NORLAND NIGHTMARE
by Carol Rallings
The middle-aged woman perched on the edge of the Chesterfield and smiled broadly.
‘’If you don’t mind me saying you have a beautiful home Mrs Beaumont” she said in a broad Scottish accent.
“Thank you it’s what I do for a living” Jenny answered. The Nanny nodded knowingly and handed over a concertina file, conscious of being under the Nanny’s gaze Jenny flicked through the credentials quickly.
“That all seems fine – well you certainly come highly recommended”
“25 years devoted to the wee ones! ” Eunice exclaimed.
‘You were a Norland Nanny I believe”.
“We were called the Silver Cross Brigade we’d all meet in Hyde Park with our charges”
“I’m very pleased I found you Eunice may I call you Eunice – you wouldn’t believe the problems I’ve had with younger nannies”
“ I can imagine’, The Nanny cleared her throat ‘Miss Molly if you don’t mind the children find it easier to say”
“Okay Miss Molly, I would like to offer you the position”. Patting the sides of her neat French pleat the woman gave a little nod, Jenny exhaled loudly.
“Phew, would you like a cup of tea”. Eunice unfastened her lapel and produced a pocket watch.
“After 3, tea will be fine strong with one sugar please”
In the kitchen Jenny replaced the mugs she had lined up by the kettle and laid up a tea tray, at last she felt she could think straight next week’s work almost seemed achievable.
The Nanny held her saucer in midair and sipped at the piping hot tea ; then helped herself to a third shortbread finger, while Jenny was barely able to nibble her way through one.
“Any questions?” asked Jenny
“When can I meet Abigail ? ” Eunice asked carefully replacing the Kath Kidston teacup back on the tray.
“Oh of course! Ramona is minding her, another treasure, she’s our daily …please come through” The Nanny’s Gaberdine rasped noisily as she followed Jenny to the kitchen.
A smiling Brazilian lady sat cradling an auburn haired child in her ample lap, Eunice went straight to the little girl and held her chubby fingers.
“Pleased to meet you Abigail, may I ? ”, she lifted her up and the little girl gurgled contentedly. After brief introductions the eager Jenny asked when she would like to start.
“No time like the present” Eunice replied briskly.
Barely able to believe her ears the mother picked up the bulging Gladstone bag monogrammed EDM and led the way up to the attic. Eunice was shown a huge bright loftroom, still holding Abigail she walked over
to the window.
‘I hope you’ll be very happy here with us” Jenny said keen to find the right words.
“This will do Grand! – but the only thing I would say is, do you find it a wee bit far from Abigail’s room? ”.
“Oh don’t worry Miss Molly I don’t expect, you to do the night shift” Jenny laughed.
“That never bothers me Mrs Beaumont – classified as part of the job – I’m sure you have plenty to do while Abigail and I get to know one another”.
“Are you sure, I am a bit busy this afternoon – got terribly behind you see”.
“Don’t worry about us Mrs Beaumont we will be just fine” reassured Eunice.
“Call me Jenny please” the mother called over her shoulder.
“ * *
Jenny stretched out her long legs and was pleased she’d lost a few more pounds, she still had a bit of overhang but that was covered up neatly by the long mohair jumper.
It had been an extravagant buy, but she loved the way it hung seductively off one shoulder it had made her feel youthful again. The ‘Mumsy’ label had started wearing a bit thin, she’d almost finished the last
emails from her long list, then she remembered she’d better message Norland Nannies and tell them she was hiring Eunice. She had been in her study over three hours and hadn’t heard a peep from her
daughter, conscious of not taking advantage of her new employee she thought it time to log off.
Jenny had been running her design business for eight years before Abigail was born, three months ago she’d organised a Relaunch and at last the two page spread in the Evening Standard together with the Harrods hampers ,she sent her old clients at Christmas, had started paying off as she had been swamped with enquiries.
When she arrived in the kitchen she found Miss Molly in the rocking chair, by the Aga, sewing what looked like a small patchwork cushion.
“I’m sorry – I just had so much to do, alot more than I thought”.
‘ It’s been no problem at all Mrs Beaumont, its given Abigail and I time to get to know one another… and then after her boiled egg and soldiers I bathed her and put her to bed”.
Jenny quite taken aback hadn’t expected her daughter to be in bed already.
“Boiled egg – I thought she might need dinner”,
“I don’t recommend a heavy dinner before bed for small children Mrs Beaumont promotes nightmares” Eunice added.
