Not Just a Nanny
Alice perched at a table in the university library, surrounded by a battlement of textbooks and notebooks. Her fingers flipped through revision notes at lightning speed while her eyes darted hungrily along the linesdesperate to cram as much information as humanly possible before the looming assessment. Dr Patterson was infamous for his ironclad standards: if you flunk his test, youre all but consigned to the purgatory of resits. And Alice couldnt risk another delayher term had already morphed into a minefield of deadlines and anxiety.
Just then, her course mate, Martha, sidled up and plopped herself onto the edge of the table, leaning in conspiratorially.
Youre looking for a part-time job, arent you?
Alice didnt lift her gaze from her notes. She barely managed a nod and then dove back in. Time was ticking and her to-learn list wasnt getting any shorter.
Mm, she finally grunted, forcing herself not to lose her train of thought. But time is the enemy really. You know how packed our schedule is, lectures til two every day, and skipping isnt an option.
Martha smiled with the air of someone about to drop a juicy secret. She was well aware how deadly serious Alice was about her studies. After a beat, she continued, her voice a little brighter now:
Ive honestly got the perfect thing. My neighbournice chap, bit of a fluke how we methes a single dad. His wife passed away, as far as I knowwell, could be she just ran off, the details were a bit murky at our last residents meeting. Martha wrinkled her nose at the memory, clearly never one for idle gossip. Anyway, hes up to his eyeballs at work and is absolutely desperate for a nanny, just for the evenings, four to eight-ish.
Alice at last tore herself away from the revision and looked Martha in the eye. Now she had her attention.
You love kids; youre doing education as your major, and youve got experience! Four younger brothers is nothing to sniff at.
Alice pondered. The word children always made her think fondly of her own chaotic home life, playing deputy mum to a gaggle of noisy siblings. It was hard but oddly rewarding.
How old are the kids? she asked, unable to hide her concern.
She twiddled her pencil, weighing up Marthas words. Being a nanny sounded both appealing and terrifyingits one thing to wrangle your own siblings, quite another to comfort a child from a family shaped by grief.
Twin girls, about six, Martha replied with impressive speed. And theres another onean older lad, but at thirteen hes basically feral and always off at rugby practice or whatever, so you wont have to mind him.
Alice gingerly tapped the table with her pencil. Are you sure hell take me on? I mean, Im only in my fourth year Im not even qualified yet.
Sure, shed survived looking after four rowdy brothers, completed a nursery school placement, and genuinely liked young kids. But minding your own family is differentthese were someone elses children, and their dad wasnt going to be forgiving if she made a mess of it.
Martha gave an airy, dismissive wave. Of course! Ben literally begged me to recommend someone yesterday. Shall I give him your number?
Marthas confidence was infectious. Alice glanced at her notes, at her watchjust thirty minutes until her next lecture. And suddenly, she realised: this could be just what she needed. The job was local, the hours flexible, and, honestly, little girls are infinitely sweeter than spreadsheets.
Her heart thundered with the feverish cocktail of nerves and anticipation. She took a deep breath, exhaled, and said with newfound determination:
Go on, then!
********************
Alice was a bundle of nerves. Today was, strictly speaking, her first day of work. True, she was no stranger to shepherding younger brothers, but this was different: an actual job, real responsibility, and total strangers in her charge. She checked her bag for the millionth timephone, keys, notebook, snacks for the twins. All present and correct.
The introduction to Ben and his children had been blessedly easy. Ben himself was relaxed, friendly, and laid things out clearly: rules of the house, daily routine, what time to pick the girls up from school. The girlsEmily and Sophiewere shy at first, peeking out from behind their dads legs, but within ten minutes they were chattering away, showing off their art. It seemed they liked her. Alice struggled not to beam at their antics.
What did trip her up, however, was Ben himself. Martha had tactically omitted an important detail: the man was rather attractive. Tall, warm-eyed, with a lopsided smile, he had the sort of easygoing charm that made Alice acutely aware of her own awkwardness. Oh, Martha! Leaving out that minor detail meant Alice had to make a concerted effort not to blush whenever Ben spoke to her.
