Page 146 of A Winter By the Sea
She became aware of Emily studying her.
“Jessie told us which direction Mr. During went,” she began. “Why did you not mention it? And why did you say nothing about the missing candlesticks?”
Sarah decided not to repeat what Mr. Cordey had told her—that Mr. During had asked around about how to sell somethingquietly. “I don’t want to say anything until I know more. I’d hate to cast doubt on Mr. During’s character without just cause.”
“Surely you can tell me what you suspect. Do you think he stole them? Intends to sell them?”
“It’s possible. Yet I still hope I am wrong. Did he ever confide in you about the letters he received? They certainly seemed to upset him.
“Only that he’d received news from home.”
Sarah shook her head. “Something has made him desperate and foolish.”
“Do you truly believe he’s a thief? He is not my favorite person, but he seems like a decent man deep down. And he is clearly devoted to his family.”
“I agree.”
With an attempt at humor, Emily added, “And anyone who loves his sisters cannot be all bad.”
Sarah did not respond. Staring vaguely across the room, she said, “I think I will go belowstairs and ask if anyone spoke to Mr. During before he left. I may walk down to the esplanade as well. See if I can spot him. Can you watch over things in the office for a while?”
“Of course I can. Will you be gone long?”
“No. I should be back soon.”
———
Emily went into the office and tried to busy herself. There was a letter from a potential future guest to answer, as well as her languishing novel, which was not going to write itself. She wondered if Mr. Marsh would really consider publishing her manuscript when he seemed halfhearted about Mr. Gwilt’s. Either way, she owed it to herself to finish the draft.
Taking up her quill pen, she bent to the task.
When she looked up again from her writing, it was almosttime for luncheon. She had expected Sarah to return by now. Perhaps she had come in through the back door and was busy elsewhere in the house, helping with meal preparations or tidying one of the common rooms. Emily put the quill in its holder and rose to look for her.
She passed first through the empty drawing room and into the dining room, where Georgiana and Mamma were just sitting down. “Ah, there you are, Emily. I was about to send Georgiana to fetch you. I know you lose track of time when you are writing. And where is Sarah? It is not like her to be late.”
“I was just wondering that as well. Have you not seen her?”
“Not since breakfast.”
Emily frowned. “She went to find Mr. During. Said she might walk to the esplanade to look for him. I expected her back before now.”
“Well, there is sure to be some simple explanation,” Mamma said. “Come and sit down before the soup gets cold.”
“Do you mind if I don’t join you today? I am not hungry.”
Concern shadowed Mamma’s face. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Yes, yes. You go on with your meal.”
From there, Emily went into the parlour and found Mr. Thomson seated at the table, penning a letter.
“Pardon me, have you seen Sarah?”
Mr. Thomson glanced up from his page. “No.” Rising from his chair, he studied her face, then frowned. “Why? Is something wrong?”
“Probably not. I simply expected her back before now. She went in search of Mr. During.”
Emily wished she had pressed Sarah for more details about where she planned to look.
