Page 171 of A Winter By the Sea
“We shall have to see what Sarah and Mamma have to say about us living here.”
“Will you marry in Sidmouth or wherever he is from?”
“Here, if Mamma has her way, although we hope his family will be able to make the trip.”
Viola nodded, then said, “Speaking of weddings, you will never guess. My dear husband has finally offered to take me on a belated wedding trip.”
“Oh good! I am happy for you. How soon will you go?”
“Probably in late spring or early summer.”
“And where will you go? The Continent? Or somewhere closer to home?”
Viola glanced through the doorway as though to reassure herself no one was near, then said, “Actually, I was thinking of Scotland.”
Emily stared at her, surprise and excitement winging through her veins. “To see Claire?”
“Well, we could not travel all the way to Edinburgh without calling on our relatives, could we? Aunt Mercer cannot object to that.”
“Oh, I’d wager she can.” Emily smirked, then lowered her voice. “What about Mamma? What will she say? I mean, she cannot very well forbid you—a grown woman and her husband!”
“No. Even so, I’d hate to injure her feelings.”
“So what will you do?”
“I think you mean, what willwedo. You and I and Sarah, and maybe even Georgie, will have to work together. The major and I won’t travel for months yet. We have until then to convince her to change her mind.”
33
He clasped me in his arms, and we kissed each other again and again! His beauty, his sweetness and gentleness—really how can I ever be thankful enough to have such a husband! Oh! This was the happiest day of my life!
—Queen Victoria, diary
Mrs. Thomson quickly wrote back to accept the invitation, saying she hoped her husband would join her, but either way, she would happily visit, and looked forward to meeting her son’s intended.
A week later, both of James’s parents arrived at Sea View. As they alighted from their chaise, Emily and James stood side by side in the hall, ready to greet them. Emily held James’s hand, knowing he was nervous about seeing his father again.
Mrs. Thomson entered first and embraced each of them with warmth and friendliness. Mr. Thomson was more aloof. He bowed to Emily and shook his son’s hand rather woodenly.
After Mr. Gwilt had taken their cloaks, Emily introduced the couple to her family, and soon they all sat down to a mealtogether. Within hours, Emily and James’s mother had formed a fond, fast bond.
Mrs. Thomson got on well with Mamma and Emily’s sisters as well, chatting pleasantly over tea and wedding plans.
Emily enjoyed the visit, although she remained aware of the tension between James and his father and wished there was something she could do about it.
The night before they left, Mr. Thomson gestured James away from the others and into the library. James sent her an uncertain glance before disappearing within, the door shutting behind them.
Emily tried not to be anxious but could not help it. Was his father expressing disapproval of her or her family? Or of James’s new career? Or had Edward, his eldest brother, decided to blame James for yet another ofhismisdeeds?
While the two men were absent, Mrs. Thomson promised to return for the wedding, although she sheepishly admitted she could not speak for the other members of her family.
When James and his father emerged some twenty minutes later, Emily held her breath. She was relieved to see the two men talking politely, Mr. Thomson still reserved, while his son’s posture seemed less tense.
Later that evening, James took her aside and confided their conversation.
“I can hardly believe it. Father apologized. For blaming me for Arthur’s accident and more. He always took Edward’s side, believed his word over mine. Evidently when I was not there to serve as scapegoat these last few years, he began to grow wise to Edward’s ways. I feel sorry for him, really. Yet it’s also an immense relief to be exonerated at last, to have hope that our relationship might finally improve.”
“I am so happy for you both. Happy for all of us.”
