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Katherine shook her head. “There is no such thing when it is work that calls. And I do so love caring for young’uns. My mother tells me I must have been made by God to be a saint.”

“And how long have you been working as a nursemaid?”

“For nearly nine years, Your Grace. It started with my family — I have seven brothers and sisters, you see. As unruly as a pack of animals. As the oldest, I had to look after them and keep them in order. Saved many of them from dire head injuries.” Katherine stated with a hint of pride in her voice.

“I see. You have done quite well. And the children you have looked after, outside your home? Are there good testimonies from those people?”

“Yes!” Katherine said, rummaging through her bag to pull out a handful of letters.

“A letter of recommendation from nearly all of the families I have worked for. I had the parents write them after my service, because I wanted my possible next employer to know that I have good and trustworthy experience. They contain the official family seal and you are welcome to contact them to confirm.”

Anna had to admit, things were going well thus far, but there was a slight feeling of unrest within her. She couldn’t explain what it was or where it had stemmed from, just that it was there, pushing against her heart.

“That sounds wonderful, Miss Katherine. You seem to possess the necessary qualities and even references, but I must ask; how do you feel about children? I know that the nature of your job asks that you develop a fondness for the infant you care for. But that cannot be easy. Children are quite… a handful to care for. And no child is like another in temperament and character. So, you cannot expect that the mannerisms of your previous ward would be the same as your next. How do you care for them so deeply, despite their difficult mannerisms?”

The other woman blinked at her and then smiled.

“You are absolutely right, Your Grace. Children are no picnic, infants even less so. But I understand that it is no fault of theirs that they are tough to manage. And I know that new mothers will have a difficult time dealing with those temper tantrums and unpredictable mood changes. I only wish to help. Children are simply lost souls, looking to feel warmth and comfort and I admire their ability to ask for it so boldly. It is only right that as the adult looking after them to provide them with what I can, to the best of my abilities. I only wish to help you and your child, Your Grace.”

It was a perfect response, if Anna had expected to hear one.

Katherine seemed like a wholly reliable person, and her experience was reflected in the way she spoke.

She clearly understood the challenges her job posed and did nothing to sugar cost it under an illusion of a perfect situation that could be easily managed with the right touch.

The duchess appreciated her straightforward honesty and strength. But the unease within her has refused to fade.

“Thank you for your time, Miss Katherine. You will be contacted in the future on my decision.” Anna told her with a small smile as she stood.

“Oh. I thought… would it be all right if I meet the child?” Katherine questioned, quickly rising to her feet as well.

“No,” was Anna’s immediate stern response.

Then a moment later, she felt strangely apologetic.

“No, you cannot meet with him. I try not to expose him to strangers casually. Surely you understand.” Anna added in a softer tone.

Katherine nodded with a smile.

“I do, Your Grace. Thank you for meeting with me.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Anna assured.

With one final nod, Anna left the room, followed closely by the butler. She started off in the direction of Nicholas’ nursery, then she stopped in her tracks.

“Where is the duke?”

Ernest replied swiftly. “In his study, Your Grace.”

Anna nodded and turned around, heading in the opposite direction.

Her heart beat was echoing in her head all the way there, clouding her mind and thoughts.

She tried to practice what she wished to say and how she intended to say it, but it was hard to string a notion together to convey her feelings appropriately.

When she arrived at her husband’s study, she knocked against the door and waited with bated breath.

“Come in,” his voice ordered and she opened the door.

Julian was scribbling on a piece of paper, his expression focused.

Anna waited for him to acknowledge her, but he kept his eyes on his work, obviously leaving the floor to his guest.

“Ahem,” The duchess cleared her throat.

Julian’s hand stopped its movements and he looked up, his eyes alight with surprise once he saw who was in his study.

“Duchess.”

“Good afternoon,” she curtsied slightly. “I hope I am not interrupting your important work.”

“You’re here already. That was unexpected, in and of itself. To what do I owe the surprising pleasure of your visit?” Julian queried, leaning backwards.

Something about the way he was looking at her, and how neutral his voice was made her squirm and she clenched at her skirts as she informed him.

“I just spoke to a nursemaid my sister had recommended.”

“So, you’ve settled that issue then? When is she to begin? Is there anything you need before she —”

“I do not like her.”

Julian stated at her blankly and said, “You do not like her.”

Anna shook her head and he asked,

“Might I ask why? Did something happen during your conversation?”

Anna was at a loss for words then. To be quite fair, Katherine had been nothing but polite — if not a tad eccentric — and she seemed experienced. She would have likely done a wonderful job with any child put in her care.

But for some reason, the idea of that woman holding Nicholas made her uncomfortable and she didn’t understand why.

“I… I’m not sure. I just don’t like her.”

Anna half expected Julian to dismiss her concerns or scold her for wasting his time after sending him to look for nursemaids and then disregarding one of those he had found without reason.

But he nodded and said,

“All right, then. We shall keep up our search. We do have other options. Do not worry.”

Anna was quite shocked by his reaction, to say the least, but she appreciated his understanding. And although it irritated her to tell him, she reluctantly expressed.

“Thank you. I appreciate you understanding my plight.”

Julian waved a hand in the air dismissively.

“Just ensure that you do not neglect your well-being again.”

It is truly a fascinating thing, Anna thought to herself, how someone could manage to sound both caring and rude.

His tone was as equally impressive as it was infuriating and she couldn’t help but scoff.

“Or else what, Your Grace? Are you going to punish me again?”

Julian was silent at first, then his gaze roamed over her body, as if he was taking in the sight of her leisurely from head to toe, and then he simply stated.

“Yes.”

The rush of heat to Anna’s cheeks was dizzying and she found herself once more unsure of what to say or do.

So, she turned around and left the study at once, accidentally slamming the door behind her on her way out.