Page 31 of A Sea View Christmas (On Devonshire Shores)

“Oh, come, Sarah,” Claire gently chided. “Don’t be daft. Traveling all this way to spend Christmas with you? I think he has made his intentions perfectly clear.”

Yes, Sarah knew that he had.

And she had reacted poorly. And ruined everything.

The next day, Georgiana and Effie had just finished a game of draughts when Colin came by. She heard the door open and Mr. Gwilt welcome him and offer to take his coat.

Leaving Effie to reset the pieces for another match, Georgie went to greet Colin in the hall. “How was the shooting party yesterday?”

“It was all right. Our host served a hearty meal with excellent roast partridge at midday.”

“I was not asking about the food. I was asking about the shooting.”

“Do you mean if I bagged any birds, that sort of thing?”

“That is generally the point.”

“Not for me. I like being out-of-doors. The good company. Jocularity among fellows. And I like the dogs. That Cornish fellow has the smartest dogs, and so well-mannered. Springer spaniels, pointers, cocker spaniels... I’d like to have a dog one day. Would you?”

“So you did not bag any birds.”

“Nah. My father did. And Jack is a crack shot, of course. Hammond has less experience than I, but even he managed one pheasant.”

“Were you disappointed?”

He shook his head. “Not keen on shooting birds.”

“You don’t mind eating them, I notice.”

“True. The sauce they served with the partridge ... delicious!”

“Perhaps your brother might give you shooting lessons.”

Colin shrugged. “It was not that I shot and missed. I did not even shoot. Except once. Thought I spied another clump of mistletoe high in a tree. Wanted to test our theory that shooting would be the best way to bring it down.”

“And was it?”

He gave her a self-effacing grin. “I ended up with a tatty old bird’s nest on my head, so we shall never know.”

Georgie laughed. “Well, shooting isn’t the only sport. And you are quite good at cricket.”

“Thank you. That reminds me. Brought you a gift.” He dug in his coat pocket and pulled out a Duke six-seam cricket ball.

Georgie stared at it. “That’s your last one....”

“No one more deserving. Oh, and while I may not be a great shot, I am a capital dancer. When I was at school, my father offered to pay for a tutor in either fencing or dancing. You can guess which I picked.”

“Too bad,” Georgie replied. “I like fencing. James has given me lessons, which I enjoyed far more than I ever liked school lessons. Detested sitting indoors for hours on end.”

“You’re not alone there,” Effie said, coming out into the hall to join them. “I was so relieved when the last governess left. My step-da’ wants me to have more schooling, but I’d rather play music or ride.”

Colin nodded. “I can relate. I liked sports and history, but otherwise, I was not a great student.” He raised a pointer finger. “But you should see me dance a quadrille. Then you’d be impressed.”

“Perhaps we shall. We are to have dancing on Twelfth Night. You will attend our party, I trust?”

“Would not miss it.”

“Will Miss Marriott be joining us?”

He shrugged again. “I asked her. Your mother said I might. But she has not come the other times I’ve invited her, and I’m beginning to take the hint.”

Georgie wanted to say she was sorry, but she could not, at least not honestly.

“It’s all right,” he added. “She’s not the girl for me—that’s all. So you two will have to take pity and dance with me.”

Effie’s brow creased with worry. “I dance at home in Scotland, but I fear the dances here are different.” She sent Georgiana an imploring look.

“Don’t ask me,” Georgie said. “I attempted to dance at a few evening parties at Finderlay but never formally learned. I was rather young when my sisters took lessons from a dancing master.”

Colin pressed a hand to his chest, mouth agape. “What? Two fair ladies who don’t know how to dance? Unthinkable. It shall be my pleasure to teach you.”

Since their argument the previous day, Sarah had seen Mr. Henshall only once in passing, heading out somewhere in his greatcoat. He had not joined them for dinner. Nor had she seen him this morning at breakfast.

The scene in the workroom kept running through Sarah’s mind. She regretted her words more and more by the minute. Remorse and guilt mounted and churned within until she couldn’t sit still at the desk nor turn her hand to anything productive. She wanted—no, needed—to apologize.

Sarah went looking for the man but could not find him. Instead, she sought out her mother and found her in her room with Cora, the two stitching companionably together.

“Mamma, have you seen Mr. Henshall today?”

“No, my dear.”

“What about Effie?”

“Hmm. Now you mention it, I have not seen her either. Then again, I’ve hardly seen anyone.

