Page 103 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Have you no one waiting for you at home, wherever that might be?”
“I am a widower, so no. My son has visited yet prefers the company of his fashionable friends, which I know is only to be expected. And I have retired from my career, so I am at leisure to stay as long as I like. Or as long as Miss Summers will put up with me.”
“You, dear sir, are always welcome,” Sarah assured him.
He smiled in Sarah’s direction before adding, “Although,if God and a certain woman favor me, I may one day marry again.”
Sarah knew he referred to his friend Miss Reed. Having known each other in their early years, the two had become reacquainted right there in Sea View after last year’s flood.
Mr. Hornbeam turned back to his dinner companion. “And would it be rude to inquire about Mr. Harding?”
“Not at all! Dear Welford is busy with his shipping interests. Travels a great deal between London and Bristol. If you are interested in investing in one of his ships, I would be happy to give you his card.”
“Thank you, madam, but no need. My money is right where I want it. What’s left of it, that is, after my son’s last visit.” He chuckled, and she politely joined in.
“And your son, sir? How old is he?”
“One and thirty.”
“Ah. Just the right age for Persephone here.”
“Caroline, please.”
Sadness flickered over his features. “As much as it wounds my father’s heart to say it, I could not recommend my son as a good match for any young lady. At least, not at present. I hope in time he will mature into a man of sense and responsibility, though I have seen little evidence of either so far.”
“Do men ever really mature?” Mrs. Harding asked with a pointed look at her brother.
“Some of us do, yes,” Mr. Hornbeam replied, then directed his next words to her younger sister. “Don’t lose heart, my dear. There are still many good men in the world. One who would make you a good husband, I don’t doubt.”
Persephone spoke up. “Do not worry about me, sir. I already have just such a man in mind, as my sister knows full well. A viscount.”
“Ah, I see. And is he kind and honorable? Does he treat you with gentlemanly respect?”
The young lady blinked, expression uncertain. “Well. I ... I am sure he would, given the chance. Once he’d truly committed to a woman.”
Mr. Craven snorted.
Caroline Harding shot him a scowl before returning her attention to Mr. Hornbeam. “And during your stay here, have you become acquainted with all the Summers sisters, including the elusive Miss Claire?”
“No. I have not had that pleasure.” Puzzlement furrowed his brow, and he added almost to himself, “That I know of.”
Persephone said, “I don’t know why you are so worried about her, Caro. He had his chance and did not take it.”
Sarah dropped a serving dish lid with a clatter and bit her tongue to keep from saying something she’d regret.
After a sharp glance in Sarah’s direction, Persephone turned back to her sister. “You spoke to him recently. Did he say something that led you to believe he had revised his opinion of her?”
“No. Not specifically.”
“I thought he decided not to join us in Sidmouth this year. Did he not send his regrets?”
“He was uncertain of his plans when I spoke to him.”
Slouched in his chair, her brother said, “That reminds me. Received a letter from the old boy.”
“Did you?” Mrs. Harding asked. “Why did you not tell us?”
Her brother raised his glass in mock salute. “Just did.”
