Page 22 of A Winter By the Sea
“I understand. But they have only been here a few days, and you were closed on Christmas, so...”
His face clouded. “Oh dear. Do you think that was the problem, that they tried to call and found the library closed?”
“No, no. I don’t think so. I did not see them venture out then.”
“That’s right! Some of his staff are staying with you. You have intimate knowledge of the goings-on in his household.”
“Only a little. Though his private secretary is staying with us, and he works quite closely with the duke.”
“Well, a subtle reminder to Their Royal Highnesses to act upon their patronage would be most appreciated, Miss Summers, if the opportunity presents itself.”
“Oh. I ... will see what I can do.”
She handed over the book of poetry she had been reading.
He accepted it and said, “What will you have next? Perhaps a Gothic romance—FrankensteinorNorthanger Abbey?”
The suggestions were tempting, but Emily shook her head. “Not a novel this time. A history.”
———
A short while later, Emily hurried back to Sea View, a heavy volume of Prussian history in her arms. Entering the house, she set aside the book and looked for her family, eager to share the news of her encounter with the duke.
The first person she found was Sarah, at the desk in the library.
Emily began, “You will never guess who I met today!”
“Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent.”
Emily’s buoyancy waned. “How did you know?”
“I saw you standing out there a long while. First you spoke with a woman carrying a child. Then a man came and spoke to you both, and even kissed the baby, so I assumed he must be her father. And, after all, we know who is staying just up the lane, so it seemed fairly obvious.”
“I suppose so. But I hoped to surprise you.”
Sarah grinned. “Iwassurprised to see you talking to him as though he were your long-lost uncle. I considered coming out to rescue you, but I had no idea what to say to a royal duke.”
“Nor did I, yet I muddled through.”
“Well done, Emily. A little royal favor can only help Sea View’s reputation.”
Georgiana had grown increasingly restless over the last several days, Emily noticed. Her sister’s usually sunny disposition was clouded by the disappointing Christmas season as well as the unusually cold weather. The frigid temperatures curtailed the time she spent out-of-doors, traipsing about the countryside with her friend Hannah or Chips, a local stray, or joining a group of young people on Fort Field for a game of cricket. Most everyone seemed to be remaining indoors presently, except for necessary forays for work or food.
Even so, Emily was somewhat surprised the next afternoon when Georgiana threw down her sampler, stood, and announced, “I’m going out. I cannot sit inside another moment.”
“Are you meeting Hannah?” Mamma asked, glancing up from her mending.
“No, she has a cold, which is a pity, especially as it’s her birthday.”
Mamma said mildly, “Don’t venture too far on your own.”
“I shan’t.” Georgiana turned to go.
“And dress warm,” Sarah called after her.
Emily set aside her writing slant and rose. “I think I shall go out as well. See how Viola is getting on.”
Mamma nodded. “Do be sure and greet her and the Huttons for me.”
