Page 82 of The Sisters of Sea View
Sarah reached for his plate, but he raised a palm. “If you don’t mind, I will take these seeds upstairs for Parry. Very fond of seeds, he is.”
“Oh.” Sarah hesitated, clearly taken aback, and she and Emily shared a look. “Well. Of course.”
He unfolded a clean handkerchief, tilted the remaining crumbs and seeds onto the cloth, and folded it up again.
“What else did he eat?” Emily asked.
“Mostly vegetables, fruit, nuts, and insects.”
Emily hoped the man would not make a habit of collecting perishable food in his room. Then they might have insects indeed!
Sarah bit her lip then said, “Mr. Gwilt, may I ask that you not bring your bird to dinner? Some of our other guests might find that ... distracting.”
“Righty-o, Miss Sarah.” He touched the side of his nose. “I understand and shall endeavor to explain.”
She blinked. “Explain to whom? Parry or the guests?”
He laughed. “As if Parry would understand such social niceties, raised by sailors as he was.”
“Could you not simply leave him in your room?”
“If I must, then of course, I shall.”
He appeared crestfallen until Sarah added, “Dinner is a rather formal affair, you understand. But our picnic tomorrow is out of doors and far more casual if you would like to bring Parry then.”
His expression brightened. “Thank you. We shall both look forward to it.”
16
It was to be done in a quiet, unpretending, elegant way, infinitely superior to the bustle and preparation, the regular eating and drinking, and pic-nic parade of the Eltons.
—Jane Austen,Emma
At the appointed time, they set out from Sea View together for the picnic. They had hired Puggy and his donkey cart to help them transport the hampers of food, supplies, and a single chair.
Mamma had agreed to come, not wishing anyone to have to stay behind with her. And although they’d hired a sedan chair to deliver her to the baths, so far she had refused to buy an invalid chair to use around the house and grounds. She was not convinced she was a permanent invalid and still held out hope for her strength to return. Instead, she rode in the cart beside Puggy as he drove, a parasol fluttering over her head, while the rest of them went on foot.
Mr. Henshall, carrying his guitar case, accompanied Effie and Georgiana.
Emily walked with Mr. Stanley, and Viola held Mr. Hornbeam’s arm.
Mr. Gwilt followed, birdcage in hand, while the Eltons eyedbird and man askance and gave both a wide berth, keeping to themselves.
And bringing up the rear, Sarah walked alongside those there to help, Jessie and Lowen. In deference to her age, Sarah had insisted Mrs. Besley rest after her labors. She need not scamper about the hillside to serve them.
Sarah had also arranged for Bibi to keep Chips at the house, pacified by a fresh bone. The last thing they needed was for the energetic stray to run amok, stealing their ham.
The old cart lumbered across the lawn, over a dirt track, and partway up Peak Hill, the lower strata ascending gradually. There, on a gentle rise, a grove of trees waited to shelter them.
Mr. Gwilt slowed his pace to walk beside Sarah. With a significant glance at Parry, he lowered his voice and said, “I trust we shall not be having pigeon? Or duck?”
“No...” Sarah found herself lowering her voice as well. “Though there will be chicken.”
“Oh dear. Can’t abide gnawing on a chicken leg.” He pointed toward the cage. “Too close, if you take my meaning.”
“Well, there will be plenty of other choices.”
“Pheasant? Goose?”
