first hour?”
“No. Of course, I didn’t expect to have nothing for weeks though. I had read much about Miss Rye’s Scheme. You have no idea how hard it is to find work at home, most governesses work until they are in their seventies. I had enough money to pay my way here. All I received from the scheme was a letter of introduction. I never met any of the women concerned with the Scheme, merely wrote to them for advice and then came out unassisted.” Nicola bit the inside of her lip. “When I said I had no secrets, I lied. I do. Just one.”
Meg’s eyes widened and she clapped her hands. “Oh, wonderful! Do tell.”
“I am not a true governess in respect of having worked for wealthy families. I am educated because my father taught me alongside his class of boys. When I was older, I helped my father run his small school and I taught piano in the evenings. I told Mr Belfroy I had nursery experience, but honestly, my skills are limited, and sadly, I have no references from influential people, only the merchants and traders of the town where we lived and the two employers I worked for before I sailed.”
“Is that it?” Meg’s shoulders sagged. “That’s your secret?”
Nicola frowned. “Yes, what did you expect?”
“That you’ve run away from a torrid love affair or something.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she scoffed, appalled at the thought. “Really, Meg, you do go on sometimes.”
“Well, I am not a true governess either, I can’t teach Latin or French, but that hasn’t stopped me. Some not-so-wealthier families aren’t too choosy, thankfully. They are happy to just have someone to teach their children the basics and pay accordingly. Believe me, some children are positively wild.”
“I may not be able to expect a position in a good family.” Nicola rubbed her forehead. The worry of finding work forever in her mind. “I need employment and so I shall have to take whatever I am offered now.”
“Prostitution?” Meg laughed.
“Don’t be absurd.” Nicola stared at her. “You are outrageous.”
The door opened and Miss Downing entered with a book under her arm. She inclined her head to them and scurried over to a chair on the far side of the room. Her nose and eyes were red from weeping.
“Do you feel better today, Miss Downing?” Nicola smiled at her.
Miss Downing nodded. “A little, thank you.” She laid her book in her lap, opened it and took out a folded sheet of paper. “I have written to my former employer.” She raised her guilt-ridden gaze to Nicola and Meg. “Miss Burstall says I shouldn’t. It is wrong for me to ask for…” Quietly, she cried into her handkerchief.
Meg crossed to her and put her arm around the bent shoulders. “Don’t listen to Miss Iron Drawers.”
“Meg.” Nicola shook her head in exasperation and knelt before Miss Downing. “Why do you write to your employer?”
“Mrs Eldersley says I should ask for money.”
“He owes you wages?” Meg tossed her head. “Why, the slimy toad.”
Nicola glared at Meg. “Go and arrange for some tea.” She waited until her impossible friend had left the room and then guided Miss Downing over to the sofa nearer to the fire.
Miss Downing wiped her eyes. “It isn’t wages I am asking for. It’s for the ch-child.”
“What is your first name? If we are to be friends then calling you Miss Downing all the time will not do.” Nicola smiled.
“Emily is my name.” Her deep sigh shuddered her small frame. “I need money to live. Mrs Eldersley will not let me stay here for much longer without payment.”
“I understand your need for money, but I do not think Mrs Eldersley will turn you out onto the streets. Do you think your former employer will send you something?”
“No. He is a rude beast, but I must try something. I owe five pounds to the Society and my lodgings to Mrs Eldersley.”
“Mrs Eldersley will not demand money from you, I promise you. She has a benefactor to help run this house.”
Emily’s eyes filled with fresh tears. “When the child comes, what will I do then?”
Nicola blinked, trying to think of something helpful to say, but knew Emily’s crisis would only deepen. “What about your family?”
Emily shook her head. “My father died a few months ago. All I have is a brother in England, but his wife rules their roost. He is of no use to me.”
“You aren’t without friends here. We’ll help you.”
“Thank you, Nicola, but can you secure