alarmed her the effect both men had on her. What was she to do? Warner expected an answer tonight, but she couldn’t give him one. Flustered, she turned and found Miss McIntyre behind her. “Oh, Florence, will you stand in for me? I need…”
“Absolutely, Miss Douglas. You’ve been standing there for an hour, go sit yourself down for a moment or two.”
Smiling her thanks, she left her position by the door, only Warner touched her arm, halting her before she could leave the room.
“Is everything all right?”
“Yes, completely. I just need a drink of water.” The concern in his voice and the look in his eyes made her feel guilty.
“I shall get you one immediately.”
“No, please. I need a moment.”
“Has something upset you?”
“No.”
He frowned. “You’ve been avoiding me all day.”
“I have been busy all day. Much depends on tonight’s success.”
The band struck up from the other room and he gave her a cheeky smile, the seriousness vanishing as if it had never been. “I beg the first dance from you. You cannot deny me that?”
“I…” All she wanted was a quiet moment to herself, something she’d not had for the last week with organising new arrivals at the house and the entertainment and requirements for tonight.
“Please?” His boyish charm pulled at her heart.
“Oh, very well.” Her hand on his, they glided into the ballroom and joined the others for the first waltz of the evening.
Dancing in his arms affected her more than she imagined. He was so much taller than her, and with his handsome face and friendly manner he drew smiles from the gathering, and a flutter of fans from the females as he elegantly twirled her around. What woman would say no to this man? She had tried to think rationally about the proposal and what it would mean. Living in America would be exciting, having Hilton’s love would be wonderful, but something nagged at the back of her mind - a sense of being suffocated…
When the music stopped, Frances was instantly beside her, whisking her away to the refreshments room. “You two appear to be great friends.”
“What do you mean?” Nicola nodded her thanks to the maid who gave her a glass of fruit punch.
“You seem very comfortable with him, that’s all.” Frances accepted her glass and they sauntered away into a corner.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together recently, so familiarity is a consequence of that. He’s been heavily involved in establishing the charity, plus the preparation of tonight and the equipping of the Home. There were so many things we needed, more beds and furniture...”
“The way he looks at you has nothing to do with furniture.” Frances sipped her drink, merriment in her eyes.
“He’s asked me to marry him, Fran.” She sighed, relieved at finally having told someone.
Frances’s face drained of colour. “And your answer?”
“I haven’t given it yet. Why are you so shocked?”
“I’m surprised that’s all. He’s not been here long.” Frances concentrated on her drink. “Do you love him, Nicola?”
“I don’t know.” She smiled at a passing couple and said good evening to another before turning back to Frances. “I think I do, but I’m frightened it is more of a brotherly love. I like and esteem him…” She nodded to another gentleman as he passed and lowered her voice. “How do I know what is real? It’s all so complicated.”
“Many marriages are made without love. Is that what you want?”
“No, but I think I could love him easily.”
“I see.” Frances rubbed her finger around the rim of her glass. “And then there is my brother.”
Nicola searched Frances’s face for any hidden clue to her thoughts. “Yes.”
“He has feelings for you, but you do not return them.”
Nicola’s stomach clenched, she felt slightly sick. “I-I am not sure that is completely true either.”
Frances paused in raising her glass. “Which part?”
“Both.”
“Oh, Nic. All I can tell you is that my brother has never been inclined towards marriage or towards any one particular woman. No lady has captured his heart. Until you came along.”
“Captured his heart? A little dramatic don’t you think?”
“He is capable of loving someone, Nicola, despite his behaviour at times.”
“But that is the problem. His behaviour. He isn’t one for marriage, is he? He likes his…companions. How could I believe what he says is the truth?”
“He wouldn’t say it otherwise. There would be no need. He must really mean it for him to even think of uttering such words to you. He is so private and reserved.”
“I could not bear to have a