her gloves, she then dropped them on top of her parcels and put a hand to her hair that was beyond help in its present tangled state.
The door to the sitting room was partially open and with a gentle push Nicola stepped into the room. She paused as Mrs Eldersley stood from the settee where she had been comforting a young woman, who cried into her crumpled handkerchief. Across from them in another chair sat a pale-faced older woman.
“Oh, Miss Douglas.” Mrs Eldersley looked relieved to have another to share her worry. “Do come in.”
“I do not wish to intrude…”
“No, you aren’t. We have two more guests.” Mrs Eldersley indicated to the older woman seated. “Miss Burstall and…” She quickly sat next to the younger one, who broke into fresh sobbing. “And this is Miss Downing.”
Nicola inclined her head to them both. “Is there anything I can do?”
Mrs Eldersley heaved to her feet once more, her face creasing into a frown. “Can you sit here a minute, dear? I’ll go and make some tea.”
Nicola perched by the weeping Miss Downing not knowing whether she should make conversation. One look at Miss Burstall’s hard features made her decide to remain silent for the moment.
Miss Downing raised her head from her soddened handkerchief. She was very young and pretty with wide blue eyes like a porcelain doll. Nicola smiled.
Wiping her reddened eyes, Miss Downing shuddered. “I am sorry.”
“There is no need to be.” Although she had no idea why the young woman cried so dreadfully. Nicola patted her hand and was surprised when the girl grasped hers tightly.
“I would never have left my home if I thought I’d end up like this.”
Nicola frowned. “Do not take it to heart, Miss Downing. Many of us are out of work, but I am sure that sooner or later we shall all find suitable situations.”
“I thought there were plenty of positions out here. I begged my father to let me come to this country, but it was such a mistake and now I can never go back.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Two years. I’ve hardly been able to find constant work as a governess, so I’ve worked as a children’s nurse, done some teaching, been a kitchen maid and even lowered myself to-to being a barmaid…” At this, Miss Burstall snorted and pulled her skirts away from them. Miss Downing broke into heart wrenching sobs that frightened Nicola. “And now…and now…”
“You will find a good situation I am certain.” She looked to Miss Burstall for help, but the other woman merely narrowed her eyes.
“You…I cannot…not now…Oh, I’m so ashamed.” The girl collapsed into Nicola’s arms just as Mrs Eldersley came in carrying the tea tray.
“Come, my dear, enough crying.” Mrs Eldersley placed the tray on an occasional table next to Miss Burstall. She crossed to fold Miss Downing into her ample bosom. “Shush now. Here, have some tea.”
Nicola rose and poured for them all. She glanced at Miss Burstall as she passed her a cup and saucer. The woman’s clothing, a black, plain dress made in serviceable cloth denoted her station in life. “Are you also waiting for a situation, Miss Burstall?”
The woman quickly looked up with cold brown eyes. “Naturally. Would I be here otherwise?” She declined the cup and stood. “Mrs Eldersley may I go up to my room?”
“Yes, of course. It’s the second door on the left at the top of the stairs. Shall I bring your tea up for you?”
“No, thank you.” Miss Burstall’s gaze flickered over the tea service as though it was caked in filth. Head held high, she left them without further comment.
Hiccupping, Miss Downing stared after her. “I am not one to speak ill of others, but she is such an unbending dragon.”
Nicola sipped her tea. “You know of her?”
“We came out together on the same boat through the Scheme. Since then we have seen each other at odd times.”
“The scheme for governesses, the FMCE Society?”
“Yes, led by Miss Rye. You did not come through them?”
“No. I journeyed out by myself, but I heard Miss Rye speak and her words encouraged me to come here.”
Miss Downing’s eyes widened. “Alone? That was brave of you.”
Nicola smiled. “Well, others would say different.”
Mrs Eldersley hurried to the window and twitched the lace curtains aside. “Here comes Meg.” She sighed. “Lord, I’m too old to cope with such upheaval.”
Nicola replaced her teacup on the tray. “Who owns the gig outside?”
“That’s the good doctor’s. He’s across the road looking in on old