it needed washing.
He looked towards the half built dwellings further down the back of the property. “Would you care to show me the progress?”
“Certainly.” She flashed a brief smile and fell into step with him. “How is Frances?”
“She was well enough when I shared breakfast with her this morning.”
“Good.”
“She told you about our family news.”
“Yes. I was sorry to hear it.” Nicola skirted a tree, glad its shade hid her hot face. “My sympathies to you.”
“Thank you.” They headed down the slope and into the chaos of the building site.
Swallowing, her mouth dry, she tried to think of something witty to say and failed miserably. He looked so well today, dressed superbly in a dark suit. How had she failed to see the real man beneath the cold exterior? Her father had said many times that she was a good judge of character. Why then, did she allow herself to think of Nathaniel as shallow, heartless even? One only had to see how he loved his sister to know he was deeper than first imagined.
“How many governesses do you care for here at the moment?” Nathaniel stopped to study the closest building, the shell of the schoolhouse.
She focused on her role as manageress, something she could do without thought, or damage to her heart. “Oh, er, nine, but I’ve received word from two others. They arrive next week and Flor-Miss McIntyre’s two younger sisters from Scotland will be joining us when their ship docks next month. But a lady in need could knock on the door at any time. We never turn anyone away.”
“When do you expect to have these buildings finished?”
She frowned at the debris of the work site. Strewn timber, stone, piles of sand and mortarboards littered the yard. “I’m not sure. Hopefully before the middle of winter.”
“Has worked stopped because of the lack of funds?”
“No, no, definitely not. The board has been most generous.”
“Then why aren’t the workmen here?”
“They stopped yesterday because of the rain and today they simply didn’t turn up.” She nibbled her top lip, feeling responsible that the men weren’t doing as they should.
“Are you confident in the men’s ability?”
“Um…yes…” She shrugged. “I’ve never managed the construction of buildings before. Perhaps they do take some advantages, I’m not sure…”
Folding his arms, he planted his feet apart. “If you’ll allow it, I’d like their names. I’ll speak with them and see if we can speed things up a bit for you.”
“Oh, that is most kind.” Her heart did a little skip. She knew he wasn’t so bad. “Thank you.”
“I’d like to see it all settled for you before I go away.”
The happiness which had flooded her, now disbursed like water from a broken dam. “You mean to travel to England then?”
“Yes. In a fortnight. I’m busy tying up my affairs here.”
“I see…”
“As a patron of the Home, I thought I’d do as much as I can while I’m in the country. Once in England, I’m afraid other concerns will be my main focus.”
“Naturally.” She tried to keep her voice light. Now faced with the reality of the situation, one which she had hoped wouldn’t actually eventuate, she felt as though she’d entered a dark cave without a light. How was it possible she could end up wanting this man so badly it obliterated everything else? Why wasn’t she content to remain a spinster and be devoted to her work? “Do you hope to return to this country again one day?”
Nathaniel bent down and picked up a narrow piece of timber. “I don’t think so.” He inspected the wood as though it was the most interesting thing he’d seen.
Nicola kept her face passive, despite the need to howl like a baby. “Your mother will be pleased to have you home.”
“I doubt the feeling will remain long. She-damn!” He dropped the piece of wood, and flinching, peered at his hand. “A splinter.”
“Let me look.” Impulsively, she stepped closer and took his hand. Only after she cradled his hand in hers, did she realise the intimacy she’d created. His head was so near, his chest mere inches from her breast. She focused on the splinter in his palm, aware of the warmth of his hand, the smell of him, a mixture of soap and leather. “I think you’ll require a needle…to get it out…”
When his other hand came up to caress the back of her neck, she leaned into it and closed her eyes. “Nicola.” His voice broke. “How can I leave you?”
“I-” She bowed her head, her