Chapter Eight

Lady Natasha Dorrington’s Residence, Grosvenor Square

Wickett carried Tasha’s travelling bag to a waiting Hansom as she said her goodbyes to me near the front door. Behind sad little me, Nanny Roberts was just visible through the open study window, her head buried in her ever-present book.

I can still recall the scene with clarity. Whenever Mother departed on an adventure, I always tried to photograph her in my memory as if that image might be my last. She was dressed in travelling clothes of her own fabrication, which allowed freedom of movement, topped by a wide pancake-style hat with feathers. Her cloth bag, despite its small size, enclosed several changes of outfit. A parasol completed her elegant ensemble.

She kissed my forehead and reminded me to be a lady. I nodded. I wanted to tell her how worried I was with her venturing all the way to Scotland, and the little I’d heard about banshees and curses, but I didn’t want to concern her with my apprehension. She knew anyway and was warmed by my silent concern.

I also remember that Mother’s first love was her work. That she was unconventional was evident in her choice of professions. In an era when children were routinely raised by nannies and parents were distant figures of authority, Mother was often more distant than most, which made affection from her all the more treasured to me. My desire to win that affection first planted the seeds of my following in her vocation. I imagined the joy of sharing an adventure with Mother and strove to be as dispassionately attentive to details as she.

Mother gave me a hug and whispered into Mr. Teddy’s ear, “Please tell your mistress that I’ll be careful.” Then she gave me a wink. “I promise.”

I brightened up, and that won me another hug. Mother walked to the cab, turned back and called out, “Take care of Nanny!”

Nanny Roberts actually lowered her book and arched her eyebrows.

I dashed out to the cobblestones and watched pensively as the Hansom trotted down the street. I kept Mother in my view as long as I could, until the cab turned a corner and she vanished from my sight.