Page 114 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Yes, well. Mira was napping and we thought you’d gone out or we would not have attempted it.”
“We had. I invited Armaan back to the house to join us for dinner.”
“And he is welcome, of course.”
“We did not intend to intrude,” Armaan said. “We came up to find Mira.”
“And you’ve found her.” Claire turned the girl toward the door and gently nudged her out into the passage with her father and uncle. “Now, please excuse us while we change.”
“Don’t hurry on our account.”
Sonali flashed Armaan a defensive look. “I know what you are thinking. That I criticized you for dressing like an Englishman and now I dress like this. This was a mere novelty. A diversion. I don’t plan to make a habit of it.”
“Dress however you like, Miss Patel,” he said gently.
With a measuring glance from Armaan to Sonali and back again, Mr. Hammond said, “Come, my friend. Let’s leave the ladies to it.” And taking Mira’s hand, he closed the door.
26
Donkeys were a common sight at seaside resorts, giving tourists rides along the beach. They were used because of their quiet disposition and gentle nature, and were usually ridden side saddle.
—The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The next day, Mira ran into the morning room, hair dancing around her shoulders. “Papa says we are going to the beach tomorrow. Is that not exciting? And you and Sonali are to come as well.”
“That does sound exciting,” Claire replied. “I shall stay and watch over the house, but I know you shall enjoy yourselves.”
Mira’s father walked in after her. “None of that, Miss Summers. I have arranged for Mrs. Farrant to come over again for a few hours so you can join us. I have been promising Mira just such an outing for some time, and I am striving to become a man of my word.”
“But I have no wish to go bathing,” Claire said, adding to herself,And certainly not with a gentleman present.
“Nothing as strenuous as that. Walking along the seashorefollowed by a picnic lunch for us and wading and seashell collecting for Mira.”
“And may I have a donkey ride?” Mira asked.
“You may. In fact, I think I shall hire one of Mr. Smith’s donkeys to transport our provisions.”
“The town beach is not far,” Claire said. “We could carry what we need.”
“I was thinking we’d go a bit farther. Not as far as Ladram Bay, but to the western beach. It has sandy areas, whereas the near one is mostly pebbles.”
“I thought men swam there?” Claire did not addnaked, although she thought it.
He nodded. “In the mornings, yes. In the afternoons, families with children often congregate there.”
“I see. Well. Let me think about it.”
An hour or so later, she found Mr. Hammond and asked, “May I read something to you?”
“Of course.”
She opened her copy ofThe Sidmouth Guide, which Emily had given to her. Aloud, she read, “‘The beach extends for half a mile from the River Sid, at the foot of Salcombe Hill, to the rising grounds on the opposite side of the vale.... It is furnished with seats and neatly rolled. Here the valetudinary may inhale the refreshing sea-breezes and contemplate the lofty ranges of the hills, rugged and precipitous to the sea, but clothed on the receding sides with cornfields, woods, and houses in beautiful variety.’”
When she’d finished, he replied, “Very affecting. Though I wonder. Do you consider me one of the ‘valetudinary’? I promise not to bring my stick if that will improve your opinion.”
“No! No one can think you infirm after watching you climb Salcombe Hill without pausing for breath or rest.”
His eyes glimmered. “I am glad to hear it. Does reading this excerpt mean you’ve decided to join our outing?”
