Page 146 of The Seaside Homecoming
“As she should. And though you will miss me terribly...”
“I shall.”
“...I know you will enjoy living with your family again after all this time. It shall be a balm to your bruised heart.”
“You are right.” She reached up and kissed him. He wrapped both arms around her and kissed her back, a kiss that quickly deepened.
He lifted his head and gently put her away from him. “And this is why your mother is right and you should spend yournights at Sea View. Not that having you here during the days won’t be temptation enough.” With one of his wry grins, he lifted her hand and kissed it.
Before leaving Broadbridge’s, Claire talked to Mary, reassuring her that despite moving to Sea View, Claire was not abandoning her and would still see her often.
That evening, when Claire arrived at Sea View with her case and valise, Mr. Gwilt took them from her and hung up her cloak.
Mamma welcomed her with a warm embrace. Sarah, Emily, and Georgiana then embraced her in turns, while her brother-in-law James made do with a bow and friendly word of greeting.
Mamma said, “Now that the Cravens have gone, we have several vacant rooms. You may have your pick.”
“Actually, what I’d like best is to share with Sarah, like we used to do as girls. If Sarah would not mind?”
Sarah smiled softly. “I would like nothing better.”
Later that night, they cleaned their teeth, changed into nightdresses, and climbed into bed.
“Like old times,” Claire said. “Oh, this brings back memories. All those heart-to-heart talks before sleep. Sometimes drifting off midsentence!”
Sarah nodded and rolled to her side, head propped on her hand. “When we opened the guest house, we all had to double up. Except for Georgie, who chose a room in the attic. I shared with Emily until she married. Sometimes I would look over in the half-light of dawn and think she was you. Your profiles are rather alike. How I missed you.”
“I missed you too, but I’m thankful for this time together before I marry.”
“I am too.”
34
Broadbridge’s Boarding-house in the Market place no longer exists.
—Edmund Butcher,The Beauties of Sidmouth Displayed
A few days later, Viola and her husband hosted a dinner party in honor of Claire’s engagement to William, and Armaan’s to Sonali.
It was a joyous night for Claire, celebrating with William and Mira, her mother and sisters, and new friends Armaan and Sonali.
There were toasts to family—original families, family lost, and family found. There was laughter and good food, thanks to Mrs. Besley’s help in the kitchen.
At one point, Claire found herself standing beside Armaan while the others listened and laughed over some tale of Georgiana’s.
He said to her, “This is good, yes? You shall have William, who needs you. And I shall have Sonali, who needs me more than she admits.”
He grinned and the two shared a fond look.
Claire said, “William counts you as a brother, you know. And since I am to be his wife, you shall be brother to me as well. I am grateful I shall keep you in my life.”
“I also am grateful. And sincerely wish you happy.”
“I wish the same for you.”
“Thank you, my sister. Mydidi. Who would have guessed when I lost Vanita I would gain so much?”
William came over and wrapped an arm around Claire’s waist, heedless of the gathered company. “And what are you two talking about?”