“She loved dipping her soldiers in the runny yoke – oh yes and I’ve made a jelly and blancmange for tomorrow, they are in the fridge. Well if you don’t mind I’ll retire for the evening - it’s been rather a long day”.
“Of course Miss Molly, Abigail went down okay?”
“Sleeping like an angel” the Nanny said as she headed for the door.
Jenny was relieved Eunice had gone to her room before Jake got home he’d be too tired for polite chit-chat this evening.
She checked the time on her phone, Nigella’s Nut Rissoles had gone out the window , it would have to be a ‘ M&S Bung in the Oven’ again instead: Moroccan Chicken and Dauphinoise Potatoes. Not too bad and they’d get to eat it in peace for the first time in ages, she thought. Just as she laid the table she heard Jake’s key in the lock.
“Hi Jen” he called, she quickly went into the hall and signalled for him to be quiet.
“Abigail’s asleep” she mouthed
“You are kidding me” he whispered as he got in earshot.
* * *
Jenny’s mobile text ringtone sounded loud enough to wake her up, she instinctively groped around on the bedside dresser for it and while she clicked for the message she caught sight of the time.
“ Damn! Gone nine” she’d overslept
Met nanny, what a character quite a find J x
Scrambling to get into her fleecy dressing gown and shuffling into her moccasins, she raced downstairs to find her daughter, before she got to the second landing she could see Miss Molly’s rear end as the woman was bent double fiddling with the pushchair in the hallway.
“Good Morning” called Jenny
“Good Morning, Mrs Beaumont I think I’ve done it now these new contraptions, always puzzling to start but I think I’ve cracked it -Abigail and I are going to Hyde Park to feed the ducks before the band of wet weather comes over! ”
The Nanny gave a shrill whistle and two salivating retrievers came obediently to call, slipping their double lead on expertly she manoeuvred the pushchair and headed for the door.
“Sorry ... I was up a bit late this morning Miss Molly”
“That’s no problem Mrs Beaumont, Abigail and I’ve got on just fine”
“Please call me Jenny” she called out as the door closed.
* * *
“I can’t put my finger on it Jake it’s just well , she’s different”
“Yes that’s obvious Jen, but at least you’re getting to spend more time in the office – and everything seems so much more organised with her around’
“Yes I know and I hope you don’t think I’m complaining it’s just”
“It’s just you worry too much”, he said placating his wife and pecking her on the cheek,
‘At this rate we might even get that week away on our own we’ve been promising ourselves’. Jenny sank down onto the blue leather backed bar stool and smiled as she imagined what that might be like, she couldn’t deny she loved the idea.
Taking off her glasses and rubbing the indentation on the bridge of her nose, she sighed, then put down her Schaeffer.
“That’s enough for one day... Abigail time” she announced.
As Jenny approached the nursery, she could hear Eunice’ s shrill voice
“Time to tidy the nursery, would you like to help Miss Molly fill up this toy box Abigail’ Jenny leaned on the door frame as she watched her daughter playing contentedly with some Play-Doh.
“You can take the rest of the day off Miss Molly if you’d like, I can put Abigail to bed this evening” as she spoke she wasn’t sure why she felt so awkward.
“Och there’ll be no need for that Mrs Beaumont, I’m sure you could do with just putting your feet up for a while” Eunice replied Jenny could feel the beginning of a headache, but was determined to continue.
“No it’s fine really I can’t remember the last time I read Abigail her bedtime story, and I’m sure you could do with a break”
“You’re looking a bit pale, would you like me to fix you a drink Mrs Beaumont”
“Jenny its Jenny” her head screamed, but instead tempted by the promise of a sugar pick me up, she said in a controlled voice
“That would be lovely”
“Abigail was about to have Hot chocolate with Mallows, I’ll make that two”
The Nanny took out a twisted wrap of greaseproof paper from her pocket and tapped a few grains of white powder into the My Little Mermaid Beaker, then emptied the rest into an elegant mug. She stirred the
steaming drinks furiously when all the contents had dissolved she decorated the froth with pink and white mallows.
“I’d like to read Abigail her bedtime story” she said mimicking Jenny’s voice, to Bobby who was at her feet hoping for a sugary treat to drop.
* * *
Jenny tried hard to remember the last time she had heard Abigail cry; infact she was struggling to remember anything much at all this morning .Nanny was once again wrestling with the I Candy Super Stroller , as she clipped the waterproof shield around the little girl.
