Page 126 of A Winter By the Sea
“Emily. I came by earlier, but your mother told me you were helping with a meal at the poor house?”
“That’s right. It was mostly Sarah’s doing, although I enjoyed lending a hand.”
“And Mr. Thomson was there as well.”
“Yes. The duke has recently become the patron, so Mr. Thomson is understandably interested, as well as quite charitable himself.”
“Admirable.”
Recalling Sarah’s advice to put Charles’s mind at ease, Emily added, “You do realize Mr. Thomson will leave here when the royal party does? They had planned to stay the winter, but with the duke’s poor health, who knows if they will stay even that long. I think Mr. Thomson wants to help all he can during the brief time he’s here.”
For a long moment Charles held her gaze, and a look of understanding passed between them.
Then he glanced down at the desk. “And what are you busy with?”
Emily hesitated, unsure whether to tell him. Then she steeled herself and said, “I am writing.”
“Letters?”
“A book, actually.” Only a slim guide, perhaps, but a book even so.
He nodded. “That’s right. You’ve always fancied yourself a writer.”
She lifted her chin. “Iama writer.”
“I did not intend to imply otherwise.” He gestured to a nearby chair. “May I?”
“Of course.”
Charles sat in one of the chairs by the fire. She rose from the desk and joined him there.
She took a steadying breath and said, “In fact, I am writing it for a publisher in town.”
“Really? What sort of book is it to be?”
Was that disapproval in his voice, or was she assuming the worst? “A guidebook. He hopes to publish it as soon as may be.”
“And will your name appear on this work?”
She wanted to say,“Yes, in big bold type.” Instead she told the truth. “No.”
“Probably wise.”
“Why?” She had her own reasons for wishing to remain anonymous but wanted to hear his.
He considered, then said with gentle diplomacy, “Not everyone believes ladies should write books.”
“And you, Charles? What do you believe?”
“I admire you as you are. Becoming published would not change that. I also believe a woman must tread carefully. Guard her reputation.”
“Yes, you have made that abundantly clear. I have been thinking about what you said, how our separation from Claire was a mercy.”
“Only in that it spared you and your sisters from being tainted by association.”
“You seem awfully ready to blame Claire. Have you talked to her in all this time? Heard her side of the story?”
“No. But I spoke to Bertram shortly afterward.”
