Page 124 of The Seaside Homecoming
“About her... her family’s health, and perhaps a room. Why don’t you go in. I shall join you presently.”
“Very well, but don’t be long. I shall just slip upstairs first and let Caro know you are here.” She hurried up the stairs.
A room ... at Sea View?Sarah’s stomach twisted. Mamma could not bear to hear this man’s name spoken. She would certainly not abide having him sleep under their roof.
“I’m afraid we cannot accommodate you,” Sarah said. “But there are two good hotels in town.”
Mr. Craven sauntered into the hall. “Bertram, old chap. Thought I heard your voice.”
“Sidney.”
“Come into the drawing room. I have news for you.”
“Perhaps for a few minutes, before I”—he shot Sarah a look—“take my leave.”
Sarah was not sure if she should be relieved or disappointed that Emily was absent. Emily would no doubt send the man packing with a flea in his ear but would likely create a scenewhile doing so. Even without her assistance, Sarah hoped to show the man out before Mamma came to see what was causing all the hubbub.
Too late. Mamma stepped from her room into the hall, dressed in a becoming afternoon frock.
“Good day.” She gifted the newcomer with a gracious smile. “And who have we here?”
The man turned to face her, lips pressed tight, his Adam’s apple rising and falling on a hard swallow. At least he had the decency to look sheepish upon meeting the mother of someone he’d ruined.
“Mamma, this is ... Lord Bertram.”
He bowed. “Mrs. Summers.”
Mamma stared at him, clearly stunned. A muscle in her jaw tensed, and her countenance paled to a sickly green.
“I am sorry to intrude like this,” he said. “But I trust you will forgive me when you learn why I’ve come.”
The front door opened, and Georgiana bounded in, face flushed and smiling as usual, Emily on her heels.
Georgie looked at the unexpected assembly. “I say. This is quite a welcome! Good day, everyone.” She looked from familiar face to familiar face until she came to the newcomer. “And who is this?”
The well-dressed man turned but hesitated, perhaps expecting someone else to introduce him or perhaps fearing her response.
“Lord Bertram,” Emily said, her voice low and clipped. “This is a surprise.” And her tone conveyed that it was not a pleasant one.
“Bertram?” Georgie echoed, brow furrowing. “NotthatLord Bertram?”
He smiled thinly. “I am afraid so.”
Mr. Craven stepped to the front door, holding it open. “Come on, old boy. I believe you’ve outstayed your welcome.Broadbridge’s is where you want to go. I’ll give your coachman directions.”
Coming back down the stairs, Miss Craven called to her brother, expression stricken. “Sidney, no! He can’t go there. He ... he has not even greeted Caro yet. She will join us directly.”
Lord Bertram paused long enough to say, “Please convey my regards. Another time, perhaps.”
And the two men escaped out the door.
When they had gone, Mamma looked at her daughters and announced, “Family meeting.” She turned to Mr. Gwilt. “Would you mind terribly dashing over to Westmount and asking Viola to join us if she can?”
“Not at all, madam. Happy to.” He hurried out to do so.
Sarah sent Miss Craven a weak smile. “Please excuse us.”
They gathered in Mamma’s room, awaiting Viola. The others sat, but Emily paced. “Perhaps we ought to run over and warn Claire.”
