Page 59 of A Winter By the Sea
Sarah quietly shut the door and lowered her voice. “Charles Parker.”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “Is it? I did not think he would come. For Emily’s sake, do you think?”
“I don’t know. I had only a brief glance, but it did not look like an entirely happy reunion. Georgie was the only one smiling.”
“He’s given Emily plenty of reason not to smile,” Mamma said dourly.
She glanced around the sunny room and at the neatly made French sofa bed. “Ask him to come in for a private word, please. Wait—do I look all right?” She stepped to the mirror and smoothed back her hair. “I don’t want him to tell Louise I have let myself go.”
“Not at all, Mamma. You look lovely. But here...” Sarah handed over the rouge pot. “Just a touch on your lips, I think.”
Mamma accepted it. She glanced at Sarah and said, “Take off that apron before you go out there.”
Sarah did so, then took a deep breath and walked into the hall to greet their guest.
“Charles. This is a surprise.” She glanced at Emily, but her expression was difficult to read. “What brings you to Sidmouth?”
Charles returned her greeting, then explained, “My parents and I visited Amanda over Christmas and thought we would come here for a short holiday before returning home. We are staying at the York Hotel.”
“Ah.” Sarah managed a smile. “Our mother would like a word, if you don’t mind.” She gestured down the passage.
“Of course not. With pleasure.” He nodded to Emily and Georgiana and then followed Sarah to Mamma’s room.
Mamma had positioned herself in one of the room’s armchairs but rose when he entered. “Charles. A pleasure to see you again.”
“Mrs. Summers.” He bowed, then handed her some hyacinths. “These are for you.”
Mamma looked from the purple blooms to Charles and back again. Sarah wondered if he knew what they symbolized.
“Thank you.” She set the flowerpot on the nearby table.
“You are looking well,” he said to Mamma. “You are in good health, I trust?”
“Daily improving, thanks be to God and sea-bathing.”
“Charles is here in Sidmouth on a short holiday with his parents,” Sarah explained.
“I see.”
Not sure what her mother intended or if she wished to speak to the young man privately, Sarah asked, “Shall I leave you two to talk?”
“Please stay,” her mother replied. “But do close the door.”
Feeling uneasy, Sarah complied. She glanced at their guest and wondered which of the three felt more nervous.
Her mother sat and gestured to the chair near her. Charles sat as bidden.
“I received your letter,” Mamma began.
Surprise flashed through Sarah. Mamma had said nothing about a letter.
“I did not mention it to the girls because ... well, I did not wish to raise hopes, should your visit not come to pass.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
Mamma drew a deep inhale, then said, “You are aware that my eldest daughter is living in Scotland, are you not?”
“I knew she had gone.”
