Page 60 of A Winter By the Sea
“And you also know why?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed above his cravat. He looked away as he replied, as though addressing the doily on the table. “My ... former ... friend did tell me what happened, but—”
“His version of what happened,” Mamma snapped back.
Charles flinched. “Yes. But he did not divulge particulars.”
Mamma gripped the chair arms. “Sarah and I are aware of what transpired. We had hoped the situation would notbecome known outside of our family. I suppose that was too much to hope.”
“If it helps,” he said, “I told no one. Not even my parents.”
“Really? I am relieved to hear it.” Mamma exhaled, some of the tension leaving her.
“Emily and Viola have pieced it together somehow”—here she shot Sarah a look—“but Georgiana knows next to nothing. So please be discreet in her company. Perhaps not telling her is a mistake, but she was quite young at the time. She, therefore, talks more freely about her eldest sister than the rest of us do. We rarely speak of her.”
“She mentioned your eldest went to Scotland to stay with a relative, apparently.”
“Apparently. She lives there as companion to my husband’s aunt. That woman and I have never been close. Nor do we correspond with ... either of them. It was my husband’s decision, and I have chosen to honor his request, even though it is difficult for us all.”
He solemnly nodded. “I understand.” He added softly, “And I am sorry.”
“Are you?”
He nodded and looked down at the floor like a chastised boy. “I cannot help but feel I might have prevented it somehow.”
Sarah’s heart twisted.Shemight have prevented it.
Mamma sighed, and when she spoke again her tone had gentled. “You are not alone in having regrets. There, I have said my piece. Now. How is your mother?”
“She is well.”
“Do greet her for me.”
“Actually, she would like to call on you while we are here, if you are willing to receive her?”
Mamma hesitated, lips parted.
Sarah guessed Mamma was not eager for a friend from May Hill to see her in their new circumstances, forced to rent out rooms to make ends meet. Sarah was about to suggest she might meet Louise at the York Hotel when Mr. Parker spoke up.
“If you would rather not, I am sure Mother will understand.”
Eugenia Summers lifted her chin. “Louise is welcome to call, of course.”
“Excellent. I shall let her know.”
Mamma rose, signaling the end of the interview. Sarah and Mr. Parker followed her example.
“Thank you for calling, Charles, and for the flowers. I hope you enjoy your stay in Sidmouth. And do take care where Emily is concerned. I don’t wish to see her hurt again.”
“Nor do I.” He bowed and left the room.
When he had gone, Sarah looked at her mother with interest. “What did he say in his letter? Only that he might call on us?”
Mamma shook her head. “He expressed belated sympathies for your father’s death and regret for not being of more help to us during his illness and our time of grief. He did mention he hoped to call on us in future, but no specific date.”
“Nothing about Emily? Or ... Scotland?”
Another shake of her head. “I suppose it was rude of me not to reply. I did not feel it my place to extend forgiveness on our family’s behalf. For I am not the one he most injured.”
