Page 108 of The Sisters of Sea View
Miss V.S.,
I was under the impression you agreed to come to Westmount for one hour a day. Was that not our arrangement?An arrangement for which I am paying you? Please do your duty or have the goodness to explain your absence.
Sincerely,
J.H.
Irritated is right.
When she looked up, she saw Armaan’s dark eyes watching her with speculative interest. “I think he misses you.”
“Misses me?” With the beautiful Miss Truman in residence? Viola barely resisted an unladylike snort. Even so, she took a deep breath and said, “Very well. I shall come directly, if that suits. Just give me a minute to gather my things.”
After collecting her veiled bonnet and gloves, she joined him outside.
On the walk over, she asked, “How is the visit going? Are Miss Truman and her mother enjoying their stay?”
Unease lined his face. “I am not certain. Things are improving, I believe, but were rather strained at first.”
“Why?”
He opened his mouth to reply, glanced at her, then seemed to think the better of what he’d been about to say. Instead, he said, “The first day, they found the food intolerable. Then Chown sought much help from your Mrs. Besley, and now meals are more edible. Almost good.”
“That’s a relief.”
He sent her a sidelong glance. “Hosting guests can be awkward, yes? You know this.”
She nodded. “Better than ever.” But Viola wondered what he’d meant to say.
When they reached Westmount a short while later, Armaan led her first to the drawing room.
Viola’s nerves were taut with anticipation at the thought of meeting the major’s betrothed. She left her veil in place, feelingthe need to shield herself. She didn’t know what she expected. No, that was not true. She did know. She expected a vain, spoiled beauty. Had Miss Truman been repulsed by the sight of her scarred intended? Had she reacted by doing something melodramatic, like fainting? And when she recovered, had she lifted her haughty nose in the air and declared she would not be shackled to a marred man when she herself was so perfect? Part of Viola hoped so. Then, imagining the major’s reaction to such a spectacle, she banished the petty thought.
Crossing the threshold, Viola braced herself, but the young blond woman who came forward to greet her was all warmth and sincerity. Pretty, yes, although not overly affected.
“Miss Summers, I am happy to meet you at last. I have heard so much about you.”
She curtsied, and Viola automatically returned the gesture.
“I understand you have been reading newspapers and correspondence for Major Hutton.”
“Y-yes.”
“Then you have read my letters?”
“Um, no. The major managed those more ... personal missives himself.”
“Oh good! That is a relief.” Miss Truman pressed a hand to her chest. “I am sure you would have judged my writing girlish and silly. And I am told my spelling is atrocious!” She grinned, and Viola found herself beginning to relax.
“Are you enjoying your visit to Sidmouth?”
Miss Truman glanced behind her as though to make sure they would not be overheard. “I would not sayenjoy, exactly, as we have hardly ventured out.”
Viola asked, “And how are things going ... here?”
“In all honesty, seeing him again, as he is, was something of a shock. I cannot deny it. He had written—I believe he dictated that letter to his, um ... friend. That was before you joined his little troop here.” Another grin, although it soon wobbled away. “I hadbeen forewarned to expect scars, a damaged eye, and his poor ear ... mangled. Yet I confess it was worse than my inexperienced imagination could conjure. I have lived a terribly sheltered life, I am afraid.”
Viola nodded her understanding. “I am sure it must have been difficult at first. But you will grow accustomed to the marks in time. Soon, you will hardly notice them.”
