Effie stomped out past her and started up the stairs.
“What is it, Effie? What’s happened?”
“Georgie thinks she’s too good for me now. Too grown-up.”
That did not sound like her little sister. “I am sure that is not so....”
But the girl continued her march up the stairs.
Sarah went into the parlour and found Georgie slumped in a chair near the fire, a tangle of needlework on her lap. Needlework! And with Mamma not present to insist?
“What is it? Effie is upset, and you don’t look much happier.”
Georgie sighed. “I did not mean to anger her or injure her feelings. She wants to put on another play, like we did when she was last here, maybe recruit Mr. Gwilt to help us again.”
“That sounds ... diverting. You enjoyed it the last time, I recall.”
“I did. But perhaps it’s time I outgrew childish things like playacting.”
Sarah watched her usually cheerful, carefree sister in concern. “Has someone said something to make you think that? Made fun of you, or teased you unkindly? I believe you saw Colin Hutton earlier today. Did he ...?”
“No. Though I passed him and Eliza Marriott chatting on the street and ... She said nothing wrong either. In fact, she was perfectly polite. Perfectly ladylike and elegant. And there I stoodwith my petticoat six inches deep in mud after playing with the schoolchildren—as though I were a child myself.”
“Ah. I see.” Understanding dawned. “She is several years older than you are,” Sarah gently reminded her. “You needn’t compare yourself to her.”
“I know. She is nearer to Colin’s age than I am. And how he admires her.” Georgie shook her head.
“Do you think ... Well, do you think it’s possible you’ve unintentionally made Effie feel a little like Miss Marriott made you feel?”
Georgie gaped up at her, realization widening her eyes. “Oh no, I’ll wager I did! Never meant to, though.”
“I know you are growing up, but you are never too old to do something you love.”
Even as Sarah said the words, the irony struck her. Apparently her sister noticed as well.
“What about you?” Georgie looked at her thoughtfully. “You never do childish things or indulge in pastimes you enjoyed in girlhood. Or are you telling me you were born hardworking and practical?”
Had she been? Or had she felt duty bound to become that way?
“Sometimes I think I was,” Sarah replied. “But you’re right. I don’t take time to enjoy things I used to as much as I ought. Except needlework. I’ve always enjoyed that.”
Georgie rose and handed Sarah her tangled thread and fabric. “Then you may have mine, and good riddance. And I shall go and apologize to Effie and ask what sort of play she wants to perform.”
Sarah patted her arm. “Well done, my dear.”
As her sister walked away, the irony lingered. Perhaps it was time Sarah began taking her own advice.
TEN
This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas everybody invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather.
—Jane Austen,Emma
The next morning as previously arranged, Colin met Georgiana on Glen Lane, and the two set out for the school together. As they walked along the esplanade, pretty Miss Marriott came up from the beach, basket in hand, and waved to them.
“Ah, Mr. Hutton, a pleasure to see you again so soon. And you, Georgiana.”
Colin bowed. “Miss Marriott.”
