Page 96 of The Seaside Homecoming
Viola glanced around. “I would be happy to invite Miss Patel personally, if she is available.”
“I believe she is upstairs in the nursery, but I will pass along your invitation.” Claire wondered how the woman would respond. She also wished she had a prettier dress to wear—and one she had not worn several times already. Oh, how differently she would have packed two years ago had she foreseen the circumstances she would find herself in! Claire might be tempted to wear another gown from Mrs. Hammond’s trunk if she did not fear Sonali’s censure.
She became aware of Viola watching her in concern. “What is it?”
“Hm? Oh, it’s silly, really. Just wondering what to wear.”
Viola patted her hand. “Don’t give it another thought. Emily plans to bring a few gowns to you tomorrow.”
“That is not necessary. I did not intend to beg for charity.”
“Nothing charitable about it. She only intends to return the dinner dresses she borrowed from your things after you left.”
Claire grinned. “Well, in that case, I shall be happy to accept.”
That evening, after the guests had been served their dinner, Claire joined Sonali and Mira in the morning room.
A moment later, Mr. Hammond entered, looking well-rested and freshly bathed and dressed, his auburn hair still damp, rendering it a shade darker than usual. In his hand, he carried a small tissue-wrapped parcel.
“I am sorry, Mira,” he began. “I should have given this to you long before now. It was in a trunk I had not even looked in since the move. This is the only portrait I have of youramma. It was painted when she was quite young, so I don’t know if it will help you remember her, but you should have it.”
He handed it to his daughter and waited as she pulled back the paper. Claire leaned over to share a look as Mira stareddown at it. The miniature was much as Claire recalled. The adolescent with large, dark eyes, wearing jewelry and a beaded veil over her hair.
Mira’s little face wrinkled in some confusion or perhaps disappointment. “She is a girl. NotAmma.Ammadid not dress like that.”
Sonali came over and stood behind her chair, bending to see. “Ah!” She drew in a sharp breath. “That is the Vanita I first met, before she began wearing English clothes.”
Claire observed, “You look like her, Mira.”
“I do?” The little girl stood on her chair to look at herself in the mirror over the mantel.
“Be careful,” Sonali warned.
Mira sat back down and again studied the miniature. She shook her head. “Ammalooked more like Uncle than this girl.”
“When you knew her, yes,” her father said. “I believe you are right.”
Sonali scoffed, lip curled. “But he is so dark. And ... masculine.”
“And handsome, you must admit,” Claire added with a streak of mischief. “And their eyes are similar, don’t you think?”
Sonali looked at the image again, gaze softening. “Perhaps.”
Mr. Hammond glanced from one woman to the other, bemusement creasing his brow.
Claire said, “Oh! Before I forget. You are invited to join us for dinner at Westmount tomorrow night. Mr. Sagar asked especially that you be included in the invitation.”
“Did he indeed?”
“Yes. And Mrs. Farrant has offered to come and watch over things here, so we can all go.” She glanced from Sonali to Mr. Hammond and back again. “If you agree.”
Was that a hint of a smile on the woman’s face? “How kind. I ... suppose I could.”
The next day, the Bracegirdles departed with effusive thanks for her generous hospitality. Claire was sorry to see the young couple go and wished them safe travels.
Later, Mary came upstairs and interrupted Claire while she was tidying the bath. “Your sister’s here, miss.”
“Which one?”