Just keep your wits about you, she muttered to herself. Its a job, not a Jane Austen novel.
She spotted the primary schoola compact brick building with a playground teeming with children in blue blazers. Ben had already phoned ahead to notify the staff that the girls nanny would be picking them up and had written a note, just in case. Alice took a steadying breath, patted her hair into submission, and headed in.
The playground was its usual cacophony of shrieks, arguments, and a small band of children determined to construct the worlds muddiest pie. Emily and Sophie stood by the swings, deep in twin-speak conversation. They spotted Alice, froze, and then offered tentative smiles.
Alice crouched so she was at eye level, adopting her kindest tone.
Well, ladies, time to go home. Ill whip up something extra tasty for you when we get in.
Emily eyed her with the suspicious squint of a pint-sized detective. What are you going to make?
Alice pretended to ponder. Hmm maybe pancakes with jam? Or biscuits with chocolate chips?
Sophie perked up. Biscuits! I like them with lots of chocolate bits!
Biscuits it is then! Alice grinned, holding out her hands. The girls, after only a split-seconds hesitation, placed their small hands in hers. In that instant, her nerves gave way to a warm sense of rightness. Maybe this really would work after all.
The girls glanced at each other, sharing a silent twin conversation. They moved in tandem, hands held the same, inclined their heads just so, even their steps fell in perfect time. And beneath all that childish seriousness shone a determination entirely at odds with their age.
Alice watched them with affection, but her mind flicked to the conversation shed had with Tom, their older brother. The previous day, in an uncharacteristic display of gravity, hed pulled her aside and spoken in a low, urgent voice.
They used to be so open, you know. Happy to cuddle everyone. But after after Mum He paused, groping for words. They dont really understand what happened, not properly. Sometimes they ask if its because they were naughty. Did Mum leave because of them? Me and Dad try to make them see its not their fault, but its like theyve put up a wall. They hardly ever smile now. And they wont let strangers in at all. Gran used to help out, but she got proper ill, and Dad had to find someone.
There was a tiredness and a sense of responsibility in Toms voice that was distinctly not thirteen. Alice just nodded, throat tight. Looking at Emily and Sophie, she felt the importance of her role keenly.
They took to me quickly though, Alice offered, half to herself. We managed to laugh. I did a scarf trick; they were in stitches.
Tom eyed her as if taking her measure, and then, with a seriousness that belied his years, said:
Thats why Dad chose you. He said you were different. Just dont let us down, yeah?
His hope and anxiety nudged something deep inside. Alice nodded back, fierce with resolve.
I won’t let you down. Ill do everything I can to bring their smiles back.
Tom cracked a rare smile himself and then, suddenly shy again, admitted, Ill help, too. When my rugbys not in the way. Im good at bedtime stories.
Im sure theyd love that, Alice replied warmly.
****************
Two months as Miss Alice in the Bartlett family zipped by. So much had changed: Emily and Sophiethat edgy wariness in their eyesslowly yielded to cautious adoration. Now theyd greet Alice with delighted squeals, tumble over new stories, and act positively scandalised at having to say goodbye at bedtime.
That evening, Alice started packing up after another noisy play session. She hummed the new song theyd learned, carefully tidying the puzzle pieces. Emily and Sophie watched her from the sofa, looking rather mournful.
Stay with us! Emily erupted, springing forward to clamp herself around Alices waist. What do you need to go home for?
Alice froze, then let out a soft laugh, bending to hug her back.
I have to prep for class, you know, she explained tenderly. Uni tomorrow, and if Im not ready, Professor Harris will eat me alive. Dont worryIll be back tomorrow, you wont even have time to miss me!
Sophie wasted no time latching on herself. Were already missing you! You should stay here!
Alice looked down into their bright, searching faces and felt her heart melt. She knelt, getting properly eye-to-eye.
And where would I sleep? she teased. Surely not in your roomyou two would never survive.
Emily thought hardthen beamed. Dads bed is huge! You could fit in easily!
Sophie piped up. Yes! Daddy always works late, he wont mind!
