Page 57 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Yes, I am completely unharmed, except for some drunken pushing and shoving.”
“Good.”
When he was silent, she looked at him again and saw the muscles in his jaw clench. “And before you ask...no, I was not able to defuse the situation with my so-called skills in negotiation.”
Impulsively, she reached over and squeezed his arm, instantly noticing how firm it felt. “Even so, you were brave to rush into the fray to rescue your brother-in-law.”
Glancing over at her, he tucked her arm more securely to his side. “I suppose he is my brother-in-law. I had not quite thought of it in those terms. Thank you, Miss Summers.”
And she knew he was thanking her for more than a reminder of his relationship to the man.
True to his word, Mr. Sagar once again came to Broadbridge’s door an hour later. He had changed clothes and sported a bandage on his brow and a lip already scabbing over.
Claire greeted him. “I am glad you came back. I wish to apologize. I truly did not know that suggesting you wait there would prove so perilous.”
“Less perilous than it would have been, thanks to Mr. Hammond.”
“And the major.” She led him inside. “Mr. Hammond wishes to speak to you in his study. Far safer and more private, I assure you.”
She led him through the entry hall and up the stairs. As she opened the door that led to Mr. Hammond’s apartment at the back of the house, she explained, “Mr. Hammond has taken rooms over the stables. More separate, you understand. More ... respectable.”
“His idea, or yours?”
“His. He was already sleeping there when I arrived.”
“I see. Very proper, our Mr. Hammond.”
She sent him a wry look. “Veryprivate, our Mr. Hammond.”
“Does he not keep horses?”
“No. Nor does he employ a groom. When guests arrive with their own horses, he sends them to the livery stables on Fore Street.”
At the end of the passage, Claire reached the door that led to Mr. Hammond’s private domain. She took a deep breath and knocked. A moment later, Mr. Hammond opened it. Would he send her away?
“Welcome, Mr. Sagar.” He turned to her. “Miss Summers, good. Perhaps you ought to hear this as well.”
He opened the door wider and gestured them both inside.
Surprised but pleased, Claire stepped through.
“My bedchamber and study.” He pointed briefly to each door, then led them into his study and invited them to sit in the two chairs before his desk.
Claire sat down and smoothed her skirt.
Mr. Sagar, however, remained standing as though at attention. “Can you tell me why I am here, sir?”
“I wished to speak with you.”
“Why? We have never met before today, I don’t believe.”
“No, but my wife told me a great deal about you.”
“Your wife?” Again, he sliced a confused look toward Claire and quickly away.
“Your sister. I should say, half sister.”
The man stilled and his entire body stiffened. “What?”
