Page 131 of The Seaside Homecoming
“I truly did intend to visit you this afternoon. Emily and Sarah stopped by Broadbridge’s last night, but apparently you had gone out. Today they are busy at Sea View, so I promised I’d call and make sure you were all right. Are you? Is Lord Bertram truly staying at Broadbridge’s?”
“He is.”
“And has he ... has he come to...?”
“He’s asked me to marry him, Viola. But it’s not like it sounds. Aunt Mercer offered him an inheritance if he marries me. He says finances are the only thing that prevented him before, so I should be glad, but I ... I am finding it difficult to be enthusiastic.”
“Oh my. What a quandary.”
Claire nodded. “I assume Mamma would wish me to sayyes, that it might ... smooth things over to some degree. Yet I am torn.”
“And no wonder!” Viola took her hand. “How can I help?”
“You have helped—by introducing me to your friend and just by listening. Thank you.”
“I am always close-by if you want to talk. Anytime.” Before they parted ways, Viola asked, “Should I keep his proposal a secret?”
“Please don’t tell Mamma,” Claire said. “For if I don’t agree, she shall surely disown me all over again.”
Later that day, Claire again answered the door. This time, Mr. Craven’s sisters were standing on the doorstep.
“Good day,” Claire said half-heartedly.
“Ah, Miss Summers. A pleasure to see you again,” the elder began. “I am Mrs. Harding, if you don’t recall. We met at the concert?”
“Of course. Do come in.”
Claire stepped back, and the ladies entered the house, looking around the narrow hall with its modest furnishings with interest.
“So this is where you work, is it?” Mrs. Harding asked.
“I am a partner in this boarding house, yes. Now, how may I help—”
“Partner?” she interjected. “To whom?”
“Mr. Hammond.”
“Quite understanding of him to take on a woman of your ... background. A married man, I trust?”
Claire bristled. “Widowed. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, I would think, considering your history, you would wish to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.”
Sonali stepped from the morning room, leading Mira by the hand. How much had she heard? Sonali glanced at the women before continuing up the stairs.
Miss Craven frowned. “I say, who are they?” she asked, not even bothering to lower her voice. “Apparently you will accommodate anyone here.”
“That is not just anyone. That is Mr. Hammond’s daughter and Miss Patel, a family friend.”
“Good heavens.” Mrs. Harding appeared scandalized, brows drawn low, mouth parted. “Is Mr. Hammond ... black?”
“No, ma’am,” Claire replied, without change of expression. “He is ginger.”
The woman harrumphed. “Well. We have come to visit our dear friend Lord Bertram.”
“Of course. Please follow me.” Claire led them upstairs to the parlour. “If you will wait here, I will see if he is available.”
Leaving the ladies, Claire walked to his room partway down the corridor. She knocked and Lord Bertram answered, his eyes lighting up when he saw her at his door.
