“I was just telling my father about you over breakfast. Now he is eager to meet you, being some acquainted with your brother. Won’t you walk with me to our house? You could also view my conchology collection while you’re there.”
Colin hesitated. “We were on our way to the school, but I ... suppose I could always go there later. I would enjoy seeing your collection and meeting your father. Thank you. You don’t mind, do you, Georgiana?”
“Not at all,” Georgie lied.
“Capital. That’s sporting of you.”
With a vague nod to her, Colin offered the enchanting Miss Marriott his arm, and the two walked away together.
With a little huff, Georgiana watched them go. Then she continued on to the school alone to ask Mr. Ward about the meeting and to see how Cora fared.
But Cora was not there.
“What do you mean Cora is not here?” Georgie asked.
“She has moved into the vicarage. I believe I mentioned that might happen?”
“Y-yes. Though I didn’t realize you meant so soon. Have the governors already met?”
“No, they meet this evening. But the landlord rented her grandmother’s apartment to someone else. Cora needed somewhere to sleep.”
“Will she be able to attend school?”
“Not while in service, no. If it is any comfort, I doubt she would be well educated in the orphanage either.”
“How sad. She loves it here.”
“Yes, but a good situation is worth a great deal in this day and age.”
“I ... suppose,” Georgiana replied, although she was not convinced.
Disheartened by the news, Georgie did not remain long at the school, and instead trudged home. Soon after she returned to Sea View, Colin came over fresh from his visit to Temple Cottage to apologize.
“Sorry about that. I hope you truly did not mind?”
“Of course not. I’ve been visiting the school on my own for months now. How did you find the shells?”
“Multitudinous. Who knew there were so many kinds? Her parents seemed nice, though. How is Cora?”
Georgie explained all he had missed that morning.
“Poor girl.”
“Yes, although I believe the vicar and his wife will be kind to her.”
“Still ... to be thrust into service, at her age?”
“I know. I have to clean our water closet and make my share of beds, but at least what I do helps my family, people who love me.”
He slowly nodded, expression troubled. Georgie knew how he felt.
Mamma invited Colin to stay for luncheon. He agreed and sat down with the Summerses, along with their guests. Throughout the meal, Georgiana noticed Colin glance from Sarah to Mr. Henshall more than once.
Afterward, Colin followed Georgie out of the dining room and asked in confidential tones, “So what’s going on with your sister and this Scottish chap?”
Georgie shrugged. “He likes Sarah and she likes him, but I doubt she’ll trade her responsibilities here for something as trifling as romance.”
“Not a romantic yourself, Georgie? That will disappoint the local lads, I don’t doubt.”
