Page 31 of The Seaside Homecoming
Claire’s heart sank. Noteveryonewould be happy she’d come.
“I want to tell you something,” Georgiana said, pulling back with a sniff.
Claire refocused her attention on her sister.
“I had a dream the night you went away. It seemed so real. I dreamt you tiptoed into my room and kissed me before you left.” Georgiana reached up and touched her own forehead at the memory.
Claire smiled, even as tears heated her eyes. “That was not a dream, my dear. I did.” She looked up and kissed her baby sister’s forehead again. She used to have to lean down. “Georgie, do you know why I left Finderlay?”
The younger girl nodded. “To help Aunt Mercer.”
“Well ... yes. I did do that.” So they had not told Georgiana, Claire realized. Was it her place to do so? To disillusion her innocent youngest sister? She was not sure.
Instead, she gently told her, “You don’t know how happy it makes me to see you again. It’s why I came to Sidmouth. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to come to Sea View. I willbe busy learning my new responsibilities and managing the boarding house. But you ... any of you ... are welcome to come and see me here.”
“What about Sundays?” Georgie asked. “Will we see you at church at least? You must have some time to yourself?”
“Perhaps later ... once I know what I’m doing.”
Georgie sighed. “It does not seem right—your not coming to Sea View.”
Claire pressed her hands. “But we are together now and can be whenever you’d like to call. Although if I’m busy, I can’t guarantee I won’t put you to work.” She winked.
“Now you sound like Sarah,” Georgie said. “Oh! I must dash home and tell them you’re here! Good-bye for now!”
“Good-bye.” Claire watched her jog up the stairs and disappear from view. Now that Georgie—and their mother—had discovered she was in Sidmouth, it would not be long until all her sisters knew. She wondered how the news would be received.
Claire turned and glimpsed a face behind the small window in the tradesmen’s door. Mr. Hammond, witnessing the reunion. Before she reached the door, he had turned and walked away.
Sarah sat in the parlour with Emily and James that afternoon, relaxing and chatting. Saturdays were one of the nights they did not serve dinner to their guests, so the pace around the guest house was more leisurely. During the conversation, Emily often mentioned Viola, clearly missing her twin while she was away.
They had received one more letter from Viola, describing their travels and the beauties of Scotland. Soon she and Major Hutton would return, and the four sisters would be back together again. The only one missing—Claire.
They were all more or less accustomed to her absence by now, although Sarah still missed her keenly. It had been somewhat easier when she’d known where Claire resided and that she was, at least, safe and had a roof over her head. She wondered where Claire was at this very moment. Had she found a new place to live? Was she in any danger?
Oh, why oh why did she have to run off like that?The old lament returned, and with it a thread of resentment pulled at her, but Sarah did her best to ignore it. Surely Claire had come to regret that night even more than she did.
Almighty God, she silently prayed,wherever she is, please keep her safe.
Mamma and Georgiana were also gone at present. Mamma had all but dragged Georgiana shopping to have her measured for better-fitting dresses and half boots with soles not worn away from traipsing all over Sid Vale. Sarah expected them back soon.
Mamma returned first. Alone. She fell heavily into a chair beside Sarah’s as though her legs would no longer support her. Sarah hoped her mother’s health was not deteriorating after doing so well these last several months.
“Mamma?”
Her mother stared ahead, eyes vaguely focused. Emily and her husband looked at each other in concern.
Unnerved, Sarah touched her arm and asked, “Where’s Georgie?”
“Hm?”
“You left with her, determined to make her stand still long enough for a fitting?”
“That’s right. And I managed to do so. Barely.”
“Then where is she?”
“She saw that stray dog she likes chasing some man and went after them. You know Georgiana.”