When I went to breakfast, Emily was just leaving.

I did not think to ask where James was. Gone to Killerton for the day, I assume.

And of course with Georgiana one never knows. Likely off on one of her rambles.”

“Or at the school,” Cora added shyly.

Mamma patted her hand. “Good point, Cora.”

“Did Mr. Henshall say anything to you about leaving? I thought they planned to stay at least through Epiphany.”

Mamma frowned. “Leaving? No, my dear. Why should they leave now? Did you two quarrel?”

“Well yes, I suppose we did.”

She had certainly not responded to his gift or his attentions the way he had hoped. Had he assumed the worst? He had definitely grown tired of her wavering. Had he given up on her? Decided she was not worth the trouble?

Mamma said, “Surely he would not just leave, not without saying good-bye.”

“I am sure you’re right, Mamma,” Sarah replied, although worry continued to gnaw at her insides.

Her mother studied her. “I have said it before, my dear, but if you do decide to marry and move away, I will miss you terribly—we all will. But I would not prevent or begrudge your happiness for all the world.”

“Even with Mrs. Besley ailing, Emily spending less time here, and Jessie soon to marry?”

“Yes. Even so.”

Sarah managed a weak smile and turned to go, yet she very much feared she had lost her chance to marry or move anywhere.

She went next to the hall closet. His hat and greatcoat were gone.

She walked through the parlour and saw that his books were gone as well.

She told herself she was panicking for nothing.

Her mother was right. Callum Henshall would not leave without saying good-bye.

Then where had he gone? To find alternate lodging? Or what?

Sarah’s stomach knotted. Here she’d had the admiration and attention of a good man—a man she liked. Respected. Found attractive. Someone who made her laugh and feel special. A man who had not once but twice pursued her, and she had discouraged him both times.

Oh , Sarah , what have you done? Who cared about a party if he left, her chance at happiness with him?

Mr. Gwilt hurried by, silver polish and cloths in hand.

“Mr. Gwilt, have you seen Mr. Henshall today?”

“Yes, miss. Saw him leave this morning, I did.”

Her heart plummeted. “Leave ... for good?”

“Oh, no. I did not mean that. Just for the day, I gather. Off on some errand.”

Relief. “Did he say where he was going?”

“No, miss. All I know is Major Hutton came for him in his carriage.”

“Really? He said nothing to me. I wonder where they were going. Well, don’t let me keep you.”

“Right you are. Giving all the silver an extra polishing before Twelfth Night, I am.”

“Thank you.”

Sarah still had much to do to prepare for the upcoming Twelfth Night party as well, but she was too agitated to settle down to work. First she would walk over to Westmount and ask Viola where the men had gone.

She found Viola in the Westmount sitting room, knitting something near the fireplace. She glimpsed light green yarn before Viola tucked it away into her work bag.

“Oh, Sarah. It’s you. I suppose I don’t have to hide this as you already know.”

Viola made to rise, but Sarah said, “Don’t get up on my account. What is that you’re making?”

“A little blanket.”

They spoke about the coming baby for a few minutes, and then Sarah asked the question uppermost in her mind.

“I understand Jack and Mr. Henshall have gone off somewhere together. Do you know where?”

“Exeter.”

“Exeter? Why?”

Viola shook her head. “Jack did not explain. Said it was not his secret to tell. All he said was they were going to Exeter and would be gone for most of the day. Did you ask Emily? James went with them.”

“Did he indeed?” Curious and curiouser. “No, I did not ask her. I have not seen her yet today.”

“I think she is correcting proofs for Mr. Wallis.”

“That’s right. She did mention her plans last night, but I forgot. I shall ask her when she returns.”

Viola tilted her head to one side. “What is it, Sarah? Do you mind Mr. Henshall spending time with Jack and James? You don’t seem best pleased.”

“No, it is not that. I ... just didn’t know where he’d gone or if he ... intended to return.”

“Ah. And you don’t wish for him to leave, I take it?”

“No. At least not while we are on uneasy terms. I wish now I had not been so slow to make up my mind.”

“Well, you have had a lot on that keen mind of yours lately, what with the holidays and all.”

“Yes, but I fear that was merely my excuse for putting him off. And now he has given up on me.”

“I doubt that, Sarah.”

Sarah heaved a sigh and rose. “Well. We shall see.”

When Sarah returned to Sea View, she found Georgie and Effie in the parlour, Effie demonstrating the high-stepping and leaping moves of a Highland fling.

