Page 142 of A Winter By the Sea
“Yes, of course. You are both editor and publisher.”
“Good, good. Just so we understand one another.” He returned to his desk, opened the cover, and began to read.
Emily followed, stood before the desk, and forced herself to ask, “When shall I bring in Mr. Gwilt’s manuscript?”
“Hm?” he murmured, still concentrating on the page.
“The adventure story for children? You said you would read it once I’d completed the guide, and then consider publishing it.”
He looked up in confusion, then realization dawned. “Ah,the uncle’s story, right. Let me read and edit this first. I am eager to get it to the printer.”
“Oh. I see,” Emily said, although doubts gnawed at her. “I will be happy to make any revisions or additions you’d like, or to correct proof pages when the time comes.”
“No need. I will see to it.” He waved a hand, dismissing both her and her offer.
Emily gazed down once more at her carefully written manuscript, and found it strangely difficult to move away. To go home without it felt like leaving a favorite child or pet to the mercy of a stranger. Would he guard it well? Give it all the devoted attention it required?
“Very well.” Feeling rebuffed, Emily forced her leaden legs to turn and retreat to the door.
As Emily stepped from Marsh’s establishment, she saw Mr. Wallis exiting the York Hotel. Her heart lurched.
He walked toward her, his expression revealing surprise and hurt. “Miss Summers.” He bowed. “We have not had the pleasure of a visit from you in some time.” He glanced at the building she had just left. “And perhaps now I understand why.”
“Mr. Wallis, I ... It is good to see you. We have just been so busy with, well, our guests, and the happenings at Woolbrook, and so on.” Guilt coursed in her stomach. Compounding her betrayal with deception was probably making them both feel worse.
She ended with a lame “Sadly little time for pleasure reading lately.”
He regarded her, his expression all too knowing. “Sad indeed.”
Face flaming, Emily turned away. She went up Fore Street to avoid extending the awkward encounter, which would happen if she walked back in the same direction as Mr. Wallis.
She decided to visit the post office before returning home.As she crossed the marketplace on her way there, Emily glanced toward Broadbridge’s Boarding House, thinking of Miss Stirling. The front door opened, and a man emerged. Mr. Bernardi. He walked swiftly away in the opposite direction, whistling, while Fran Stirling stood in the doorway, her hand lifted in farewell.
Strange, Emily thought, wondering what business had taken one of their guests to another lodging establishment.
Noticing Emily, Fran waved to her.
Emily hurried over, curiosity piqued. “What did he want?”
Fran waited until she was closer before replying. “He heard I might be selling and came to inquire.”
“Did he? How unexpected.”
Fran nodded. “And he is the second person to inquire in as many days.”
“Really? I hope that means you shall get a good price. A little competition never hurt anybody!” Emily grinned as she said the words.
Then, thinking again of Mr. Wallis, her smile quickly faded.
On Saturday night, James returned to Sea View looking calmer and more composed.
“Did the duchess’s brother arrive?” Emily asked.
“He did and I am relieved. Prince Leopold speaks excellent English, and naturally, he and his sister share the same native tongue. The duchess now has someone close to her to support her and speak on her behalf.”
“Good. I am sure he shall be a comfort to her.”
James nodded solemnly. “And she shall need a great deal of comfort soon, I fear, for the end is near.”
