I come here to work, to forget her until it is dark and I must return home. Yet, I use my condition as an excuse and stay home when they go out to the theatre or to a function.”
“Oh, Nicola.”
“I should have seen this coming from that very first day.”
“Can you not speak about this to your husband?”
“No. It would break his heart. I won’t do it to him. He’s finally getting the love from his mother that he’s been waiting his whole life. Frances is the same. Her relationship with Silvana is growing and Frances is amazed that her mother is showing interest in her charity work. Silvana even worked at the soup kitchen the other day! How could I take all that from them?”
“But doesn’t Mr West see the difference in you, as I do?”
Nicola smiled lovingly. “I allow him to think the baby is taking all my energy. You must understand, Nathaniel is not himself lately. His mother’s attentions have surprised him in a way he never expected, plus he is to be a father. All of these changes have altered our lives. Besides, we never seem to have a minute alone lately.”
“When does she leave to sail home?”
“She won’t decide on a date. Last night at dinner she hinted that she might go in the New Year. How can I bear another four months of her company?”
“Well, I know one thing. Tonight you will stay here with us. I’ll send a note to your home and tell them we are having a meeting or something and you’ll be back in the morning.”
Nicola stood, her back aching from the uncomfortable chair. “No, it is impossible. Thank you though, for caring.”
“You mustn’t let this continue, Nicola. You’ll become ill and you need your strength for the birth.”
Taking a deep breath, she shrugged. “I cannot eat at the same table as her.”
“Come into the house, we’ll have luncheon and you will eat it all. Mrs Nesbit hasn’t been drunk for a month now and is cooking up a storm. Yesterday, she baked two dozen macaroons for the children, despite her yelling every five minutes that they are under her feet and she’ll take a horsewhip to them.” Florence gave an exaggerated wink and slipped her hand through Nicola’s arm as they walked outside. “Perhaps we’ll take the horsewhip to your mother-in-law instead.”
Leaving the schoolroom, Nicola smiled at Miss Barker and the children playing. They seemed happy and she knew they were well cared for. Hopefully they would grow to be good people. When she looked up towards the house she saw Mr Belfroy walking slowly down towards her. “I didn’t think you were calling by today, Mr Belfroy.” Her smile disappeared on seeing his troubled face, an expression she knew all too well. “What is it?”
“Ah, Mrs West, Miss Florence.” He tipped his hat to them as the drizzly rain started. They hurried back up the slope through the trees. Behind them, Miss Barker called the children into the dormitory.
Inside, Nicola shook the raindrops from her skirt. “You shouldn’t be out in such weather, Mr Belfroy.”
“It wasn’t raining this morning when I started out, and I’m glad I did venture outdoors today as I found a dear lady in need of our help.”
“Oh?” Nicola gestured into the study and followed him in with Florence. “Where did you find her?”
“She’s recently arrived from New Zealand, but has had severe misfortunes in both that country and this. Her name is Jane Percival.” Mr Belfroy creaked onto a chair by the small glowing fire. “I found her walking down Macquarie Street, the look of her was the first clue to her dilemma. She had the worn face of a lady who has endured too much. I watched her for a while. She was looking in shop windows and reading the little cards on display, you know the type that list rooms to let or positions offered. I spoke to her about them and she told me of her need for employment.”
“Why didn’t you bring her with you?”
“She wouldn’t take my assurances that I meant her no harm. I believe she has been mistreated dreadfully in the past.” He leaned on his cane placed between his knees. “I told her to wait at her lodgings and I’d fetch you to her.”
“I’ll get my cloak.”
“Nicola,” Florence stepped forward, her eyes full of meaning, “perhaps I should go?”
“No, thank you, Florence. I’ll do it. I need to have something to do or go mad.”
“Very well.