Page 106 of A Winter By the Sea
Sarah bid farewell to the musicians’ wives and walked toward her. Mr. Bernardi strolled in their direction, looking bored. When Sarah joined them, Emily introduced the man simply as Mr. Marsh, whom she had met a few times at his library and public rooms. Sarah in turn introduced Mr. Bernardi, and when the chef learned the man was a publisher, the two began talking about the possibility and profitability of publishing a cookbook together.
Emily sighed, and she and Sarah exchanged wry looks. Now they had lost two more potential dance partners.
Meanwhile, Charles danced with one pretty partner after another, his mother looking on with pleasure and approval. Always polite, Charles did ask Sarah to dance once, his eyes promising Emily that she would be next.
Mrs. Parker came and stood beside Emily, her gaze remaining on the dancers. “It is always so pleasant to see young people enjoying themselves. I did not realize we would meet so many acquaintances here. Charles, as you have probably noticed, is highly sought-after. He will soon make an excellent match, I do not doubt.”
Emily managed a tight smile, her stomach sinking.
“And now I think I shall retire. My work here is done.” She looked over at Emily, expression softening. “Please don’t misunderstand. I have always liked you, Emily, but Charles must think of his responsibilities. Our daughter married a man of impeccable character and family. I trust Charles will do the same.” The older woman patted her arm. “Good night.”
As she stood awkwardly alone once again, memories of another uncomfortable experience in these very rooms returned to nettle her. Emily had attended a ball here last summer andhad been surprised to see a few acquaintances of Charles Parker’s in attendance, Lord Bertram along with Mr. Craven and his sisters. Mr. Craven had danced with her first, hands lingering overlong, his every look cloying. At one point he’d whispered in her ear, “I have heard of the beauty of the Summers sisters, and you exceed my imaginings.”
At the time, Emily had been discomfited to learn that she and her sisters had a reputation among strangers, though she did not understand why. She had even agreed to dance the next with Lord Bertram, who was, at least, polite. Polite or not, she would never have agreed to dance with him had she known then what he had done to Claire.
Now Emily pressed her lips together to hide their tremble and gave herself a mental shake, trying to dislodge the memory.
Thankfully, Colin came to her rescue, partnering her for two energetic reels. He compensated for his unfamiliarity with the steps with boyish grins and jigging enthusiasm.
Finally, the last dance was called. By then Emily had given up hope of dancing with Charles again and wanted nothing more than to go home and drown her sorrows in cake. From the look of Sarah’s drooping shoulders and eyelids, she was ready to go home too.
Charles appeared before her then, a genuine smile on his handsome face.
“Now that my mother has retired, I may dance with whomever I like. And I would very much like to dance with you.” He held out his hand, and Emily was powerless to resist.
She was vaguely aware of Mr. Thomson’s face, set in resolute lines. After she reminded herself again that he would be leaving, the secretary faded from view.
A moment later, she was in Charles Parker’s arms. Dancing with the man she had long loved. And he was smiling into hereyes and holding her close, his hands warm and sure as they held hers and led her confidently through the steps.
It brought back memories of the last time they had danced together, at the Parkers’ house party, when she had been so certain he loved her.
Seeing the light of admiration in his eyes now, she thought perhaps he still did.
This was real, she told herself. Possible. A future with James Thomson was not.
When that final dance ended, Charles helped the ladies don their cloaks and ushered them from the assembly rooms to his waiting carriage, having instructed the driver to return for them after delivering his mother to the York Hotel.
“I won’t accompany you this time,” he said. “That way, there shall be ample room for everyone.”
Before anyone might protest, Mr. Bernardi clambered in. James entered next, to avoid having to step over the ladies, then Charles handed Sarah inside.
Emily was the last to enter. She stood facing Charles on Fore Street, only vaguely aware of the crowds of people milling around them, calling for a chair or their gig to be brought round.
Charles took her hand and for a moment simply stood there holding it, gazing down into her face. Then he said, “It was a pleasure to spend time with you. To dance with you again. It certainly brought back memories of happy times.”
“Yes,” she agreed in a small whisper.
He said, “We are visiting a friend of Father’s tomorrow, near Exeter. But may I call on you on Friday?”
Aware of the others beyond the thin carriage window, Emily made do with a nod.
Charles smiled and helped her into the carriage, his hand holding tightly to hers before pulling away.
When he closed the door behind her, Emily braved a glance at her companions. Sarah glanced from her to Mr. Thomson and back again, looking concerned, while Mr. Thomson stared straight ahead, wearing a blank expression.
It was a cold and silent drive home.
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