“Oh, Nicola, please don’t tell me you have something seriously wrong with you? I couldn’t bear it.”
“No, let me finish.” She reached over and took her dear friend’s hand. “I asked him to come because I…I thought I might be with child.”
Frances’s grey eyes grew wide. “A child?”
Nodding, Nicola waited, hoping she’d be happy for her. “Doctor Armitage confirmed it.”
“A baby!”
“Yes. I can barely believe it myself. Wishing and hoping for a child is different to actually achieving it and I must admit I’m a little scared as well as delighted.”
Tears filled France’s eyes. “I’ll be an aunt. Oh, Nic.” She jumped up and hugged Nicola, laughing and crying. “This is wonderful, thrilling news. A baby in the family.”
“Nat will be pleased, I hope.”
“Pleased?” Frances clapped, joy radiating from her face. “He’ll be like a dog with two tails. He’s wanted children, wanted to be a father, more so since meeting you.”
“I’m going to tell him tonight.”
“Yes, do. After all that’s happened, he’ll be overjoyed.” Frances sat back in her chair when the door opened, her look of happiness fading as Nat walked in. His face was pale and anxious.
“Nathaniel? You’re home earlier than I expected.” A shiver of fear ran down Nicola’s back. “What is it?”
He held up his hand, showing a yellow piece of paper. “A telegram came to my office, from Melbourne.”
“And?” France frowned. “Why is it affecting you so much? Is it bad news?”
“That depends on your opinion.” He gave a brief sad smile. “It’s from our mother.”
“Mother?”
Nathaniel sighed deeply, at this moment looking his thirty-four years. “Her ship, the Ira Jayne docked in Melbourne to disembark some of its passengers and Mother thought she’d take the opportunity to warn us of her impending arrival.”
Nicola looked from one to the other, their shock mirroring each other. One part of her wanted to say, it is only your mother, but the other side of her, the sensible part, knew that such words were useless. Nathaniel and Frances had both told her stories from their childhood concerning their parents. Tales, which were far from the happy reminiscences they should be.
How was she going to accept a woman, her own mother-in-law, into her home when she’d been responsible for such hurt towards two people she loved so dearly?
“She cannot come, Nat.” Frances’s wooden tone hung heavy in the air.
“We cannot stop her now, Fran. She is on her way and will arrive by the week’s end.”
“Then meet the ship when it docks and tell her to return to England.”
Nicola gave Fran a sympathetic smile. “That is impossible, Fran. I doubt that she will agree to that after journeying for over a month or more.”
“Then she can stay in a hotel.” Frances jumped to her feet. “She can stay with the very devil if she wishes, but she cannot stay here!”
“And how will that look to people?”
“I don’t care.”
Nicola rubbed her temples, trying to think of a solution. “It will be expected that she comes to this house. As her daughter-in-law, I am expected to care for her needs. I won’t be accused of ignoring her and not doing my duty.”
Frances paced, glaring at first Nat and then back at Nicola. “You don’t know her. You don’t know how she corrupts your mind without you realising it.”
“Calm down, Frances.” Nat sighed. “You haven’t seen her for nearly three years and I haven’t for five. Father’s passing might have changed her.”
“Nathaniel’s right, Fran.” Nicola nodded. “We have to give her a chance.”
Nat looked at her and she held out her hand to him, which he gratefully took. “I’m sorry, my darling.” He kissed the top of her head. “This was the last thing I expected.”
“There is nothing for you to apologise for, my love. It is hardly your doing.” She placed his palm against her cheek. “We shall weather it. Besides, she may have changed. Wouldn’t that be splendid?” She forced a smile, hoping it would be so.
Chapter Twenty
Later that night, while snuggled together in bed, watching the shadows on the wall dance, Nicola felt Nathaniel’s long sigh. “You must not worry.”
He caressed her thigh lightly, careful not to touch the bandages on her hip. “I cannot help it. That she should come here, to the one place where I am happy, just pains me.”
