Page 92 of A Winter By the Sea
“One of the shops.”
“That was very kind of you.”
He shrugged. “I was hoping you might go with me to deliver it. We could visit the poor house again while we’re at it.”
A week had passed since Mr. Thomson’s first visit to the school and poor house. Perhaps now that the Duke of Kent had agreed to act as patron for the Poor’s Friend Society, he was eager to become more involved.
Emily hesitated before answering. She probably shouldn’t go with him. But she did want to take another look at the two main hotels in town, which were on the way to the school.
She asked, “Would you mind if we made two brief stops on the way? To help with the guidebook?” She had been tothe London Inn more often because that was where the balls were held. She was less familiar with the York Hotel, although she had been inside a few times.
“I don’t mind—as long as we reach the school in time for outdoor recess.”
They put on their warm outer things and, after Emily told Mamma where she was going, the two left Sea View.
As they walked, she pointed out the fort—dismantled after the Battle of Waterloo—residences of note, the medical baths, bathing machines, and other businesses. She gave him details about the owners, the ages of various buildings, and the services each one provided.
“You know,” he said, “you are a living, breathing guide. Who needs a book?”
“Mr. Marsh does. And hopefully many other people.”
She did not take him into the Marine Library, because she could already describe it in great detail with her eyes closed. Besides that, she was not keen to face Mr. Wallis, especially during her current mission.
Emily explained, “The London Inn is situated in the most crowded part of town, with no view to speak of. The York Hotel, however, was built facing the beach. It’s newer and has excellent views.”
“Careful,” he teased. “Or you shall have me wishing I had stayed there instead.”
When they reached the York Hotel, she said, “I just want to ask about the number of bedrooms and public rooms, meals served, that sort of thing.”
“Are you also hoping to see the Parkers while you’re here?”
“No.”
He appeared skeptical but held the door for her. Once inside, Emily approached the reception desk and spoke to a young man stationed there.
Without stating her ultimate purpose, she asked her questions, which he politely answered. She wrote a few things in her notebook and thanked him, and they left a few minutes later. Emily did glance around the vestibule but saw no sign of Charles or his parents.
After a brief stop at the London Inn to ask similar questions, they continued to the school.
When they arrived, Mr. Ward again invited them into the yard. With his permission, Mr. Thomson presented the lads with the new ball, and after they’d cheered, they all began to play with it. The schoolmaster stood beside Emily, and they watched the game.
“Where are the girls?” Emily asked him.
“Most are inside. They prefer to play spillikins indoors when it’s cold.”
“Most?” Emily echoed. She looked again at the group playing ball and only then noticed a muddy skirt hem peeking out from under a long coat, and black stockings, which Emily had mistaken for trousers. A knitted cap hid the girl’s hair as she ran and kicked with the rest of the children.
Emily nodded in her direction. “What’s her name?”
“That’s Cora.”
“Does she often play with the boys?”
He nodded. “Not fond of sitting still, that one.”
“I see. Reminds me of my younger sister.”
Above the heads of the children, James caught her eye and called, “Play with us!”
