Page 125 of A Winter By the Sea
Emily spoke up. “And what better use of his time than helping others, than serving the community that has received all of you so warmly?”
The captain turned to her, eyes glinting. “Ah. Miss Summers, defending stray lads again, I see.”
Emily lifted her chin. “Yes, I suppose I am.”
“Hmm...” He frowned at her before turning back to his subordinates. “If you see During, tell him to report to General Wetherall without delay. Understood? As comptroller, the general wants to inventory the plate chest to verify all items are accurate in Prince Edward’s will.”
Emily drew in a sharp breath. “Why? Surely it has not come to that. His Royal Highness only has a cold.”
Conroy opened his mouth, seemed to think better of whateverhe’d been about to say, and muttered, “Just in case.” Then the captain pivoted on his bootheel and stalked out.
After a moment of silence, Sarah said tentatively, “On that note, perhaps we had better pack our things and head back.”
Effusive thank-yous were given, and everyone helped tidy the kitchen, while Mr. Hornbeam picked up a towel and dried plates.
Amid the bustle, Sarah saw Mr. Thomson approach Emily, his manner serious rather than flirtatious. He said, “That was brave of you, standing up to Conroy like that.”
Emily replied with a quote from a favorite novel, “‘My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.’”
He raised his chin in recognition. “Pride and Prejudice?”
She looked at him, clearly astonished. “You, James Thomson, are the most well-read man I know.”
After Sarah returned to Sea View, she helped put away the serving dishes and then tackled a few chores.
She was sweeping dust and cobwebs from the upstairs passage when Selwyn During trudged up the back stairs.
“Mr. During, there you are. I trust you received Captain Conroy’s message?”
He looked up in confusion. “What message?”
“He was looking for you an hour or two ago. General Wetherall wants to inventory the plate chest.”
The man’s eyes widened. “Does he? Why? Has he some reason to think all is not as it should be?”
“No, nothing like that. Apparently, he wants to ensure everything is correct in the duke’s will.”
“Why should they care about a few medals and things?”
“Surely that is not so strange. You mentioned some of theitems are quite valuable, like the silver candlesticks and gold Freedom of the City box.”
“I said that, did I?”
Sarah nodded, studying his pale face in concern. “Is there ... a problem?”
He swallowed. “No, no, of course not. I am only surprised. And the timing could not be better, actually. I shall see to it directly.”
“Good,” Sarah replied.
He continued to his room, and Sarah returned to her task. Yet a sense of disquiet remained, like a cobweb out of reach.
Emily returned to Sea View feeling both gratified and a little low. She had found it pleasant and satisfying to help at the poor house, to share good food and conversation with people whose lot in life could be difficult and lonely.
She had feared Mr. Thomson might be cold to her after last night’s scene on the veranda followed by his efforts to leave Sea View. Instead, he had been polite but kept his distance, focusing on the tasks at hand and talking primarily with Mr. Bernardi and the residents, which, she told herself, was exactly as it should be. Even so, the change in their relationship would take some getting used to.
That evening, Emily sat writing by candlelight in the office when Sarah showed Charles Parker inside, saying, “Here she is.”
Emily looked up, startled. She had been concentrating so intently she’d not even heard the door. “Good evening, Charles.”