“If she has never been close to you or Fran, then why does she come?”
“Only my mother can answer that. She delights in playing games. Likely she became bored at home, or perhaps curiosity overcame her when she received my letter containing the news of our engagement. I haven’t written to her since February and I wondered why she didn’t respond. Now I know. Instead of writing she decided to travel here instead and see for herself how Fran and I get on.” He moved his legs restlessly and the thick white blankets rippled in the moonlight streaming through the windows. A small fire glowed in the grate behind the protective screen.
Nicola, her arms wrapped around his waist, marvelled at how one woman could cause this upset to her own children. Her hand strayed to her stomach, which held only the slightest bump. “You and Fran must try to put the past behind you. I’m not suggesting that it’ll be easy, but raking it all up will only continue the hurt. Perhaps your mother has changed. You must at least give her the chance to put things right between you.”
“And if she hasn’t altered, what then?”
A streak of devilment flared within her. “Then send her on the next ship back.”
His hand roamed over her stomach, joining her hand on the swell below her bellybutton. Nathaniel grinned. “All this sitting around has made you grow fat, my love.”
“Indeed I have, but that is not the only reason.”
Yawning, he buried his head into her neck. “Oh?”
She nestled in closer to him, loving the feel of his body against hers. “I believe your son or daughter may have something to do with it.”
He slowly raised his head to stare at her. “Do you mean…”
“A baby.” She smiled, pressing his hand onto her stomach more. “Our baby.”
His face lost all expression. “A baby…”
“It does happen, you know.” She laughed.
“I’m to be a father.” He closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms so tightly she thought he might break her stitches apart. “Oh my darling, wonderful girl.” He kissed her repeatedly. “I love you. Thank you. Thank you.”
She leaned back and threaded her fingers through his dark hair, tears blurring her vision of his wondrous look. Never in her life had she felt more secure and loved as she did at that moment. “I’m glad I make you happy.”
“Happy?” He kissed her again, a long slow kiss full of love. “I’m the happiest man alive. When?”
“Well, I haven’t had my monthly show since before we were married. Dr Armitage estimates around the end of October.”
“October.” Stunned, Nathaniel pulled back the sheet and went down the bed to put his lips on her stomach. “October.”
“Or early November. Babies arrive when they wish to.” She teased his hair, roughing it up.
He plumped up his pillows, laid back and then gathered her into his arms. “I will be a good father, not like my own, I promise.”
“I know you will. I never thought otherwise.” She softly tugged at his sparse chest hair, her head comfortable against his shoulder. “This might not be the best time to bring this up, but I must ask.”
He kissed her hair. “Ask what?”
“Have you heard anything of Lombard?”
“No, not yet. I’ve cast a wide net, but he’s as slippery as an eel. I’ve had reports that he’s gone into hiding, but I’ll bide my time. He’ll show his face one day.”
“You must never put yourself in danger, Nathaniel. We have a lot t
o be grateful for now, with the baby coming. I will not lose you to the likes of Lombard. He’s not worth it.”
“I know, sweetheart, I know.” He held her close, but she was unable to sleep, her mind dwelling on Lombard and her mother-in-law.
* * *
Gingerly sitting down behind her desk at the Home, Nicola smiled at the women gathered in the room. She’d spent an hour with them in the drawing room, listening to their various pieces of news and now wished to get some work done. “I am perfectly well enough to sit here and check the accounts, ladies.”
Florence, who’d been out and only just returned, crossed her arms and didn’t appear satisfied by the statement. “Does your good husband know of you being here?”
“No, he doesn’t and what’s more he doesn’t need to know. I will be back in my parlour before he is aware of it.” She gave Florence a meaningful look. “And you aren’t to tell him either, Florence McIntyre.” Nicola raised a knowing eyebrow. “I am as capable of sitting here as I am at home.”
“You’re a brave woman, Mrs West.” Miss Bent smiled.
