the mail, but today her mind was occupied with the arrival of Nathaniel’s mother. Her ship was due to dock within the hour. She knew she should be at home, preparing her welcome, but the quietness of the house this morning had driven her mad. Both Nathaniel and Frances had left early to clear their schedules for the afternoon meeting, leaving Nicola alone to worry. In the end, she had ordered the carriage and visited Mr Belfroy for an hour before coming here to the Home.
A tap on the door heralded Florence. “Nicola,” she whispered, her face wan. She crept closer to the desk, glancing back over her shoulder.
“What is it?”
“It’s old Mrs Patterson. I’m afraid she’s died.”
“Oh good heavens.”
“I went in to her room, to give her a cup of tea and thought she was asleep. But she wouldn’t wake up. Then I realised.”
“Dr Armitage did say she might not recover from her chest cold. She was frail and weak.”
“And old.” Florence sighed, her smattering of freckles stark against her pale skin. “Imagine dying amongst strangers. How intolerable.”
“The poor woman. I only met her a few times, hardly got to know her at all.”
“She was kind, knowledgeable and happy to listen to anyone who ventured into her room.”
“We must let Dr Armitage know.”
“Yes. I’ll see to it.”
“I’m sorry to leave this on your shoulders, Florence, but my mother-in-law arrives this afternoon from England.”
“Of course you must return home. I am capable of dealing with this.”
“You deal with everything.” Nicola gave her a brief smile of thanks. “This Home couldn’t run without you. I used to think I was the main force here, but not any longer. You’ve filled my role with ease.”
“I never intended—”
Nicola held up her hand. “No, don’t apologise in any way. This was obviously meant to be. I will tell you that I am with child. So, your position here will only grow in importance.”
“Oh, Nicola. I’m so pleased for you. A baby, how wonderful.”
“It is wonderful. Can you just keep it to yourself for a little while? I’ll tell the ladies another time.”
“I’ll not mention it, I promise. You know, I will never take your place, Nicola. You are too much the essence of what this home is about, what it is built from.” Florence gave a mischievous smile. “Besides, once the child is born I know you’ll be back here, even if it’s only for an hour a day.”
“I confess this Home is a part of me and I can never relinquish my love of it.” She raised her head proudly. “We do good work here.”
“And it’ll become more important as the orphanage and school grows.”
Standing, Nicola reached out for Florence’s arm. “Walk out with me. I cannot concentrate on the books today.” She grimaced. “I might as well go home and prepare to meet my mother-in-law.”
Florence fought a smile as they left the study and walked down the hall to the front door. “Is she so bad?”
“Apparently. I believe the word dragon and her name are linked, or so Fran tells me.”
Laughing, they headed out to the carriage, where Timms waited anxiously for her and Florence helped her to climb inside. “Oh, I forgot to mention that Miss Bent is engaged to be married.”
“I suspected something of the sort.” Florence frowned mockingly. “She was taking a great many walks.”
Chuckling, Nicola closed the door and leaned out of the window. “I am happy for her. I’m glad she will be settled.” She sobered. “Now, it may be a few days before I can escape my family duties, but send a note should you have need of me and let me know of the funeral details. Good bye.”
Timms set the carriage rolling down the drive and out into the street. Nicola smoothed out the skirts of her sky blue dress and fiddled with the white lace around the bodice. Should she change when she got home? The time it took for ships to dock and passengers to disembark was unpredictable. It could be hours before she arrived. The closer to home she got, the worse her nerves grew.
When Timms drew the horses to a halt in the drive, Nicola climbed down, her stomach tied in knots. She hoped Nathaniel and Frances were home. Mrs Rawlings scurried out of the front door, her actions so unlike her that Nicola paused.
“Madam, I am glad you are home.” Rawlings panted on reaching her.
“Is something the matter?”
“I don’t know where to begin.” Flustered Mrs Rawlings flapped at her face,