When children are about cutting their teeth they slaver much, are feverish, hot, and uneasy; their gums swell, and are very painful; they are sometimes loose in the bowels, and at other times costive; now and then convulsions come on. Leeches are often of use, applied behind the ears; also blisters.
MacKenzie’s Five Thousand Receipts in All the Useful and Domestic Arts
Beth and I were so happy at South Farm, even when she was fractious with teething, and one of the nicest things for me was that I was included in the household. I wasn’t treated as a servant but as Cecilia’s friend and companion.
Having said that, I usually ate with the servants and Beth in the kitchen but occasionally, when there were friends visiting, I left Beth with Cilla and joined in the informal suppers. Farmer Elwood regularly invited other farmers to share his table and Cecilia and I would join them to make sure they didn’t discuss work all of the time. After supper when the port was being handed round we would leave them to it and disappear into Cecilia’s own little sitting room – a haven of femininity and comfort.
I was happiest when we all sat around discussing the local news and the doings of the farm and locality, in particular Lewes. Dr Grieve was often present and though I sat in awe of his skills and intelligence I felt myself to be of consequence. He often sought my comments when we were discussing general health issues and many times I was aware of him watching me. I did not imagine that he had a personal interest in me as a woman but I think he grew to respect what he called my good sense. Whatever it was he sought I felt valued by the household, and him. His visits to South Farm were regular and according to Cecilia more frequent than in the past.
When we were alone Cecilia giggled and said she thought Dr Grieve was coming to the farm to see me rather than them. I felt rather uncomfortable about this but couldn’t resist asking if she really thought so. Later, when alone in my room with Beth I peered at myself in the mirror and wondered if a man, let alone an educated man, might find me attractive in character because I certainly wasn’t in looks.