Page 88 of The Sisters of Sea View
“Thank you. Your playing inspired me to practice again.”
“I’m glad.”
He smiled, and she grinned back foolishly for several ticks of the hall clock. With effort, she recalled herself to the present.
“Well, have a pleasant day.” She glanced at his hat. “Going out?”
He nodded. “Effie and I have hired a carriage and are driving into Branscombe for the day.”
“Excellent. I have never been, but I hear it’s a pleasant village.”
He held her gaze. “You are welcome to join us, if ye like.”
“Sadly, I have several projects to attend to.”
“Anything I could help with?”
Sarah blinked, taken aback by the question and oddly tempted.
Effie came trotting down the stairs, dressed to go out. She looked from adult to adult and frowned.
Sarah replied, “No need—thank you.”
He nodded. “Then don’t let me keep ye.”
But what if I want you to?came the unexpected thought.
Startled by it, Sarah turned and walked away, feeling his gaze following her all the way into the office.
———
Later that morning, Sarah sat at the desk, bent over an invoice, while Emily stood in the far corner on the library ladder, searching for a new book to read.
Mrs. Elton appeared in the doorway. “Miss Summers, you are so kind and accommodating. I wonder...”
Sarah stiffened and braced herself for another special request.
“I do hate to complain,” Mrs. Elton went on. “In fact, I have said nothing before now because the last thing we want is to cause disunity among your guests, but...”
Sarah suppressed a groan. “Yes, Mrs. Elton?”
“Mr. E and I came here for peace and quiet. Lately music is being played with alarming regularity. The pianoforte was one thing. But now the ... what is it, a lute?” She wrinkled her nose in distaste.
“A guitar.”
“Well, whatever it is, it is jarring to Mr. E’s rather delicate nerves.”
“Really?” Sarah feigned casual concern. “I find it most soothing. Quite lovely. Mr. Henshall is a fine musician as well as a thoughtful gentleman. He plays softly and not overly late.”
“A gentleman? I thought he was a Scot?” The woman chuckled as though at an amusing joke, but Sarah did not join her.
“I could ask him not to play after posted quiet hours, although I don’t believe I’ve ever heard him playing after ten.”
“Heavens! We retire by eight most nights. Mr. E requires a great deal of sleep.”
“I understand. Yet surely you realize that in many houses, dinner is not even served until seven or eight?”
Mrs. Elton sent her a quelling look. “We are not in London, Miss Summers. We are here and paying handsomely for the privilege.”
