Page 89 of The Sisters of Sea View
“I am certain a compromise is possible,” Sarah said evenly. “But I cannot ask the whole house to remain silent at such an early hour of the evening.”
The woman’s expression became brittle. “That is disappointing, when you have hitherto been so accommodating. Perhaps I shall not pass along my glowing compliments to Lady Kennaway after all. I know that good woman likes an early night as well.”
From atop the library ladder, Emily offered in feigned sweetness, “Would you like some cotton wool to stop your ears, Mrs. Elton? I hear Lady Kennaway swears by it.”
“Emily...” Sarah softly chastised, though she could hardly blame her. She faced Mrs. Elton and said, “Perhaps we might move up quiet hours to nine and keep them in place a bit longer in the morning?”
“Excellent. Thank you.” Triumph glinting in her eyes, Mrs. Elton finger-waved and walked away.
When she was out of earshot, Sarah turned toward her sister and said in a low voice, “Take care. We cannot afford to offend the Eltons. They are very well connected.”
Emily harrumphed and descended the ladder. “Hard to believe that woman has any friends. Or keeps them any length of time. She may have seemed charming at first, but that has worn thin, like cheap gilt from a bracelet.”
Approaching the desk, Emily narrowed her eyes. “Where are they from again? I know we have it in the register, but I can’t recall.”
“From Surrey, I believe. I forget the specific town.”
Emily held her gaze. “You do know the more you give in to her, the more she will demand.”
Sarah released a long, pent-up sigh. “Yes. Yet I hope our efforts will be worth it in the end.”
Emily harrumphed again and began flipping through the register.
17
Though oft I have been
In a Bathing Machine
I never discovere’d till now
The wonderful art
Of this little go-cart,
’Tis vastly convenient, I vow.
—The Merry Guide to Margate,
Ramsgate and Broadstairs
Later that day, Sarah stood in the hall, straining, arms trembling with the effort of keeping the framed painting aloft. On the ladder above her, Georgie attempted to guide the hanging wire onto the waiting hook.
“Please hurry,” Sarah said through gritted teeth, feeling the heavy frame begin to slip. “I can’t hold it much longer.”
Nearby, a door opened and footsteps approached.
“Och. Here, allow me.” Mr. Henshall was at her side in an instant, bracing the frame easily.
Georgie attached the wire. “Much easier to do when the frame isn’t shaking. Thank you, Mr. Henshall.”
He released the frame and angled it until it hung straight.
“Yes,” Sarah agreed. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“My pleasure.” Then he took Georgiana’s place atop the ladder to make sure the painting was secure.
Nearly bouncing with eagerness, Georgie asked, “May I go now, Sarah? Hannah is waiting for me.”
