Page 33 of The Seaside Homecoming
Sonali glanced at it. “Did you take that from his desk? He won’t like you invading his privacy.”
Not his private desk.“I found it in the morning room. Is it yours?”
“Why would you ask me?”
“I thought perhaps you had started a letter.”
“No.” Sonali gave a dry huff. “Who would I write to?” She brushed past her and stalked away.
Later that night, after Claire felt certain all was in relatively good order and in readiness for the morrow, she retired to her room, planning to read for a time and then go to bed.
A soft tapping at her window startled her. Hand to her throat, she looked out through a crack between the shutters, glad she was still dressed.
Though dim outside, enough light shone from the windows above to illuminate the person standing there. Fran Stirling.
Claire hurried to the tradesmen’s entrance and unlocked the door.
“Stirling! Sorry—Fran.” It was traditional to call a lady’s maid by her surname, and the habit lingered. Claire quickly added, “Or should I say Mrs....?”
“Farrant. But Fran is perfect. Actually, I prefer it. I’m still not fully accustomed to my new name.”
“Do come in.” Claire gestured toward her room, then stopped herself. “You know the way far better than I.”
Fran entered the former housekeeper’s room—herformer room, looking around with interest.
“It’s much as I left it, although less cluttered.”
Claire grinned. “Give me time.”
“Do you like it?” Fran asked.
“I do. I like the windows and the cheery yellow walls.”
“I painted those myself.”
“Please be seated. Shall I put the kettle on?”
“No need. I had some tea after our dinner.”
“We did as well.”
Fran nodded. “Thought so. I waited until I was fairly certain you’d be done for the night before I came over.”
“Did you walk? Mr. Hammond mentioned you live a few miles away.”
“Not quite that far. But no. Leslie—Mr. Farrant—brought me. He’s happy to have a pint at the inn while he waits.”
“Sounds a kind man.”
“He is. He works hard and is excessively good to me.”
“How long have you been married?”
“A few months now.”
“I am happy for you.”
“Thank you. And I am ... concerned about you.”