“It’s raining cats and dogs out there, Miss Molly – maybe it’s a bit too wet to take Abigail out today” The woman stiffened, turned to face her and gave determined eye contact.
“It’s her daily constitutional, a little bit of weather builds up the system – but if you don’t mind Bertie and Bobby can stay behind today”.
The two enormous dogs were standing between the buggy and the door.
“Boys! Jenny called irritated. The knocker clanged loudly as the door slammed . The mother moved into the drawing room and cleared the misted glass of the bowed window, and watched the Nanny marching through the downpour.
* * *
Abi’s cold worse taking her 2 Dr. at 5.30 won’t be able 2 come 2nite
Can’t Nanny take her ?
No I want to!
Every 1 expecting you 2 come Want u there
Soz J think Abi ill cos Nanny took her out in rain on Mon
Jen it’s prob a virus
Temp over 100
R u sure Nanny can’t take her
OMG J No
Eunice bent down and picked the blue envelope up from the coconut matting, Abigail teetering was holding onto her hemline.
“Miss Abigail Beaumont, Och it’s addressed to you Abigail , an invite to Peter Symonds Birthday Party” The Nanny showed Abigail the gold embossed card
“Next Saturday , now won’t that be lovely, I’m sure you’ll be well enough by then’. The little girls curls bounced as she nodded at Nanny’s words.
* * *
“It’s a great finish Lucinda, definitely the defining piece! Well worth waiting for”
“We are very pleased with it all Jenny” The raven haired woman said running her hand along the marble worktop.
“Oh yes, here’s the reply from Abigail she’d love to come to Peter’s party”
“It’ll be a great chance for us to catch up too, I haven’t seen so much of you lately” said Lucinda
“Been so busy, the phone hasn’t stopped–you’re right it’s about time I had the afternoon off”
“Just you and Abigail Jen, your Nanny is not invited”
“Oh I can’t do that she’d hate to be left out of doing something with Abigail”
“I want us to have a chat and I don’t like the idea of her listening in” said Lucinda folding her arms.
“She’s not like that Lucinda honest”.
Jenny bustled around the kitchen putting things back in their original places. Somehow things had got so muddily, suddenly she was aware of someone standing behind her she jumped when she turned around and found Nanny staring down at her. “
“Abigail is already for the party Mrs Beaumont”
“Jenny please call me Jenny” the mother found herself snapping back.
“That’s not the dress I laid out for her Nanny”
“Well this is the dress Abigail chose herself for Peter’s party”
“ With respect at 22 months I don’t think Abigail is old enough to choose her own wardrobe”. Sensing the tension Abigail who was in Miss Molly’s arms began to cry.
“Oh come to me now AbI it’s nearly time to go so let’s quickly change” as Jenny reached out for her daughter the little girl began to squirm and a tantrum grew, grabbing hold of her firmly a sort of tug-of-war
began between the two women.
“Abigail and I won’t be long now Nanny, back in a few hours” Jenny hissed through gritted teeth.
‘Don’t you look a pretty princess today” Lucinda complimented the pouting girl who was wearing a pink paraphernalia of puffball skirts. Two-year-old Peter ran down the hall and danced around his mother’s legs
pointing at the large box the little girl was clutching.
“Come on through to the party Abigail ” . Following the Birthday Tea the doorbell chimed out all over the Georgian mansion.
‘I’ll get it ‘ offered Lucinda’s mother.
“Oh yes come in” Jenny heard her saying from the hallway somehow she wasn’t surprised to see Miss Molly coming into the Dining Room.
“Happy birthday Peter” the Nanny offered a spongy gift tied with coloured string to the little boy. He snatched the present and tugged impatiently at it tearing the paper , a home-made woollen Dragon rolled out.
Peter was instantly taken with his new soft toy, Lucinda wasn’t so impressed as she looked at the evil button eyes and scarlet red wool emulating blood dripping from the furry mouth .
“Every Peter must have a Dragon” Eunice announced and didn’t take her eyes off Lucinda as she spoke, Jenny laughed nervously.
“Nanny can make a cuddly toy out of anything”
“Make do and mend was my Mother’s motto”
Lucinda shot her friend a glance and wondered when she’d started calling her Nanny.
“Come on wee one we’d better be getting you back” she said bending over to pick up Abigail.
“Oh it’s fine – Abi can stay abit longer” said Jenny
“Wouldn’t do to break Abigail’s routine, and besides I promised her a trip to the zoo tomorrow and we don’t want you all gristly do we” Nanny spoke softer in her baby language, as she scooped the little girl up.
