Page 152 of The Sisters of Sea View
“Last night.”
“Mr. Stanley walked me home, but he did not kiss me.”
“This was later. I just thought you should know.”
“Where did you see this? Not here in the house.”
Viola shook her head. “On the esplanade.”
“Are you even sure it was him? From such a distance?”
“Yes. I went outside to take the air, remember? I sat on the bench not far from there.”
“It was probably just his sister. She attended the ball with us, and he planned to walk her back to the hotel after he brought me home.” Though why he would bring her to the western end of the esplanade when the York Hotel was on the opposite end, Emily did not know. Perhaps she had simply wanted a stroll.
Even so, Emily insisted, “Most likely, he was simply embracing his sister.”
“There was nothing brotherly about the embrace I saw.”
Might it have been the sister’s friend, the haughty Miss Marchant? Emily wondered, then asked, “What did she look like?”
“I did not see her well, as she was turned away from me most of the time. But tall with dark hair. Does his sister have dark hair?”
“No, light brown and she’s quite petite.” Again Emily frowned at Viola and challenged, “Are you quite certain about what you saw?”
“Do you think I would make it up? That I enjoy seeing you disappointed and unhappy?”
“Sometimes I think you do.”
Viola pressed her bruised lips together and said nothing more.
Emily looked away, troubled. She liked Mr. Stanley and enjoyed his company. His attention. She knew she had no claim on him, but the thought of him kissing someone else made her feel rather betrayed.
As if hearing his name, Mr. Stanley came somberly down the stairs.
“Pardon me, ladies. May I have a private word, Miss Emily?”
“About what?” Emily challenged. “About the tall, dark-haired woman you were seen kissing last night?”
“Ah.” He paled, his Adam’s apple rising and falling. He clasped his hands, looking as guilty as a schoolboy before a headmaster. “Shall we step into the next room, and I shall endeavor to explain?”
“Whatever you have to say to me, you may say in front of Viola.” Emily took her sister’s hand, led Mr. Stanley into the small parlour, and closed the door.
There, he exhaled deeply. “Her name is Maria Pritchard.”
Emily lifted her chin. “And you kissed her there on the esplanade?”
He pressed his eyes shut. “She kissed me, but ... yes, I did. I am sorry you saw that.”
“I did not, but Viola saw you and told me. I did not believe her. My own sister. How stupid of me.”
“You are shocked, I realize. Does it make it better or worse if I tell you we are engaged?”
Emily’s mouth gaped. “I hardly know!”
He flinched at her harsh tone and looked down, rocking back on his heels.
“Shall I go?” Viola whispered.
