trouble,” she said. “I have some tea I would like you to drink. I believe it’s just the thing you need. I just need hot water and four cups. Alice?”

Alice nodded and stood up, excusing herself as she left the room. She knew precisely what Rebecca wanted.

“Mrs Harris, would you please get us a pot of hot water?” Lady Oakham asked the servant with the tea tray.

“Of course, My Lady,” Mrs Harris replied. “Shall I take this tray back?”

“Please send it to my brother,” said Lady Oakham. “He’s always so busy. Some tea will force him to take a little break. Add a few of those aniseed biscuits as well. He seemed to enjoy them earlier.”

The servant bowed and backed away before turning and leaving the room. Rebecca had continued to observe the countess while she spoke. Her good upbringing spoke volumes about how she carried herself and talked to everyone. She had reached the end of her tether but didn’t allow it to change her behaviour.

The woman hadn’t allowed herself to grieve properly. Sometimes, a woman just needed to release herself from the confines of being the perfect lady and release her raw emotions. Rebecca planned to help her do just that.

“You said in your letter that his lordship is three months old?” said Rebecca. “But that was a month ago. He’s four months old now, isn’t he?”

A tender look entered Lady Oakham’s clear, grey eyes. “Yes, he’s four months old. I can hardly believe that he was the tiny little being I held in my arms several months ago.”

“Babies grow quickly,” said Rebecca. “We have to cherish every moment with them. Is he asleep now?”

“I believe so,” the countess replied. “I can have one of the servants go to the nursery and—”

Rebecca shook her head, interrupting her gently. “That isn’t necessary,” she insisted. “Does he normally sleep around this time?”

Lady Oakham frowned. “I’m not entirely certain,” she said. “I can ask the nanny.” She sighed and looked down at her clasped hands. “I must sound like a terrible mother not knowing about my own baby.”

“Please, do not think like that, My Lady,” Rebecca said soothingly. “I’m here to help you and your baby. You can tell me anything you wish without fear of judgement. Perhaps you can tell me if he has any habits or if your nanny has a schedule for your baby.”

“Well,” Lady Oakham began, tucking her limp hair behind her ear. “He tends to spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen because it’s warmer, and the wet nurse believes a warmer environment is better for feeding.”

So, she had a wet nurse. Rebecca expected as much. She wondered if the countess would be open to breastfeeding her child, but that could come a little later. She didn’t want to scare the woman within the first hour.

“I see,” said Rebecca, smiling when Alice entered with the teapot, cups, and tea. “Is the nursery near your bedroom?”

She was interested to know if Lady Oakham was close enough to attend to her baby if he was fussing or if her sleep was affected by the baby.

“It’s down the hall from my bedroom,” the countess replied, frowning slightly. “Is that a terrible thing?”

“No, not at all,” Rebecca assured her. “I just like to know these things.”

So, the dark circles under her eyes had nothing to do with the baby. She likely wasn’t sleeping well at night because she had too many things on her mind. Tired during the day but unable to sleep at night—that was enough to slowly drive anyone insane.

Alice made the tea and handed a cup to the countess and her aunt, who had been silent and thoughtful for a while. She looked miles away as though she had something on her mind. Rebecca was willing to bet it had nothing to do with the current conversation.

“Do you have set eating times?” Rebecca asked, sipping her tea. The herbal scent wafted to her nose, tickling her senses. She loved this calming blend. “Alice and I usually eat at specific times, but we can work with your schedule. I wouldn’t wish to be unavailable to you when you need us.”

“Well, we usually eat during a set time, but I rarely have an appetite, so I just have some tea and something light whenever I feel a little hungry,” said Lady Oakham.

No wonder her bones were sticking out rather painfully. If she were to breastfeed her baby, she would need to increase her nourishment intake. Lady Oakham took a sip of her tea, her eyebrows rising in surprise.

“I’ve never tasted anything like this before,” she commented. “It’s floral but also herbaceous. I like it.”