Sarah was illogically relieved to see her.

“Where were you girls earlier?” she asked them. “No one seemed to know where you’d gone.”

“We were up in the schoolroom,” Georgie said. “Colin gave us a dancing lesson. And he has offered to give us all another lesson before the party.”

“Has he? That is an excellent idea. I promised you dancing but had not thought about either a dancing master or a caller. I am glad he has offered to help you.”

“Don’t forget my step-da’,” Effie added. “Man needs all the dancin’ help he can get.”

Shortly before the dinner hour, the Huttons’ carriage stopped at the end of their drive. Sarah hurried to the library window, hand to her chest. The carriage door opened, and James stepped out. A moment later, Callum Henshall alighted, and Sarah exhaled in relief.

James and Callum waved farewell to Jack, who was still inside the vehicle. And then Taggart urged the horses to continue on to Westmount.

The two men started for the house, and Sarah pulled back, not wanting to be caught spying.

She walked to the library door and peeked out into the hall as James and Callum Henshall entered, Mr. Gwilt taking their coats and hats. She tried to gauge their moods. They spoke amicably but quietly, and Mr. Henshall patted his pocket and said something Sarah couldn’t hear.

James replied, “Don’t worry. Mum’s the word.”

Sarah wanted to hurry over and express her relief at Callum’s return. And ask what business had taken them to Exeter. But she resisted the impulse to ambush him the moment he returned. Nor did she want to bare her heart in front of James.

The two men started upstairs to their respective rooms, probably to wash and change before dinner. She would wait, although perhaps not patiently.

Sarah forced herself to follow suit, going to her room to change into a prettier frock and repin her hair.

Emily often stopped by before dinner to see if she needed any help, but apparently her work for Mr. Wallis had her running late. Sarah was struggling to reach behind herself for the last few buttons when someone tentatively knocked.

“Yes?” Sarah called.

Cora entered and, seeing what she was doing, offered, “I can do that. I often helped my nan.”

“Thank you, my dear.” Sarah turned back around. Wondering what had brought the girl to her door, she asked, “Did you need me for something?”

“No, miss. Emily just arrived home and still must wash and change. I said I would come in her place.”

“That was considerate of you.”

As Cora’s little fingers made quick work of the task, Sarah asked, “And how are things going, Cora? I know we can’t expect you to be happy, at least not so soon after losing your grandmother, but I hope you are content here.”

“Yes, miss. Everyone is very kind. Especially your mamma.”

“I am glad to hear it. I know she enjoys having you here. And you are good for her,” Sarah added, realizing it was the truth. Having a young girl under her roof again had given Mamma new purpose.

“All done,” Cora said.

“I appreciate your help. And while you’re here, may I brush your hair?”

“Is it untidy?” The little hand flew to her wayward curls in distress.

“Not at all,” Sarah soothed. “Your curls are charming. I only wanted to return the favor.”

“Oh. Then, yes, thank you.”

“And please call me Sarah, all right?”

“All right, Miss Sarah.”

A short while later, Cora left to go up to the attic to see if Georgiana needed any help, and Sarah went downstairs alone.

She found Mr. Henshall dressed for dinner and waiting in the parlour. He rose when she entered.

Pulse pounding in her ears, Sarah began as casually as she could, “You were gone a long time today. May I ask where you went?”

“I had some business in Exeter. Took longer than expected, but we managed to get what we went for.”

“And that was ...?”

He hesitated. “I wish I could tell ye. But I fear you’re not ready to hear it.”

Contrition burned like a hot coal in her chest. She was eager to make things right between them, or at least, as right as she could.

“I am so glad you are back. Back safely, I mean. I regret how I reacted to your gift. I spoke hastily and unkindly. I also know I’ve disappointed you.

Being so slow to ... respond. I hope you will forgive me. ”

He stepped near and stroked gentle fingers over her cheek. She barely resisted the urge to lean close. To invite a kiss.

“I forgive ye, lass, and I am sorry too. I know ye have a lot on your shoulders. I should have been more understanding. More patient. I will leave ye in peace until after the party. But when it’s over, I hope ye will be ready to discuss the future. Our future.”

Sarah nodded. “I will. And thank you.”

Georgie, Effie, and Cora flew down the stairs and into the parlour like a flock of vociferous birds, chattering all the while.

Sarah gave Callum a final smile, then turned toward the dining room, relieved to be reconciled and grateful for the welcome reprieve.