perched the straw hat on top of her head, tilting it forward a little to show off Nicola’s hair arrangement at the back.
While May worked, Nicola thought of the house in Camden, so different to this one. Their country property was single storey, with a wide encasing verandah. She had spent weeks putting her own touches to it and working in the garden with the outdoor staff. Free from the responsibilities of the Home, she’d found the six weeks in the country, just her and Nathaniel, deeply relaxing and fulfilling. She’d been able to learn more about the man she married, and found her feelings for him intensify. Often they would dress simply and, taking a picnic, walk to the small creek that ran through their land. They’d lay on a blanket in the sunshine and talk and eat, content to be quite at times, or even doze in the shade of a tree. Nicola realised those precious hours had done much to strengthen their relationship, to create the strong foundations of their marriage.
“There, Madam, all done.”
Rising, Nicola gave a last look in the mirror and satisfied she was presentable, headed for the door. “Thank you, May.” She glanced in the direction of the dressing room. “I’m afraid you’ll be busy unpacking today.”
“Leave it with me, Madam, I’ll soon have it all sorted.”
Downstairs, Nicola entered the breakfast room and found Frances and Nathaniel deep in conversation.
On seeing her, Frances jumped up from her chair and hurried to embrace her. “Oh, I’m so happy you are back. I was just telling Nat how much I missed you both.”
They broke apart and sat at the table. Nicola poured herself some coffee and selected a slice of toast from the stand. “How are you? I’m sorry for last night, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open a second longer.”
“Heavens, I understand. Nat was telling me you had a dreadful journey home. Next time take the train.”
“We will, but I wanted to go by carriage so we could stop as we wished and see some of the places we were passing. Also, we had an invitation to stay a night with some new friends, the Forresters. He is the brother to Nathaniel’s solicitor. They live in Campbelltown and I didn’t want to arrive covered in soot. But, yes, next time we’ll definitely go by train. I’ve learned my lesson well.” Nicola grimaced at the memory of waiting by the roadside for a replacement vehicle to come and collect them after their carriage broke an axle. Then as darkness crept over the countryside, rain began to fall, making them thoroughly cold and miserable.
Nathaniel laughed. “I’m not sure how I’ll be able to hold my head up at the club again. Whenever we go into the country from now on, it’ll be by train.”
“Well, you’re home now.” Frances sipped her coffee. “And I hope you’ll not be off on adventure again for a while. This house is far too large for me by myself.”
Nathaniel put down the newspaper he’d been glancing at. “Next time we go to the country you’ll have to come with us.”
“We did invite you to join us.” Nicola raised her eyebrows at her while biting into her toast.
“It was your honeymoon.” Frances rolled her eyes. “You didn’t need me there spoiling your fun. But tell me, did you like the house, and the town?”
“Oh, very much.” Nicola spread jam onto her toast. “We made a few alterations and decorated. I also designed the front garden while Nathaniel had the stables extended.”
“Plus we planted a beech grove.” Nat winked over the top of his paper.
“Yes, and Nathaniel instructed for a lake to be built and willows to be planted on the edge of it.”
“Willows, a lake?” Frances looked from one to the other. “I’m wondering if this is really my brother, the man who hates to spend money on such frivolous things.”
Nicola looked from Fran to Nathaniel, the warmth leaving her face. “Did I spend too much? You should have said, Nathaniel. I should have known, especially as we decorated this house before our wedding. I can cancel—”
He reached over and took her hand. “Darling, do not listen to my sister. I am quite able to finance the refurbishment of two houses.” He sat back and gave Frances a scowl. “Mind your own business, Frances, please, and stop frightening Nicola with your stories of how bad a person I am. You’ll undo all the good work I’ve done in the last several weeks.”
“I