“I have brought Amos Woods to help you with whatever you need doing, whether inside or outside the house. He will serve the duties of footman and watchman. I would feel better if you would direct him to answer the door when you do not have any other duties for him.” She turned to the servant. “This is my granddaughter, Miss Honoria Mason. She is the headmistress here, and I wish you to do whatever you can to make easier the lives of the children and women living here. Place the trunks in the parlor, if you please, and remove them to where Miss Mason desires, when I leave. I have some items for Nora and the children.”
“Yes, my lady,” he answered before returning for the rest.
Nora realized that her mouth was hanging open in a foolish fashion and swiftly closed it.
“Thank you, Grandmama. That is so thoughtful of you. We shall be glad of the help. Will he take the place of … ?”
“The gardener?” her grandmother finished for her.
Nora nodded.
“No, my dear. Marsh will continue helping with your garden and assist you with maintenance.” She nodded towards Amos Woods. “Woods also has certain skills as a handyman and given your desire to open as much of the building as possible, as soon as may be, I thought the additional labor would be beneficial.”
Mrs. Simpkins entered then, interrupting their conversation, and gave a small curtsey before setting down a tea tray.
“Would ye like for me to pour?” she asked.
“Thank you, Mrs. Simpkins, we will makeshift for ourselves. Would you be so kind as to show Mr. Amos Woods, our new footman, handyman, and man of all work to a bedchamber?” Nora asked, putting forth a cheeriness in her voice she did not feel. She noticed her grandmother observing her.
“Yes, miss. I will be happy to,” the retainer responded, before withdrawing from the room.
“Shall we have tea, my dear? I must say that I have missed Mrs. Simpkins lemon biscuits.”
Nora found herself grinning, as she watched Mr. Woods deliver the final trunk. Her grandmother’s visits were a welcomed respite from the rest of her day. She would never be too old for Grandmama’s surprises.
The Countess finished her tea and looked with satisfaction at the stack of trunks. “Come, now. I would like to see what you have accomplished. It would bring me immense pleasure to meet these children,” Lady Whitton prompted. “We will get to those later.” She gave a short wave towards the boxes and trunks in the corner of the room.
Brightening, Nora thought immediately of little Amy and her devoted friend, Alice. “You must meet the two newest children, Grandmama. They are not sisters, but they are as sweet together as any two children could be. Little Amy’s mother died of a dread disease caused by her occupation. We have a wonderful group of children.” She glanced up at the wooden clock on the fireplace mantelshelf. I believe they will be washing their hands for their midday meal. Nonetheless, I would love you to see their rooms.”
“That would be delightful. Shall we, my dear?” the Countess said. She rose from her chair and extended her arm to her granddaughter. “We will chat afterwards.”
Nora took her grandmother’s arm and led her up the stairs and down the hall to the children’s large room, where they found the children in two lines, washing their faces and hands at the two bowls set upon a large table, one or two of the older children helping the little ones.
“The room is very tidy, even with such a large number of children, and they are so well-behaved,” Grandmama observed in excited tones. “I am delighted you chose to begin our tour here. The room is so cheery, and that is good for the children.”
Nora cleared her throat and clapped her hands. “Children, we have an esteemed visitor today, who I would like you to meet. This is the Countess of Whitton. It is because of her generosity that we have this wonderful school.”
At her announcement, a dark-haired boy of about eight, and a tow-headed stripling a year or two older, attempted to bow politely. Grandmama smiled her pleasure. Not to be outdone, a red-headed girl and an eight-year-old girl came forward and curtseyed. The others cheered, with two exceptions…
Before she could ask, a small child of six emerged from behind the bigger children, holding the hand of a toddler. “Grandmama, these are the two girls I wished to introduce you to,” whispered Nora, watching them walk towards them. Amy threw her arms up when she came near enough; leaning down, Nora picked her up.
“This is Amy, and this is Alice. I mentioned them a few minutes ago, if you recall,” Nora said softly. “Amy arrived two days ago and Alice came a day or two after we opened.” Affectionately, she smoothed the older child’s blonde curls. “Alice has already become a wonderful big sister to Amy.”
The Countess lowered herself until she was level with Alice. “Young lady, I have some special gifts for everyone. The only question that remains for me to ask is what are your favorite colors?” She gave a small nod to Alice.
“I once had a doll with a pink dress. Pink is my favorite color,” the little girl answered happily. “And Amy likes it, too,” she finished.
Nora crouched down with Amy, wanting to be part of this small gathering.
“Indeed!” Grandmama looked at the smallest girl. “Do you like pink?” she asked merrily. Amy’s red curls bounced up and down in affirmation, and Nora was pleased to see a smile forming on her lips. “Then, perhaps I selected the right surprises,” she said cheerily.
“It is a delight to meet you both,” the Countess said, giving each a small hug, before standing up again. She turned to Nora. “We have a few things to discuss, so we should continue our
