Page 15 of A Winter By the Sea
For some reason, the question made her uneasy. After a moment’s hesitation, she led the way to the desk in the library-office, extracted the box from the deep side drawer, and laid it atop the desk for his inspection.
“And who has keys to this box?”
“I do. Although on the rare occasion I leave the house, I leave it with my mother.”
“I see.”
Sarah placed the extra key in the box and locked it.
“Thank you. That adds a layer of protection, though perhaps not all one might wish.” He reluctantly turned to go, and Sarah followed him out into the hall.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Oh, I would estimate two or three hours.”
“I am sure we can keep the spare key safe that long.”
“Yes, yes. After all, it is not as though many people even know I have the chest here. They would likely assume any valuables would be kept where His Royal Highness is residing. No doubt I worry too much.”
He turned back, expression tightening again. “May I ask—areyour maids here trustworthy? The chest itself is locked. Even so...”
“Yes, Mr. During, I can vouch for everyone’s character.”
“Good, good. I do hate to ask. But someone in my position cannot be too careful.”
Studying his anxious face, Sarah gently asked, “Have you held the office for long?”
He shook his head. “I have served as table-decker for several years, but becoming keeper of the plate is a recently added responsibility, and I am determined to fulfill the charge entrusted to me.”
“I understand.”
At the tail end of this discussion, Mr. Thomson came down the stairs at a leisurely pace. The two men nodded to one another as Mr. During took his leave.
Mr. Thomson watched him go. “He is a bit ... earnest, I know. He’s been promised a pay rise commensurate with his new responsibility, and as he sends the lion’s share of his wages to support his mother and sisters, he could use the added funds. They depend on him for their support.”
“I see. That is good of him.”
“Yes, I believe he is quite well-intentioned, although his behavior can be rather off-putting at times, I realize.”
Sarah nodded, then asked, “Will you join us for Christmas dinner, Mr. Thomson?”
His lips parted in surprise. “Kind of you to offer, but I should not like to intrude on your family celebration.”
“You would be very welcome.”
He hesitated. “I have been told I might join the upper staff at Fortfield Terrace.”
“Ah. In that case, I understand.”
He added, “I feel I should attend, although the prospect gives me little joy. I want to stay in General Wetherall’s good graces.”
“And in Captain Conroy’s?” she asked.
He winced. “I shall never manage that.”
———
A short while later, the family gathered for Christmas dinner. Simon Hornbeam joined them, as well as his friend Miss Reed from the poor house, who had become far less disagreeable since last summer.
