Anne Brear

by Virtue of a Governess

  “Quite good, Mrs West, we’ve—”

  “Florence, please, while we are in each other’s company I would prefer it if you called me Nicola. I’m not used to my new title as yet and I feel, between the two of us, that we are friends enough to be less formal.”

  Florence looked startled at the request. “Are you sure?”

  “Definitely. So it is agreed?”

  “Yes, thank you…Nicola.”

  “Good. Now, to business. The letters you sent to me while I was in the country were a great help. I felt I could relax knowing you had everything under control.”

  “Thankfully, we had no emergencies while you were away. Mrs Nesbit only got drunk once and Hannah broke just three plates.” Florence let out a long breath, as though grateful that’s all that happened.

  “My sister-in-law tells me Miss Clarke and Miss Shaw have gained situations?”

  “Oh yes, indeed. Most happy they are too. Miss Shaw leaves tomorrow and Miss Clarke on Friday.”

  Nicola concentrated on the figures before her. “When do your two sisters arrive, or have they already? There was some delay was there not?”

  “I’m expecting them any day. I told them to send a telegram from Melbourne if they are able to get shore leave there. But I’ve heard nothing so far. I scan the papers each day for news of sightings of their ship.” A worried frown appeared on Florence’s face. “I do hope all is well with them.”

  “I’m sure everything is, Florence. Sometimes we just have to be patient. The journey from Scotland to this country is extensive, as you know, and at the mercy of the others for much of it.”

  “Upstairs I have prepared the end room on the right for them. Does that meet with your approval? They’ll be happy to share. Fiona is sensible and will not have brought much with her and Fanny is of a slight build. So, they’ll hardly take up any room.”

  “I’m sure they are delightful girls. They’ve come a long way, so do make sure they are comfortable. I know you do not want any favours for them, being your sisters, but since you’ve offered to pay for their keep out of your wages, then they deserve the same considerations as all the other women here.” Nicola smiled.

  “Thank you, Mrs-Nicola. At seventeen and fifteen, I’m hoping they’ll find work soon enough.”

  “I’m sure they will. Now, the schoolroom and orphanage. I’m most eager to see them. Are they finally finished?”

  “Yes, the orphanage dormitory is, but not the schoolroom, there have been problems with the foundations. It seems a spring runs beneath the ground and it’s causing subsidence. I’m afraid the foreman’s conversation about it all goes over my head and I understand very little.”

  “I’ll ask my husband to speak with the builders. We shall need to put advertisements in the newspaper and spread the word that we can now take paying students. I’ll have to talk to the women about this too. Do you know of any who are eager to teach in the schoolroom?”

  “Miss Peacock has expressed a desire to, as well as Miss Barker, who received her teacher’s certificate yesterday. She passed her exams exceedingly well.”

  “Excellent. That is a good start. I will help out when I can too.” Nicola turned the page of one of the accounts books and studied the figures. “Have you seen Mr Belfroy?”

  “Yes, only yesterday morning. He came to see if you were returned from the country and to celebrate Miss Barker gaining her certificate.”

  “He is well?”

  “The same as usual, I think.”

  Nicola nodded and reached for the occupancy ledger. “We have two new arrivals?” She frowned, not remembering any new faces earlier.

  “Mrs Patterson and Miss Nelson.”

  A look of uncertainty crossed Florence’s face. “What is it?”

  “Nothing really…”

  “But something?”

  “Mrs Patterson is a kind lady, but…um…quite elderly. Nearly seventy, I’m afraid. She keeps to her room a great deal.”

  Nicola blinked in surprise. “Seventy years old?”

  “She has excellent references. She came out to this country last year with a new family, after spending most of her life with a noble family in Ireland, who sadly didn’t offer her a pension and so she had to find a new position. Unfortunately, the situation with the new family didn’t work out and now she is here. She told me quite adamantly that her health had been perfect up until the voyage out when she caught a chill. Since then she has constantly been unwell.”

