but there is no need.” She straightened, ignoring the dizziness and forced her shoulders back and held her chin high. “I’m much better already.”
“Where do you live?”
She smiled at his friendly persistence. “I lodge at Cordell’s Hotel.”
“Cordell’s Hotel.” He frowned. “You lodge, did you say?”
“Yes, until I can find work.”
“You are newly arrived in the city?”
She sighed. “Is it obvious?”
‘To me, yes, but that is because of my experience.” He gently guided her back to his carriage, his gold-topped cane tapping with every step. “I am Frederick Belfroy.”
“Nicola Douglas. I thank you for your help.” She stopped and gave him a brief smile. Slight dizziness remained, but she grew stronger each minute.
“What is your trade, Miss Douglas?” Mr Belfroy asked, opening the carriage door.
“Governess, sir, but I can work as a teacher or child’s nurse. I have-I have experience in both.”
“Do you have a letter of introduction?”
“Indeed, yes. In my room.” She gestured towards the distant hotel, where, in between the pages of her diary, lay her most important papers. “Do you need a governess or perhaps might know of someone who might?”
“No, not myself, but I may be able to help you.”
Hope flooded her and she swayed again. “I can show you my references. I’m honest and loyal and very punctual. I can teach piano and—”
“Come, come, my dear.” Belfroy gently stayed her urgency. “First things first. Let us find an establishment that offers a refreshing cup of tea. Yes?”
In a daze she followed, not asking why he helped her and not really caring at the moment.
“Douglas... A Scot?” He helped her into the carriage before climbing in himself and giving instructions to his driver.
Nicola relaxed against the dark leather seat. “My grandfather was, yes.”
“Splendid. The Scottish are fine people. Very hard working. And inventive. I met a man once…”
His words grew dim as Nicola swayed, blackness threatening to swallow her.
“Oh I say, Miss Douglas!”
Her last thought was of Mr Belfroy’s alarmed expression.
* * *
Nicola sat stiffly on the iron bed, its white sheets and grey-green blanket pulled so tight, she was worried she might bounce right back off them. Beside her she placed the carpetbag, and at her feet, stood her large trunk. Through the small square window opposite, she looked out over a narrow yard with its own vegetable garden and line of washing at the end. She remembered little of the last hour. Only, that Mr Belfroy had collected her luggage and insisted that she be looked after in his own establishment. The rest of his conversation, of packing her things, moving to this house and being greeted by an older couple had simply gone over her head. She had been guided and led, talked to and fussed over and her mind, which felt like it was stuffed with wool, couldn’t take in any of it.
Mrs Eldersley, the landlady, had brought up a jug of hot water and a freshly laundered towel before bustling back downstairs. The wash refreshed Nicola but she longed for the bath she had ordered for later. Weeks without a proper bath made her skin itch.
A knock sounded at the door and it was opened before Nicola gave admittance. Mrs Eldersley hurried in, her thick bulk instantly dwarfing the room. She smiled with motherly wholesomeness.
“Well, my dear, are you settled yet? At least your colour has returned to your cheeks.” She spoke between puffs while placing a tea tray onto the washstand.
From her earlier experience downstairs, Nicola knew the older woman didn’t need an answer to her questions.
“I’ve got a nice pot of tea here for you and some of my pound cake. There’s a good piece of mutton simmering for your dinner,” she continued, pouring the tea and adding a dollop of cream to the cup. “Mr Eldersley is cutting some kindling for your fire, and I’ll have it laid ready for when you have your bath.”
“Thank you, Mrs Eldersley, you are most kind.”
The landlady swelled at the compliment. “Well, happen I don’t want my reputation to suffer by not giving a good service.” She heaved up her heavy bosom with her arm and swept a critical glance around the plain but spotless room. “I may not have run a boarding house for long, a mere six months, but I can keep a clean house fit for Queen Victoria herself.”
Nicola smiled. “I am most fortunate Mr Belfroy brought me here.” The gentleman had proven to be a valuable new friend.
“Aye, Mr Belfroy is a good man. It was his idea for