“Yes. We imported fine goods, but didn’t pay tax on them.”
“Oh, Nat.” Frances shook her head, the disappointment in her tone matched how Nicola felt.
“We did three shipments last year and were meant to do two more this year, but,” he gazed apologetically at Nicola, “I backed out of the agreement when you agreed to marry me.” He drew in a deep breath. “When Carstairs learnt of my plans he scrapped the whole idea and left Sydney. However, when he left, he also took our money for the cargo with him. I could afford to cover the loss, but Lombard couldn’t.” Nathaniel ran his hand through his hair. “I only learnt of Lombard’s descent into debt after we returned from the country. He’d always been a gambler and strayed close to ruin many times, but usually he managed to pull himself out of it, but not this time.”
“Is this the only illegal business you’ve done?” Nicola forced the words out.
“Yes. I only got involved because I was drunk the first time we agreed to do it. The danger of it excited me.” He shrugged as if confused at himself. “Only, that feeling didn’t last as long as I expected. There is no excuse for my behaviour. At the time I found my life dull and empty. I was simply trying to find something to do…”
Frances slumped into the chair, a look of reproach on her face.
Nicola sighed, tiredness pulled at the back of her eyes and she felt sore all over. “We need to decide what to do.”
“We cannot tell the police now,” Fran snapped.
Nathaniel stepped forward. “I’m sorry it has come to this. I never imagined my family would become involved and hurt. I will deal with Lombard accordingly.”
“No!” Nicola and Frances cried together.
“I won’t do anything ridiculous. Trust me.” He came and sat down on the bed and took Nicola’s hands in his.
“You will lose your temper. I know it.” She had to prevent him from doing something stupid, but how? She couldn’t watch him day and night.
“I promise you I won’t even see him. I’ll simply make inquiries.”
Leaning back against the pillow, the energy drained from her. “I just want him gone. I’d be very happy if he left Sydney and never returned. I couldn’t bear to face him again.”
“I’ll see that it is done.” He kissed her. “I promise.”
She closed her eyes. “I’m so tired, Nathaniel. I don’t like being tired.”
“Then go to sleep, my love.”
“Will you stay with me?” At least if he stayed with her for an hour or two it might give his temper a chance to cool.
“Nothing will part me from you.”
She felt him kiss her on the head and then she gratefully sank into oblivion.
* * *
“Well, look at you.” Frances grinned as she joined Nicola in the parlour. “You seem much better today.”
“I feel it.”
Frances picked up Nicola’s sketchbook from the table beside the sofa. “You have been sketching?” She flicked through the book. “That’s a splendid one.” She laughed, holding up a drawing of herself. “You’ve made me far prettier in this than I am.”
“Nonsense.”
“Are you tired? With this being your first day downstairs we don’t want you becoming exhausted.”
“I am recovering very well. Being home is such a pleasure, but being allowed downstairs is even better.” Nicola curled her stocking-covered toes up towards the heat of the roaring fire. A newspaper lay open on her lap. Despite being home for a week, Nathaniel had insisted she stay in bed and rest. After the fourth day she was weary of staring at the same four walls. She’d read books and written letters, even had visitors, but by the fifth day she’d begged to be allowed downstairs.
“Do you need anything?” Fran asked, jabbing the fire with an iron poker.
“No, thank you. Agnes comes in every ten minutes and Mrs Rawlings every half hour.” Nicola laughed. “Between them, I want for nothing.”
“No doubt Nat gave them strict instructions not to leave you alone. I’m sure he believes you’ll be in the carriage the minute his back is turned.”
“That’s something he need not worry about. Just walking a few steps pulls at my stitches.” She grimaced at the thought of the sharp pain she got when she moved too quickly. A few times she had to hold back a scream as Nathaniel touched her in the night, not thinking as he slept. For all that though, she was happy to be beside him again and out