  “I feel at her age she will have trouble finding another position and if her health is bad, then perhaps she will do well to stay here awhile to recuperate. I doubt she should be working at her age. We’ll look after her.” Nicola scanned Mrs Patterson’s details in the agency book. “How has the agency been doing? Any interest from prospective employers?”

  “Not too many as yet. The enquiries have been for housemaids. As you can see we have plenty of women listed, but I feel we need to advertise the agency more.”

  “I agree.” Nicola took out her diary from the top drawer. “I’ll make arrangements to do that in the morning.”

  They talked business for another fifteen minutes until eager for a cup of tea, they left the study and went to the parlour where the women had gathered. While enjoying a splendid morning tea, Nicola chatted to the women, met Mrs Patterson and Miss Nelson and then toured the new building work.

  By midafternoon, Nicola was again busy at her desk. Mr Belfroy had been to welcome her back and they had discussed business for an hour and done another tour of the buildings.

  Rubbing her neck muscles, Nicola leaned back in her chair. While absent, the Home had gone along smoothly with Florence at its head. She didn’t know whether to be pleased about it or hurt that she was replaceable. Before her marriage, the Home and the women in it had been everything to her. It was difficult to let go of some of the control.

  Her thoughts returned to the conversation she had with Frances at breakfast. The mention of Nathaniel’s money disturbed her. She had no real thought to his wealth before and now wondered just how rich he was. He never seemed to be concerned about such things, but then he might be hiding it from her. Money was one subject they had not discussed.

  After a slight knock, the door opened and Nathaniel popped his head around. “Am I disturbing you?”

  His warm loving smile made her tingle. “No, you aren’t disturbing me.” She rose as he came into the room. “I didn’t expect to see you for hours yet.”

  He stepped behind the desk and took her into his arms. She sagged against him as they kissed. There was no better feeling than being held by him. “I missed you.”

  She cupped his cheek in one hand. “And I you.”

  “Really?” Doubt clouded his eyes.

  “I did.”

  “I thought you’d have been far too busy to think of me.”

  “Even when I’m full of activity I miss you.” She kissed him, seeing the signs now of his lack of confidence where her love was concerned. He’d been damaged by his cold upbringing and it didn’t take much for him to doubt her affections.

  “Good.” He caressed her fingers of one hand, kissing each one in turn. “I met with my solicitor and a few other business partners, Jonas Cox and Matthew Wright, but I couldn’t concentrate.”

  “Shall we go home?”

  “Have you finished here for the day?”

  “Yes. There’s always tomorrow.”

  He frowned. “I thought we could spend tomorrow together.”

  “I promised Fran I’d help at the soup kitchen and I’ve advertisements to place in the newspapers.” She kissed him again, hating to see the disappointment on his face. “I promise you that we’ll spend the day after together.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” He let her go so she could pack away her books and gather her things.

  In the carriage going home, Nicola held Nathaniel’s hand, her mind whirling with thoughts on how wealthy her husband might or might not be. By the time they reached t
he house she’d made the decision to talk to him about it. She knew most women didn’t trouble themselves about finances, but she wasn’t most women. Indeed, she wondered if she’d have a battle on her hands in getting information out of Nathaniel. After all, some gentlemen refused to discuss such matters with their wives, believing it to be none of their business. Would Nathaniel be the same?

  In the drawing room, Nathaniel spoke to Mrs Rawlings, and ordered some tea. Nicola nodded at the housekeeper as she left the room and sat down on the sofa beneath the window.

  “You’re wearing a frown, sweetheart. Is something wrong?”

  Now was a good a time as any to mention her worries. “I’ve been thinking about what was said at the breakfast table this morning.”

  It was Nat’s turn to frown. “About what?”

  “Money.”

  “Money?”

  “More accurately, your finances.”

  “Sweetheart, I told you not to worry about that. You are free to decorate both houses as you please.”

