his head back, laughing. “I like you, Miss Douglas. Tomorrow it is then.”
The following morning, despite her desperate need to organise the study, Nicola gave in to Meg’s insistent urging to accompany her shopping.
As they alighted from the omnibus in the city centre, Nicola was close to regretting asking Meg to be her companion tonight, for the younger woman had done nothing but talk about it since dinner the previous evening.
Entering a dressmaker’s shop, Meg chuckled. “I do believe I nearly fell in a faint when you asked me to attend this dinner party.”
“Keep your voice down, Meg.” Nicola glanced at the women milling around the bolts of cloth and stands of clothes. “You will promise to behave tonight, won’t you?”
Inspecting a burnt orange silk dress, Meg winked. “I always behave.”
“I mean it, Meg.” Nicola spotted a table full of hosiery on sale and inspected a few items.
“Your American is quite dashing.”
“He’s not my American.” Nicola glared at her, hoping she’d be quiet.
“His voice sends shivers down my spine.” Meg giggled. “I simply tingled all over yesterday when he said goodbye and kissed my hand.”
“Meg,” she threatened in a low murmur. After selecting some hosiery, she moved on to another stand showcasing straw boaters just arrived from England. Beside the hats was an assortment of lace gloves on shelves.
“I do hope the ship’s captain is as handsome as your American. But if he isn’t, no doubt I’ll put up with him for your sake. They must be rich, owning a ship. I should wear something marvellous just in case.”
Tossing down the lace gloves she’d been considering, Nicola turned away. “I’m leaving. You’re impossible.”
Laughing, Meg grabbed her hand and prevented her from departing the shop. “Oh now, Nicola, don’t be so stuffy.”
“I should have known better. I shall cancel tonight.”
“Nonsense. I won’t hear of it.” Meg pouted and then grinned. “I’m sorry. I’ll behave.”
“I don’t know why I agreed to Mr Warner’s request. I’m not usually so impulsive, really.”
“You agreed because he’s handsome and intriguing. Who could resist such an offer of dinner on board the man’s very own ship!” Meg picked out a deep red dress with white lace around the bust line and sleeves. “This will be perfect for me.”
“Where did you get the money for such a dress?”
“My aunt, naturally. She sent money two days ago.”
“Good, then you can pay some board.”
“Oh, Nicola, you do know how to spoil a day!” Meg stormed away to another table full of lace and silk ribbons.
Unperturbed, she followed her. “You know the rules. Those who can pay must do so.”
“I swear I’ll never tell you anything again.”
“Don’t behave like a child, Meg.” Nicola turned away and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?”
She stopped. “To tell Mr Warner we won’t be dining with him tonight. If you’re going to behave like a spoilt child and-”
“Oh, all right. I’ll pay for my keep.” Meg huffed and flounced out of the door.
“It’s only fair, Meg, and you know it.”
“All I know is that Mr Belfroy found a defender in you. I bet you count the peas in the pot to make sure the cook hasn’t cut you short.”
Nicola laughed. “Perhaps I do.” She tucked her arm through Meg’s and they headed down the street.
“Nicola? Nicola!”
She searched the pedestrians for the person who called her name. Across the road Frances waved. Beside her, Nathaniel stood staring.
Summoning a smile, Nicola waited for them to join her and Meg. “It’s good to see you, Frances, Mr West.” She’d not seen Frances since their argument and the hurt lingered faintly. She kept her gaze from Nathaniel, not needing to look at him to feel his daunting presence which filled her senses.
“How are you?” Frances smiled. Today she wore a lemon dress and looked prettier for it.
“I’m well.” Nicola turned to indicate Meg. “You remember my friend, Miss Robinson?”
After the pleasantries, a suffocating awkwardness sprang up and Nicola glanced down at her shoes, trying to think of something interesting to say, but her mind was blank of everything except Nathaniel West, who stood opposite to her.
“Did you receive the flowers, Miss Douglas?” Mr West asked.
Appalled at her lack of manners, Nicola became flustered. “Yes, indeed. Thank you very much. They are lovely.”
“Would you care to come to dinner, Nicola, and you too, Miss Robinson?” Frances asked, her hand reaching out to settle lightly on Nicola’s arm. It was a gesture of apology, of hope, and Nicola covered Frances’s hand with her own and smiled.
“Tonight?” Frances grinned, her expression