Nanny Diaries 3 - Pride and Prejudice

My Place

"No point in having nurslings if you can't enjoy them, you know." Grandmama said happily as she cradled Naomi in her arms, getting my youngest sister into position for her bottle. "We will all be giving the girls their evening bottles, after their tea, before they go upstairs for their baths and bedtime...every night, without fail...and then we will retire and change for dinner at eight...is that clear, Helen and Susannah?"

"Yes, Grandmama." Mama and Auntie Susannah replied, showing proper respect as they fed Nicola and dear Caris respectively. Miss Knight was feeding Natalie, Nanny had Georgina and Philippa, and I had Henrietta cuddling up to me. Miss Knight had dressed me as a maiden, in one of my DiMarco gowns, after lacing me into the dreaded corset, and I had rejoined the rest of the family in the drawing room as an adult, once more. It was a dream come true, and I was still finding it hard to believe. But Catriona Hughes, whilst being terrifying and clearly an old dragon when she wanted to be, was of the opinion that keeping me in the nursery for even a day longer was quite ridiculous. In her view, the short sharp shock Mama had initially intended when she returned me to the nursery had gone on too long, clouded by the furore caused when Mama and I had resisted Miss Danvers. She said, quite forcibly, whilst Miss Knight settled me on the sofa next to Mama, that my behaviour with Miss Danvers, in support of Mama, was not something I should be punished for. On the contrary, she felt that I should be congratulated for protecting my sister and helping my Mama.

"Susannah...you, in particular, need to spend more time with your daughter...but Helen, you must not let your new responsibilities in the village keep you away from your daughters. Family comes first...and young Daphne will be helping Miss Ford in the mornings and the evenings as her love for the children...and her qualifications...make her ideally suited for the task...she may have a lot to learn, but God chose her for us and we must let her use her talents. There will be time enough for her education when the girls are at school."

"Yes, Grandmama." The two chastened ladies said, joined by me that time. I was trying but largely failing to keep a broad smile off my face. Henrietta smiled around her bottle, suckling away, and I kissed her hair.

"There always was too much stuffiness in this community...and as far as I can see, it is worse than ever." Catriona continued, holding Naomi cradled in her arm and gazing down at her with real affection. "Piety is important...it is up to people like us to set an example to those who are less fortunate than ourselves...but the most important thing to display for the world to see is a happy, devout family growing up in God's love."

"I agree with you, Grandmama...wholeheartedly." Mama said quietly, cuddling Nicola.

"And I shall be telling my sons the same things...propriety is one thing...the Hughes family have always respected the doctrine and supported the church...but charity begins at home, and we must put our own house in order first..."

Half an hour later, with my gown protected by a white apron, I helped Miss Ford undress and mess the girls, before assisting with the bath, which was a delight. The girls were all so happy for me, and so well-behaved, and Miss Ford seemed to welcome my assistance. I even got to kiss them all goodnight, before Nanny took me into her room to help me change. It was only then that she slipped my pacifier back into my mouth, as instructed, which I did not mind at all I must say. Standing suitably still, as she removed my day gown and re-tightened my laces, I was still coming to terms with my abrupt transformation, and feeling a lot of warmth towards my new grandmother. She was a revelation to me. I could tell that she was no pushover, and I knew that I would have to work at my maidenhood harder than ever under her supervision, but she was giving me everything I wanted, and therefore, I would give her my best in return, just to show her how grateful I was. She was quite a character, and full of surprises. When I arrived in the drawing room, pre-dinner, she was already there, sitting in what was clearly already her armchair, listening to a bible reading with a pacifier in her mouth. Miss Knight led me to one of the two sofas, and helped me manage my gown, and then left the room, presumably to go and help the other ladies, and we just sat there. Catriona Hughes had her head bowed and her eyes closed, obviously focused on the words of God, so I did the same. I had listened to a lot of bible lessons since joining the church, many more than I ever had before, but somehow, with Grandmama, it was a more profound experience. I could tell that she was really listening to the words, and I tried to do the same. I only dimly realised that Mama and Auntie Susannah had joined us. I sensed someone else in the room, but I did not look up, or even open my eyes just a fraction, for a long time. And then the reading finished, and Miss Knight removed my pacifier and I watched her do the same for everyone else, leaving Catriona until last.