“Ah, I do remember Effie describing the long journey and the boarding house they stayed in, somewhere in the south of England. So terribly far from here. Managed by a family of sisters, I believe.”
“Y-yes.” Sarah gestured to her companions. “And this is my sister Claire and her husband.”
Sarah turned back to the woman, who had yet to give her name. Dare she hope she was only the housekeeper? The woman seemed too young and well-dressed for the role.
“Mr. Henshall has been very kind to our family,” Sarah explained, “and we simply wished to call on him while we were in the area. To thank him.”
“Miss Summers, ye say?” the woman repeated, testing the name on her tongue with no recognition evident in her expression. “I’m afraid it’s not familiar.”
Had Mr. Henshall truly not mentioned them? Hurt filled her at the thought. Apparently his time at Sea View had meant more to her than to him.
The woman went on. “Then again, he’s mentioned several ladies in recent months, so it’s difficult to recall details. Well. I shall be sure and pass along your gratitude.”
Claire spoke up. “He is not here, then? Or Effie?”
The woman shook her head. “They have gone to visit her grandfather in Perth, many miles from here.”
“Do you expect them back soon?”
“I really canna say. Could be hours. Could be days. Depends on how soon he recovers. He’s fallen ill again.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
The woman shrugged. “My father is often ill. Yet he has survived far worse and will no doubt rally again.”
“Your father?” Sarah echoed. “Then you are Mr. Henshall’s ... sister?”
“His wife’s sister, aye. Miss Isla Ross.”
“Ah.” Relief flooded through Sarah.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed William send Claire a confused look, which Sarah translated as,The man Sarah admires has a wife?
She hurried to correct that misapprehension. “So you must be Katrin’s sister. Mr. Henshall pointed out her grave in the Sidmouth churchyard. I am sorry for your loss.”
“Thank ye. Katrin was my only sister—God rest her. And Effie is her daughter. My one and only niece.”
Sarah nodded her understanding, then asked gently, “If your father is ill, do you not wish to be there with them as well?”
Miss Ross nodded. “Aye, were I welcome. He and I had afalling-out some time ago. It’s why I live here now. That, and to be close to Effie. I oversee things here in the house for them.”
“How kind.”
“Happy to do it. Effie is precious to me. The mere thought of her moving far from here, far from Scotland ... Nay! It canna be borne.”
Sarah hesitated. “I am sure no one is suggesting such a thing.”
“Are ye? I hope you’re right. Thankfully, he has been spending time with one of our neighbors, Miss Sorley, who lives just down the road. Charming woman.”
At the news, Sarah’s heart banged like iron against her ribs, and she dared not meet her sister’s gaze.
They left the house a short while later, with no offer of refreshment and little encouragement to remain.
Claire squeezed her hand. “I am so sorry, Sarah.”
“Don’t be,” Sarah said, a dull ache in her chest. “Perhaps it’s for the best.”
“Nonsense.”
