Page 41 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Not long. I came here with the Duke of Kent over the winter and stayed on after his death, having fallen in love with this lovely young lady.” He nodded toward Emily.
Mr. Hammond asked, “In the lodging business as well?”
James shook his head. “Only in that it’s a family concern. I served as private secretary to the duke and now perform a similar function for Sir Thomas Acland, recently reelected MP for Devon.”
“Sir Thomas. Ah. Well...” Mr. Hammond drew himself up. “Pray excuse me.” He gave a general bow, then turnedto Claire. “I shall be in the morning room when you have a minute. No rush.” He turned away, seeming suddenly eager to depart. Sarah wondered why.
James watched him go, brow furrowed. “I believe it was Sir Thomas who mentioned a William Hammond to me. I wish I could remember why. Never mind, it will come to me.”
Claire said, “I’m afraid I don’t know much about him, although I do know he is new to the lodging business, as am I. An unlikely pair, are we not?”
Emily’s eyes shone with interest at Claire’s words. She probably hoped to find in them a hint of romance—her favorite genre.
“Perhaps Fran might advise you,” Sarah said.
“Yes! She plans to begin tomorrow, and I will gladly accept all the advice she can give me. Now, may I offer you tea?”
“No, thank you,” Sarah said. “We shan’t keep you. We know you are busy settling into your new situation.”
Emily added, “But we wanted to assure you of our love and support.” She gave Claire another hug. “We are very glad you came to Sidmouth, and hopefully Mamma will come around in time.”
Claire glanced down at her clasped hands, clearly pained by Mamma’s absence.
“Oh, and before we forget,” Emily said, “Georgiana wanted us to pass along her greetings and love. She plans to visit you again soon.”
That brought a smile to Claire’s pretty face. “I shall look forward to it. You are all welcome at any time.”
After seeing her sisters and Mr. Thomson out, Claire stood for a long moment, resting her forehead against the door.
How nervous she had been when Mr. Hammond had told her who had come to call. Having read one of Emily’s letters, she was fairly confident that sister would be pleased to seeher. She’d been far less certain of Sarah’s reception. Her heart had ached to see the initial reticence, perhaps even anger, in Sarah’s expression. Claire could not blame her, yet she’d been deeply relieved when Sarah had forgiven her.
And how strangely wonderful to meet Emily’s husband and to learn that formerly reclusive Viola had married as well. She had missed so much.
Claire was of course disappointed by Emily’s confirmation that Mamma had not “come around,” but she thanked God her sisters had.
She took a deep breath and straightened, remembering Mr. Hammond wanted to see her. Was he affronted to learn her family ran a guest house in Sidmouth? She would soon find out. Squaring her shoulders, Claire walked into the morning room as requested.
Mr. Hammond looked up from the desk as she entered.
“There you are. Good visit?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Excellent.”
“I ... hope you don’t mind ... about my family’s guest house. I only learned of it recently.”
“You have been out of touch?”
“Yes.”
“And you clearly came here for more than a partnership in a boarding house.”
“I came for both. I hope that is not a problem.”
He looked upward, as if in serious consideration, yet that humorous quirk tipped his lips again. “I am never sure what to think about the old ‘two birds, one stone’ adage. Well and good for the stone, far less so for the birds.” He returned his gaze to her. “At all events, that’s not why I asked you to meet me. I was thinking you might plan next week’s menu for Mrs. Ballard. She asked me once but did not appreciate my suggestions of curries andsis kebap.”
“What is shish kebab?”
