A Nanny For Keeps

Sir Tyler had stood when she entered and motioned her to take a seat in one of the chairs flanking the fireplace. When she sat down, he took the other. “Now, before we get to the subject of the girls’ wardrobes, I must ask you something. Have my girls been giving you any trouble? Tate seems to think they were up to some mischief this morning.”

Georgia’s promise to his daughters was fresh in her mind and she wasn’t sure how to answer. She didn’t want to get Polly and Lilly in trouble. She wanted to help them—and their father.

“They haven’t really—”

“Miss Marshall, did they send you hunting for them today?”

At his point-blank question, she could answer only one way. “They did. But I believe they thought I might think it was funny.”

“Are you sure? I doubt it was fun trying to find them.”

Mr. Tate must have seen much more than she thought he had. “It wasn’t. But they didn’t seem themselves this morning and I wondered... Did anything happen this weekend that I should know about?”

She felt impertinent even asking and waited for Sir Tyler to put her in her place, but instead he let out a sigh.

“No, not that I know of. But my daughters don’t always confide in me. It’s something I’d like to change but I’m not sure how to.” He seemed to think he’d said too much as he stopped and shook his head.

“They seemed fine this whole weekend and were looking forward to seeing you today,” he continued. “They were a little upset I hadn’t asked you over yesterday afternoon, though. I suppose they thought that since you came over the Sunday before, you’d come again. But I explained that you had things you needed to do on weekends. They seemed to understand, but then, I sometimes wonder if I expect too much comprehension from them.”

“Perhaps. They’re still very young. I hope you won’t punish them for this morning. They begged me not to tell you and I know they don’t want to upset you.”

Sir Tyler rubbed a hand over his chin and shook his head once more before smiling at her. “I agree not to mention it, if you promise to tell me if they pull any more shenanigans. And please, if they do tell you why they hid from you today, let me know.”

“Of course I will.”

“Good. Now, about their wardrobes. What is it they need?”

“Well, I’m afraid it’s more than just a few things. They’ve outgrown many of their outfits and the styles are always changing. I’m not sure how you expect them to look.”

“Why, like other young girls their age, I suppose.”

“Sir Tyler, there are those who set style in this city and those who try to get as close to it as they can. But the very wealthy do often have more and better clothing than others.”

“I see. I think. But I admit to not knowing much about feminine attire. Or what is in style at any given time. I want them to look well dressed, but not necessarily on the same scale as royalty in England or those in league with the Vanderbilts and the Astors. While my daughters will inherit some wealth, it will not be on that scale.”

Georgia understood what he was saying, but there were many degrees of wealth and most tried to keep up with the style of the very wealthy. Even the middle classes tried to dress in style, even if not having custom clothing made for them.