Page 146 of The Sisters of Sea View
“About surgery?”
“Yes.”
“Are you—” She stopped and started again. “I know it is your decision. But you are doing so well. The blurry vision in your left eye has improved, and your chest has healed. You’re gaining strength, you’re swimming, and saving drowning damsels.” Another little smile. “Are you sure you want to undergo an experimental surgery?”
“I don’t want people to look away in revulsion for the rest of my sorry life.”
She held his gaze. “I won’t look away.” For a moment, tension buzzed between them, then she flushed and modified, “That is, if I ... happen to see you ... in the future.”
Did she really think her opinion counted? When people turned away from her too?
To cover her embarrassment, she attempted casual humor. “Then again, I doubt the word of someone with mangosteen lips counts for much.”
He remained oddly somber. “Yes. The future is sadly uncertain, after all.”
Georgie, Effie, Mr. Henshall, and Mr. Stanley returned from the cricket match, talking animatedly as they trooped up the lawn to Sea View. Emily and Sarah, assisting Mamma, went out onto the veranda to meet them.
Emily noticed that Georgie wore a flower tucked behind her ear, in sharp contrast to her untidy hair and grass-stained skirts.
“I take it your team won?” Emily called.
Mr. Stanley shook his head. “No, but your little sister won the hearts of everyone—visitors and locals alike.”
“He exaggerates,” Georgie said, clearly self-conscious. “How is Viola?”
After assuring her all was well and Viola would be home soon, Emily asked for more details about the match.
Effie spoke up on her friend’s behalf. “Georgie was amazin’! She had a long batting run, and everyone cheered for her.”
“Well done,” Sarah said.
Georgie wrinkled her sweat-streaked face. “Could have done better. I should have known to back up farther when fielding. Can’t believe I missed that ball.”
“Never ye mind, lass,” Mr. Henshall said. “You played well. None of us guessed that skinnychielwould hit it so far.”
Mr. Stanley nodded. “When Henshall insisted your sister be allowed to play, I admit I had my qualms. But he was right. She was very brave to step in as she did, especially with so many opposing the idea, yet she proved the naysayers wrong and did us all proud.”
“I am proud of you too, Georgiana,” Mrs. Summers said, giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “But then, I am proud of all my girls.” She put her other arm around Effie, drawing her close to her side. “You too, my dear.”
Effie twisted her neck to look up at Mrs. Summers. She did not pull away, but leaned in closer, eyes bright with wonder.
28
The assembly rooms at the London Inn are large and well fitted up, and generally well attended. The rooms are open for cards every night, and, during the season, there is a ball every Wednesday.
—The Beauties of Sidmouth Displayed
Emily and Viola sat together on the veranda late the next morning. Mamma, with the aid of her walking stick, came out to join them. Sarah moved from one corner to the next, knocking down spider webs, which sent the wind chimes to clanging. Then she crossed the lawn to a flower border and began cutting a bouquet for the table. Only Georgie was absent, having gone sailing with Effie and Mr. Henshall. Emily had offered to help Bibi with the morning bed making so she could go.
Eventually, Viola rose and excused herself, saying it was time she visited Mrs. Denby.
“Are you sure you feel up to it, my dear?” Mamma asked, eyeing her still-swollen lip.
“I do, thank you.” Viola pressed Mamma’s shoulder. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, pressed Emily’s as well.
Emily felt the warmth of it through her soul.
After she had gone, Emily asked, “Mamma, may I attend the ball tonight?”
