Page 56 of The Seaside Homecoming
Claire nodded. “I’m afraid so. It’s him they’re fighting about. And it’s my fault.”
“The devil it is. You both stay here. I mean it.”
“Be careful, Jack.”
But he had already charged inside.
Instinctively, Claire stepped closer to her sister and gripped her hand.
“The major will protect him,” Viola assured her. “Armaan once saved his life.”
Claire hoped it would not come to that. And she hoped he would somehow protect William too.
William ...Where had that come from? Why was she thinking of him by his Christian name? It was only the stress of the moment. He was Mr. Hammond, her employer in effect, and she would do well to remember that.
Another crash. A moment later, Viola’s husband emerged, one arm supporting Mr. Sagar, whose lip and brow were bleeding.
Mr. Hammond followed, or rather was pushed forcibly from behind by an aproned, irate landlord.
“Out with the lot of you. And don’t come back.”
“Our apologies, my good man.” Clothes rumpled but apparently unharmed, Mr. Hammond pulled out his purse and handed the man several gold coins, which he quickly pocketed.
“In that case, sir, you are welcome back anytime.”
When the publican retreated, Claire rushed forward. “Are you all right?”
Armaan shook off the major’s arm. “Yes, yes. Only a bloodied lip and a bottle to the head. I’ve had worse.”
“And doled out worse,” Major Hutton said, mouth quirked and a hint of pride in his expression.
Claire noticed the scraped skin of the major’s knuckles.
Viola noticed at the same moment and grasped his hand, studying the damage critically. “Oh, Jack, I told you to be careful.”
“I was. But that troublemaker’s nose will forever be crooked, I fear.”
“He had it coming,” Mr. Hammond said with a decisive nod. He stuck out his hand, a clear bond having formed during the melee. “William Hammond. I would gladly serve beside either of you any day.”
“Jack Hutton,” Viola’s husband replied, grasping his hand.
“Major Hutton,” Armaan clarified. “And I am Armaan Sagar. I understand you have been looking for me.”
William’s green eyes glinted. “I have indeed.” He shook Armaan’s hand and added, “After you have patched yourself up, come back to the boarding house, if you would. I have news for you.”
With a glance at Claire, Armaan asked, “Good news or bad?”
“Both, I suppose.”
“I shall be there in one hour.”
Claire spoke up. “And this is my sister Viola.”
Mr. Hammond bowed. “A pleasure, madam.”
Claire was tempted to stay and talk with Viola, but she also wanted to return to the house with Mr. Hammond and make sure all was in readiness for Mr. Sagar’s call. So after a heartfelt embrace and a quick introduction to her sister’s husband, Claire excused herself, agreeing to a long-overdue visit in a day or two.
On the walk back, Claire kept glancing at Mr. Hammond, striding beside her. “Are you truly all right?”