  Restless, Nicola stood and walked to the empty fireplace. “We promised each other that we’d always be honest.”

  “I am being honest.” He reclined on a leather wing-backed chair, watching her.

  “Then will you tell me the extent of your wealth, or lack of it? I know you have businesses and houses but I don’t know all the details. If my name is on the deeds, then I should know.”

  The door opened and Agnes brought in the tea tray. ‘Will I pour for you, Madam?”

  “No thank you. I’ll see to it. Thank you, Agnes, that will be all.” Nicola, anxiously waiting for Nathaniel’s reply, set out the cups and saucers.

  “I will tell you everything you want to know. There will be no secrets between us.” He sat forward on his chair and stopped her from fiddling with the tea tray. “Come over here.”

  She squealed as he pulled her onto his lap. “Nathaniel, no. Mrs Rawlings might come in, or Agnes.”

  “Let them. We are newly married. It’s expected.” He grinned and then kissed her deeply, showing his passion for her. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day.”

  “Behave yourself.” She playfully slapped at his chest, though secretly enjoying the naughtiness of being on his lap in the middle of the afternoon. “Be serious, please.”

  “Very well.” He sighed and gave her a wry look. “Apart from the inheritance back in England and the two properties, this one and the Camden house, I have shares in a sheep station in Queensland. I have a one eighth share in a coal mine near Newcastle. I own a complete terrace of houses here in Sydney. I own a pottery factory in Parramatta.” He grinned. “That was an impulsive purchase to annoy a gentleman I didn’t like and who wanted to buy it himself.” He shrugged suddenly as if to mentally dismiss it from his mind. “I recently bought land in Melbourne, plus I have two factories there. What else…”

  “I had no idea.” She stared at him, amazed. “Why did you not mention this before?”

  “I didn’t think you were interested. Not many ladies are.”

  “Well, I am certainly interested. You should know me well enough by now to know I would be. I’m not some dim-witted woman content to spend her days in frivolous occupations such as gossiping about latest fashions, buying useless things and paying calls. Why I—”

  As usual, he silenced her with a kiss. “I am fast learning just how clever my wife is. I’m also learning that when she starts a tirade I have to stop her quickly or I’ll get no peace.”

  She played with a button on his waistcoat. “I want to learn about your businesses.”

  “And you shall.”

  “Promise?”

  “Absolutely. We’ll start next week. I want you to know everything there is to know in case something happens to me.”

  Her heart constricted. “Don’t say that, Nathaniel.”

  “It is a way of life, darling. We have to be prepared. Look at my mother. She’s fallen apart now my father has gone. Yet, when he was alive they hardly got on at all. And my brother is a useless article.”

  “I still feel guilty for you not returning to England.”

  “Nonsense. I am free to make up my own mind. I’ve been doing it long enough.”

  “I never thought myself as a selfish person before, but I am, and am ashamed to be so. I couldn’t bear to be parted from you.”

  He held her closer, nuzzling her neck beneath her ear. “Only death will separate us, my love, that I can promise you.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Nicola, reading a letter from Meg, swayed in the carriage, as the driver, Timms applied the brakes. She frowned at the rough ride, but continued reading, excited to finally hear from her dear friend.

  …therefore our stay in Rio was longer than expected, and I seemed to be the only person who didn’t mind this inconvenience. I cared nothing for the ship’s repairs, only that it afforded me to spend more time in Rio. I adore Rio, there is so much to see and do. The colours and flavours, the scents and people all amaze me. There is such heat, such passion. Oh, the sights I’ve seen, Nicola. Some would shock you, I declare, but others, with you being so clever minded, would interest you vastly.

  Nicola smiled, wondering what Meg had seen and frustrated that her wayward friend hadn’t seen fit to give more details, but such was Meg, she supposed.

