You know full well as I do the value of sisters’ affections: There is nothing like it in this world.
—Charlotte Brontë,The Professor
A fortnight had passed since Sarah’s return, and she quickly adjusted to being home and fell back into her former routines. After going through the house, guest register, and accounts, she was pleased to find everything in good order. They had only two guests at present, but for the time of year, that was not surprising.
Sarah found herself missing Claire. She had seen little of her since their return to Sidmouth. After spending so much time with her treasured older sister during the trip, she longed for her company. Deciding she could spare an hour before dinner, she rose from the desk to retrieve cloak, bonnet, and gloves.
Georgiana came down the stairs, looking bored. “Where are you off to?”
“I thought I’d go to Broadbridge’s to see Claire.”
“May I go along?”
“Certainly. I would enjoy your company.”
Together the two sisters set off for the boarding house near the marketplace.
When they reached Broadbridge’s and knocked, the front doorwas opened by Armaan Sagar, Major Hutton’s good friend and Mira’s uncle. He and his wife, Sonali, had encouraged William and Claire to remain in residence while they were still growing accustomed to their new role as boarding-house keepers.
Armaan gave them a broad smile, which showed off his perfect white teeth to great advantage.
“Good day, Miss Sarah. Miss Georgiana. Please come in.”
“Thank you, Armaan. How are things going here?”
“Fairly well, I believe. There is much to learn, but we are blessed to have assistance and advice when we need it. The Hammonds and even your old friend Mrs. Farrant have been most helpful.”
“I’m not surprised. Fran was helpful to us when we opened our guest house as well. Always knows ‘just the right person’ for any task that needs doing.”
Another smile. “Indeed she does. Well, I imagine you are here to see your sister, yes?”
Sarah nodded. “If she is available.”
“William has gone out to climb one of his hills, but I think Claire is upstairs with Mira in the apartment. I would be happy to escort you, although I believe you know the way quite well by now.”
“Indeed we do. I am sure you are busy, so we will show ourselves up, if that’s all right.”
“Of course. You are always welcome.”
She and Georgie went upstairs and through a nondescript doorway that led from the main house to an apartment over the former stable block.
Finding the apartment’s outer door open, Sarah knocked on its frame to announce their presence. They waited on a small landing that led to two inner doors—the bedroom door was closed, but the other stood open.
Mira bounded out through the open door. Seeing them, her big brown eyes brightened with delight. “Georgie!” She launched herself at Sarah’s youngest sister, who bent and scooped the girl into her arms.
Sarah felt an odd pinch of guilt. She was always so busy thatshe had not made much of an effort with Mira. She had certainly always been kind to the girl but had not taken the time to play with her. Playing together seemed to create a bond of affection like little else. Perhaps Sarah ought to take the trouble of learning—or relearning—how to do so.
Claire came out after Mira, a warm smile of welcome on her pretty face.
“What a lovely surprise! Do come in.”
What had once been a spacious office for William alone now served as informal parlour as well, with two armchairs, a table, and a small bed for Mira. William’s desk had been pushed against one wall to make space. The couple had decided Mira’s former bedchamber in the attic of the main house was too far away, especially now that her former nursery-governess, Sonali, had moved into a larger room with Armaan.
The sisters sat down to chat, Claire turning the desk chair to face the two armchairs. Mira climbed onto Georgie’s lap.
“Thanks again for playing with Mira while we were away,” Claire said. “Ever since our return it’s been ‘Georgiana this, Georgiana that.’”
Claire turned to her. “I am glad to see you as well, Sarah. I thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time with you during the trip. Now that we’re home, it feels strange when a few days pass without seeing each other.”
