Page 88 of A Winter By the Sea
“What is the filling?” she asked.
“Chicken and mushrooms in aveloutésauce.”
“This is excellent. I like it very much.”
His face lit with satisfaction.
“You have talent, Mr. Bernardi,” she said. “I hope your employers appreciate it.”
“Thank you. I hope so too.”
At that, Mr. Bernardi recommenced his duties and Sarah turned. She glimpsed Emily hurrying into the dining room, looking flushed and winded. Mr. Thomson entered a few steps behind her, his neck also red above his cravat.
Concern flared through her. Emily could be naive and easily have her head turned by a handsome man, and after what had happened to Claire, Sarah felt wary at seeing the two reappear together. As the older sister, she ought to have been more on her guard—made more of an effort to protect Emily when she had failed before. She did not distrust Mr. Thomson specifically, but an unmarried woman could not be too careful.
Emily pressed through the crowd to join her.
“There you are!” Sarah exclaimed. “I was beginning to worry. Are you all right?”
“Yes. Sorry. Mr. Thomson showed me more of the house.”
“Alone?”
Emily dipped her head, blush intensifying. “I did not stop to think how it might look. Nothing happened, I promise. He was a perfect gentleman. He even introduced me to a painter the duchess employs who is staying here as well.”
Sarah studied her face. Emily certainly seemed in earnest.
“Are you sure everything is all right?”
“Perfectly. Just sorry to worry you.”
Sarah sighed. “Let’s hope others did not notice you leave with him.”
Mr. Thomson joined them, his expression somber. “I apologize, Miss Sarah. I should not have shown your sister around without asking you to accompany us. That was badly done. Please forgive me.”
Emily sent Sarah an imploring look.
Sarah said, “You are forgiven, Mr. Thomson. But do take care in future. A young woman’s reputation is a fragile thing.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
“Now, come!” Emily insisted. “This is supposed to be a party. So far it is not a very jolly affair, what with the duke clearly miserable and his wife worried and unable to talk with most of the guests. We must do our part. Let’s eat some of that divine-looking food and be merry!”
Emily’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Sarah found herself grinning.
Mr. Thomson looked from one to the other with evident relief, glad to have the mood lightened. “I quite agree.”
With a rare streak of mischief, Sarah gestured to the silver trays. “In that case, may I suggest you start with the frog legs or sea urchin?”
17
[The duke] became so feverish that the duchess called in his physician, who was much concerned by his case.
—Christopher Hibbert,Queen Victoria: A Personal History
Early the next day, Sarah hurried around the breakfast room, making sure all was in readiness for the morning meal. Hearing voices outside, she stepped to the window and looked out. Tall, lanky Mr. During was speaking to an older, stocky man in coarse clothing, a donkey-drawn wagon loaded with split logs and stacks of turf behind them. She recognized the man as Mr. Mutter, who delivered wood and turf to most of the big houses in the area. He was no doubt very busy at this time of year. With the recent cold spell, fuel for fireplaces would be in high demand.
She wondered what Mr. During wanted with the man. Mr. Bernardi, she might understand. He could be inquiring about fuel for the ovens. But the table-decker?
