simply stared.
“Come now, Mother, no more crying.” Nathaniel gently extracted himself from her, but Silvana clung on to Frances.
“Oh, my dear, dear children. How I have missed you so. It has been too long, much too long. Nathaniel,” Silvana turned back to wave her handkerchief at Nicola, “your wife has been so kind to me. I’m delighted by her.”
Nicola’s mouth gaped. She stared at Silvana as though the woman had lost her mind, maybe she had? Then she noticed that Nathaniel was beaming, the joy clear in his eyes.
“I cannot tell you how pleased that makes me, Mother. Nicola makes me very happy.”
“My dearest son.” Silvana simpered, gripping his hand. “Your happiness is so important to me.”
He smiled, his eyes at first wary, but then they softened. “I’m relieved you are not angry with us for missing you at the wharf. Business held me up, and I’m sure I missed you by only minutes, but I’m glad you managed to make it here without mishap.”
“Are you tired, Mother?” Fran murmured. She seemed stunned for words by her mother’s emotional display.
“A little, my dear, but I shall rest in a minute.” Silvana held Fran’s hands and sighed. “How well you look and so beautiful.” She led a bewildered Frances to the sofa. “Come sit by me and tell me everything about your life here. I want to know it all. I have missed you so very much, both of you.”
As if in a daze, Nicola reached for Nathaniel when he came to her side and slipped his arm around her waist. Together they watched mother and daughter talk as though their relationship had always been close and loving.
“Mother has changed significantly,” Nathaniel whispered, his expression clearly showing his confusion and shock. “She never shows emotion. I never would have believed it. Father’s death has changed her a great deal more than I expected.”
“It is early days yet,” Nicola warned quietly, wishing she could speak of what had occurred between her and Silvana only minutes before. How could she tell of Silvana’s horridness when now she was all sweet and loving? They’d not believe her. She hardly believed it herself.
“If she comes with the desire to make amends, I won’t reject her. She is after all, my mother. I think she might need me now.”
“Of course, but let us wait and see, yes?”
“I have a good feeling about this.” He kissed her cheek. “Mother,” Nathaniel stepped forward, “we have some excellent news for you.”
“Oh, what is that, dearest?” Silvana’s affectionate gaze swept over them.
“You are to be a grandmother. Nicola is with child. It is due in late October.”
Nicola, watching her mother-in-law closely, saw the flash of tightness around her lips at the news before her stiff smile widened and she rose to embrace them both. “Why darling, this is such splendid news, and well worth that terrible journey to hear. Now, is it possible to have some tea?”
Chapter Twenty-One
Opening the parlour door, Nicola stopped when she saw her mother-in-law sitting at a small table playing cards. Before she had a chance to back out of the room, Silvana looked up, her expression filled with loathing. “Oh, it’s you. I’m waiting for the tea tray, but your servants are lazy and very inferior to those back home.”
Nicola turned away. “I’ll find the maid for you now.”
“Leave it. The quality of your cook’s talent is severely lacking. I’m sure I’m better off without. Her meals are quite deplorable.”
Bowing her head in acquiescence, Nicola stepped back, wishing to leave the room and Silvana’s presence. After four days of her mother-in-law’s company, she knew what a superb actress Silvana was, and her mind-playing was a feat to behold. Since her arrival, Silvana had held her son and daughter in the palm of her hand, giving them the love and attention they’d always longed for. Yet, the minute she was alone with Nicola, Silvana turned into a shrew, spewing forth her venom and spite and Nicola had no idea why.
“I will tell you, or should I say, prepare you,” Silvana paused, making certain she had Nicola’s attention, “That I’ll do my very best to have Nat and Frances back in England before the year is out.”
For a long moment Nicola couldn’t take in what she heard, then the meaning rang clear. “You want them to return to England with you for a short time?”
“No, you stupid girl, for good. There is no need for them to be here.”
“They have built a life here.”
“Nonsense. Don’t be so