Page 26 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Ah. Pleasant too, from what I hear. The former landlady is a friend of the Summers family, though I don’t know anything about the new owner. I suppose you have met him, staying there as you are?”
“I have, yes.”
“And what do you think of him? A good fellow?”
“I hope so. It is a bit too soon to know for sure.”
He nodded his understanding, then cocked his head to one side. “Do you know, your voice sounds vaguely familiar to me. Have we met?”
“No, sir.”
She’d been told she and Sarah had similar voices. Had he noticed? Thankfully he could not see her, or he would likely also notice a resemblance to Emily. She did not want a veritable stranger to walk into Sea View and announce that the black sheep of the family was back in town.
When she remained silent, he said, “Well then, I shall bid you good day. And if you change your mind about Sea View, tell them Simon Hornbeam sent you.” He tipped his hat and walked on, and Claire hurried back the way she’d come.
When Claire returned to Broadbridge’s, Mr. Hammond invited her to join him, his daughter, and Miss Patel for dinner in the morning room, while Mary would eat belowstairs with the scullery maid after helping to serve their guests. Claire thought it a bit odd that Miss Patel would join the family for meals. Was not a nursery-governess more servant than family? Then again, wasn’t she?
Instead of the sportsman’s attire he’d worn earlier, Mr.Hammond was now dressed in a dark green frock coat over light waistcoat and pantaloons, stockings, and polished black leather shoes. He looked very handsome and every inch the English gentleman.
The food was already on the table, so there was no time to change, and she had sadly few dresses to change into anyway. With a self-conscious smile Claire hung her bonnet on a peg and entered the morning room. He pulled out a chair for her at the oval table near the fireplace, and she sat down.
As he took his own seat, he said, “I know in many households a child Mira’s age would take meals in the nursery or schoolroom, but I enjoy her company.”
Miss Patel ate in stony silence throughout the meal, while Mira chatted cheerfully with her father, recounting a story Sonali had read to her, asking when they might go to the beach, and telling him about a seagull that had perched on her window ledge....
“All right, littlekaddu,” he gently interrupted. “Now, how about you use that eloquent mouth of yours to eat some dinner, hm? You want to grow big and strong, do you not?”
She shrugged. “My shoes are already too small.”
“Are they? Then we shall have to buy new ones.”
When the little girl stopped talking long enough to eat something, Claire attempted to fill the silence by asking, “Have you been in Sidmouth long?”
He shook his head. “A few months.”
“Where did you live before?”
“Several places.”
“And have you owned such a property before, or had you a different profession?”
He set down his fork with a clank. “Different. But I prefer not to talk about my past, professionally or otherwise, if you don’t mind.”
Miss Patel smirked at her from across the table.
“Oh.” Claire blinked, feeling chastised. “Very well. I was only making conversation.”
“No need. Relax and enjoy your meal.” He gave her a small smile that did not reach his eyes.
After they had eaten, Mr. Hammond led Claire into the dining room to introduce her to their two guests, who sat lingering over coffee.
“Mr. Filonov. Mr. Jackson. I’d like you to meet Miss Summers. She will be helping to manage things here.”
The first man instantly stood and bowed his fair, silvery head.
The second man, with a balding pate and waistcoat buttons strained over a paunch, reluctantly rose with a groan. “Sorry. It’s the dew-beaters.” He lifted one large, thick-soled shoe in evidence. “Aching today, they are.”
Mr. Hammond explained, “Mr. Jackson is a salesman. Stays here several times a year.”
