“Thank you, my dear. Very kind.”
Cora accepted the basket on her behalf and carried it into the other room.
“Is there anything else you need?” Mamma asked. “Some tonic from the apothecary, perhaps? Or we could ask Dr. Clarke to call?”
“No need. I saw him shortly after we arrived. He recommended sea air and sea bathing. I did try them, to little effect.”
Georgie nodded. “He recommended the same to Mamma, and though she was reluctant, sea bathing helped her a great deal. Long walks too...” Taking in the woman’s pallor and frailty, she swallowed and amended, “Although, of course, it does not help everyone.”
They left a short while later, Georgie’s usually buoyant spirits dampened by the visit, her heart going out to the woman. Going out to them both.
“I wish there was more we could do for them,” Georgiana said.
“So do I, my dear. So do I. For now, let’s pray for Mrs. Limbrick, shall we?”
Georgiana nodded and took her hand. “Yes, let’s.”
Late that afternoon, Emily came into the library carrying a manuscript. “I have not yet bought oranges for the poor house.” She lifted the stack of pages in her hands. “I am still editing this for Mr. Wallis, so I can’t go myself. Would you mind? Russell’s has them three for a penny.”
Sarah rose with a sigh. “I suppose not. Though I wish you wouldhave asked me earlier. It will be dark soon. Will one for each resident suffice?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Sarah donned a warm pelisse, bonnet, and gloves and set out, market basket over her arm.
She walked into the eastern town and through the marketplace until she reached their favorite fruiterer, the shop marked by a hanging-melon trade sign. Lamplight illuminated the shop’s interior. Its window displayed pyramids of imported oranges and lemons, fruit-basket gifts, and even a prized pineapple. In front of the small shop sat baskets of apples and pears, which were no doubt taken inside when the weather turned too frosty.
Through the window, she recognized a familiar figure standing near the oranges. He looked up as if aware of her gaze, and a warm smile transformed his face.
She stepped inside, the shop bell jingling in her wake.
“Mr. Henshall! I am surprised to find you here. I am not following you, I promise. Emily sent me here on an errand.”
“That’s odd. She asked me to do an errand for her as well.”
“To buy oranges?”
“Aye. In fact, she made a point of telling me the oranges in this shop were the best in town.”
“What a schemer!”
He chuckled. “Apparently your sister is in favor of a...” With a glance at the shopkeeper and the few milling customers, he broke off.
A ... what?Sarah wondered what he’d been about to say.A match between us?
He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Of you and I spending time together.”
Sarah felt her neck grow warm. “Perhaps, though I really do think she wants oranges for the poor house.”
“Not a complete ruse, then? I shall purchase them, if ye don’t mind. I said I would and am happy to do so.”
“Very well.”
A few minutes later, they exited the shop, a mound of oranges in Sarah’s basket, which he offered to carry for her.
Glancing up the street, she noticed a crowd standing outside one of the shops. “I wonder what is going on there?”
He followed her gaze. “Shall we walk over and see? I am not in a hurry, if you’re not.”
