Page 8 of A Winter By the Sea
“Where are you off to?”
“Cricket on Fort Field.”
“Who else is playing?”
Georgiana shrugged. “That apprentice Billy Hook will be there. Hopefully several other lads as well.”
“Any other girls?”
Another shrug. “Hannah promised to come. Though I doubt she shall play. She mostly comes to ogle the boys.”
“Well, I am glad your friend will be with you. Have a good time.”
When they’d first come to Sidmouth, Mamma had insisted her daughters accompany each other on walks and errands into the eastern town. But they had been there for a year now, and Mamma had relaxed her rules. The Summerses trusted their neighbors and felt safe in the area. Besides, the playing field was only a short walk from Sea View.
When Georgie had gone, Sarah skimmed Effie’s girlish, chatty letter until she came to the lines directed to her.
“Pleasedo greet Sarah for me and tell her I think of her at least once a month. She’ll knowwhat that means!”
A smile tickled Sarah’s mouth as she recalled having to explain some feminine facts of life to the girl, but her smile quickly faded when she realized that was the extent of the message addressed to her.
In past letters, Effie had usually written something about her stepfather sending along his greetings, but not this time. Perhaps Mr. Henshall had forgotten her. Or met someone new. And why should he not? After all, she had discouraged his overtures, even his request that he might write to her directly.
This is for the best, she told herself.
Her heart did not agree.
———
Dinner that evening was a refreshingly casual affair, Sarah decided, gazing around the table at her family. Mr. and Mrs.Johnson and their sons had departed, and their only remaining guest was Simon Hornbeam.
Mr. Hornbeam had been with them for several months now. He was a dear man of about sixty who had become one of the family, almost like a kindly grandfather. He had remained on as guest—his finances being more robust than Mr. Gwilt’s—after his grown son had failed to join him in Sidmouth. He had also met a former acquaintance in town, a Miss Reed, which probably helped explain why he’d stayed on so long.
As they began the meal, Emily asked, “I wonder why the Duke of Kent would come to Sidmouth ... especially at this time of year. Surely Woolbrook Cottage cannot compare to Kensington Palace?”
Sarah said, “The captain mentioned wanting a milder climate for the duchess’s health, remember?”
“That may be the officially stated reason,” Mr. Hornbeam said. “But not the only one.”
They all turned toward him. The older man had been clerk assistant of the House of Commons until his eyesight failed him. He still had many acquaintances in Parliament and knew a great deal more than the rest of them about government and the royal family.
As if aware of their scrutiny, he tilted his head in thought and adjusted his dark glasses. “I don’t think it such a secret that I should not mention it. In fact, it is well-known in political circles that Prince Edward is in debt. From my limited experience, I believe he is a clever, well-read man but has a lifelong habit of spending well above his means. A London committee, which included his comptroller, advised him to economize. He is coming here primarily to retrench.”
“So,” Mamma said, “we are not alone in having to change our mode of living due to financial constraints.”
“No indeed. You are in good company. Quite august company, as a matter of fact.”
“I know I should recall this,” Emily said, “but where is he in the line of succession?”
“Fourth,” Mr. Hornbeam replied. “But he has long been considered the strongest and healthiest of his brothers. There is every reason to believe that he might one day be king, and if so, his baby daughter would be next in line.”
“What about his older brothers?”
He shook his head. “No legitimate heirs. Ever since the death of the Prince Regent’s daughter, the king’s other sons have been vying to produce a legitimate heir to secure the succession. Prince Edward was the first to achieve this. There is a chance his older brother, the Duke of Clarence, may yet have a family, but if not, your new little neighbor might very well be the future Queen of England.”
“Heavens,” Sarah breathed. “In that case, we had all better be on our best behavior when they arrive.”
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