Chapter Text
“Seven children?”
Jean sank back into her chair, trying to picture what a house with seven small children running all over the place might look like. A disaster, no doubt. Loud and chaotic and disorganised. She’d been prepared for a challenge when approached by the Reverend Mother about an opening for a governess. But seven children? How on earth could one keep track of them?
Mother Abbess fixed her with a pointed look. “Yes, Jean. The Doctor and his wife were very generous when they returned from the war, they took in many of the local orphans to raise as their own.”
“Of course, Reverend Mother,” she murmured. Seven. It would take her the better part of a week to remember them all.
“The Doctor is well thought of in town, Jean. It was a sad day when his wife passed. He’s been searching for an adequate housekeeper for some time now.”
“Adequate?” Jean could feel an eyebrow arch without her bidding. She had to get that under control. There were already rumblings in the convent about her ‘spirited’ attitude.
The Reverend Mother peered down at her, “I think you’ll be good for the Blake family, Jean. I think they may be good for you.”
It wasn’t the first time the Reverend Mother had spoken this way, her kind eyes fixed on Jean with something sad but hopeful. Ever since Jean had first wandered through the convent doors, guitar strapped to her back and a song on her lips that was quickly silenced by a glare from the sisters she’d been treated this way. Like there was a problem inside her that need to be solved or fixed. She so desperately wanted to be normal.
Maybe this was her chance.
“If it is God’s will,” Jean told her, trying to sound hopeful. “Then I will go.”
The Reverend Mother smiled. “Bless you, child.”
Seven small children and one widowed doctor, Jean thought. She’d need God on her side every step of the way.