Florence glared at the women. “I hope to God you’ve not tired Mrs West. She’s been through a terrible ordeal and I’ll—”
“Miss McIntyre.” Nicola raised her eyebrows, hiding a laugh as the woman’s annoyance brought out her Scottish accent more thickly. “The ladies have been very good and aren’t deserving of your displeasure.”
“Even so, I’m sure you’d like some time to yourself. Come, ladies.” Florence steered them all out, except Miss Bent, who approached to the desk.
“I was wondering if I could have a word with you in private, if you please?”
“Of course.” Nicola indicated for her to sit down as the women filed out of the study. “Oh, Miss McIntyre?”
“Yes, Mrs West.” Florence held the door.
“Will you join me in half an hour, please?”
Florence nodded, her back stiff with authority. ‘shall I order you a tea tray too?”
“Bring it with you when you come back.”
“Very good, Madam.”
When the door closed, Nicola rested back in her chair and smiled at Sara Bent. The young woman had put on a small amount of weight, filling out her thin frame. “You wished to speak with me?”
“Yes, Mrs West.” Miss Bent sat on the edge of the chair, her shoulders rigid. “I wish to inform you of my impending marriage.”
Surprised, Nicola stared. ‘Marriage?”
“Yes. In the past two months I have been on friendly terms with Mr Greenwood, Frank Greenwood, of Greenwood Butchers in Macquarie Street.”
“I see. He owns a butcher shop.”
“No, his father does. However, it will be Frank’s one day. It is a good business and old Mr Greenwood is a widower and a nice man.” Miss Bent blinked rapidly, a sign of her nervousness. “Please do not think of me as being unscrupulous while you were ill. Everything between Mr Greenwood and myself has been completely proper and correct. We met by chance while out walking one evening. From there we have become friends and strolled in the Domain a number of times. He is a good man, Mrs West.”
“And he proposed to you?”
“Yes, last Sunday, after we went to a musical performance. I’ve been thinking it over and this morning I sent him my reply.”
“So you have thought about this very seriously? You haven’t accepted simply because you see no alternative?”
“Oh, no. Indeed, I haven’t thought about anything else. I haven’t been able to sleep because of it weighing on my mind. But I reasoned that this is a good chance for me. I’d have the security of marriage, my own home and a family. Mr Greenwood senior said I could send for my mother, if I wished, but I doubt she”ll come.”
“Well, that is generous of him indeed. When is your marriage to take place?”
“At the end of June. Is it possible for me to stay here until then, or must I leave now since I’m no longer looking for a position?”
“We are not so full that we are turning people away for lack of beds, so you are welcome to stay until your marriage. You might find the other women will enjoy having such a happy diversion to think about.”
“Thank you, Mrs West, you are very kind.” Miss Bent stood, seemingly more relaxed. “I shall go tell Mr Greenwood of my staying here.”
“You may also tell him that I wish you both well.” Nicola grinned. “And you may hold your wedding breakfast here if you wish. Mr Belfroy loves nothing more than a good wedding. He will probably offer to give you away, if it pleases you.”
Miss Bent’s eyes widened. “Oh, you are generous, Mrs West, thank you, and to Mr Belfroy, too.” She dashed from the room.
Nicola let out a long breath, content to hear some good news. She opened the account books and checked the figures. A pile of correspondence sat next to the ledgers and she idly picked up one or two. Most were invitations for various dinner parties, but some were letters from previous women who had stayed at the Home. Normally, she would be eager to read the mail, but today her mind was occupied with the arrival of Nathaniel’s mother. Her ship was due to dock within the hour. She knew she should be at home, preparing her welcome, but the quietness of the house this morning had driven her mad. Both Nathaniel and Frances had left early to clear their schedules for the afternoon meeting, leaving Nicola alone to worry. In the end, she had ordered the carriage and visited Mr Belfroy for an hour before coming here to the Home.
A tap on the door heralded Florence. “Nicola,” she whispered, her face wan. She crept closer to the desk, glancing back over her shoulder.
“What is it?”
“It’s old Mrs Patterson. I’m afraid she’s died.”
