“A ball?”
“To raise funds for you all and the upkeep of the house.”
“But I thought you had sufficient…Forgive me, I don’t want to appear to be rude-”
“Oh no, you must not worry yourself. Indeed I have the money, but it is the future Hilton is thinking of, a future when I will not be here, or you…”
She blinked, not comprehending. “I don’t understand, sir.”
Mr Belfroy perched his buttocks on a wooden chair by the unlit fire, his knees creaking as they bent. “Miss Douglas, for this house to continue long after I am dead, money needs to be raised. A charity must be created and maintained by a board of trustees. Hilton believes so and has convinced me of the same.”
“I see.”
“A ball will only be the beginning, but it will be a way to announce the efforts of this house, to make people aware. If we have patrons and donations, the longevity of this house will be assured.”
Nicola slowly sat, her mind whirling. “I confess I am surprised at this turn of thinking. I never imagined we would need outside help. Perhaps that was short-sighted of me.”
“No, my dear, it wasn’t. I was the same as you. But we have talked before of your future plans to include a teaching school for young ladies, and perhaps an orphanage here, and all those other wonderful ideas.” He held his hands out wide. “I am not going to be here for many more years, my dear. Naturally all my fortune is left in trust for the Home, but it will not last forever. You must see the sense in having extra income and help for the long term health of this enterprise?”
“Yes, of course…” But she didn’t. She didn’t like the thought of strangers being involved, of them having their say in the way she ran the house.
Mr Belfroy creaked to his feet, his cane tapped the floorboards at the effort. “Now, I’ll leave you to think it over. You may have ideas that need further discussion and my nephew tells me that he is to meet with you tomorrow, so you’ll have plenty to discuss then. We can speak again later in the week, yes?”
“Absolutely.” She rose and walked with him to the front door.
He turned and patted her hand. “I understand your hesitation, my dear.” He gazed around the hall fondly. “It is hard to allow others into your private world, I know that only too well. However, we must think of those who are in need of our help. The more people assisting us, the more women and children we can aid.” He smiled. “Take care, my dear. Until next time.”
“Good day, Mr Belfroy.” She watched him walk, leaning heavily on his cane, towards his carriage.
“Miss Douglas?” Miss Barker came to stand in the doorway beside her, a letter in her hand.
“Yes?”
“I have received correspondence from a fellow governess I met last year. A Miss Regina Clarke.” Miss Barker held up the letter as proof. “Her current situation will end in November and she’ll be needing accommodation then. Is she welcome here? I can vouch for her honesty and manners.”
“She is welcome, Miss Barker. We never turn anyone away.”
“Thank you, Miss Douglas. I shall write to her immediately stating the terms of the Home. She will be able to pay her way to start with.”
“Very good, Miss Barker. Assure her we charge very little.” Nicola watched the carriage trundle down the drive and at the same time, noticed another waiting to turn in. Her heart sank. It was Nathaniel West’s carriage. She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping Frances had borrowed her brother’s carriage and he remained at home.
“We have another visitor?”
Nodding, Nicola straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Yes, a friend of mine. Will you ask Mrs Nesbit to send a tea tray into the parlour please, Miss Barker?” With a determined step, Nicola went to meet the carriage. She pasted a smile on her face as Nathaniel climbed from the carriage and helped his sister down.
“Nicola.” Frances, wearing a brown skirt and pale gold blouse, hugged her warmly. “What an excellent position the house is on.”
“Yes, we are fortunate to have this rise. It affords us views to the harbour in the distance.” She inclined her head to Nathaniel, who looked resplendent in a dark grey suit, the jacket of which was knee length. “Good day, Mr West.”
“Miss Douglas.” He bowed towards her, his eyes again assessing.
“Won’t you come in?” She smiled, but couldn’t look him in the eyes. She led them into the parlour, away from the drawing room and all its flowers. That was something she didn’t want to explain.
For the next fifteen minutes, Nicola and Frances chatted about the soup kitchen and gossiped on the latest society happenings. The whole time, Nicola was aware of Nathaniel standing by the window, sipping his tea, watching her.
“You may be surprised to know, Frances, that future plans here will now include a small orphanage.”
“Really?” Frances grasped Nicola’s hand. “That is excellent news. I am so happy you changed your mind, Nicola.”
“Well, it makes sense doesn’t it? We’ll have all these teachers, why not put them to work?” She laughed softly.
Frances chuckled. “A perfect solution indeed.”
“I hope you will be able to help us, Fran, when the time comes.” Nicola glanced over at Nathaniel and caught him staring at her. Blushing, she looked back at his sister. “There, I do listen to you on some things.”
Frances sipped her tea. “I’d be delighted to help.”
“We hope to include a school for young ladies as well.” Nicola leaned forward eagerly, excited to share her plans. “The school will instruct young ladies in all manner of household duties, as well as some refinement. But I want to stress the importance of making these girls adaptable to all situations...” She paused as Nathaniel left the window.
“Mr Belfroy’s wealth must be beyond anyone’s imagining for him to fund such ventures.”
Nicola lifted her chin. “No, you are quite wrong, Mr West. We are hoping to become a charity. With donations and patrons, we shall be in the position to help more people than just governesses.”
