blood over that stabbing.”
He leaned in closer to her, a look of evilness in his eyes. Despite herself, she took a step back. “That was just a warning. I assure you, Madam, this time it will be perfect.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
I thought when you were with child you put weight on, not take it off?” Florence laughed, bending to wipe the last desk in the row.
“Yes, I believe so.” Nicola forced a smile, hiding her true emotions. She finished stacking books on the shelf on the far wall of the schoolroom and turned to survey their work.
Three neat rows of desks and chairs waited for children to occupy them. The chalkboard was in place behind the main desk at the front, the floorboards were swept, the two windows cleaned and the little black stove was shining and filled with kindling ready to be lit. Finally the schoolroom was ready to be used after weather delays, setbacks in the building of it and the government’s hindrance in allowing them to be recognised as an official place of learning. However, tomorrow the orphaned children, now numbering twelve, would begin lessons, as well as any children from the surrounding streets.
“What is it?” Florence had closed the gap between them. “You’ve been quiet for weeks now, much quieter than your normal self. Everyone has mentioned it.”
“Would you prefer I didn’t come here so much then?” She smiled through her misery. Outside the orphaned children played, their laughter drifting through to them.
“Don’t talk nonsense. We are all happy that you spend so much time with us. Your efforts in the last month have really made a difference with the agency. Why half a dozen women have arrived here and left just as quickly with situations secured. None of that would have been possible without your energies and commitment.”
“I like my work here.”
“But there’s something more, isn’t there?” Florence’s concern touched Nicola deeply. “You haven’t been your usual self. I declare I haven’t heard you laugh for at least two months.”
Laugh? Nicola couldn’t remember the last time she laughed. “I’m sure you are exaggerating.”
“You are pale and your eyes look troubled, Nicola. I’m not the only one who sees this.”
Except my husband.
Nicola squeezed Florence’s hand and moved down the row of desks. “I am perfectly well.”
“Do you think you can fool me? I know you too well. We’ve shared the same house and worked too closely not to. I know all of your moods and emotions now.” Florence pulled out two of the chairs. “Come and sit a while. You have worry lines on your face that weren’t there a couple of months ago. You may have a bit of a stomach now, but your arms and shoulders show a thinness that’s not natural. Why aren’t you eating properly? Come, talk to me.”
Sighing, feeling heavy and cumbersome in her eighth month of pregnancy, Nicola lowered herself onto the small chair. “There really isn’t anything to talk about.” But even as she spoke, her chin wobbled. Suddenly, she was stifling the sobs that had been building for months.
Florence held her close, rubbing her back in long smooth strokes. “Unburden yourself, I insist. You know it’ll go no further.”
Sniffling and rummaging in her skirt pockets for a handkerchief, she tried to stem the flow of tears, but they seemed unstoppable now she’d finally given in to the release. “I don’t know how to speak of it.”
“Start at the beginning. That’s usually the best place.”
“My mother-in-law, Silvana, detests me.” Nicola twisted the handkerchief in her fingers. “I wouldn’t mind that so much, for I do not like her either, but you see, she hides her hatred under a coating of false smiles and kind words. She has captured Nathaniel and Frances in her spell. In front of them she is a devoted loving mother, one they have never had before, so of course they are so happy to receive such attention.”
“And you canna tell them how she treats you?”
“No. I see their pleasure and cannot ruin it for them. Though I know Silvana is only acting in that regard, too.” A ragged sigh escaped her. “I have tried to cope, but she is becoming more spiteful to me every day. She is also very clever and is never caught doing it. She waits for them to leave the house and then she starts on me.”
“That is why you are spending all your days here.”
Nicola nodded. “She monopolises Nathaniel and Frances’s time and I cannot bear to be in her company. So