Page 120 of The Sisters of Sea View
One minute, Viola was standing in the water near Emily, and the next, a wave broke over her with vindictive force. Suddenly submerged, Viola struggled to right herself, clawing at the water. The undertow seemed to snag her bathing dress like an anchor and refused to let go.
Help me!she inwardly cried.
Viola wanted to live. For all life’s trials, she wanted to live.
Almighty God, please...
Suddenly something or someone grabbed her and hauled her forcibly up from the sea. Meeting with longed-for air, she sucked in a breath only to choke on salt water and begin to cough. She was lying in someone’s arms. Would her rescuer be repulsed to see the face of the woman he had plucked from the waves? She drew another gasping breath and looked up, blinking water from her eyes. But this was not a stranger, nor Mr. Cordey or another fisherman.
It was Major Hutton.
He held her in his arms, against his bare chest.
“Thank God,” he muttered. “I had just got out when I saw the wave knock you over. When you didn’t surface, I feared the worst.”
“M-Major...”
“Let’s get you out of here.”
He gritted his teeth and forced his way through the heavy swell.
Viola tried lifting her head on a neck made of pudding. “My sister... ?”
“I am here.” Emily’s voice. She came trudging through the rough water toward them. “Are you well?”
“I hardly know.”
The major set Viola on her feet in shallow water but held on to her from behind, both hands firmly grasping her waist. He said near her ear, “Are you able to stand?”
“I think so.”
Emily closed the distance and wrapped her arms around her.
“Oh, Vi! I am so sorry.”
Viola coughed again and said hoarsely, “For what? You didn’t send that wave.”
“For everything. When I thought you were gone, my heart nearly stopped.”
Viola stared at her, her stunned gaze clearing. “I am sorry too.”
Emily turned to her rescuer. “Thank you, Mr....?”
The major grimaced, perhaps conscious of his state of dress. “Let us leave formal introductions for another time.”
Emily blinked, mouth ajar. Viola wondered if she had noticed his scars. “Very well.” Emily took Viola’s arm in a protective grip. “I can help her from here.”
He hesitated. “If you are certain.”
Up the shore, Mr. Cordey and a few other fishermen hurried into the surf to help the struggling horse still attached to the tipped bathing machine, and to drag the cart back to shore.
Tom Cordey waded into the water toward them, concern etched on his tanned face. “Are you all right?”
“I think so.”
Major Hutton said, “Well, you are in good hands, so I will take my leave with what remains of my dignity.”
Viola turned to him. “Thank you, Major. With all my heart.”