“What changed your mind, Nicola?” Frances placed her teacup on the tray. “Once you would have rejected such a notion.”
“I was never against helping those less fortunate, Frances, but governesses also need to be cared for. We cannot forget them. However, with Mr Belfroy’s generosity in providing the house and having extra land to build on, we can do more. An orphanage will be beneficial to both causes, the children can be taught by the governesses awaiting situations.”
Nathaniel took a sip from his teacup. “Tell me, Miss Douglas, are the governesses under your care allowed to…shall we say…dally with the opposite sex?”
“Nat!” Frances snapped.
Nicola raised an eyebrow, giving him one of her cold looks. She knew he was referring to seeing her last night with Mr Warner. “We are not in a prison, sir. The women stay here at their own will and have such freedom as they desire.”
“Perhaps they misuse such freedom? And what of the Home’s reputation? Women of easy virtue wouldn’t attract the money needed from wealthy patrons. The scandals will—”
“We have no women of easy virtue here, sir.”
“I believe you have a woman staying here who is in the delicate state of being with child and is not married.”
“Her trust was abused and she was ill-treated by a man who promised her marriage. Her situation was—”
“And she isn’t the first, is she? What does that tell you?”
Nicola tightened her grip on her saucer, wishing she could fling the object into West’s gloating face. Why did he alter his manners so much? One minute he was adoring, and the next finding fault and rude. “I—”
Frances leaned forward. “You don’t have to explain, Nicola.” She gave her brother an icy stare. “Why do you, Nat of all people, make such an issue of this? You know what happens, how it happens. Nicola and Mr Belfroy are providing a place for these women, something I am unable to do despite m
y best efforts. Why do you attack her for it?”
“I am merely stating the fact that donations and patrons will depend on your reputation here. Is this a house for fallen women or for unemployed governesses?” Nathaniel placed his teacup down on a nearby table, his gaze never leaving Nicola.
“I can assure you, Mr West, our reputation here will be above reproach. No patron will regret being involved.”
“Then perhaps I should become one?” He gave her a secret smile. “Will I be your first or has another beaten me to it?”
Her heart seemed to somersault in her chest at his meaning. “Any donation will be gratefully received, Mr West, and you are most welcome to be one of our patrons, but no, you won’t be the first.” Let him make of that what he will, she was beyond caring.
Nathaniel’s hands clenched by his side, his eyes narrowed with barely concealed hostility. “I think it is time we left, Frances. I have appointments.”
“Yes, very well.” Frances rose, looking from Nicola to her brother and back. “I will see you again soon, Nicola?”
“Certainly, Frances. You are welcome to call any time.” Nicola rose and turned her back on Nathaniel. Hateful man.
Chapter Twelve
Nicola stared out over the water at the boats gently riding at anchor. On this warm afternoon at the beginning of November the Domain was busy with families picnicking on the grass and listening to the brass band playing. Couples strolled, children played, dogs barked. She sauntered with Mr Warner, while Meg and the captain lagged behind, eating fruit tarts bought from a stall on the edge of the parkland. For the last few weeks the four of them had developed the habit to walk each Saturday afternoon in the Domain.
“What game is that, Miss Douglas, is it cricket?” Warner pointed to where a crowd had gathered around to watch men playing a bat and ball game.
“Yes, it is. A popular game for men.”
“I saw it played once in England I think, but it was some distance away.”
“Shall we watch it for a while?” She headed to the boundary of the field. “My father very much enjoyed playing cricket. He was considered rather good at it too as a young man. He would often allow me to take part when he had a game with his pupils. Naturally, my mother was appalled by the idea, but Father said girls had just as much energy as boys.”
They weaved through the crowd to get close to the action. One of the batsmen hit the ball high, sailing it over the fielders’ heads. The throng cheered.
“Why Nicola, look who the batsmen are.” Meg laughed, coming up alongside. “It’s Mr West and his friend Mr Lombard.”
Nicola peered. The middle of the pitch, where the two men stood talking, was a good distance away, but as one of the men raised his head to grin at something the other said, Nicola instantly knew it was Nathaniel. She watched avidly as the men took their positions again and the bowler ran and sent his delivery down the pitch. Nathaniel hit it comfortably, the pleasant sounding crack of leather on willow echoed to them. The ball raced away for the boundary once more and he and Lombard ran between the wickets.
“He’s awfully good,” Warner murmured.
Nicola nodded, not trusting herself to speak. There was something about watching Nathaniel being so physical that stirred a primal need deep within her. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.
From out in the middle of the field, the umpire signalled a halt to the proceedings and all the men came off to have a cool drink and sit in the shade of nearby trees. Nathaniel stood only ten yards away, drinking out of a tankard and laughing with a group of friends. She’d never seen him like this. Before he’d always been immaculately dressed, but today his billowy white shirt gaped out from his pale moleskin trousers, his dark sweat-dampened hair clung to his forehead and his knee high boots had mud stains on them.
As if some unseen force made him aware of her presence, he turned his head and stared straight at her. Nicola forgot to breathe.
