Page 9 of The Sisters of Sea View
“Aye, thank ye.” He gave his offspring a pointed look, and the girl begrudgingly echoed his thanks.
Shifting his focus back to Sarah, he asked, “Might there be a room available on this floor? Perhaps ... with a view of the garden?”
She looked up sharply. Why would he request such a room? Had Emily mentioned it in her advertisement? Unlikely, as their mother occupied it.
“I ... am afraid not.”
“Oh. Nae bother.”
She heard his Scottish accent in the way he pronouncedno.
Sarah swallowed her unease and explained, “Breakfast will be available to take at your leisure from nine till half past ten.”
He nodded, and seemed to glance toward the breakfast room before she’d even pointed it out.
She went on. “Dinner is at six. We shan’t serve a formal luncheon but will lay out a tray of tea and sandwiches in the afternoon, should you feel hungry. There are also a few places in town that serve meals.” Sarah found keys for the newly installed locks and led them up one flight of stairs to their adjoining rooms. On the way, she pointed to a closed door. “We have one water closet, just there.”
“That’s new,” he observed.
Again she looked at him in surprise.
He quickly added, “Newfangled, I mean.”
“Y-yes. There is a privy outside, if you prefer. We also have a bath-room.” She pointed to the door past theirs. “Or if you would prefer to bathe in your own room, we can bring up a slipper bath.Either way, please give us a few hours’ notice to heat water.” She unlocked the door, then, crossing the room, opened the connecting door as well.
“These rooms have a good view of the sea. You may open the windows, if you have come here for our healthful sea air.”
“Ha.” He gave a derisive snort.
Sarah hesitated, unsure how to react. “Well. Do let us know if you have any questions or need anything while you are here.”
The daughter ducked into her room and shut the door none too softly behind her. The man winced, then looked at Sarah from beneath fair lashes. “Sorry.”
“That’s all right.”
“Ye havena daughters, I’m guessin’?”
“No. Though I have a sister not much older.”
“Ah. Then ye understand.”
She nodded. Standing near him in the confines of the room, she noticed he smelled good—fresh and a little spicy. Surprising, after his many days on the road.
He gestured to the instrument case. “Do ye mind if I play this now and again?”
Curious, she asked, “What is it?”
“A Scottishguittar.”
“I don’t mind at all. Make yourself at home.”
Something sparked in his eyes, but he said nothing further.
She backed toward the door. “Well, I shall return shortly with your tea.”
“Bring Effie some, if ye will. All I need is rest and a bit of privacy.”
The dismissal stung, though it should not have.
