Page 18 of The Seaside Homecoming
The man held out both hands, studying them. In a calm voice, he said, “I think brown would be more accurate.”
The woman frowned at her companion. “Of course I can see him. I am not blind. I am perfectly aware that I am conversing with a very pleasant man....” She turned to him and asked, “From India, I believe?”
“Originally, yes.”
“These glasses...” She tapped the frame. “I have recently undergone a procedure for cataracts and am supposed to shield my eyes for a few more days.”
Ah.Claire nodded her understanding.
“Please forgive my young companion her rudeness. I suppose not everyone finds people from other places fascinating, but I do.” She looked at Claire. “Don’t you?”
“Oh, I ... y-yes,” Claire faltered. “Although I have little experience, unless one counts Scotland.”
She gave a self-conscious chuckle and was relieved when the man smiled in return.
Mrs. Farrant, formerly Miss Fran Stirling, came to Sea View to join the Summerses for tea, sewing, and a good talk. They did not see Fran as often as they used to, now that she was married and living with her husband. Sarah was glad Emily and James had decided to stay at Sea View after they wed, although she wondered how long that arrangement would lastwhen the young groom had to make the long trip to Killerton five or six days a week.
“So, Fran,” Mamma asked, “how are things going now that you are a housewife instead of a boarding-house keeper?”
“Good, good. Yet to you, my friends, I confess I sometimes miss it. Things are rather quiet with only Leslie to look after.”
“What can you tell us about Broadbridge’s new owner?” Sarah asked.
“I met him only briefly, for the transfer of the deed. The property agent handled the negotiations.”
Fran sipped her tea before going on. “He seemed a gentlemanlike man, perhaps in his late thirties. And if it is not too gossipy to repeat, my former cook—who has agreed to stay on with him, by the way—saw him arrive with a ‘strange’ woman.” Fran waggled her brows.
“Strange, how?” Georgiana asked.
“A foreigner, apparently. Dark skin, dressed in long, many-colored scarves or some such.”
“Probably a sari,” Emily said, being the most well-read among them. “Perhaps she is from India.”
“His wife?” Mamma suggested.
“I don’t know. He did not say anything about a wife to me. And Mr. Hammond himself seems as English as they come, down to his auburn hair and even a few freckles.”
“Perhaps he is a nabob returned from India with a fortune and an Indian bride,” Emily theorized. “Is he handsome?”
Fran tilted her head in recollection. “Yes, rather. Regular features. Good teeth.”
“High praise,” Emily teased. “Sounds an interesting character. Although sadly I doubt we shall have much opportunity to become acquainted. After all, he is our competitor now.”
“Never stopped us from being friendly,” Fran reminded her.
“True. And thank goodness for that.”
Mr. Gwilt came in with a fresh pot of tea and a letter. “Itook the liberty of collecting the post on my way home from the shops. Addressed to you, madam.” He handed it to their mother.
With a glance at the handwriting, Mamma said, “From Viola.” She handed it to Emily. “Here, you read it.” Emily opened it and read aloud:
“Dear Mamma, Sarah, Emily, and Georgiana,
You have probably alreadyheard by now, but in case you have not: AuntMercer has died.
The major and I arrived in Edinburghwithout mishap and went directly to her house. There, wemet two ladies carrying out bundles of clothing and otherpersonal items—donations to their charity, they said.
From theelderly butler who came to the door, we learned thatClaire is no longer in residence. All the staff besideshimself and the lady’s maid had already been dismissedand needed to quit the house. The maid will staylong enough to tidy up the place and will soonbe leaving as well. Evidently the butler will keep aneye on the house until it is sold.
