The Good Servant

by Adrien Leduc

  "Mother? What's the matter? What's wrong with Helena?" asked Caroline, clearly upset with the sickening sounds emanating from the bathroom.

  "I don't know, darling. Perhaps Ernest will go and see. It sounds as though Helena may be ill with something. Go and check, will you, Ernest?"

  "Of course, Madam," answered Ernest, setting down the creamer and hurrying from the room.

  Inside the bathroom, he found Helena hunched over a bucket. She looked up at him as he entered.

  "Oh, Helena..."

  "It's alright, Ernest. I've been doing this almost every morning now. Seems to have hit me harder today though."

  "Come, let's get you up," said the butler tenderly, bending down and helping Helena into a sitting position.

  "Thank you, Ernest. What ever would I do without you."

  "I don;t know, Helena. But I'm here alright. Now, just sit there while I go and fetch you a glass of water."

  She nodded and Ernest left the bathroom.

  "Ernest?" Lady Hutchinson called from the drawing room just as he was about to descend the stairs.

  "Yes, Madam?"

  "Is everything alright?"

  "Yes, Madam. Everything is fine. I'm fetching some water for Helena. She's definitely ill."

  "Is it serious? Shall I send for Doctor Avery?"

  "Goodness, no, Madam. She'll be fine within a day or so I reckon."

  "How can you be sure?"

  She was at the door now, looking at him with an accusatory stare.

  "What about the rest of us? What if we contract whatever Helena has got? Should we not know whether she should be quarantined?"

  "Madam, I - "

  "No, Ernest. You will fetch Helena a glass of water and then you will hurry to Doctor Avery's. Tell him it's urgent."

  Ernest bowed his head to hide his worried expression. "Of course, Madam."

  Doctor Avery will clearly be able to tell that Helena was expecting, Ernest thought as he made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. What ever will happen to her when Lady Hutchinson finds out? She'll most certainly terminate her employment - even though it's not her fault. Perhaps Lord Hutchinson will take pity on her...

  As it turned out, Doctor Avery was indeed clearly able to tell that Helena was expecting. The minute Ernest arrived on his doorstep to tell him that he was needed at the Hutchinson household, he'd grabbed his bag, thrown on his coat, and they were back out the door within minutes, leaving poor Mrs. Avery all alone at the table, lunch having just been served. Immediately upon his arrival he'd followed Lady Hutchinson to Helena's bedside and there, without even removing his tools, he'd announced that she was with child.

  "But how can you tell, Doctor Avery?" Lady Hutchinson implored, tight lines of concern etched across her face.

  "She's swollen, Lady Hutchinson. Various areas are...enlarged. She's got that glow about her. Her hands are cold and clammy. And if she's been vomiting as Ernest mentioned, then she's got the sickness that goes with it."

  "Is what he says true, child?"

  Ernest looked on as the young maid nodded slowly, shamefully.

  "Good God in heaven...and who is the father?"

  Helena looked at Ernest and Lady Hutchinson followed her gaze.

  "Ernest!?"

  Helena shook her head and Ernest threw his hands up in the air.

  "Heavens no, Madam!"

  Then, who?"

  "If I may, Madam," said Ernest gently, "perhaps it would be best if we went into the drawing room. We can leave Doctor Avery to further examine Helena. I'll explain the situation to you in private."

  Doctor Avery looked offended, but Ernest didn't care. Kingston was a small town and Mrs. Avery was one of the biggest gossips in town. If he were let in on the secret, Helena would never again be able to show her face in public.

  Lady Hutchinson seemed to ponder the matter for a second. Ernest watched her closely, imagining that she was thinking exactly what he'd been thinking. Helena's pregnancy would surely bring shame to the household and there was no sense making it worse by letting Doctor Avery know the identity of the father.

  "Alright, Ernest," was all she said, before picking up her skirts and exiting Helena's bedroom.

  The butler followed in her wake and once they were both in the drawing room, he shut the door firmly.

  "Now," said Lady Hutchinson, looking forlornly at the tea pot on the table, the tea inside now ice cold and undrinkable, "who is the father of Helena's child?"

  Ernest took a deep breath and sat down on the long chaise, usually reserved for important Lady visitors.

