wasn’t. I was merely stating the fact that you hate spending money.”
“Only on things that have no value or concern to me, which in this case doesn’t apply.” He lifted up his newspaper again.
“I’m sorry, Nic.” Frances gave an apologetic smile which split into a grin. “Do tell me more.”
“We received so many invitations and met a great deal of people. As a thank you to the friendship offered to us during our stay we held a wonderful dinner party last week. I was very nervous. I’ve never organised such an occasion before. We had twenty-four couples and five courses.”
“I’m sure you did a wonderful job of it. If you can run a women’s home you can hold a dinner party.”
Nathaniel lowered the newspaper, his expression one of mischief. “Fran, you would have been proud of our Nicola, she was adored by all the men and made friends of their jealous wives. Not an easy task I grant you.”
“This is a side of my sister-in-law I’ve not seen.” Frances’s eyes widened. “With all this excitement I’m surprised you returned home at all.”
“I did enjoy my time there and look forward to staying at the house each year.” She poured more coffee into her cup, thinking about how comfortable she’d been in the country with Nathaniel. “Actually, Nathaniel and I have decided that we’ll spend three or four months each year at the country property. Camden is a growing town and the people are friendly. Autumn seems to be the perfect time to be there as it’s not too hot or too cold.”
Agnes, the parlourmaid, entered the room carrying a small tray which held the morning’s post. She placed it next to Nathaniel and then turned to Nicola. “Excuse me, Madam, would you care for a fresh pot of coffee?”
Nicola gave a questioning look to Nathaniel and Frances, both shook their heads. “No, thank you, Agnes. We have sufficient.”
“Very good, Madam.”
“How have you found the staff, Frances?” Nicola asked after Agnes had left carrying some of the dirty plates from the sideboard.
“They’ve been rather good and cared for my every need.”
“I am pleased. We were here only a short time, a couple of days before we left for the country and I wasn’t able to get a thorough opinion of them. I’m glad you moved in to supervise them.” The clock in the hallway struck the hour. “Have you called in at the Home recently?”
“Two days ago.” Frances dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “They are all missing you tremendously. Miss McIntyre had the women and staff in a frenzy of cleaning in readiness of your homecoming.”
“Ah, but this is Nicola’s home now,” Nathaniel murmured.
“Oh, shush, Nat, you know what I mean. They all think so highly of your wife. You have to share her, you understand.” She turned back to Nicola. “Miss Shaw obtained a position in Parramatta and Miss Clarke also has a situation up in the north country near Armidale.”
“How excellent. I cannot wait to see them and hear their news.” Eager to check that all was in order at the Home, she hurriedly finished her meal.
“Darling,” Nat looked at her fondly, as one would do an impatient child, “The Home will not fall to ruin just because you have some breakfast.”
“I know. It’s just that I have missed them.”
“Shall I drop you off on my way then?”
“Are you ready to leave now?”
He swallowed the last of his coffee. “Yes, come along then.” He sighed, but his eyes held humour and devotion.
“You might as well drop me off at the soup kitchen as well.” Frances rose from her chair.
“Isn’t the soup kitchen open tomorrow, not today?” Nicola asked, collecting her gloves from the table in the hall.
“Yes, but also today too. The demand has grown so much that we have to open an extra day.”
“Can you afford to, Fran?” Nathaniel asked, pulling on his leather gloves.
“Can we afford not to?” Fran shrugged helplessly.
“I’ll come and help you tomorrow.” Nicola squeezed her hand. They continued chatting out to the carriage and on the way to the Home.
Nicola waved them away from the front steps of the Home and then turned to find the door being opened and most of the women rushing out to greet her.
“How well you look, Mrs West.” Florence McIntyre beamed, the others chorusing the same sentiments.
“I’ve missed everyone.” Nicola ushered them inside, smiling and greeting them individually. “How are you all?”
The women started talking at once until the hall rang with noise.
“Enough!” Florence clapped.