Page 3 of The Seaside Homecoming
“I have written as well,” Viola said, “to let her know the major and I are planning to travel to Scotland and would like to visit her. I received no response either. Why would she not reply?”
Sarah sketched a shrug. “To honor our father’s wishes, as the letter said.”
“Or,” Emily theorized, “perhaps Aunt Mercer never let her read our letters. I might even be tempted to think Claire no longer lives there, if not for this one reply in her hand.”
Viola said, “Jack and I are determined to visit her during our trip—whether Aunt Mercer likes it or not. But we plan to stop at several places along the way to break up the long journey and see the sights. It is our wedding trip after all, overdue though it is. It will take us two or three weeks to reach Edinburgh.”
Emily tapped her chin and sent Sarah a knowing look. “In the meantime ... If only we knew someone who lives near Edinburgh. Someone who could call on Claire on our behalf until Viola can?”
“Mr. Henshall, you mean.” Sarah’s mind began turning like a watermill, revolving through memories of their brief acquaintance during his stay at Sea View. Would it be presumptuous to write to him when she had turned down his overtures, even his request that he might write to her directly?
Sarah offered, “I suppose I could write and ask him to callifhe is going into Edinburgh anyway. I would not feel comfortable asking him to make a special trip.”
“Oh, I am sure he won’t mind,” Emily said with a mischievous grin. “Not for you.”
So Sarah had set aside her misgivings and written to the man who was never far from her thoughts.
Dear Mr. Henshall,
I am writing on behalf of myself and my sisters Emily and Viola to request a favor. I hope it is not too presumptuous to ask after our relatively brief acquaintance.
You may remember my mentioning a great-aunt in Edinburgh. Our sister Claire has been living there as her companion. We have not heard news of her in some time, and recent letters to her have gone unanswered.
We are probably worrying for nothing, but it would greatly ease our minds if someone might call and make sure Claire is well and in good health. I remember you mentioning you sometimes visit Edinburgh, and if that is still the case, would it be possible for you to pay a call on our behalf? Of course, we do not expect you to make a special trip. In the event you are able to visit, I will close with our aunt’s direction.
Either way, I hope all is well with you and Effie. We all send our warmest greetings to you both.
Sincerely,
Miss Sarah Summers
Sarah and her sisters were even now awaiting his reply.
The next day, Emily ran into the office, waving a letter in one hand and pulling Viola along behind her with the other. “It’s here! It’s here!” She thrust it toward Sarah. “For you. Postmarked Edinburgh.”
Sarah accepted it and for a moment stared down at her name in his handwriting. A slight tremor in her fingers matched the quiver in her stomach.
“What are you waiting for?”
“Yes, yes. Give me a moment.”
She sat down in one of the armchairs. Emily plopped beside her while Viola paced. Aloud, Sarah read,
“Dear Miss Summers,
I wassurprised and pleased to receive your letter, although I amsorry for the concerns that prompted you to write. Thankyou for entrusting me with the request. It is anhonor and a privilege to be of service to youand your good family, of whom I have fond memoriesand the deepest regard.
Unfortunately, I am unable to providea satisfactory report.
After receiving your letter, I traveled intoEdinburgh as soon as I could and went to theaddress you provided—a house in the New Town. Iintroduced myself to a manservant, handed him my card, andasked to call on your sister. A few minutes later,I was turned away.
Having foreseen that possibility—I ama stranger to them, after all—I had taken theliberty of composing a brief note, introducing myself as someonewho had met her family in Sidmouth and wished topass along their greetings and ask after her well-being.The manservant accepted the note and promptly shut the doorin my face. I hope he gave it to yoursister but cannot guarantee it.
I am sorry I wasnot more successful and wish I could send you fulsomereassurances about your sister’s health and happiness. If sheor your aunt contact me (I provided my direction), Iwill, of course, let you know.
In the meantime, ifthere is anything else I can do, please do nothesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