  "This is difficult to say, Madam. So perhaps I'll just spit it out."

  "Please don't."

  "Madam?"

  "Please don't spit."

  "Oh, I don't mean literally. It's an expression."

  "Well spitting is filthy. Regardless."

  "Alright then," Ernest breathed impatiently. "Perhaps I'll just come out and say it."

  Lady Hutchinson looked as exasperated as he was. "Please do."

  "It's Oliver, Madam."

  "Oliver!?"

  "Yes, but please, it's not what you think. Before you blame Helena, Oliver took her against her will."

  The woman put a hand to her mouth. "No..."

  Ernest nodded grimly.

  "When? How?"

  "Sometime in December. Helena was outside for something and he assaulted her there. She never told me the precise place, but I found one of her boots in the hedges. I'm guessing perhaps in the stables, or thereabouts."

  "Well I never!"

  Ernest nodded, his eyes sad and remorseful.

  "At least he's in jail."

  "Aye, Madam. That's where he deserves to be."

  "A thief and a violator of women...thank goodness he's no longer with us."

  Ernest felt the urge to say that it was only thanks to him that Oliver was no longer living within the Hutchinson confines, but then he wouldn't be behaving as the selfless Caldwell his mother had raised him to be.

  "Yes, Madam. I feel at ease knowing that he's behind bars."

  "And there he will stay. I'll be speaking to James tonight about this latest development."

  "Do you think that wise, Madam?"

  "What ever do you mean, Ernest? Do I think what wise? Are you questioning my judgement?"

  "Not at all Madam," said Ernest hastily. "Only to say that, Helena is still so young. To have such a weight brought down upon her - she would never be able to show her face in town again. And that's not to mention how the news of such an assault taking place on this very property would tarnish your husband's reputation."

  Lady Hutchinson nodded slowly. "You are a shrewd man, Ernest Caldwell. My brother was right to recommend you. What would you advise then? Do we let things be?"

  "I think that would be the most prudent thing to do, Madam."

  The proud woman inhaled sharply and turned to look out the window.

  "Very well then. We shall speak no more about it. And I don't want to hear Oliver's name ever mentioned again. Do you understand?"

  "Of course, Madam."

  There was a knock at the door.

  "That must be Doctor Avery. Come in!"

  The door opened and the doctor appeared.

  "Well?"

  "She's with child. But she's doing well. Her pulse is regular, her temperature seems to be nothing extraordinary. I estimate her to be about six and a half weeks along. Have you thought about where she should have the baby - and more importantly, what will become of the baby afterwards?"

  Lady Hutchinson grimaced and looked once more out the window.

  "I haven't had the time to think about it, doctor. The news of Helena's condition is as new to me as it is to you. I shall have to speak to James about it."

  "Very well. If I may, though, Madam."

  Ernest didn't like where this was headed.

  "Yes, doctor?"

  "An acquaintance of mine runs a home for girls like Helena - in Toronto."

/>   "Girls like Helena?"

  The doctor coughed. "Girls who are unwed and are expecting children, Lady Hutchinson."

  "Ah, yes. An unfortunate situation indeed. And especially given the way it came to pass."

  "I'm sorry?"

  Ernest gave his employer a look of warning.

  "Oh, I simply mean that she's by herself. Alone. Here in Canada. Her mother, as I understand, is no longer living. And her father is a drunkard. She really has no one to turn to."

  "Well, all the more reason to consider Gideon's Home for Girls then, Madam."

  "Gideon's Home for Girls?"

  "Yes, Madam."

  "Well, I shall consider it. As I said a minute ago, I must first speak with James. This is not my decision alone to make."

  "I understand, Madam."

  Several moments of silence passed, then Lady Hutchinson spoke again.

  "How much do I owe you, doctor?"

  "Eight shillings, Madam."

  "Very well. Ernest, fetch my purse will you? You know where I keep it."

  "Of course, Madam."

  The butler rose from his chair, dusted off his jacket, and proceeded past Doctor Avery and out the door with Helena on his mind.

  Poor girl. Will they send her away? To have the baby on her own? In a strange city? And at such a young age...

  Perhaps someone in town would take Helena in. Lady Beckerman was known for her charity. Miss Foster as well. He had some work to do.

