Virtue of a Governess (17 page)

“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 my 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.

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.”

“Thank you, and I you.” She glanced up as a seagull squawked overhead, rising and falling on the air current.

“Miss Douglas, would you consider marrying me?”

Nicola turned to him so quickly, her neck creaked. “Marry you?”

“Is that so terrible a concept?” He tilted his head, chuckling.

“No, no, not at all. Only, I never expected it.”

“Why? You must know how much I want to be with you. Not a day goes by without my wanting to be with you in every sense.”

“I don’t know what to say.” He wanted to marry her. That this good, decent man wanted her made her giddy with girlish pride. Yet, she couldn’t help thinking of another proposal asked of her…

“I wasn’t going to mention it for a while yet, but…” He smiled sheepishly, “I’m terrible at keeping information to myself.”

She gave him a wide-eyed stare. “Are you sure you and the captain haven’t been drinking some magic marriage potion?”

“Maybe we have!” He laughed, but quickly sobered. “Will you think about it? I know it is a shock and an important decision. Marriage to me will mean living in America, but we will travel, too. I can provide for you, Nicola, and will love you in the way you deserve.”

Touched by his sincerity, his affection that was evident in his manner, she reached out and squeezed his hands. “Thank you, Hilton. Thank you for allowing me this choice and for caring for me. I will think very hard about this, I promise.” At the edge of the park she spotted a hansom cab idly waiting for a fare. “I must return to the Home. Two new governesses arrive on the evening train.”

“Nicola,” he stood, towering above her, “I’ll give you a few days alone to think. Perhaps at the ball you can give me your answer?”

She nodded, too emotional to speak, and left him.

* * * 

Nathaniel adjusted his white silk cravat in the mirror above the fireplace, his fingers not heeding his brain. It was times like these he wished he had engaged a decent valet and not relied on his useless butler. “For the love of God!” In temper he yanked at the thing, ripping it off from around his neck and threw it across the sitting room, just as Frances entered.

“Nat, heavens.” She stooped and picked it up from the floor. “Here, let me do it for you.” With deft movements she tied and fussed with it until it was a snowy silk perfection. “There.”

“Thank you.”

She crossed to the far chair where she had left her shawl. He studied her dress, the finest he’d ever seen her wear. The shimmering gold silk and cream lace ensemble gave her a healthy glow and she’d chosen to add rose buds to her short hair, which thankfully she’d been growing once more. Pouring himself a brandy, he realised she had gone many weeks without wearing her ridiculous trouser-skirt outfit. Hopefully, she was tired of shocking people, though it hardly mattered now. All of their society knew of her peculiarity for shocking others.

“You’ve started drinking early.” Frances frowned, wrapping the shimmering shawl around her shoulders.

“I detest balls.”

“Poppycock. You love them and always have done. It gives you the perfect excuse to dance with all the pretty young women, and to flirt with the older married ones. You are at your best at a ball and don’t you dare deny it.” She gave him one of her triumphant looks which meant she knew of his secrets and wasn’t afraid to use them against him.

“Is there nothing about me you don’t know?” he asked, ushering her out the door.