“Miss Douglas?”
Nicola blinked as Warner lightly touched her arm. “Um…pardon?”
“I said, I hoped you do not mind my interference, Miss Douglas?”
“Interference?” Her numbed mind didn’t understand a word he was saying.
“About the charity ball.”
“Oh. Oh, I see. Sorry.” She forced herself to look away from Nathaniel and at Mr Warner. “No, I don’t mind. Not at all.”
“It is my desire to help.”
“Yes, and it is most welcome.”
“Shall we continue walking?” As they stepped away from the gathering, he took her hand and gently placed it over his arm. “I felt setting the Home up as a charity complete with a board and patrons would lessen your work and responsibilities, but I apologise that so far it has done none of that.”
Nicola looked back over her shoulder at Nathaniel and found his attentions were focused on two young women within his group. The pain of that was unexpected, but soon overcome as Warner smiled down at her. “You are kind to think of me, Mr Warner. However, the responsibilities were never a concern to me. I enjoy my role and am thankful everyday for Mr Belfroy’s trust and employment.”
“Do you wish to do this forever?”
She shrugged one shoulder and adjusted the hold of her parasol. “Forever is a long time.”
“Do you think of having a husband and family?” His fingers softly caressed hers.
She removed her hand from his arm, alarmed that she liked his caress. What was wrong with her? First Nathaniel and now Warner. Was there some hidden wanton inside her just waiting to escape? Had the years of spinsterhood now made her man crazy? Perhaps she needed to steer clear of them both? She stopped to admire the view, her thoughts churning.
“You are uncomfortable with this subject?” He stood very close.
“There are some moments when I think of those things, but usually I am too busy to consider my own private future.” Nicola sighed and stared down at her pale green and white striped skirt, bought only last week at Meg’s horrified insistence because apparently, Mr Warner had seen all of Nicola’s clothes at least twice over. “The day is too beautiful to talk of serious issues, Mr Warner.” She looked up and smiled.
He grinned and again took her hand and slipped it through his arm. “You are quite correct, Miss Douglas. Will we talk instead of the ball.”
They walked on and Nicola relaxed. She enjoyed his company very much. All the times they’d spent together he had made her laugh. He was witty and funny, very courteous and considerate. He charmed her effortlessly and made her feel light-hearted. Within a short time of being in his company she could forget the harshness of the world and be carefree. “The invitations for the ball are being accepted at a furious rate. There are so many people I do not know and will have to greet at the door. I’m extremely nervous.”
“I will be beside you. Together, we’ll fumble our way through.” He winked. “Anyway, my uncle knows everyone worth knowing in Sydney and will be right beside us. So many people are curious about him, since his withdrawal from society. The gossips will be in a frenzy.”
“Poor Mr Belfroy. He’ll never step foot outside his door again.” She grinned. “I cannot imagine I will get everything done on time. There is still much to do and only a week left to do it.”
“Meg is helping you, and the other women?”
“Yes, they are. Miss McIntyre is priceless, so good and helpful.” She dodged around a ball thrown by a small boy to the left. “Although Meg is more of a hindrance then a help sometimes.”
“I’ll encourage James to take her out driving more, to spare you.”
At the mention of the captain, Nicola paused. “Do you…I mean…does he…” She frowned. “I’m not expressing myself well.”
“What is it?” His eyes softened and the caress of her fingers started again. “Ask me anything.”
“It’s Meg and the captain. In the five weeks since our dinner on your ship, when they first met, the captain has been very attentive to Meg.”
“You wish he hadn’t been?”
“No…unless…unless he is only playing with her affections. If he has no thought to her emotions and the hope he is building within her, then I feel he should—”
“Keep his distance?”
“Yes.”
He brought her hand up as though to kiss it, but quickly drew it down again. “Let me put your fears to rest. James is very much in love with your dear Meg.”
Her step faltered. “Love? Are you sure?”
“Entirely sure. He told me so.”
“But he will sail away, and leave her.”
Warner shook his head. “No, not at all. He has every intention of proposing. When he sails from this harbour, he fully expects to have her by his side as his wife.”
The news shook Nicola more than she anticipated. Meg married. Meg gone from her life?
“You are shocked. Does the news upset you? I apologise.”
“I-I am surprised, that is all.”
“Did you think him not an honourable man, one who would play fast and loose with her?”
“No…” What had she expected? She didn’t know, but not marriage and for Meg to leave the country.
“You will not tell her, will you? It is meant to be a surprise. He wants to propose at the ball.”
“Of course I won’t tell her.” They walked to the end of the path and turned to retrace their steps. “When do you think you will sail?”
“That, I cannot answer.” His smile flickered and an uncertain look came into his eyes. “There is much it depends on.”
“Oh? Your business interests?”
“Yes, those, and interests of a more personal nature.”
They walked on in silence for a moment until Warner stopped and guided her over to sit on a bench overlooking the water. “Your friendship has become very important to me, Miss Douglas.”
“As yours is to me.”
“We have spent a good deal of time together these last five weeks.”
“True...”
“I’ve enjoyed each occasion we’ve met. I have come to admire you greatly.”
Anne Brear Page 13