Rules for Reforming a Rake(5)
“That’s precisely what Watling said and in just that gleeful tone.” She paused briefly to ponder the coincidence, then shrugged and proceeded with her story. “Miss Beardsley left us this morning.”
Eloise shifted in her seat. “How is it possible? She just started last month.”
“And was working out quite nicely until the Devonshire Farthingales decided to give their nanny one week’s holiday. Miss Beardsley wasn’t happy about that, but after some coaxing, she agreed to share the added responsibility with the other nannies. Then the Yorkshire Farthingales’ nanny got sick and the Oxfordshire Farthingales’ nanny eloped.”
“Oh, dear. I’m getting dizzy just trying to keep track of all these visiting relations of yours.”
“Imagine how little Harry must feel. Though he’s a darling most of the time—”
“When he’s not the very devil,” Eloise said with a chuckle. “I do adore the boy.”
“So do I.” Daisy gave a sad shake of her head. “But he hasn’t taken well to the upheaval in his life. He’s been at a loss since his father’s death and refuses to accept that he isn’t coming back.”
“And what is your Aunt Julia doing to help the boy?”
Unwilling to speak ill of Harry’s mother, Daisy kept quiet.
Eloise pursed her lips and frowned. “Just as I thought, she isn’t helping.”
Daisy began to fidget with the shirt in her hand. She hadn’t meant to cast blame on her aunt, though apparently Eloise had taken it that way. “Julia is grieving, too. But Harry’s the bigger problem. He keeps running off to find his father. That’s why Miss Beardsley left us this morning. She’d reached her breaking point, declaring we were all mad and she couldn’t possibly stay on with us another moment. I can’t blame her, really.”
“I suppose not,” Eloise agreed.
Daisy set the shirt on her lap and began to smooth it out, for she’d inadvertently crumpled the fine fabric while wringing her hands. “I want to help Harry through this difficult time, but how can I give him the attention he requires when there’s no one left to look after the other children?”
Eloise cast Daisy a warm, motherly smile. “Dear girl, you can’t take on the troubles of the world.”
“Oh, there’s no danger of that.” She let out a small, mirthless laugh and rolled her eyes. “I can’t even manage the Farthingale domestic problems. Mother’s in a tizzy with the season about to head into full swing, and the house is already filled to the rafters with guests. I think she’s forgotten that the children are not being looked after.”
“How convenient for her,” Eloise grumbled.
“She doesn’t mean to overlook them. It’s just that she’s had her hands full helping all of us prepare for the upcoming balls and dinner parties.” Daisy loved her mother, Sophie Farthingale; in truth she loved every member of her boisterous family. They had all loved and admired her in return, until that unfortunate incident last year. Now, just when she needed their support the most, they were certain she would run off and do something foolish.
In truth, their present lack of faith in her was humbling, something she hadn’t considered would happen when she’d set out to help her sister. Well, no one knew what had really happened and she wasn’t about to betray Laurel now that she was happily married to Eloise’s grandson, Lord Graelem Dayne.
She would have loved to confide in Eloise and seek her guidance, but couldn’t this time. The family relations were too close. In any event, it probably didn’t matter. Her family would regain their trust in her soon enough and then these horrible few months would be forgotten. She certainly was doing all she could to return to their good graces. Indeed, taking care of the children was one of the ways she’d hoped to make it up to them.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t working out too well for her.
“Are you ready for your first season, Daisy?” Eloise asked, distracting her from her thoughts. “You’re to attend Lord Falmouth’s ball in a few days.”
“I am,” she said with an ease she didn’t feel. “Rose and Laurel used their connections to secure vouchers for Almack’s. Rose and her husband took me there a fortnight ago, which in a way counts as my debut, though it shouldn’t since my gown was borrowed from Rose.”
“Borrowed,” Eloise repeated with a slight frown.
Daisy dismissed her concern with a shrug. “It was a lovely tea rose silk confection. The gathering was a tame affair and not very well attended. The rooms were simple and the ratafia unpleasantly warm. However, we accomplished our purpose. Rose introduced me to Lady Barstow, one of the patronesses, who gave me permission to waltz.”