Page 4 of A Counterfeit Engagement
Jonathan stretched and rolled his shoulders in deep relief as the carriage pulled up to the Sign of the Dancing Dove.
Nathan had recommended it to him as a comfortable place, despite its outlandish name, and he was pleased to find that his friend’s usual good judgement was in evidence.
He stepped out of the carriage and walked around to offer his hand to Sarah as she jumped down.
She smiled at him, looking as worn by the long miles as he himself felt.
“I’m glad you brought me with you,” Sarah said confidingly, with a merry smile. “Such an adventure, and the sea air is wonderful!”
Jonathan took in a deep breath. “It is,” he agreed, almost surprised.
He had not thought of it, consumed by plans for the end of the journey.
They proceeded into the inn and were greeted by a pleasant scent of lemon and beeswax and their still more pleasant host. Engaging a suite of rooms was managed quickly and easily, and their things were arranged in their rooms within the hour.
Finally, there was leisure to stop and reflect.
“I wonder where we’ll find Miss Anderson,” Jonathan said to his sister.
Sarah smiled triumphantly. “The innkeeper’s wife told me that there is a public assembly tomorrow,” she informed him. “Perhaps she and her family will attend.”
“Very good luck indeed,” Jonathan said. He smiled at her. “How shall you like attending a public assembly in so small a town, sister?”
“I will be delighted,” Sarah said simply. “London is so formal, so competitive. The idea of coming out there is rather daunting. I shall be glad to attend a less intimidating event as a kind of practice, even apart from the fun of trying to find Miss Anderson.”
“I hope it will be fun, as you say,” Jonathan said thoughtfully. “I nearly cringe from the idea of trying to explain everything to Miss Anderson. It puts me in an absurd position. And I dread the light in which it shows our family.”
Sarah nodded. “If only…I could wish…” she began hesitantly, then took courage. “I wish all our family saw matters of class and importance as you do, brother.”
“I thank you for the compliment,” Jonathan said. “Now then. Shall we stretch our legs and walk down to the sea?”
“After so many hours in the carriage, I would like nothing better,” Sarah said ruefully. She rose and picked up her bonnet, and they were off.
Their walk down to the water’s edge was delightful, leavened by the playful breeze and warm sun of the day.
The streets benefitted from their charming influence, lending Seaton a more than common air of grace and welcome.
The littleness of the town was set off by the vast ocean at its doorstep, the majesty of the one emphasising the cosy smallness of the other.
Jonathan and Sarah kept up a desultory conversation as they walked the few blocks to the water, but fell into a companionable silence as they reached it.
Slowly, they paced along the smooth stones at the water’s edge, retreating now and then as a wave travelled farther up the beach than its fellows.
The low rumble of the ocean, the sharp cries of gulls, and the soft sounds of the wind melded into a wild music that lulled them to walk on.
“The sea is wonderfully restful,” Sarah said at last. “To look out and out, I mean, and feel that it goes on forever.”
“It is bewitching,” Jonathan agreed. “I cannot think of any view I prefer. But I believe we must turn back to the inn soon, to be in time for supper.”
Sarah sighed. “I should like to stay here forever, but I believe you are right,” she said. The pair turned and began making their way back through the streets of the town. Suddenly, Sarah grabbed at Jonathan’s coat sleeve.
“Brother, look,” she said in a low and urgent undertone. “Isn’t that Aunt Phoebe’s carriage?”
Jonathan looked, intending to observe it narrowly, but only a glance was required. “It is,” he confirmed. “I must confess myself disappointed. I had rather hoped that we would come here only to discover that our family was more sensible than reported, and our trip had no object, after all.”
“No such luck,” Sarah said ruefully. “Indeed, we must warn Miss Anderson as soon as we can.”
“I only hope the assembly tomorrow is soon enough,” Jonathan agreed.