  You will be surprised, I think, to learn that I am very happy in my marriage. James is a wonderful man and is no way dull or strict. He gives me such freedom to go ashore alone when we make port at different places. He is a busy man but makes the time to spend with me. I am most in love with him, which is fortunate.

  “I am indeed happy for you, Meg,” she murmured. Her own happy marriage gave her the insight to how Meg must feel.

  I will tell you though that our dear Hilton is still not himself since leaving Sydney. I truly think you broke his heart and it will never be mended. But perhaps that will change when we arrive in Boston and he is home among his own people again. I have grown rather fond of him and James wouldn’t be without him of course…

  “Mrs West.” Timms’s call through the open window stopped her reading and she looked up.

  “Yes, what is it, Timms?”

  “There seems to be some sort of blockage ahead, Madam. An overturned cart, as far as I can tell. I can’t turn the horses or go around it. We’ll have a bit of a wait it seems.”

  “Blast. Where are we?” A horse and rider blocked her view from her opposite window.

  “Bridge Street, Madam.”

  Folding the letter away into her reticule, she nodded and prepared to descend from the carriage. “I will walk from here, Timms.”

  ‘I will meet you in Charlotte Place, Madam?”

  “No, I don’t know how long I’ll be or how long you’ll be getting through all that.” She waved towards the build up of vehicles. “I’ll catch the omnibus to the Home. You go back to the house when you can, my husband may need you later.”

  “Right you are, Mrs West.”

  Once on the footpath, Nicola steadied her hat as a gust of wind tunnelling down the street threatened to dislodge it from its pins. She remembered Mrs Eldersley mentioning that April was known for its winds. Well, it would be May next week, surely the gales would be gone by then?

  Dust swirled around her legs and she grimaced at the state of her dress hem. It was all well and good for Nathaniel to want her to wear light colours, like this pale green stripe, but the practicalities of doing so weighed heavily on the negative. Still, she didn’t have to launder the clothes and donning such beautiful dresses gave her selfish pleasure.

  The church bells struck the hour of twelve and she hurried away down an alley to escape the confusion of the road blockage. Weaving through the streets, she kept her head down to keep the wind and dust from her eyes. A part of her wished she could cry off the appointment with the printer, but she’d promised Florence to check the progress of the leaflets for the school since Florence was busy with her newly arrived sisters. She ducked
down another narrow alley, finding it the quickest way to Charlotte’s Place.

  “Well now, if it isn’t Mrs West.”

  Surprised, Nicola glanced up and found Tristan Lombard in her way. Beside him, leered a rough looking man. “Good day, Mr Lombard.”

  “It seems as though married life suits you, Mrs West. You have never looked so lovely.” Lombard’s insolent gaze roamed her from head to toe and back again.

  “Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.” She attempted to move past him, but he stepped in her way, blocking her path. Surprised, she stared at him.

  “You have time to chat with an old acquaintance?”

  “I don’t actually. Forgive me, I’m already late.” She forced a smile in his direction, not meeting his eyes. Something about the man always made her shudder.

  “How is my friend, Nat? He hasn’t been seen in the club for some time.”

  “He is a busy man.”

  “Well, what man wouldn’t be when he has a wife as beautiful as you in his bed?” He leaned closer. “I know that’s where I’d be if you were mine.”

  “I beg your pardon?” She gave him a scathing stare, her dislike of him going up another notch. How could Nathaniel have anything to do with such a horrid person?

  “Well, something extraordinary had to have captured his interest enough for him to marry you, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Excuse me.” She stepped around him, but he caught her elbow in a crushing grip.

  “Don’t be so hasty, Mrs West. We have much to talk about.”

  She winced at the pain in her arm. “There is nothing we have to discuss. Let me go.”

  “Did you not miss me at your wedding? I was to have been Nat’s attendant. Did he tell you why I wasn’t there?”

  “He said you were away in the country on business.”

  Lombard smirked. “A lie, Mrs West, a damned lie.”