one of anticipation.
“Thank you, Miss West, but we have an engagement for tonight.” Meg raised her chin, her eyes laughing at Nathaniel. “Nicola and I have been invited to dine on Mr Warner’s ship. He is newly arrived from America and has taken a special interest in our dear Nicola.”
“Meg!” Nicola gasped, her cheeks burning. She looked at Nathaniel whose eyes seemed to have turned from violet to steel grey. A pinched whiteness surrounded his lips, which were tightly clamped together.
“Well, that is wonderful for you both.” Frances’s voice shook a little. “An American would have so many new and interesting things to talk about. I hope you both have a lovely evening.”
“Frances, you know the address of Mr Belfroy’s new establishment, the Governess Home?” Nicola swallowed nervously.
“Yes, I do.”
“Then perhaps you would care to come for tea tomorrow, around four?”
“Thank you, I-”
Nathaniel stepped forward. “Does the invitation include me, Miss Douglas?” His direct stare dared her to refuse him.
“In-indeed, sir. You are most welcome. Though…though the house is not yet ready for us to entertain properly…”
“We shall see you at four then. Good day, ladies.” He bowed and taking Frances’s arm, marched away.
Nicola sagged and put a shaking hand up to her throat. Why did he have the power to reduce her to a witless and nervy fool?
“Come, Nicola.” Meg dragged her down the street. “Time is getting away and we have much to do before tonight.”
Chapter Eleven
The hired cab halted on the road alongside the moonlit quay and Nicola descended the step to the ground. It seemed that all of Sydney congregated at the quay tonight. Golden light spilt from the street gas lamps and some of the ships in the harbour had strung up colourful Chinese lanterns, giving the harbour an air of gaiety and excitement. So many people mingled, laughter and chatter filled the warm spring night air.
“Oh, how did I forget?” Meg came to stand beside her and stared around, eyes wide with anticipation.
“What did you forget?” Nicola couldn’t help but get energized by the cheerful atmosphere in the dock area.
“The navy!” Meg clapped her gloved hands. “Two naval ships are in the harbour. See, over there.” She pointed to two large ships riding at anchor in the harbour. “I read about it in the newspaper yesterday. One British and one French. They have joined together to hold a special ball on board the British ship. Everyone who is anyone will be there.” She paused as a wealthy couple glided past, the woman’s jewels dazzling in the light. “I confess, Nicola, if your American and his captain are as dull as dead fish, I will slip away and join the fun over there.” She giggled, but there was a glint in her eyes that made the joke seem less light-hearted.
“If you do that, Meg Robinson, our friendship will be over for good.”
“Oh, come on then.” Meg sighed dramatically. “Let us go aboard and see what Mr Warner has to entertain us.”
They strolled down the quay until they reached the plank walkway for the Lady Hilton.
“Ho there, ladies.” Mr Warner, all smiles, hurried down to meet and escorted them up onto the deck. “Welcome aboard.” He held out both arms for them to take. “Shall we go inside? The captain and I have sent the crew ashore and we’ve made use of the saloon. I’m afraid as mere men it lacks the decorative touches of a female, but I hope you’ll be comfortable enough.”
The saloon held a long red carpet under a solid looking timber table highly polished. Tall candelabras around the room created a welcoming glow and shone on the silverware. In the centre of the table was an elegant glass bowl on a stand filled with exotic fruits of pineapple, oranges and grapes, which hung over the edge, tempting the most selective of palates.
The far door opened and a man entered. Nicola liked the look of him at once. He appeared to be young, but close up she depicted the lines on his handsome face and the seriousness of his grey eyes. She guessed him to be about thirty, a few years younger than Mr Warner.
“Miss Douglas, Miss Robinson, please meet my partner and captain of this ship, James Pollings.”
“Ladies, welcome.” Captain Pollings bowed over their hands and then indicated for them to sit at the table. “I hope dinner will be to your satisfaction. My cook is an old man, but good at his craft.”
Nicola sat down and adjusted her skirts, glad she’d