“Oh good heavens.”
“I went in to her room, to give her a cup of tea and thought she was asleep. But she wouldn’t wake up. Then I realised.”
“Dr Armitage did say she might not recover from her chest cold. She was frail and weak.”
“And old.” Florence sighed, her smattering of freckles stark against her pale skin. “Imagine dying amongst strangers. How intolerable.”
“The poor woman. I only met her a few times, hardly got to know her at all.”
“She was kind, knowledgeable and happy to listen to anyone who ventured into her room.”
“We must let Dr Armitage know.”
“Yes. I’ll see to it.”
“I’m sorry to leave this on your shoulders, Florence, but my mother-in-law arrives this afternoon from England.”
“Of course you must return home. I am capable of dealing with this.”
“You deal with everything.” Nicola gave her a brief smile of thanks. “This Home couldn’t run without you. I used to think I was the main force here, but not any longer. You’ve filled my role with ease.”
“I never intended—”
Nicola held up her hand. “No, don’t apologise in any way. This was obviously meant to be. I will tell you that I am with child. So, your position here will only grow in importance.”
“Oh, Nicola. I’m so pleased for you. A baby, how wonderful.”
“It is wonderful. Can you just keep it to yourself for a little while? I’ll tell the ladies another time.”
“I’ll not mention it, I promise. You know, I will never take your place, Nicola. You are too much the essence of what this home is about, what it is built from.” Florence gave a mischievous smile. “Besides, once the child is born I know you’ll be back here, even if it’s only for an hour a day.”
“I confess this Home is a part of me and I can never relinquish my love of it.” She raised her head proudly. “We do good work here.”
“And it’ll become more important as the orphanage and school grows.”
Standing, Nicola reached out for Florence’s arm. “Walk out with me. I cannot concentrate on the books today.” She grimaced. “I might as well go home and prepare to meet my mother-in-law.”
Florence fought a smile as they left the study and walked down the
hall to the front door. “Is she so bad?”
“Apparently. I believe the word dragon and her name are linked, or so Fran tells me.”
Laughing, they headed out to the carriage, where Timms waited anxiously for her and Florence helped her to climb inside. “Oh, I forgot to mention that Miss Bent is engaged to be married.”
“I suspected something of the sort.” Florence frowned mockingly. “She was taking a great many walks.”
Chuckling, Nicola closed the door and leaned out of the window. “I am happy for her. I’m glad she will be settled.” She sobered. “Now, it may be a few days before I can escape my family duties, but send a note should you have need of me and let me know of the funeral details. Good bye.”
Timms set the carriage rolling down the drive and out into the street. Nicola smoothed out the skirts of her sky blue dress and fiddled with the white lace around the bodice. Should she change when she got home? The time it took for ships to dock and passengers to disembark was unpredictable. It could be hours before she arrived. The closer to home she got, the worse her nerves grew.
When Timms drew the horses to a halt in the drive, Nicola climbed down, her stomach tied in knots. She hoped Nathaniel and Frances were home. Mrs Rawlings scurried out of the front door, her actions so unlike her that Nicola paused.
“Madam, I am glad you are home.” Rawlings panted on reaching her.
“Is something the matter?”
“I don’t know where to begin.” Flustered Mrs Rawlings flapped at her face, but suddenly she tidied herself and became professional again. “Mrs West has arrived.”
“Mrs West?” For a moment, Nicola was confused. She was Mrs West. Then it became clear. “Mr West’s mother is here, already?”
Mrs Rawlings nodded, her expression one of aversion. “Yes, Madam, been here for twenty minutes, she has, and is most put out. I haven’t had the time to send for you as she’s run me ragged. I can barely draw breath from running to do her bidding and her uppity maid thinks she can tell me what to do as well, but I soon put her straight.”
“Good gracious me.” Despite her aching injury, Nicola hurried up the path and through the door. In the hall, she hastily unpinned her hat and smoothed her hair into place. “Where is my husband,” she whispered to Rawlings.
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