The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 12

Nicole's lunch invitation arrived a few days later, the same address as the one embossed on the long letter Waverly received. Her mother suggested she might accompany, Waverly convincing her otherwise. She wanted Nicole to herself. She hoped their meeting would offer more insight into her exotic, 'wild' friends, and why everyone seemed at a loss to be able to explain them. To her, at least. Even Wynonna would not say any more about that Dora woman, as she called her, which made it all the more important to ask Nicole directly.

Their briefest of reunion at her sister's house revealed how much Nicole had changed. She felt younger in her presence. So much younger. Too young perhaps for someone as sophisticated as Nicole to want to associate with now she had her 'wild' friends. It was different with her sisters. She had a bond with them outside of age. Even with Nicole suggesting they were sisters, they were not. Not in the same way. She understood that, and it saddened her. Perhaps our friendship is coming to an end, she thought, as the carriage drew near to the house where Nicole was residing. Perhaps I'm too young for her. Or, not interesting enough. I wish I was older. I wish I could be wild enough for her to like me, care for me as she once did.

A housekeeper guided her to the parlour, considerably smaller than the one in her own house and that of Wynonna and Edward's. She studied the few ornaments on the mantelpiece, listening for any sound of Nicole. The ticking of the carriage clock marked the passing of time, a familiar sound in an unfamiliar house where her friend, her pirate, her Red lived and entertained. The sudden opening of the door startled her, turning to see Nicole enter, beautifully dressed, her hair up in a style accentuating her features.

She approached, holding out her hand, Waverly doing the same, only to be pulled towards Nicole's body, who kissed her on both cheeks. "I'm so sorry I couldn't stay longer at Edward's," she began. "Jinny wanted me to attend some tedious lecture with her. The baby is delightful. So like Wynonna, don't you think?"

"Yes," she replied, still trying to process new Nicole.

Nicole invited her to sit. "How are your studies? I want to hear all about them."

"I have two new tutors. I'm hoping to attend Girton, like you."

Nicole appeared distracted, half-listening to Waverly's response, failing to acknowledge the similar path Waverly had chosen. "I'm glad. I do so want you to meet Jinny. She promised to be here. So forgetful."

"Are all your friends like Jinny?" Waverly asked. "Edward and mama wouldn't tell me much. Who's Dora?"

Nicole's body tensed at the mention of that name. "A friend," she replied, hesitantly. "A close friend. How do you know? Edward, or Wynonna I suspect."

"Edward. Wynonna wouldn't tell me anything about her. He said you went to Paris to be with her. Said she's an artist."

"Of sorts. Exceptional, without recognition, as is the way for women sadly. I posed for her once. That is how we met. Otty was accommodating, as always, although it broke her heart."

"Mama wouldn't tell me about Otty."

"Your mother is wise not to fill your head with nonsense. Where is Jinny?"

"Why won't anyone tell me?" Waverly asked. "I feel everyone is treating me like a child. Too young to understand. I'm not a child Nicole."

"Oh Wiggle, forgive me. I know you're not a child. In time you will know. For now, it is in your best interests if you remain ignorant of such knowledge. Until..."

The door swung open, startling Waverly again, a tall, slender woman drifting in as if carried on a cloud. Her movements elegant, her dress sense less so, in sharp contrast to Nicole. "There you are, at last," Nicole said. "I wondered whether you might have forgotten. Jinny this is Waverly. My young friend whom I mentioned."