table and stared, amazed by this woman’s selflessness and commitment. “Heavens, Frances. You are exceptional.”
“Nonsense. I do what I can, because I can, and I like helping others less fortunate.”
Mrs Lawson waved to them as she walked towards the doors. “I’m off home now, ladies. Nice to have met you, Miss Douglas.”
“And I you, Mrs Lawson.” Nicola smiled.
Frances waved and called out her goodbyes before turning back to Nicola. “I want to thank you for coming here today, Nicola.”
“I enjoyed being of use.” She rinsed out her cloth in the bucket of cold soapy water. “Sitting around at the lodgings with nothing to do is tiresome. When I returned home yesterday after leaving you, I found a letter for me in reply to one of the advertisements I’d answered. The position had been filled before my letter even arrived on their doorstep.”
Frances swept her way towards the doors. “I know it must be difficult for you. I am sorry. Although…” Frances turned to grin at her. “While you aren’t engaged in a position, perhaps I can claim your services here?”
Nicola couldn’t help but laugh, realising she would enjoy being useful. “I don’t see why not.”
Suddenly a man stood in the doorway. He was dressed splendidly in a long black woollen coat with knee length black boots that gleamed even in the muted light of the large room.
Laughter left Nicola as though she’d been dunked in a tub of ice water. Her stomach clenched as Nathaniel West gazed at her. His violet eyes narrowed on recognition, but his expression gave nothing away however, as Frances greeted him.
“Why, Nat, what you doing here?” She kissed his cheek and Nicola caught a glimpse of her softer side. “Come and meet my new friend, Miss Douglas. Nicola this is my brother, Nathaniel West.”
Nicola groaned inwardly. Why did it have to be him of all people?
Nathaniel hesitated. “I’m afraid I have little time, Frances.” His frosty stare penetrated Nicola’s soul before he bowed in her direction. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Douglas.”
The distance between them was no more than ten paces, yet she felt as though it was a divide the size of the harbour. She inclined her head but remained silent and was rewarded by a sardonic lift of his arched eyebrow. She was grateful at least that he didn’t mention their previous meeting.
Frances, attuned to their reaction to each other, looked at Nathaniel. “You needed to see me about something?”
“Yes. I’ve invited a few friends over for dinner tomorrow evening and would be glad if you could join us.”
“Play your hostess you mean?” She folded her arms. “You know I am unhappy about such things. I didn’t come out here to don finery and be—”
He held his hand up, silencing her. “I’m merely asking if you could, but if you are unavailable, I will understand.”
“You understanding? That’ll be a first.”
His expression became stiff. “Frances.”
“Oh, all right, but I’ll only do it if Nicola is invited too. I need some female company.”
Nicola jerked. “No!”
Both brother and sister blinked in surprise at her vehement rejection. Nathaniel folded his arms and his lips curved into a wry smile. “I’d be delighted to include Miss Douglas in the party.”
“Oh yes, do come, Nicola.” Frances smiled. “I do need support in a room full of smug men.”
Shaking her head, Nicola carried the bucket to the end of the room and untied her apron. “I’m sorry, I’m unable to attend.” She refused to meet their eyes as she headed for the door. When she drew level with Frances she forced a smiled. “I must go.”
“Please come, Nicola.”
“I cannot. Sorry.”
“Perhaps Miss Douglas is unused to polite society?” Nathaniel carelessly inspected his black gloves.
“Nat!” Shocked, Frances scowled at him.
He raised his gaze to Nicola and she swallowed back a sharp retort when a spark of something she couldn’t define lit his eyes. He was challenging her. For a moment she wanted to laugh at him, mock him, but something stopped her. She wouldn’t stoop to his level. “Good day, Mr West.” She took Frances’s hand and pressed it. “I’ll speak to you soon.” With head high, she turned and left them.
Watching her go, so proud and feminine, Nathaniel sucked in a breath. His groin tightened and his heart thumped against his chest like blacksmith’s hammer. God, she is beautiful.
“Now what the hell was all that about!” Frances slapped his arm. “She is my new friend, and you know I don’t have many, so why did you act as though she was