“Yes, it’s lovely,” Lady Hannah agreed. “Do you usually drink this, Miss Barnes?”

“Every night before I go to sleep,” Rebecca told them. “I have other tea blends that I have mixed. I’ll introduce you to my breakfast blend tomorrow morning.”

Lady Hannah smiled. “I look forward to it,” she said. “What other magical things do you do in your workroom? The servants cleared a rather large room to house all your bottles of herbs and plants. I was captivated by what I saw. Do you make love potions as well?”

Rebecca nearly laughed. The woman appeared to be joking, but the look of interest in her dark blue eyes could not be missed.

“One does not need a love potion if you are with the right man,” said Rebecca. “Also, a love potion doesn’t create love but feelings of possession, obsession, and euphoria. It’s not real and is not built to last. However, a good tea can release tension and nerves, which is a good start for getting to know someone. You can learn many things about a man when he’s at ease.”

Lady Hannah’s eyes sparkled with increased interest. “Oh? Have you experienced this yourself?”

“No, but many others have,” she replied. “Many, many other women.”

Lady Hannah cleared her throat slightly, scratching under her ear. “So, do you happen to have such a tea?” she asked.

“You’re drinking one of them,” Rebecca told her.

Lady Hannah’s eyes widened. “Well, you learn something new every day. You must give me a little for a, uh, dear friend of mine. She might have use for such a tea.”

Rebecca held back a chuckle, but Alice wasn’t quite so lucky. She snorted into her cup, quickly pretending to cough.

“I’ll put some aside for her,” Rebecca promised.

She turned her eyes to the countess, noticing her eyes were dropping. She must have been exhausted, or the tea would not have worked so quickly. Within seconds, she was fast asleep, her breathing deep and steady.

“My poor niece,” Lady Hannah tutted, moving a strand of hair from the countess’s brow. “She has suffered so much. I truly hope you can help her, Miss Barnes.”

“I will do everything I can, Lady Hannah,” Rebecca promised.

“Lady Oakham is in good hands, My Lady,” said Alice firmly. “Miss Barnes was hired because she is the best.”

“I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, Miss Ayres,” said Lady Hannah, looking slightly alarmed at the bit of aggression in Alice’s voice.

Rebecca gave her a side glance, widening her eyes slightly at her friend. Alice simply shrugged unapologetically.

“Alice knows that, My Lady,” said Rebecca. “Don’t you, Alice?”

“Mhm.”

Rebecca struggled not to look skyward. “Would you like some more tea, My Lady?” she offered.

“A second cup certainly is welcome,” the woman replied and then gave a great yawn. “However, I find myself rather drowsy. I think I’ll take myself off to my room and have a little afternoon nap. Please forgive me for leaving you.”

“There’s no need to apologize, My Lady,” said Rebecca. “Alice and I will use this time to look at our rooms and the room to house my herbs and such.”

Lady Hannah nodded as she stood up, placing her cup on the table and leaving the room a tad unsteadily on her feet.

“Your tea works every time,” Alice commented, chuckling.

“It certainly does,” Rebecca agreed. “Do you see what I see?” she asked, pointing at Lady Oakham.

She had two damp patches on the bosom of her muslin dress.

“She’s leaking,” Alice said. “Her body is telling her to breastfeed her baby.”

Rebecca nodded. “I hope to convince her soon, but she just needs a lot of rest and nourishing food to make her strong. A healthy mother is a healthy baby.”

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, Becky,” Alice remarked. “When will you see the baby? I think we should inspect his condition. If the mother is struggling this much, I can only imagine the state of the child.”

“I also wish to see his lordship, but we should wait until Lady Oakham awakens,” said Rebecca. “In the meantime, let’s see our rooms. We should settle in.”

They placed their cups on the table and quietly left the room, but not before helping the countess lie on the settee with a cushion under her head and a throw over her body. Rebecca trailed her fingers along Lady Oakham’s brow, her heart heavy with the woman’s pain. Alice was right—they truly had a lot of work ahead of them, but she was looking forward to it.