Reassessment

Tom walked back into the house with Sybil by his side. He had been careful to hide his anger at what his daughter had told him. He had known Cora had chosen the nanny because of her impeccable references but it was 1926 not 1826 and he would not have his daughter terrified of the woman who was looking after her. He looked up as Thomas walked towards him.

"Miss Branson." Thomas smiled at the little girl who ran towards him.

"Mr Daddy took me to see the cars. And I read the sign and I am going to drive the cars like mummy did!"

"That's excellent news." He smiled at the young girl. Tom shook his head.

"I think Mr Barrow might be a bit busy." Tom watched as Thomas shook his head.

"Not at all." He watched as Sybil smiled broadly. "I've always time for Miss Sybil."

"The cars are huge!" She held her arms out. "And very shiny. The sign says Branson and Talbot cars and I read it all by myself!"

"That she did." Tom smiled proudly. "Her reading is coming on very well."

"Clever girl. Like her mother." Thomas smiled as the young girl smiled happily. "I think Miss Marigold and Master George are with your Aunt Mary and they are going to see Anna and the baby."

"Can I go? I love Anna!"

"If Aunt Mary is happy to take you I see no reason why not." Tom smiled as his only child ran through the house I search of her cousins. "Thank you, Thomas. She adores you. Always has."

"The girl has excellent judgement skills." Thomas nodded.

"Can I ask you what your thoughts are on the nanny?"

"Mrs. Morris?" Thomas shook his head. "I know she had been employed by some extremely influential families. But if you are asking what my personal thoughts on the old bag are."

"I am and I think you just made them clear." He nodded. "Why don't you like her?"

"Caring for children is not my forte. Far from it." He watched as the former driver nodded. "But I'd like to think Lady Sybil was a friend. She worked alongside me in the hospital during the War and as her friend I feel I have to say my piece." Tom nodded ushering him into the Drawing Room.

"Be frank."

"The woman is sweetness and light when any adult is around but has a vicious streak. More than once I've stepped in when she's referred to Miss Marigold in less than polite terms. The same for Miss Sybil. I dread to think what her conduct will be towards young Archie when Anna returns to the house."

"Thank you Thomas." Tom frowned. "That's all I needed to hear." Now more concerned than ever he headed up to the library knowing he had to talk to Edith before taking on Mrs Morris. Thomas watched him go before turning to see the newest member of the household arrive.

"Dafydd? Is everything alright?"

"Yes Mr Barrow." There was something the way the young Welsh man looked at him that caught him off guard. He didn't know what it was but he was certain that no other men looked at him in quite the same way.

"Then is there something I can help you with?"

"Not today." Dafydd smiled as Thomas blushed. "But one day, maybe." He walked away as Thomas frowned. It was turning out to be a very strange day and he wasn't sure what to make of it all.

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