Page 71 of A Winter By the Sea
His smile fell. “Estate affairs kept him at home, as often happens.”
“Yes, yes, I sympathize. Were my husband not determined to improve his health, I doubt we could have convinced him to come away for a holiday.”
Concern softened his features. “I am sorry indeed to hear it. He was always kind to me when he visited the college. I shall pray for his recovery.”
“Thank you.”
The two continued to speak for a few more minutes, the rest of them standing awkwardly as silent observers.
Emily found herself waiting beside Charles, somewhat removed from the others.
She glanced at him and said quietly, “Mr. Thomson mentioned you were rivals at Oxford.”
“Did he? And he still resents me, I suppose?”
“He did not speak a word against you. In fact, he said you were well-liked and respected. Although I don’t think he liked it that you always won.”
“Not always.”
She studied his somber profile. “I don’t remember you mentioning this rivalry during school holidays.”
He grimaced. “It is not something I would confide to a young lady. Especially you.”
“Why ever n—?” She broke off and looked at him sharply, realization dawning. “We are not talking about fencing, are we.”
“Fencing? Of ... course we are.”
Yet Emily noticed a flush creep above his cravat.
“Look, this was all a long time ago,” he said, voice low. “Clearly this so-called rivalry meant far more to him than to me.”
Emily continued to study him. Was Charles prevaricating? Once, she had known him so well. But that was a long time ago too.
Charles turned toward his mother and spoke more loudly. “Well, Mamma. Shall we go, or keep everyone standing here all day?”
“Oh yes, yes. Forgive me. A pleasure to see you, Mr. Thomson. And thank you all again.”
Together they ushered the Parkers out the door with a collective sigh of relief.
14
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
—King Solomon, Proverbs
Now that she’d gleaned there was a female involved, Emily regretted teasing Mr. Thomson about his rivalry with Charles, and hesitated to mention it again. Had both men courted the same woman? Had Charles pursued someone else while at Oxford, then come home at holidays and spent time with her, building her hopes, leaving her none the wiser? Charles was an exceedingly handsome man. She should not be surprised if other women had sought his attention. But that he had, perhaps, reciprocated? It was foolish to be jealous—but she was.
That evening, when Emily came downstairs dressed for dinner, Mr. Thomson was there before her, waiting in the drawing room for the others to gather.
She began, “Mrs. Parker was clearly pleased to see you again. Apparently you were acquainted with Mr. Parker senior as well?”
“Somewhat. He visited Charles several times at Balliol. More than was customary. Mr. Parker clearly doted on him—broughthim gifts from home. Treated him to fine dinners. And he often invited a few other students as well. He never failed to greet me by name and ask how my studies were going. That sort of thing. It may not sound like much, but it meant a great deal to me.”
Emily studied his profile. Remembering what he’d said about his father not being proud of him, she asked softly, “Your father was not ... like that?”
He shook his head. “Mr. Parker showed more interest in my studies and well-being than my own father ever did. At least once I’d refused his offer to buy me a commission.”
“So is your eldest brother the golden boy of your family?”
