Page 105 of The Seaside Homecoming
Claire’s stomach knotted. “I suppose it is inevitable I should meet such people eventually. But I appreciate the warning.”
When it was time to change for the concert the following night, Claire donned the second dress Emily had returned toher. The high-waisted gown was of fine gauze over a white slip with a bodice of pale rose satin. The full, short sleeves were slashed with the same satin. Over her bare arms, she wore white over-the-elbow gloves.
Mary helped with her hair, pinning it up and adding silk roses. Claire put on her long-lost earrings and wished once again she’d not had to pawn her aunt’s necklace.
When the maid finished, Claire said, “Thank you, Mary. And how is your sewing coming along?”
“Well, I think. I’ve been practicin’ on the scraps ye gave me.”
“Good. Being able to help with mending will add to your qualifications should you ever seek another place.”
“Aye, miss. And one day I could sew for my family. If I had one.”
“That too.”
Viola and Major Hutton dropped off Emily and Mr. Thomson first and then came for Claire in their carriage. She could have easily walked the short distance, but they’d insisted on driving her there. From the livery, they walked together to the assembly rooms, where they surrendered their cloaks and hats and went to find seats. Claire sat between her sisters, while their husbands sat on their opposite sides.
The Sidmouth band played a few opening numbers, and then the visiting musicians performed a stirring program. Viola had been right. Claire enjoyed the fine music. It nourished her soul like rain and sunlight revive a plant kept in the dark too long.
She reached over, took Viola’s hand, and whispered, “Thank you.”
Tears shimmered in Viola’s eyes, and she held tight to Claire’s hand and did not let go.
Another memory struck Claire then. Of sitting beside a young Viola, six years her junior, at the Finderlay pianoforteand gently positioning her small fingers on the keys—fingers that had soon outpaced Claire’s skill, thanks to lessons from a music master and hours of practice. Now Claire gratefully squeezed those same fingers once again.
At the concert’s conclusion, they all rose and mingled with others in attendance. Emily, James, and Jack spoke to a fine-looking older gentleman and his wife, while Viola introduced Claire to a Mrs. Fulford and Mrs. Robins, acquaintances from her charity work.
After a brief chat, they turned away, planning to rejoin the others, and instead came face-to-face with an unfamiliar trio: two elegant women and a well-dressed man.
The older of the two women greeted Viola. “Good evening, Mrs. Hutton. If you recall, we met at Sea View when you visited your mother and sisters.”
“Ah. Mrs. Harding. That’s right. We met in passing.”
The woman gestured to her companions. “And this is my sister, Miss Craven, and my brother, Mr. Sidney Craven.”
Her glittering gaze landed on Claire. “And who is this, pray? If I am not mistaken, I notice a marked resemblance to your sister Emily.”
Viola squared her shoulders. “Allow me to introduce my sister Miss Claire Summers. Claire, these three are guests at Sea View.” Viola turned back to the trio with a cool smile. “I trust you are enjoying your stay?”
“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Harding replied. “Although most disappointed not to meet your eldest sister before now.”
Confused, Claire faltered, “Why ... should you be disappointed? I don’t believe we have met before.”
Mr. Craven spoke up. “Sadly, no. But I have heard your beauty described and am delighted to find those descriptions were not exaggerated in the least.”
His praise made her uncomfortable. “Good gracious,” Claire said with a weak laugh. “That is too much flattery.”
“Not at all. Well deserved, I assure you.”
Mrs. Harding said, “We have a mutual acquaintance. I wonder if you have heard from him recently. Lord Bertram?”
Emily’s warning echoed in Claire’s mind and bile climbed her throat. She swallowed it down and attempted to appear unaffected. “Why do you ask?”
The woman watched her closely, then said, “Oh, just curious if he had contacted you. So difficult to pin these men down! Do you know his future plans?”
“I have no idea. Nor do I care. I saw him briefly in Edinburgh when he visited my great-aunt, but otherwise I have not been in contact with the man in years.”
“No? Good. That is, thank you. Good evening.”
