‘I understand.’ He scratched his head as he wondered who he could trust to replace her, but at that moment Charlotte woke and as soon as her eyes lit on him, she gave him a big grin and held her arms towards him to be picked up. Only too happy to oblige he scooped her out of her crib and tickled her under the chin and instantly she rewarded him with a gummy smile. Charlotte was always delighted to see him and she always made his day with her happy little personality. He only wished her brother was the same. A look of concern flitted across his face as he glanced towards David’s crib where he slept on, pale-faced and so much tinier than Charlotte that it was hard to believe they were related.

‘How has he been, Nanny?’

The older woman gave a shrug. ‘Not good, if I were to be honest, sir. As you know, the doctor calls weekly to check him and the last time he came he thought he detected an irregular heartbeat. That would account for the blue tinge about his lips.’

Barnaby had feared something like this and he frowned, feeling helpless. The poor little chap, it was just as well he was so undemanding because he and his nanny were the only ones who ever paid him any attention. Even his grandparents didn’t have any time for him, or Charlotte if it came to that. But then his thoughts returned to who could care for them until he could employ another nanny, and the only one he could think of who might be able to do it was young Nancy, the maid.

‘I accept your resignation,’ he told the woman solemnly. ‘But I would appreciate you trying to hold the fort just until I can get someone to take over. Hopefully it will be in the next day or two. I have someone in mind and if she’s agreeable perhaps you would be kind enough to show her the ropes?’

‘Of course I would, sir, and I’m sorry to inconvenience you.’

He could hear the relief in her voice and after handing Charlotte to her he quietly left the room and went in search of Nancy.

He found her polishing the long mahogany sideboard in the dining room and the second he entered the room she stood up and glanced at him nervously as if he had caught her doing something she shouldn’t.

‘Sorry, sir. I didn’t know you were usin’ this room. I’ll come back when you’ve done.’ The staff had been taught to only clean the rooms that weren’t being used by the family but as she collected the beeswax polish and duster and headed for the door, he held his hand up to stay her.

‘No, Nancy, it’s quite all right. I was looking for you as it happens and wondered if I might have a word?’