Page 126 of The Seaside Homecoming
The slightest flinch creased his face and quickly faded. “Perhaps I can remedy that.”
“You are two years too late.” She began to close the door, but he prevented her with a firm gloved hand.
“Actually, I hope to take rooms here. For it seems I am not welcome at Sea View either.”
“No? Then allow me to recommend the York Hotel or the London Inn. I am sure you will find them far more to your taste.”
“But you are here.”
“You had your chance with me, and you squandered it.”
“I know I treated you abominably. I have come to redeem those mistakes.”
“Why do I doubt that?”
“I promise you I am in earnest.”
“I relied on your promises once before, to my ruination. I shall not do so again.”
“I regret what happened between us.”
“So you said in Edinburgh. Why come all this way to say it again? It changes nothing.”
“But somethinghaschanged.”
At that moment, Mr. Hammond came down the stairs. “Miss Summers ... Excuse me. I did not realize we had a guest.”
“I don’t know that we do.”
The proprietor looked from one to the other. “Is ... everything all right?”
“No. This man wishes a room, but I am not certain we should give him one.”
“Really? Perhaps I can help. William Hammond, at your service. Had you a reservation, Mr....?”
“Lord Bertram. No, but I’d like rooms for myself and my valet. Is that a problem?”
Mr. Hammond sent her an inquiring look, then turned back to their visitor. “Apparently so. Unfortunately it seems we cannot accommodate you. Perhaps try the York Hotel?”
Anger rose up and solidified into resolve. She would not cower in this man’s presence. If he wanted to stay, so be it.
Claire huffed and straightened her spine. “Actually, I believe we can accommodate him after all. In the attic, perhaps. I understand Mr. Jackson snores like an angry badger, but if this person is determined to stay here, then far be it from me to turn away a paying guest.”
She stalked into the morning-room office and threw back the cover of the registration book.
Mr. Hammond followed. She looked up at him, fighting back tears. “Would you mind taking his details? I have pressing tasks awaiting me belowstairs.”
Concern shadowed his face. “Of course.”
Claire went down to her room, closed her door, and pressed her hands to her face, torn between yelling and crying. In the end, she did both.
An hour or so later, she had all but cried herself to sleep when someone tapped on her door.
“Miss Summers?” Mr. Hammond softly inquired from the other side. “I just wanted to see if you ... need anything.”
Claire sat up, wiping a hand over her damp face. “No. I’m all right. Thank you. I shall be up soon.”
“Very well. If you’re sure.”
