“You’re wearing a frown, sweetheart. Is something wrong?”
Now was a good a time as any to mention her worries. “I’ve been thinking about what was said at the breakfast table this morning.”
It was Nat’s turn to frown. “About what?”
“Money.”
“Money?”
“More accurately, your finances.”
“Sweetheart, I told you not to worry about that. You are free to decorate both houses as you please.”
Restless, Nicola stood and walked to the empty fireplace. “We promised each other that we’d always be honest.”
“I am being honest.” He reclined on a leather wing-backed chair, watching her.
“Then will you tell me the extent of your wealth, or lack of it? I know you have businesses and houses but I don’t know all the details. If my name is on the deeds, then I should know.”
The door opened and Agnes brought in the tea tray. ‘Will I pour for you, Madam?”
“No thank you. I’ll see to it. Thank you, Agnes, that will be all.” Nicola, anxiously waiting for Nathaniel’s reply, set out the cups and saucers.
“I will tell you everything you want to know. There will be no secrets between us.” He sat forward on his chair and stopped her from fiddling with the tea tray. “Come over here.”
She squealed as he pulled her onto his lap. “Nathaniel, no. Mrs Rawlings might come in, or Agnes.”
“Let them. We are newly married. It’s expected.” He grinned and then kissed her deeply, showing his passion for her. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day.”
“Behave yourself.” She playfully slapped at his chest, though secretly enjoying the naughtiness of being on his lap in the middle of the afternoon. “Be serious, please.”
“Very well.” He sighed and gave her a wry look. “Apart from the inheritance back in England and the two properties, this one and the Camden house, I have shares in a sheep station in Queensland. I have a one eighth share in a coal mine near Newcastle. I own a complete terrace of houses here in Sydney. I own a pottery factory in Parramatta.” He grinned. “That was an impulsive purchase to annoy a gentleman I didn’t like and who wanted to buy it himself.” He shrugged suddenly as if to mentally dismiss it from his mind. “I recently bought land in Melbourne, plus I have two factories there. What else…”
“I had no idea.” She stared at him, amazed. “Why did you not mention this before?”
“I didn’t think you were interested. Not many ladies are.”
“Well, I am certainly interested. You should know me well enough by now to know I would be. I’m not some dim-witted woman content to spend her days in frivolous occupations such as gossiping about latest fashions, buying useless things and paying calls. Why I—”
As usual, he silenced her with a kiss. “I am fast learning just how clever my wife is. I’m also learning that when she starts a tirade I have to stop her quickly or I’ll get no peace.”
She played with a button on his waistcoat. “I want to learn about your businesses.”
“And you shall.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely. We’ll start next week. I want you to know everything there is to know in case something happens to me.”
Her heart constricted. “Don’t say that, Nathaniel.”
“It is a way of life, darling. We have to be prepared. Look at my mother. She’s fallen apart now my father has gone. Yet, when he was alive they hardly got on at all. And my brother is a useless article.”
“I still feel guilty for you not returning to England.”
“Nonsense. I am free to make up my own mind. I’ve been doing it long enough.”
“I never thought myself as a selfish person before, but I am, and am ashamed to be so. I couldn’t bear to be parted from you.”
He held her closer, nuzzling her neck beneath her ear. “Only death will separate us, my love, that I can promise you.”
Chapter Eighteen
Nicola, reading a letter from Meg, swayed in the carriage, as the driver, Timms applied the brakes. She frowned at the rough ride, but continued reading, excited to finally hear from her dear friend.
…therefore our stay in Rio was longer than expected, and I seemed to be the only person who didn’t mind this inconvenience. I cared nothing for the ship’s repairs, only that it afforded me to spend more time in Rio. I adore Rio, there is so much to see and do. The colours and flavours, the scents and people all amaze me. There is such heat, such passion. Oh, the sights I’ve seen,