  - 5 -

  Finding an opportunity to speak with a member of Kingston's social elite wasn't an easy task for a butler. Moreover, as Lady Hutchinson was not particularly fond of Lady Beckerman or Miss Foster, it's not as though either woman would be dropping by for tea anytime soon. That left the one and only place where, for centuries, common farmers mingled with high-ranking public officials, and humble merchants rubbed shoulders with wealthy land owners: the church.

  Nearly every respectable English family in Kingston attended Sunday Mass at St. George's Cathedral and the Hutchinson's, of course, were no exception. And while Ernest did not always accompany them, he definitely planned to today. For both Lady Beckerman and Miss Foster were sure to be there - and if he could just steal a few minutes with either of them - that would be all he needed to explain Helena's predicament.

  Whether or not they would take pity on Helena was another matter altogether, but it was the only option remaining. For Lord Hutchinson was in staunch agreement with Doctor Avery that the young maid should be sent to the Gideon Home for Girls in Toronto. And despite Ernest's protestations, it was decided that Helena would leave the Hutchinson's the day she'd reached her third month. Given that Helena was now seven weeks along, that only left Ernest with five weeks - very little time - perhaps too little time - to find a benfactor - or in this case - benefactress - for the young woman.

  "Are you coming or not, Ernest?" came the sound of Lady Hutchinson's voice, interrupting his thoughts.

  "Yes, Madam."

  "Well hurry up, would you? We're waiting."

  "Yes, of course. Please excuse my tardiness," he replied, hurrying to throw on his jacket and close the door to the house before pounding down the steps and marching to the carriage where Lord, Lady, and Caroline Hutchinson were seated inside. Outside, perched in the driver's chair, sat Philip, reins at the ready.

  "In you get, Ernest," said Lord Hutchinson, extending an arm and pulling him into the carriage.

  "Thank you, Sir."

  "Not to worry, Ernest," he answered, slamming the door shut.

  "And thank you for allowing me to accompany you."

  "Well," said Lady Hutchinson, brushing something from the skirt of Caroline's dress, "it has been a rather long while since you've come to Mass."

  "I know," Ernest sighed apologetically.

  "Why don't you come to Mass more often, Ernest?" asked Caroline, looking up at him.

  The butler didn't know what to say to the little girl. Did he tell the truth and say he hated the intoxicating smell of bad perfume, the constant sounds of coughing and sneezing, the wailing babies, the uncomfortable pews, the boring sermons? No, that wouldn't do.

  "Er, well, I guess I've been so busy that - "

  He stopped himself upon seeing Lady Hutchinson's reproachful stare.

  "Too busy to go to church?" asked the girl, bewildered.

  "Er...yes...sometimes," Ernest spluttered happlessly. "Other times, it's just...I haven't been feeling well in the mornings. Getting old. You know how it is. I'm not the young man I once was."

  "Like Mr. Winthrop?"

  "Not that old," answered Ernest with a chuckle. "Not yet anyways."

  Judging by Lady Hutchinson's expression, his light-hearted remarks were not appreciated and he coughed uncomfortably, hoping Caroline would change the subject.

  As luck would have it, she did. Although the subject she chose wasn't any better.

  "Mother?"

  "Yes, darling."

  The little girl looked out the carriage window at the passing foot traffic as Philip led them down Princess Street.

  "What's wrong with Helena? Won't you please tell me?"

  "Caroline, darling, what has your mother said about Helena?" Lord Hutchinson scolded.

  "She said that I was not to talk about it."

  "And?"

  Ernest watched as the youngest of the Hutchinson clan squirmed uncomfortably in her seat.

  "Darling," Lady Hutchinson said gently before her husband could launch into another one of his tirades about Helena. Frankly, Ernest was rather disappointed that he held her responsible for the situation she was now facing.

  "Helena is having some difficulties...and Doctor Avery said that she'll have to go away...but never fear, child," Lady Hutchinson added hastily, "we shall find you a new Helena."

  "But I don't want a new Helena. I want our Helena."

  Lord Hutchison inhaled sharply and Ernest braced himself for the barrage of angry words he expected to come out of the man's mouth. But it never came, and Ernest relaxed as Lady Hutchinson smoothed the situation.

