Page 18 of A Winter By the Sea
“Oh. Well, then of course.” Sarah retrieved a knife and cut small pieces for everyone.
“Will you have some with us?” she asked.
“No, thank ’ee. Made one more for Pa and my brothers.”
They ate tentative bites under Bibi’s watchful gaze. Mamma and Emily, Sarah noticed, avoided the pilchards in their portions, tasting the eggy filling instead. Georgie, undeterred, ate a large mouthful of sardine-like fish, leaving only the head and tail on her plate.
Sarah dutifully took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. The fish pie was salty and savory and surprisingly good.
“Mmm ... Quite tasty,” Sarah said. “And the pastry is excellent. Well done, Bibi. Thank you.”
The girl beamed. “Glad ’ee like it. Now, I have to get back.”
Georgie looked crestfallen. “Aw. Can’t you stay awhile?”
“Not today. Made ’em promise to wait fer me before they dig in.”
And with that, Bibi wished them a happy Christmastide and hurried out as quickly as she had come.
After they’d set aside their plates once again, Georgiana asked her family to play a game, but no one had the energy or desire.
Georgie’s lower lip stuck out in a rare pout. “What a dismal holiday this has been. No music. No dancing. No bobbing for apples or snapdragon. No Viola or Cla ... other people. I am glad Mr. Hornbeam shared Christmas dinner with us, and Miss Reed. Still, it’s not the same as having friends and neighbors in for a party. I had thought at least some of our new guests might join us, but no.”
“This is a strange year for us, I agree,” Sarah said gently. “Next year will be better, I promise. We shall have a far more festive Christmas then, you’ll see.”
Georgie pinned her with a look. “I shall hold you to it!”
———
Later, after Mamma and Sarah had retired for the night, Emily took pity on Georgiana and agreed to play a game ofdraughts with her. The two sat quietly in the parlour as they studied the board for their next moves.
James Thomson wandered in, book in hand.
Emily glanced up. “Good evening, Mr. Thomson.”
He looked at them in surprise. “I did not realize anyone was still in here. I did not mean to intrude.”
“Not at all. You are very welcome. There are mince pies and gingerbread there and a pot of tea, although it might have gone cold.”
“That’s all right.” He poured a cup of tea and sat in one of the armchairs with his book.
Emily watched him with interest. “May I ask what you are reading?”
“History.”
Georgie sighed. “Here she goes. Don’t get Emily started on books, or she’ll talk your ear off, I warn you. It’s your move, Emily.”
Emily halfheartedly shifted her attention back to the game, moving a piece. Seeing Georgiana’s devious look of delight, she realized she had made an ill-conceived move.
Emily turned to him once more. “History of what?”
From the title page, he read, “‘The General Biographical Dictionary Containing an Historical and Critical Account of the Lives and Writings of the Most Eminent Persons in Every Nation; Particularly the British and Irish; From the Earliest Accounts to the Present Time.’”
“Goodness!” she exclaimed, thinking,Another long title.
“It describes notable inhabitants of Bavaria as well. Most interesting.”
“You enjoy history, do you?”
