Page 71 of The Sisters of Sea View
After swimming the length of the beach, the major stood, waist-deep in water, probably catching his breath. He turned toward a coasting barge on the horizon.
Emily said, “There’s something wrong with that man’s face. Can you see?”
Viola did not want to admit she knew the men they were watching, so she said only, “How can you tell from this distance?”
Emily narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know. Something isn’t right.”
Viola felt defensive and insulted on the major’s behalf.
“Not everyone is as perfect as you, Emily.”
“Why thank you, Vi,” she dryly replied.
Provoked, Viola said in mock innocence, “Perhaps we ought to try bathing. Oh, that’s right, you’re afraid of the water.”
Emily turned to her with a challenging glare. “I will go into the sea when you walk across Sidmouth without a veil.”
She deserved that, Viola knew, but pride kept her from apologizing.
This time, it was Emily who tugged Viola’s hand, turning her from the tantalizing sight.
“I never tire of this view”suddenly took on a whole new meaning.
Later that day, as the sisters were setting the table for luncheon, Emily said, “The weather has been so fine lately. We really ought to have a picnic.”
Sarah wrinkled her nose. “We have enough work as it is. I cannot ask the servants to do more.”
“It need not be an elaborate affair.”
“Even a simple outdoor meal would take work and planning. Not only the food and drink, but also tableware and linens, not to mention transporting it all to the site.”
“We will all help,” Emily insisted. She turned to Viola and Georgie. “Won’t we?”
“Happily!” Georgie enthused. “Would we invite our guests or friends?”
“If we invite our guests,” Emily pointed out, “then we could count it as that day’s dinner rather than adding to Mrs. Besley’s work.”
“Good point.”
“It would certainly be a gesture of goodwill to our guests. Perhaps Mamma might even come.”
Sarah countered, “That would depend on where we have it. If you insist on climbing to the top of the Peak Hill, then no.”
“How about just partway up the hill, to that lovely grove of trees?”
“Is that still manor land, or Mr. Lousada’s property?”
“No one will mind.”
Georgie offered, “I will ask him, if you like. I often see him when I am out on my rambles. Oh, may we have a picnic, Sarah, puleease?”
Sarah turned to Viola, who had been quiet throughout. “What do you say, Vi?”
She expected her taciturn, private sister to reject the notion. Instead Viola lifted her chin and said, “I think it a fine idea and will help with the extra work.”
How unexpected.
That seemed to settle it. As the sisters continued their discussion over the meal, the idea took on an appealing aspect. The weather really did continue fine, as Emily had said. Their larder was full with leftover food at the moment, and Sarah had been doing a great deal of baking, so there would be less to purchase and prepare.
