Chapter 370

Safe in their quarters, Nanny set to stripping Mila's dress and stockings off and with a frown stripped off her knickers too.

'Quick, quick, into the shower with you.'

She caught Mila's hand, guiding her toward the bathroom.

'But, Nanny,' Mila tried to protest, voice rising and falling with her exhaustion. 'Uncle, Nanny, Uncle.'

'Come on lovey, let's get you into the shower. There's nothing to be done, Great Uncle Ilder had been unwell for a long time. You remember that. He needed to pass on, to be reborn again strong and new. Stop crying now that's enough.' As she spoke Nanny pulled the cord to the bulbous shower head, starting the flow of water. She held Mila's hand tight, keeping her back from the scalding water that always came out first.

'No, Nanny, Uncle Jeran. Poor Uncle Jeran.'

Nanny at last looked down at Mila, her eyes wide. She laughed.

'Silly girl! Uncle Jeran isn't due back for a couple more days, but he's fine. You know he's fine. We'd all have felt it otherwise.'