beside Nicola. “Thank you, Miss Douglas. You have saved our lives. One more night in the open and I think poor Miss Golding would have perished completely.”
“In the open? You spent the night in the open?” Nicola gasped.
“Why yes, with no money we had nowhere to go. An innkeeper’s wife down by the docks mentioned this place this morning when she found us sleeping in the lean-to behind her public house.”
Righteous indignation at their plight fired through Nicola. How could this happen. What was the government doing to allow such women to be homeless and without hope?
Meg handed her a cup of tea, her face solemn. “You have a home here, Miss Nugent.”
“We are indeed fortunate,” Miss McIntyre said, between sips of tea. “There are some ladies who never receive help and die alone.” Her voice had a Scottish accent.
“Yes, that’s all too true,” Miss Nugent added. “We must thank the Lord for His deliverance.”
Meg glanced at Nicola and rolled her eyes. “In my experience, the Lord helps those who help themselves.”
“Thank you, Meg.” Nicola grabbed her elbow and steered her towards the door before she said anything else to cause offence. “Can you organise to have a bath drawn. I’m sure the ladies require a bath after their unfortunate experience.”
Meg leaned in close. “Where’s that lazy Irish slut of a maid? She can do it.”
“I don’t know,” she whispered, “I haven’t seen her all morning.” She straightened and with a smile turned back to the women. The absence of their useless maid was the least of her problems. “Ladies, I’m afraid you’ll have to share a room, as the house is rather full at the moment.”
“We don’t mind, Miss Douglas.” Miss McIntyre stood and gathered the luggage. “We are grateful for whatever you can spare.”
“Well, finish your tea while I organise the room.” Nicola bade for Miss McIntyre to resume her seat and left them. At the bottom of the stairs she closed her eyes for a moment. To accommodate the ladies would mean two of the current ladies sharing. She knew immediately that Miss Burstall would never share and Miss Downing’s plight meant she needed a room to herself. With a sigh, Nicola mounted the stairs, knowing her little bit of solitude that was her bedroom would now be gone, for Meg would have to share with her.
* * *
After a slight tap on the door, Nicola entered Mrs Eldersley’s room.
“Miss Douglas,” Mrs Eldersley smiled in welcome from the bed. “How are you faring downstairs?”
“I’m coping so far.” Nicola smiled, sitting on the wooden chair by the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Mr Belfroy sent me a message saying my ship leaves for England in three days time and my cabin is all fitted out. He’s tremendously kind.”
“Indeed he is.” Nicola took her hand and patted it. “Meg says you’ve been eating well and have even made it downstairs on two occasions.”
“Yes. I know I could go down more, but the house is so full and I do not feel ready to talk to strangers yet. Since my dear husband left us I feel so adrift. We were together for many years, most of my life actually, as we were friends since childhood.”
“I understand.”
“The sea voyage will restore me to myself again, I’m certain, and seeing my sister again will help fill the loss.”
“I sincerely hope so, Mrs Eldersley. You have shown nothing but kindness to many women and you deserve peace and contentment.”
“Some guilt remains that I am leaving you all, but I know you can do this work very well, Miss Douglas. You have the correct temperament and spirit and you are young.”
Nicola smiled. “I must confess this path is something I never expected to take.”
“We should always seize what opportunities are given to us, Miss Douglas. Who knows what the future will bring?”
“Yes, that is true.”
Mrs Eldersley’s expression grew serious. “But you mustn’t let your life be taken over by others.” She patted Nicola’s hand. “Do you understand? Make sure you have something of your own, too. Being old and alone isn’t recommended, my dear.”
“I’ll remember your words, Mrs Eldersley.” However, inside, she knew that her work would be her life. There wouldn’t be many opportunities to find a husband and she wouldn’t simply settle for anyone just to avoid being alone.
Resting back on the pillows, the older woman nodded. “Now, Meg told me Mr Belfroy is arriving shortly. Is anything amiss?”
“I think Meg talks a great deal.” Nicola laughed. “No, nothing is wrong.