Alice did well not to laugh. The girls were so earnest, so guileless. Of course, they meant nothing by it except please never leave us. Still, Alices imagination turned traitor at once: scenes flashed before her eyescozy evenings in the Bartletts house, the lamp-lit living room, her and Ben sharing tea and laughter. If only, she mused, and blushed.
Stop it, Alice, she chastised herself. Its just a job, not an audition for The Vicar of Dibley. Before her mind could gallop any further, she bundled herself together, promised the girls shed be back bright and earlyand practically bolted down the stairs.
Outside, she inhaled the crisp evening air, cheeks still suspiciously flushed. She alternated between smoothing her hair and fidgeting with her bag strap, nerves twanging like piano wire.
Unbeknownst to her, Tom was observing all this from the hall, wearing a smirk worthy of any long-suffering older brother. Hed seen the change Alice had brought to the house: Dad lingered longer in the kitchen, softened notably when she was there; Alice, uncharacteristically tongue-tied, blushed her way through dinner, not that anyone missed it.
Looks like Dad might finally have a shot, Tom mused, watching his fathers half-smile as he watched Alice. Pity grown-ups are absolutely rubbish at stating the obvious.
That evening, when Ben arrived home, Tom made his move. He waited until his dad had shrugged off his jacket and perched across from him, folding his arms impatiently.
So, Dadwhats your excuse this time? he asked, matter-of-fact.
Ben, buried in a pile of London Underground lost property forms, looked up, mystified. Excuse for what?
Tom threw his hands up. With Alice! You like herand dont tell me you dont! Why havent you asked her out yet?
Ben blinked, then flushed, clearly unprepared for this teenage intervention. Tom, shes our nanny. Shes brilliant with the girls, and thats what matters.
Oh, come on! Tom cut in. The way you both faff about, classic primary school stuff. Miss Alice, would you like a cup of tea? Oh no, Mr Bartlett, Im just fine, blushing while I say it. Invite her out for a coffee, Dad. How hard is it?
Ben leant back, rubbing his face, clearly both bemused and rattled.
Its not that simple, Tom, Ben tried. The girls adore her. What if I scare her off? What if she walks? I cant take that risk.
But Tom wasnt finished. With all the bullish confidence of puberty, he pressed on:
Alice is clearly mad about you! Honestly, she turns red at the sight of your tie. Why not just try? Worst case, you go to Costa and make awkward smalltalk; best case, she becomes our not-nanny!
Ben had to chucklehis son really did have a talent for making the impossible sound like ordering a sandwich.
Easy for you to say. What if Im wrong? What if she thinks Im taking advantage?
No ones asking for a proposal at the school gates, Tom reasoned. Just start slowtake us all to the park or the café. Shed feel less weird, and if it goes wrong, at least you havent chucked your life away.
Ben warmed to the idea. A day out at Richmond Park, a trip for ice cream on the river, a chance for normality. Perhaps, if nothing else, hed escape the endless loop of lonely evenings.
You really think itd work? he asked, cautiously hopeful.
Bound to, Tom assured him. And if it doesnt, Ill never bring it up again.
Father and son shared a grin, the kind reserved for hare-brained schemes and hopeful new beginnings. From upstairs came a shriek of girlish laughterEmily and Sophie playing hide and seek with Alice. Ben let the sound wash over him. Maybe it was time to risk happiness again?
***********************
Ben found himself replaying Toms words all week: Alice is mad about you! He remembered Alices flushed cheeks, the warmth in her smile, the ease with which she tucked stray hair behind her ear when he entered the room.
Could he really have been so oblivious? Or just scared to see what he hoped for?
From the lounge, peals of giggles and the odd argument over who coloured inside the lines travelled out to the hallway. Ben quietly set down his bag and listened.
Alicewould you say our dad is the best in the world? demanded Emily with the insistent confidence of a six-year-old.
Absolutely, Alice replied, steadily weaving Emilys hair into an elaborate plait, her fingers sure and gentle.
And hes kind, and nice? Emily prompted.
And handsome, right? Sophie broke in, her eyes gleaming.
Very handsome, Alice agreed automatically, then immediately turned a shade that put cherry tomatoes to shame.
She stalled, then rushed to fill the awkwardness: Your dads the best dad, and he loves you both more than anything.