Keen to get back on the right side of Miss Molly Jenny said nothing, but Lucinda gave her a sharp dig in the ribs . At that moment Lucinda’s mother wafted in balancing a pyramid of cupcakes.
“Haven’t heard a Glaswegian accent for a long time which area are you from?” she enquired.
“I’m from Edinburgh, never been to Glasgow in my life” Nanny bristled; turning her back on the woman.
“Well Abigail it’s time we were getting you in the bath, I’m sure you’ve had quite enough excitement for one day”
“Be a good girl! now and thank Peter for inviting you”.
Eunice unzipped the pocket concealed in the folds of her Gladstone bag and pulled out a long gold pendant she clicked the locket, it opened like a book to reveal a faded photo of a little girl; in the other leaf was a curled up lock of blonde hair.
“Abigail reminds me so much of you now Rosie, I think it’s the way the wee lass puts her arms around my neck and coddles in, she loves me reading to her just like you did”
“Rosalind My Sweet Rosalind ” she began to sing softly, noticing the frayed edge of a newspaper clipping The Nanny stopped.
GLASGOW HERALD
COT DEATH CLAIM
LACK OF EVIDENCE
MOTHER ACQUITTED
She reached for the lighter that she used to light one of the numerous fragranced candles Jenny had decorated her room with. The corner of the Glasgow Herald curled up as the words began to scorch
“Better be safe than sorry Rosie, just incase the likes of Lucinda and her Mother start prying”.
* * *
“I can’t wait!” said Jenny as she double clicked on the mouse to enlarge the image of the hotel bedroom. Jake bent down to look over his wife’s shoulder, then he kissed the back of her neck ; He was relieved she liked his surprise.
“We’ve been talking about it for so long” he said as he straightened up then moved towards the couch. Jenny spun round on her office chair to look at him.
“Do you think Abigail will be alright?, we’ve never left her before” He loosened his tie and frowned;
“Jen, Eunice has been looking after her for six months now – Abi loves her, she’ll be fine” His wife nodded and spun back round to her Desktop.
“It does look divine”
“It will be” Jake said relaxing his head against the armrest.
“Goodbye sweetheart, be really good for Mummy” said Jenny kissing her daughter’s cheek and hugging her tightly, she could hear Eunice bustling about in the kitchen preparing Abigail’s favourite Hot Chocolate and Mallows. The house seemed empty almost echoey without Bobby and Bertie, she missed their hairy tails banging against her leg.
Jenny had been quite surprised when Nanny had insisted the dogs go to the kennels as she’d find it “quite enough with Abigail”, and with Ramona having returned to Brazil, for a holiday, she hadn’t had any choice. She placed the little girl down on to the laminated floor delicately when she heard Jake beep the horn again impatiently outside. Suddenly comforted by Abigail’s incomprehension she ruffled her child’s golden curls and headed for the door.
* * *
Abigail’s whining was beginning to annoy Eunice, she dropped the comb in the basin, pushed the ensuite door open and marched towards the nursery. Red hair dye spotted on the amber wool carpet as she approached the cot.
“Rosie, Mummy’s busy she hasn’t got time to read to you now” Abigail was stunned into silence at her Nanny’s harsh tone and dropped down onto the mattress.
“That’s it, I told you Rosie this is quiet time”, she went over to the blackout blind and pulled it down sharply, then with the same force yanked the carousel mobile above the small child’s head.
Humming the lullaby she headed back to the bathroom and began searching through the cabinet for the scissors to finish her transformation.
Eunice rocked herself lazily in the chair running the small patchwork cushion edged with broderie anglaise lace through her fingers, her midnight maroon polished nails neatly filed now matched the colour of her sleek bob which included kiss curls that bordered her plump cheeks. Abigail had been sleeping peacefully for hours, easing herself up slowly not to make a sound The Nanny moved over to the cot, and bent over the little girl.
“Sleep tight my beautiful Rosie” she whispered.
Only the Cabbie who had just dropped off some partygoers at Number 6 noticed the woman walking hastily along Portland Street, she took as big strides as she could manage in her tightly fitted pinstripe suit and stilettos. A clutch bag was tucked firmly under her arm containing her new passport and flight ticket. Eddie slowed to see if she needed a lift all he got was an icy stare as she waved him on and disappeared into the early morning mist.
