Page 66 of A Winter By the Sea
“Still? Despite everything?”
“Yes! And I don’t know all the particulars, do I? Perhaps he has long regretted cutting ties with us. Perhaps he had a good reason.”
“And if that reason has not changed?”
Emily looked at Viola, then away again, uncomfortable under her sister’s scrutiny.
“We shall have to wait and see. If he returns, I shall at least hear him out.”
“Of course.” Viola pressed her hand and gave her a small smile. “I just don’t want to see you disappointed again.”
“Me either.” Emily rose and gathered her mitts and notebook. “Are you coming to Sea View this afternoon? I believe Miss Stirling plans to join us.”
“I shall be there—even though it will mean seeingyoutwice in one day.” Viola gave her a playful nudge, and Emily embraced her before taking her leave.
On the short walk home from Westmount, Emily saw two men coming up the lane.
As they drew closer, she recognized them as the Duke ofKent and Captain Conroy. She stiffened at the sight of Conroy, even as her heart warmed to see Prince Edward again.
Conroy seemed about to pass by with the barest of nods, but the duke smiled and paused. “Ah, Miss Summers. A pleasure to see you again.”
“And you, Your Royal Highness. You have picked another cold day for a walk.”
“I know. Conroy and I went out to see about the horses, and he insisted we walk a bit farther. The sea air is supposed to be good for the health, remember?”
A chill wind snaked up the lane, and he shivered. “Though at the moment, I question that wisdom.” He turned his head and coughed.
Emily bit her lip. “That does not sound good.”
He waved a dismissive gloved hand. “A trifling cold. Don’t mind me. I have always been as strong as an ox. Stronger than any of my brothers.”
“I am glad to hear it. And your wife and daughter? Are they in good health?”
“My dear wife is depressed. She worries our belovedVickelchenhas a sore throat. When she opens her little mouth to cry, one gets a good view. Perhaps it is a little red.” He shrugged. “I am not the best judge.” Again he turned away to cough, then asked, “Have you seen her lately? My wee princess?”
“Not in a few days. But when I did, she seemed quite hale. Pretty too.”
He beamed. “Ah. Your words gratify me. Yes, she is lovely as well as strong. Cut her first teeth without the slightest inconvenience. She is now between seven and eight months old yet looks like a child of a year!”
Emily smiled at this display of paternal pride despite the man’s red nose and obvious discomfort.
Captain Conroy glanced significantly up the lane toward Woolbrook and cleared his throat.
“Well, I shan’t keep you,” Emily said, taking the hint. “I am sure you want to go indoors and get warm and dry.”
“True, true.”
“You don’t want to catch your death,” Emily added, then wished the words back as soon as she’d said them.
“Heavens, no,” he replied. “That would not do. Good day, Miss Summers. I bid youadieu.”
Sarah looked out her small bedroom window to gauge the weather. Grey storm clouds gathered in the east. Movement caught her eye from below, and she glanced down. Another storm seemed to be brewing right there on the grounds.
Selwyn During paced in agitated strides across the side yard, one way, then back again. He lifted something to his face—a letter by all appearances—before crumpling it in one hand and running his other through his hair. His hat, she saw, had either fallen or been tossed aside where it lay topsy-turvy on a frosty garden bench nearby. The man was usually fastidious in the care of his attire.
What sort of news had the letter contained to so upset him? He was clearly overwrought with strong emotion—anger or something akin to it.
Should she go down to see if he wished to talk? Offer help or at least a listening ear? Then again, he might not want anyone to see him in his current state.