And we love him! Do you? Sophie pressed, giving Alice the full force of her innocent interrogation.
Alice nearly choked, glanced helplessly around, then made a sharp exit: Oops! Is that the time? Someone needs to sort dinner! Whos with me?
The twins tore after her, their earlier questions forgotten in their enthusiasm to help. Ben felt a strange mix of amusement and hope as Alice threw him a flustered grin from the kitchen doorway.
How about we all have dinner out tonight? he suggested, keeping his tone deliberately breezy. Whos up for a proper family treat?
The dining room erupted.
Yay! Where?
Can we have ice cream? And chips?
Alice hesitated, but her shy smile radiated approval. Ben leaned in with a quiet word:
You dont mind, do you? I think we could use the change of scene.
Not a bit, Alice whispered back, cheeks still pink. Sounds lovely.
He nodded, a gentle warmth blossoming in his chest. Maybe Tom was right. Just start smallfamily time first. Happiness, thought Ben, might not be as out of reach as hed feared.
************************
Time trickled by, unnoticed. Family days outa stroll at Kew Gardens, impromptu picnics by the Thames, lazy afternoons at the local cafébecame a matter of routine. Alice and Ben drifted, gently but unmistakably, from nanny and employer into something infinitely closer. It was soon impossible to pretend otherwise.
Tom watched the proceedings with satisfied glee; he could practically hear Mission Accomplished being announced every time Ben and Alice exchanged secret smiles. Emily and Sophie, meanwhile, became the worlds most enthusiastic chaperones.
One evening, long after the girls had nodded off and the teapot had surrendered its last cup, Ben and Alice found themselves curled up on the sofa, the flickering fairy lights giving the room a tender glow.
You know, Ben said, watching the lights twinkle across the windowpane, Ive been meaning to say
Alices pulse ramped up, her heart beating a nervous tattoo.
I cant imagine life without you now, Alice. He reached for her hand, steady and kind. Not without your laughter, your patience, everything youve given us. I love you. I want you by my sidenot just as the worlds best nanny, but aswell, as my wife.
Alice closed her eyes for a second, steadying herself, then answered just as quietly but with firm delight:
I love you too, Ben. And I want nothing more.
*************************
Neither of them wanted the dog-and-pony show of a grand ceremony. The important thing was finally being together, without tiptoeing or second-guessing.
Their wedding day was a sunny, quintessentially English affair. The reception was held at a local countryside inn, festooned with wildflowers and bunting. Only their nearest and dearest gatheredfamily, a handful of friends, and Bens head teacher (who delivered a suspiciously drippy speech). But none took centre stage like Emily, Sophie, and Tom.
The twins, in matching pink tulle dresses with oversized bows, distributed rose petals with the solemnity of seasoned florists. During the vows, they clutched the ring cushion as if it contained the Queens jewels.
Dad, you look brilliant! Emily declared as Ben stooped to peck her on the crown.
And Alice looks exactly like a fairy, Sophie chirped, wide-eyed at her newly-minted stepmother in a simple but beautiful white dress.
Tom stood tall by Bens side, exuding the pride of a seasoned best man.
Told you everything would work out, he whispered, as Alice and Ben were declared husband and wife.
Ben squeezed Toms shoulder, then turned to Alice, his breath catching at the depth of her love-filled smile.
Were a proper family now, Alice said, threading her fingers through his.
There followed a round of speeches, far too much trifle, games on the lawn, and floorboard-worrying dancing. The girls sprinted over for cuddles every five minutes, and when the cake appeared, demanded first dibs.
Later, as the last guests filtered away under the hazy summer dusk, Ben and Alice stole out to the terrace. Above, the sky glimmered with stars, and the air tasted sharply of roses and promise.
I think this might have been the best day ever, Alice murmured, snuggling into Bens side.
And tomorrow will be even better, he replied, holding her close. Best bit is, weve got a whole lifetime ahead to top it.
She smiled up at him, sure in that moment that she belonged right there. The worries and doubts had faded, replaced by the warmth of a family shed helped stitch back together. And so, under an English sky, Alices new chapter begannot just as a nanny, but as someone finallyand wholeheartedlyhome.
