Page 140 of The Seaside Homecoming
“I don’t know. We’d hate to see you go. Has Sonali given you any indication that your offer will be looked upon favorably?”
“At times, she seems to favor me. Other times she is more aloof. Therefore I own to some nerves. I esteem her, and we have a good deal in common. Whether that is enough, we shall have to see.”
“Well, far be it from me to interfere. If you believe you are the man to make her happy, then you have my support.”
“She is not a woman well accustomed to happiness, though I would like to change that.”
“A worthy aim. All the best to you.”
“Don’t congratulate me yet. With Sonali, one never knows.”
“True. But I hope she does accept you.”
“Thank you, sir. Er ... William.” Armaan stepped from the morning room into the hall. Mira whimpered in her sleep as he passed, and he poked his head through the dining room doorway. Seeing Claire, he paused, then looked back toward the adjoining room.
He stepped inside. “You heard?”
“I did. Forgive me. It was not my intention to eavesdrop. Mira fell asleep, and I had not the heart to wake her. Sonali is most fortunate to have gained your regard.”
“I am honored you would think so.”
Claire noticed Mr. Hammond did not join them. Was he avoiding her?
Armaan looked down at Mira and offered, “If you want to lay her in bed, I would be happy to carry her up for you.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate that. She had a restless night and could use a good nap.”
He deftly slid his long fingers beneath Mira’s sleeping form and lifted her into his arms. The little girl’s eyes cracked open, and she murmured a contented “Mamu” before closing them once more.
Claire followed behind as he climbed one pair of stairs and then the next. As they passed the bath-room, Claire noticed the door was open, so Sonali must have finished her bath. When they reached the attic, Claire heard Sonali softly humming in her room, probably brushing her long hair.
Continuing on to the nursery, Armaan laid Mira gently down on her bed. After watching to make sure she remained asleep, he straightened.
He looked at Claire, hesitated, then said softly, “Perhaps you think it strange that I should pursue Sonali when she has been rather rude to me at times. Even bitter.”
Claire wasn’t sure how to reply, and at her silence he continued, “But you see, I was once bitter too. Bitter about the supposed friends who resented me serving with the British and came to kill me. They beat me severely before Major Hutton interfered.” He glanced down at his wrists, and she glimpsed pale scars.
Noticing her gaze, he said, “Mine are nothing to his.”
He pulled at his cuffs and went on. “For a time, I was consumed with hatred. I rehearsed every injustice, every punch and kick and evil word spat at me. Then I realized I was not hurting them—they were not chastised by my bitterness. I was the only one who suffered.
“Eventually, I learned to stop dwelling on the past and to be thankful for the good things in my present life. God has replaced those false friends with a real friend in the major. His father and brother have all but adopted me as one of their family, and now Mr. Hammond has as well. I have a niece andfriends, a place to call home for as long as I choose, sufficient funds to secure a place of my own if and when I decide to, and perhaps even someone to share my life with, should she agree.
“In Sonali, I see someone who has also suffered loss, disappointment, and prejudice. I see the hard shield she holds high to protect herself from a hostile world. I wonder how she might change, perhaps even thrive, if someone were to love her, to vow to protect her and stand by her, no matter what.”
Claire said softly, “A woman could grow accustomed to that.”
He drew a deep breath. “I hope so.”
“Well then. What’s stopping you?” Claire urged. “She is right next door.”
Half an hour later, Sonali came to find her, hair loose and damp after her bath, eyes and smile gleaming.
“I am engaged, Miss Summers. To Armaan Sagar!”
“Oh, Sonali. What excellent news. I am so happy for you. So happy for you both.”
“Are you? Then, I thank you. I am sorry I have been rather ... peevish. I thought he liked you.”
