Page 85 of The Seaside Homecoming
The women exchanged uneasy glances and then gestured to a nearby armchair.
Mrs. Harding sat, looking elegant in a fine afternoon gown, posture straight. “May I be frank, Mrs. Summers?”
“If you must, Mrs. Harding.”
“Firstly, I admire you.”
“Do you? Why?”
“It takes great strength of character to do as you have done. I admire anyone who remains steadfast to her convictions, even when personally difficult. You are to be commended.”
Though Caroline Harding was some two decades younger than Mamma, she possessed a regal bearing and sophistication that made her seem older.
Mamma said, “Shall I ask what you are talking about, or do I not want to know?”
“Your eldest daughter, of course.”
Mamma visibly stiffened, and Emily set down her pen.
“As I said,” Mrs. Harding went on, “I am not personally acquainted with her, but I spoke to Lord Bertram not long ago, and he mentioned a recent trip to Scotland. For some reason, he visited that elderly relative of yours. He did not say why. He also saw Miss Summers while he was there.”
Emily and Sarah shared astonished looks. This was news to them. Was it even true?
Mrs. Harding continued, “Apparently there has been a falling out between you. Even so, we naturally assumed she would come here after the old lady’s death.”
“You assumed wrong.”
“Yes, and I must say I was impressed to hear it. The initial reason she went to Scotland may not be widely known—although some people know or at least suspect. But that is not the point. It is the principle that is paramount, as you clearly understand. I realize I am your junior, Mrs. Summers, yet if it is not too impertinent, please allow me to advise you to maintain the break in your relationship—to throw off your unworthy child from your affection forever, as difficult as it must be.”
“I think that is quite enough, Mrs. Harding,” Sarah protested.
But the woman went on as though Sarah had not spoken. “I do condole with you. It is a grievous affliction you suffer under. I sincerely sympathize with you and all respectable members of your family. May it comfort you to know you are doing what is right. In the eyes of society and of God.”
“You speak for God, do you, Mrs. Harding?” Emily asked dryly.
“Of course not. I only remind you all of the standards of Scripture and of polite society.”
“What Scripture is that, exactly?”
“Emily...” Sarah cautioned.
“You may think me unfeeling, but I do understand. As women, we may feel such judgment is harsh, yet we cannot pretend it is not true. It is the way of the world.”
Mamma sighed wearily. “It is as I have often told my daughters. We may not agree with or like that women are held to a higher standard, but we ignore that reality to our peril.”
“Exactly.” Satisfaction glimmered in the woman’s eyes. “How wise you are.” Mrs. Harding rose. “Thank you for hearing me. I shall trespass upon your privacy no longer.”
Mamma nodded, looking shrunken and dejected.
Mrs. Harding departed the room, and Emily followed her out. Fearing what might happen, Sarah followed Emily.
In the hall, Emily confronted Caroline. “Why are you doing this? The last time we met, I thought you must want Lord Bertram for yourself. But we are both married now, so why go to such lengths to prejudice our mother and encourage her to keep shunning Claire?”
Mrs. Harding demurely folded her hands. “I felt compelled to speak. Your sister has come to Sidmouth and is trying to wheedle her way back into your family’s good graces. Probably Lord Bertram’s as well.”
Sarah gasped. “Claire came to Sidmouth to reunite with us, not him. She is finished with him.”
“Are you certain? Or did she beg your great-aunt to invite him to Edinburgh in hopes of rekindling a relationship?”
