Page 99 of A Winter By the Sea
“Did you ... renew your addresses to her?”
“No. I did not come begging like a loyal dog, hoping for a pat. I was polite and, I hope, kind when our paths crossed, but I did not attempt to rekindle a romance.”
“Do you ever regret not doing so?”
He looked at her steadily. “I once had second thoughts, but no longer. Now I am glad to be free.”
She met his gaze. Was he saying what she thought he might be? For a moment longer she held his gaze, then looked down. Was she free? Unattached? Or did Charles Parker still own her heart?
As her silence lengthened, he cleared his throat. “Of course, living with and serving His Royal Highness as I do, going where he goes, I am not really free at all, am I? I could not offer ... anyone ... a future.”
His words provoked a surge of sorrow, followed by confusion. Why was she sad? She had always known he would be leaving. He’d never misled her.
Once again, she resolved to cease thinking of James Thomson in any romantic sense, reminding herself sternly not to become attached. She might be attracted to the man, but there was no future in it. And if she was not careful, she could ruin her chance at happiness with Charles over a foolish, futile attraction.
19
The assembly and card rooms are at the London Inn. Balls are frequent and the floor has an excellent spring.
—The Beauties of Sidmouth Displayed
As they dressed for dinner that evening, Emily glanced at Sarah and asked, “Have you decided about the ball?”
Sarah hesitated. “I have thought about it, and I agree the situation is awkward. And I would like you to be able to enjoy yourself.”
“So?” Emily prompted, anxiously awaiting her answer.
When Sarah said nothing further, Emily rushed on, “Perhaps we might invite Mr. Bernardi too? Maybe even Mr. During, to be polite. It would be good to offer our guests some entertainment while they are with us, would it not?”
Sarah frowned. “I would not want to ask either man individually, as that might be misconstrued. And I should warn you, Mr. Bernardi is unlikely to accept any invitation from me, as he and I quarreled this morning.”
“About what?”
“Oh, I asked him to help me with something and I handledit poorly. But perhaps you might issue a general invitation at dinner.”
“Really? Does that mean you will go with us?” Emily asked in surprise. Sarah had not once attended a local ball.
“I am not saying I shall dance—I doubt I remember how—but perhaps I would enjoy an evening out as well.”
Emily’s heart lifted. “Oh, thank you, Sarah! That makes me very happy!”
Once they were all seated in the dining room and the meal began, Sarah sent Emily a significant look.
Emily nodded and announced, “We were thinking some of you might like to attend a ball with us at the local assembly rooms? Tomorrow night. There will be music, dancing, and refreshments.”
Sarah added, “Mr. Thomson is planning to attend, I believe. As are Emily and I.”
At this, Emily glanced across the table at Mr. Thomson for confirmation, and found him regarding her with a furrowed brow. He said nothing.
Mr. During sent her an apologetic wince. “Kind of you to offer, but I shall have to decline.”
Emily turned toward the pastry chef. “Mr. Bernardi?”
With a pointed glance at Sarah, he replied, “You would not want me there. I never learned to dance. They didn’t exactly teach that at cookery school.”
Emily said, “Our local dancing master and his wife call out the patterns for the newer country dances. It makes things much easier, since people come from all over and are not always familiar with the same dances. You might find it is not as difficult as you think.”
Sarah added, “If you can follow a recipe, then I imagine you could follow dance instructions as well.”
