Page 94 of The Seaside Homecoming
Roused by the commotion, Major Hutton stalked to the door behind the servant, a frown scoring his brow. “What is it, Chown?”
“I am sorry for the intrusion,” Mr. Hammond said. “We are looking for my daughter.”
Viola appeared at the major’s side, cap on her head, dressing gown tied around her. “Mira’s missing? Oh no!”
“Mira’s missing?” Armaan echoed, joining them, expression tight with concern.
“I’m afraid so.”
“Let’s mount a search,” the major said. “Chown, fetch Taggart. Breakfast can wait.”
Viola reached across the threshold for Claire’s hand. “Come and wait inside. We’ll all be ready in a minute or two.”
The rapid clopping of hooves and crunching wheels distracted them from that aim. They all turned to look as a heavy wagon came up the lane, moving much more quickly than a farm vehicle typically traveled, apparently on an urgent delivery.
Armaan and Chown stepped outside to join them as a wagon loaded with milk cans turned into the drive.
“It’s only Mr. Pym,” Chown said. “Though he’s early this morn.”
The dairyman waved, then pointed to the bench beside him ... where Mira sat sobbing.
“This yer girl?” Mr. Pym called. “Found her wandering, lost. Said she needed to go to Westmount.”
William and Armaan ran to the wagon, Claire struggling to keep up.
“Is she all right?” William called.
“Crying her heart out. Not hurt, though.”
“Thank God,” William breathed.
Claire thanked God as well.
William reached up to help his daughter down, but before he could, Mira launched herself into her uncle’s arms, crying all the harder. “I thought I could find you, but I got lost.”
William turned back to the dairyman, patting his pockets. “I rushed out without my purse, Mr. Pym. I shall make it up to you later. I sincerely appreciate your assistance.”
“No need. Glad to help the little miss.”
After handing over the Huttons’ delivery of milk, cream, and cheese, the man continued on his way.
Viola ushered them all inside Westmount’s sitting room while the major stoked the fire. Armaan lowered himself into an armchair, Mira still clinging to him, and held her on his lap.
Mr. Hammond knelt before his crying daughter and rubbed her back. “Mira, whatever is wrong?”
After a few more sniffles, she loosed her hold on Armaan’s neck and turned toward him. “I had a bad dream aboutAmma. She had no face. I woke up and could not remember what she looked like. I had to come, to see mymamu.” She turned back to Armaan and raised a small hand to his cheek.
Armaan laid gentle fingers over hers and gave Mr. Hammond an apologetic look. “I am sorry.”
“Nothing to apologize for. Miss Summers guessed Mira might come to you.”
Armaan met Claire’s gaze a long moment before looking away. “Most wise, our Miss Summers.”
William Hammond tenderly gathered his daughter in his arms. “Mira, please promise me you won’t leave the house on your own again. You’ve had us all frightfully worried.”
“I’m sorry, Papa.”
“You are forgiven. I just thank God you are safe. Anytime you want to see your uncle, you tell me, and I will bring you here myself. Agreed?”
