Page 103 of A Winter By the Sea
“Hardly at all, thank you.”
Mr. Bernardi climbed down from the bench more gingerly, hugging himself against the cold.
Arriving at the assembly rooms, they paid their fees, removed hats and cloaks, and then left their outer garments with an attendant. Mr. Bernardi blew into his cupped hands to warm them.
Charles was formally dressed in knee breeches, an expertly tied cravat, and a dark, well-tailored coat. With shouldersstraight and head held high, he looked extremely confident and handsome.
In turn, his gaze swept from Emily’s curled hair to her ball gown. She hoped he did not notice it was a dress she’d worn a few years before.
He said only, “How beautiful you look,” and offered her his arm.
Together, they entered the spacious rooms lit by candelabra and heated by a roaring fire at one end, as well as by the warmth of energetic dancing. The gathering was not the crush it had been in the summer, but it was still large enough, and the music lively enough, to fill the room.
Charles touched Emily’s hand and leaned close to say, “Pray excuse me a moment. Mamma decided to come, and I promised to find her as soon as I could.”
“Oh, of course,” Emily murmured in surprise. She had not expected Mrs. Parker to attend.
Charles walked away, quickly disappearing into the crowd.
While she waited, Emily surveyed the room. In a nearby alcove, the promised refreshments were arrayed, available for an additional few shillings for those who wished to partake. The table within held a punch bowl and cups, accompanied by a meager arrangement of food: thin slices of buttered bread and lump-like ratafia cakes.
Mr. Bernardi did not look impressed. Perhaps more dishes would be brought out later.
Emily turned her attention to the assembled company, searching for anyone she might know. She noticed people congregating in separate groups. There, the well-dressed aristocrats. And there, country squires and their daughters, who ogled dragoons in close-fitting jackets. And finally, a huddle of tradesmen and their wives.
She saw Mrs. Parker’s feathered headdress before she sawthe rest of her. There she was, wearing a dark evening gown and a turban toque adorned with white ostrich feathers. Charles stood beside her. The two were surrounded by several young ladies and their mammas.
Someone greeted Sarah and asked to meet her companions, but Emily walked on alone, barely hearing, all her focus on the clutch of people ahead.
She drew near enough to the fawning women to overhear their conversation.
“Mr. Parker, what a pleasure to see you again. I believe the last time we met was at Almack’s last season.”
“Was it? Ah yes.”
A second woman said, “I did not know you planned to overwinter here. You did not mention it.”
“We planned the trip since last we spoke—and will probably stay only a fortnight.”
“Pity. You will be in Town for this year’s season, I trust?”
Charles looked over and caught Emily watching him. “I have yet to decide.”
“Oh, you must!”
The women, dressed in the height of fashion, went on to cajole him and flirt with him. Emily felt too intimidated to join them, so instead she walked past them to greet Colin Hutton, the major’s younger brother and Viola’s brother-in-law.
“I did not know you were coming,” she said. “You should have told us. We would have given you a ride—tried to squeeze you in, at any rate. Did you walk?”
“Yes. But better me than you in those drafty dresses and thin slippers you ladies wear.”
“I suppose that is true. And how was Christmas at Westmount?”
“Far more cheerful than it would have been, thanks to yoursister. Left to his own devices, I doubt Jack would have bothered with greenery or gifts or any other festivities.”
“Well, hopefully next year, we can all be together for a proper Christmas.”
“Yes, I understand Sea View was besieged by royalty this year.”
