Page 141 of The Seaside Homecoming
“As a friend, yes. And I like him as well. I hope you will be very happy together.”
“I hope so too. I have not been as kind to him as I should be. Yet I shall endeavor to deserve him.”
“I am glad.” Claire pressed the woman’s hands, and, seeing the joy glimmering in her dark eyes, felt her remaining reservations fall away. “God bless you both.”
“Oh,didi.” Sonali beamed. “He already has!”
Claire went back downstairs and found Mr. Hammond still in the morning room, seated at the desk, head in his hands.
Concern flared. “Are you all right?”
He looked up. “You tell me.”
“You have heard the news?”
His features tensed and his eyes flattened. “What news?”
“About Sonali and Armaan? She has accepted him. They are engaged.”
“And you...?”
“Me? I am happy for them.”
“I meant, are you to be congratulated as well?”
She swallowed. “I have not given Lord Bertram an answer but have promised to do so by tomorrow.”
“Why wait?”
“I...” Again Mamma’s face appeared in her mind. She had told Claire to follow her own conscience, but if saying yes would help her reconcile with her mother...? She glanced at the mantel clock. “At present, I am expected at Sea View. My mother has invited me.”
His expression softened. “That is excellent news. Unless ... Is her change of heart due to Lord Bertram’s proposal?”
“No, I don’t think so. But I—”
“Mon cherWilliam.” Monsieur Lemaire swept into the morning room, valise in hand. “I come to say,À bientôt! I take my leave now.” Seeing Claire, he bowed. “Merci, mademoiselle. Pour tout.”
“De rien,” Claire murmured in reply, and left the men to say their farewells.
Claire donned bonnet and gloves, her hands trembling as she did so. Then she walked to Sea View.
Had her mother truly invited her in? Claire hoped she had not misunderstood.
Reaching the house, Claire knocked, not presuming to enter unannounced, and a small man answered the door.
“Ah. You must be the Miss Claire I’ve heard so much about.” He bowed. “Robert Gwilt at your service.” He ushered her inside and took her bonnet and gloves.
From across the hall, a voice called, “Claire.”
Mamma, using her given name. It sent a shaft of longing and hope through her.
“Yes?” she replied rather breathlessly.
“Come and join me in my room, if you would.”
“Of course.”
“Shall I bring tea, madam?” Mr. Gwilt asked.
