Effie shrugged. “I love my aunt, of course. My granda’ can be fearsome, but he’s usually kind to me, though a bit crotchety, if that’s not mean to say. And I’m sure she’s right that I’d be a more cheerful companion for her than he is.”
Again Sarah hesitated, not sure how to respond and not wanting to say the wrong thing.
Finally, she said, “And you did not mention this to your stepfather, because ...?”
“It would hurt his feelings. And I wanted to think it through first.”
Effie chewed her lip, then asked, “Do ye think I am ... obligated to live with them? They are my blood relations, after all. My mother’s sister and father.”
Sarah said, “Mr. Henshall is your family too. Your mother’s husband, and more than that, he has been a loving father to you from what I’ve observed.”
“He has,” Effie agreed. “Though annoyin’ at times, wanting me to go to school and such.”
“That’s because he cares for you, wants you to have the best possible future.”
“I know. And I’d rather have an annoyin’ da’ than a cruel one, that’s for certain. He’s nothing like my first father, thank the Lord.”
“I think you should talk to him about this. But to answer your question, no, I don’t think you’re obligated to leave your home to go and live with them. It seems Mr. Henshall is perfectly willing to take you to Perth on occasion, and perhaps visits will become even more frequent now that your aunt lives there as well.”
Effie slowly nodded, taking this in.
Afraid of the answer, Sarah asked, “What do you want to do, Effie?”
The girl drew a deep breath followed by a long exhale. “I want to stay home. With my annoyin’ step-da’.”
Sarah smiled, reached over, and patted Effie’s knee. “Then that, dear heart, is what you should do.”
Later, after Effie had gone to bed that night, Mr. Henshall stopped to speak to Sarah in the library.
He said, “Effie told me about Isla’s invitation and what you said about it.”
“I hope I did not speak out of turn.”
“Not at all, and I agree with your advice. A woman should not feel duty bound to live with her family.” Humble humor shone in his eyes. “Instead, she should follow her heart.”
FIFTEEN
“A guid New-year to ane and a’,
And mony may ye see,
And during a’ the years to come,
Oh happy may ye be.
—Traditional Scottish ballad
After church and a light meal the next day, Sarah resumed her preparations for that night’s New Year’s Eve party. She certainly hoped Georgiana was enjoying all the holiday celebrations they were hosting for her benefit. Sarah trusted she had fulfilled her promise to make this year’s Christmastide far more festive than the last. After all the food, candles, and other supplies to feed their guests and light the rooms during evening parties, they would certainly need to economize in the New Year to make up for their extravagance now.
For Sarah’s part, she was growing exhausted. Had all the effort, long hours, and expense been worth it? She doubted it.
Late that afternoon, Mamma came into the workroom and found her arranging sweets and savories on silver trays.
“Sarah, go and change! We are dressing formally tonight, remember?”
“Just a few more minutes...”
Mamma untied her apron and tugged it free, which didnothave the same effect as when Mr. Henshall had done so.
