Free Maggie's Child by Glynis Smy Page B

Nathaniel, she could say his name out loud and not be afraid.
    ‘It is good it pleases you. Now we have talked enough but before you go, Nanny has an outfit for you in the nursery. I would like to see you wear it while here at the house. You will change downstairs. I am certain your own clothes are perfectly clean, but I should worry if farm diseases are taken to the nursery. You do understand do you not-Maggie, isn’t it?’Mrs Arlington rose from the chair. At last it was time to leave for upstairs. Maggie couldn’t wait to see Nathaniel, and she was also curious about her uniform.
    ‘I do understand, madam, and yes, Maggie is my given name. I will ensure my clothes are washed daily, thank you.’
     ‘No need, just leave them for the laundry here. That way they will be ready each day. There are four sets. Time is ticking by and my son will need his feed, so off you go and see to his needs. Goodbye, Maggie, and thank you for your assistance.’
    Maggie said her goodbyes and went to the nursery. The room was warm and candles had been lit. There was a pleasant glow from them and the fire. Nathaniel stirred in his crib. Nanny arranged cups on a tray and Maggie accepted a most welcome cup of tea.
    ‘He’s been dreaming the dreams of a contented angel. You did a grand job, and the top up settled him nicely. Although he did pull a few faces; I think yours is the preferred teat. Mrs Arlington has sent up a uniform for you to wear. She likes her staff to wear uniforms, even the poor boot cleaner has to wear stiff shirt and britches. The laundry maid screams blue murder if he gets the black waterproof liquid on his cuffs. The tallow and tar stain terribly. Here, you might as well change over there and take your outer wear downstairs. He will be ready for you when you are finished.’ She indicated across the room to a loose-fitting, navy-blue gown, white pinafore and sleeve cuffs. ‘Wear your own stockings and boots for the present. Madam has said to give you extra in your salary to purchase new ones purely for here and not the farm, you understand.’
    All the time she spoke, Maggie watched her son sleeping.
    ‘I am glad he settled. I met Mrs Arlington on the way up. She told me about the clothes. It is very generous of her. I will slip it on and do as you say.’
    She slipped behind a screen that stood in the corner. The gown was not a bad fit, and Maggie was pleased to wear something other than her dowdy brown one with frayed cuffs and hem. She re-tied her hair and stepped into the room.
    ‘My word, they are ideal for you. Now get your own downstairs and out of here, then all rules have been followed.’ Nanny gave a little giggle and Maggie knew she was going to like working alongside the older woman.
    Maggie slipped into the kitchen. She asked a young maid where she could place her clothes and where she should change on her exit.
    While she was talking, Dukes came into the kitchen. He gave a nod.
    ‘Mrs Sawbury. The youngster happy with his new nanny then?’He laughed at her puzzled face, and indicated to her new attire.
    ‘Oh, this. Yes, apparently I have to keep the farm bugs away.’ Maggie smiled and brushed the front of the pinafore with her hand. She felt self-conscious with so many eyes staring at her while she spoke. ‘Please excuse me, I have to go and attend to him.’
    Back upstairs she could hear Nathaniel’s cries and felt the familiar tingle in her breasts. Mother and son were ready to be reunited for the second time that day.
    His nanny excused herself, and said she would take advantage of the moment for some fresh air before the light went altogether.
    Maggie settled into the chair and enjoyed another intimate moment.
    ‘Well, Nathaniel, what a turn up for the books, eh? Who would have thought? Me and you in this situation. That fool of a husband of mine has actually done something good for me, for a change. Lizzie was worried about me. I so wanted to tell her the good news. Of course, I