  "You shall have our Helena for another month, and in the Spring you'll have a new Helena. Helena will show the new girl - and teach her - everything there is to know about you. That way, when it comes time for your bath or your bedtime story, she'll know just how to do it. What do you think of that then, darling?"

  "I don't know," the little girl answered, letting out a sigh.

  "Well, that's how it's going be," said Lady Hutchinson tersely.

  Caroline turned away from her mother and looked longingly out the window at the passers by enjoying the sunny Sunday morning.

  "Hey! Look! It's Robert and Mrs. Levington! And they've got a puppy!" she exclaimed suddenly.

  Ernest leaned over and looked in the direction the little girl was pointing. Sure enough, there was young Master Levington, leading a small, black terrier proudly along the promenade. He glanced at Lady Hutchinson whose face expressed her displeasure and realized that this was an opportunity to distract both her and Lord Hutchinson from Helena's predicament. Long enough, at least, for him to make arrangements with Miss Foster or Lady Beckerman to take in the young maid. All he had to do was stoke Caroline's enthusiasm.

  "Really? Do they have a puppy?" he asked, pretending he hadn't seen young Robert Levington leading the dog on a leash.

  Caroline nodded excitedly and looked from Ernest, to her mother, then back outside again.

  "Did you see him, father? Did you? Did You?"

  "Yes, my dear girl. For heaven's sake, I've seen many puppies in my time. It's hardly the evening news."

  "Oh, James..." Lady Hutchinson said admonishingly.

  Ernest threw more oil on the fire. "It's not every young boy or girl that gets to have a puppy now, is it?"

  "No..." the little girl answered forlornly, watching out the window as they rolled past the Levington's and their puppy.

  Ernest waited impatiently for her to ask for a puppy of her own. Face pressed
against the glass, Caroline's eyes watched Robert and his mother and their puppy until they were out of sight.

  Come on now...

  When they were well clear of the Levington's, the little girl pulled her face from the window with Ernest watching her closely. When she didn't speak, the butler concluded that she wouldn't, and disappointingly pulled his eyes from the girl to gaze out the window on his side of the carriage. But then came the sound of her voice, followed by the question he'd been hoping for.

  "Mother, can we get a puppy?"

  Silence for a minute.

  "I don't think so, Caroline."

  "Please, mother. I'll take ever good care of it! It won't bark! He'll sleep in my room, and - "

  YOUR MOTHER SAID NO!" Lord Hutchinson roared, pounding a fist against the carriage wall.

  The carriage slowed as stunned silence took hold.

  "Everything alright in there, father?" came the muffled voice of Philip from outside.

  "YES! NOW GET A MOVE ON! WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE!"

  Ernest heard Philip crack the reins and they got moving again.

  He didn't dare make eye contact with either Lord or Lady Hutchinson, and so he continued looking out the window, watching the passers by on Princess Street.

  "James..."

  "Laura, there's nothing to discuss. We are absolutely not getting a puppy."

  Caroline moaned, and Ernest was suddenly saddened. He'd wanted the young girl to bother them for a puppy so their attention wouldn't be so fixated on Helena. All he'd done however was make himself feel guilty that the daugther of his employers, was in distress. And that simply would not do. Thus now, not only did he have to find a home for a mother-to-be and her baby, he had to find a puppy for Caroline as well. Still, no matter. He'd find a way to do it all.

  They arrived at the Saint George's Anglican Cathedral a several minutes later and they all got out of the carriage and filed inside. There was a parking place for carriages down the street and Philip pulled the carriage there while the rest went inside. Once inside, after a quick meet and greet with Reverend Alston, Ernest and the three Hutchinsons made their way up the sturdy wooden steps to the balcony and to the pew where they always sat. Lady Beckerman and her husband sat just two rows behind them and Ernest saw her leafing through the day's program. He wasn't quite sure when and if he'd get an opportunity to speak with her, but hoped he'd have some luck.

  Philip found them several minutes later and the Mass got underway shortly thereafter. Reverend Alston gave a rather rousing introductory speech, followed by Lady Windermere's choral rendition of "God Save The King", and afterwards there was a reading from the Gospel of Luke. It wasn't long before the initial buzz of a Sunday morning wore off and people began to doze off.