people aware. If we have patrons and donations, the longevity of this house will be assured.”
Nicola slowly sat, her mind whirling. “I confess I am surprised at this turn of thinking. I never imagined we would need outside help. Perhaps that was short-sighted of me.”
“No, my dear, it wasn’t. I was the same as you. But we have talked before of your future plans to include a teaching school for young ladies, and perhaps an orphanage here, and all those other wonderful ideas.” He held his hands out wide. “I am not going to be here for many more years, my dear. Naturally all my fortune is left in trust for the Home, but it will not last forever. You must see the sense in having extra income and help for the long term health of this enterprise?”
“Yes, of course…” But she didn’t. She didn’t like the thought of strangers being involved, of them having their say in the way she ran the house.
Mr Belfroy creaked to his feet, his cane tapped the floorboards at the effort. “Now, I’ll leave you to think it over. You may have ideas that need further discussion and my nephew tells me that he is to meet with you tomorrow, so you’ll have plenty to discuss then. We can speak again later in the week, yes?”
“Absolutely.” She rose and walked with him to the front door.
He turned and patted her hand. “I understand your hesitation, my dear.” He gazed around the hall fondly. “It is hard to allow others into your private world, I know that only too well. However, we must think of those who are in need of our help. The more people assisting us, the more women and children we can aid.” He smiled. “Take care, my dear. Until next time.”
“Good day, Mr Belfroy.” She watched him walk, leaning heavily on his cane, towards his carriage.
“Miss Douglas?” Miss Barker came to stand in the doorway beside her, a letter in her hand.
“Yes?”
“I have received correspondence from a fellow governess I met last year. A Miss Regina Clarke.” Miss Barker held up the letter as proof. “Her current situation will end in November and she’ll be needing accommodation then. Is she welcome here? I can vouch for her honesty and manners.”
“She is welcome, Miss Barker. We never turn anyone away.”
“Thank you, Miss Douglas. I shall write to her immediately stating the terms of the Home. She will be able to pay her way to start with.”
“Very good, Miss Barker. Assure her we charge very little.” Nicola watched the carriage trundle down the drive and at the same time, noticed another waiting to turn in. Her heart sank. It was Nathaniel West’s carriage. She crossed her fingers behind her back, hoping Frances had borrowed her brother’s carriage and he remained at home.
“We have another visitor?”
Nodding, Nicola straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Yes, a friend of mine. Will you ask Mrs Nesbit to send a tea tray into the parlour please, Miss Barker?” With a determined step, Nicola went to meet the carriage. She pasted a smile on her face as Nathaniel climbed from the carriage and helped his sister down.
“Nicola.” Frances, wearing a brown skirt and pale gold blouse, hugged her warmly. “What an excellent position the house is on.”
“Yes, we are fortunate to have this rise. It affords us views to the harbour in the distance.” She inclined her head to Nathaniel, who looked resplendent in a dark grey suit, the jacket of which was knee length. “Good day, Mr West.”
“Miss Douglas.” He bowed towards her, his eyes again assessing.
“Won’t you come in?” She smiled, but couldn’t look him in the eyes. She led them into the parlour, away from the drawing room and all its flowers. That was something she didn’t want to explain.
For the next fifteen minutes, Nicola and Frances chatted about the soup kitchen and gossiped on the latest society happenings. The whole time, Nicola was aware of Nathaniel standing by the window, sipping his tea, watching her.
“You may be surprised to know, Frances, that future plans here will now include a small orphanage.”
“Really?” Frances grasped Nicola’s hand. “That is excellent news. I am so happy you changed your mind, Nicola.”
“Well, it makes sense doesn’t it? We’ll have all these teachers, why not put them to work?” She laughed softly.
Frances chuckled. “A perfect solution indeed.”
“I hope you will be able to help us, Fran, when the time comes.” Nicola glanced over at Nathaniel and caught him staring