Amelia jumped to her feet as if propelled from a cannon. The color drained from her face as she wheeled around to peer through the windows at the classic, silver-gray Bentley that had appeared on the drive’s graveled apron. Willis, Sr., rose in a more leisurely fashion, but he put a reassuring hand on her back as he, too, turned to observe the Bentley. Deirdre went into the entrance hall and prepared herself to open the front door for Charlotte and Honoria.
I had scarcely any time at all to decide on my own course of action. Would I support Amelia in her hour of need? Or would I show my true colors and flee? I dithered for less than a nanosecond, then chose the coward’s way out.
“Bess needs a feed,” I said. “Back in a minute.”
I scooped Bess up from the bouncy chair and ran for the elevator. I left the diaper bag behind in my haste, but I didn’t go back to collect it because I wouldn’t need it. The nursery was fully stocked with maternal necessities.
I flung myself into the elevator as Deirdre opened the front door. I caught a glimpse of a uniformed chauffeur burdened with pristine leather luggage before I closed the elevator’s door and allowed myself and my child to be whisked to the third floor. I was fairly certain that Bill’s aunts wouldn’t follow me. They weren’t overly fond of infants.
The late Augusta Fairworthy had once lived in the room that had become the nursery. Willis, Sr., had left a few of her prized possessions in place as a tribute to her memory. Bess wanted to taste the Murano paperweights, the enameled snuffboxes, and the silver, sheep-shaped salt and pepper shakers that twinkled so invitingly from the locked display cabinet in the corner, but she eventually calmed down enough to avail herself of a more nutritious meal.
“I’m not proud of myself for running out on Amelia,” I told her gravely after we’d settled ourselves in the rocking chair. “When you grow up, I hope you’ll be braver than I am. If your great-aunts are still around then, though, you may understand why we’re here now.”
I cut my soliloquy short when the nursery door opened and Deirdre appeared, carrying a tray set with three covered dishes, silverware, a linen napkin, a tumbler, and a small cut-glass pitcher of ice water. Her mouth was set in a thin line and her nostrils flared slightly as she spoke.
“Mrs. Steele and Mrs. Wilberforce don’t want the lunch I spent all morning preparing for them,” she said, “but I thought you might.”
I seldom used Charlotte’s and Honoria’s last names, but even if I’d never heard them before, I would have known who’d rubbed Deirdre the wrong way.
She placed the tray on a low table and removed the dishes’ covers.
“Tomato bisque, tarragon chicken salad, and mixed wild greens,” she announced. “I left the bitter herbs out of your portions, so you don’t have to worry about them flavoring your milk.”
“Thank you, Deirdre,” I said. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy every bite.”
“They’re having tea in the drawing room,” she informed me icily. “Tea in the drawing room instead of lunch in the dining room.”
“Try not to take it personally,” I said, putting a placatory hand out to her. “Charlotte and Honoria hardly ever eat lunch. They think midday meals are plebeian.”
“I wish I’d known it sooner,” Deirdre said tersely.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I should have done more to prepare you and Amelia for the calamity that was about to befall you. I’ve been so wrapped up in Bess that I—”
“A mother should be wrapped up in her child,” Deirdre interrupted. “You’re here now, though. Tell me about the calamity.”
“William’s not the most reliable source of information about his sisters,” I explained. “They’re his kid sisters, the only girls in a family that included five boys before two of them died. Bill claims that two of his uncles moved to California in order to get away from his aunts, but your boss has a soft spot for them.”
“What else should I know?” Deirdre asked, folding her arms.
“Where to begin?” I said, gazing heavenward. “Nothing you do will satisfy them, but keep trying anyway. Surprise them by being the same consummate professional you’ve always been. When they push you to your limit, remind yourself that they’ll be gone in less than a month.”
Deirdre drummed her fingers on her biceps for a moment, then unfolded her arms and lifted her chin.
“I accept the challenge,” she said and left the nursery.