of serious issues, Mr Warner.” She looked up and smiled.
He grinned and again took her hand and slipped it through his arm. “You are quite correct, Miss Douglas. Will we talk instead of the ball.”
They walked on and Nicola relaxed. She enjoyed his company very much. All the times they’d spent together he had made her laugh. He was witty and funny, very courteous and considerate. He charmed her effortlessly and made her feel light-hearted. Within a short time of being in his company she could forget the harshness of the world and be carefree. “The invitations for the ball are being accepted at a furious rate. There are so many people I do not know and will have to greet at the door. I’m extremely nervous.”
“I will be beside you. Together, we’ll fumble our way through.” He winked. “Anyway, my uncle knows everyone worth knowing in Sydney and will be right beside us. So many people are curious about him, since his withdrawal from society. The gossips will be in a frenzy.”
“Poor Mr Belfroy. He’ll never step foot outside his door again.” She grinned. “I cannot imagine I will get everything done on time. There is still much to do and only a week left to do it.”
“Meg is helping you, and the other women?”
“Yes, they are. Miss McIntyre is priceless, so good and helpful.” She dodged around a ball thrown by a small boy to the left. “Although Meg is more of a hindrance then a help sometimes.”
“I’ll encourage James to take her out driving more, to spare you.”
At the mention of the captain, Nicola paused. “Do you…I mean…does he…” She frowned. “I’m not expressing myself well.”
“What is it?” His eyes softened and the caress of her fingers started again. “Ask me anything.”
“It’s Meg and the captain. In the five weeks since our dinner on your ship, when they first met, the captain has been very attentive to Meg.”
“You wish he hadn’t been?”
“No…unless…unless he is only playing with her affections. If he has no thought to her emotions and the hope he is building within her, then I feel he should—”
“Keep his distance?”
“Yes.”
He brought her hand up as though to kiss it, but quickly drew it down again. “Let me put your fears to rest. James is very much in love with your dear Meg.”
Her step faltered. “Love? Are you sure?”
“Entirely sure. He told me so.”
“But he will sail away, and leave her.”
Warner shook his head. “No, not at all. He has every intention of proposing. When he sails from this harbour, he fully expects to have her by his side as his wife.”
The news shook Nicola more than she anticipated. Meg married. Meg gone from her life?
“You are shocked. Does the news upset you? I apologise.”
“I-I am surprised, that is all.”
“Did you think him not an honourable man, one who would play fast and loose with her?”
“No…” What had she expected? She didn’t know, but not marriage and for Meg to leave the country.
“You will not tell her, will you? It is meant to be a surprise. He wants to propose at the ball.”
“Of course I won’t tell her.” They walked to the end of the path and turned to retrace their steps. “When do you think you will sail?”
“That, I cannot answer.” His smile flickered and an uncertain look came into his eyes. “There is much it depends on.”
“Oh? Your business interests?”
“Yes, those, and interests of a more personal nature.”
They walked on in silence for a moment until Warner stopped and guided her over to sit on a bench overlooking the water. “Your friendship has become very important to me, Miss Douglas.”
“As yours is to me.”
“We have spent a good deal of time together these last five weeks.”
“True...”
“I’ve enjoyed each occasion we’ve met. I have come to admire you greatly.”
“Thank you, and I you.” She glanced up as a seagull squawked overhead, rising and falling on the air current.
“Miss Douglas, would you consider marrying me?”
Nicola turned to him so quickly, her neck creaked. “Marry you?”
“Is that so terrible a concept?” He tilted his head, chuckling.
“No, no, not at all. Only, I never expected it.”
“Why? You must know how much I want to be with you. Not a day goes by without my wanting to be with you in every sense.”
“I don’t know what to say.” He wanted to marry her. That this good, decent man wanted her made her giddy with girlish pride. Yet, she couldn’t help thinking of another proposal asked of her…
“I wasn’t going