Surprise and guilt flared. “I never meant you should buy it for me!”
“Of course not. I know that. It was my pleasure. A small token of our appreciation and affection, Effie’s and mine.”
“I am astonished nonetheless. Thank you. It is lovely, but I ... should not accept it.”
“Why not?”
“Because here in England, unrelated men and women do not exchange gifts unless they are married or engaged.”
“Have I not been trying to bring that about?” He huffed a sigh. “Am I just another man, Sarah? I thought I was more to ye.”
“Yes. I ... I am very fond of you ... and Effie,” she faltered, setting the box on the worktable.
“You must know there is a question I want to ask ye,” he said. “Yet how can I, when ye keep putting me off?”
Agitated, Sarah picked up a teacup and saucer she had left on the table earlier that morning.
“You would rather redd up than answer me.” Irritation tightened his voice. “Am I wasting my time here? If ye have decided against me, just tell me and have done.”
“I’ve been too busy to decide anything.”
“You’re not building the pyramids, Sarah. You’ve had time to think while baking and organizing and whatnot.”
“Uh ...!” she sputtered. “This is not a simple decision.”
“And will ye be making it any time soon? I’ve tried to be patient, lass. God knows I have, but—” He grimaced and ran a hand over his face.
The teacup rattled against the saucer.
“Put the dashed thing down, Sarah, and look at me.” He took the cup from her, set it down, and then firmly braced her shoulders. “I’ve given ye time. Tried not to pressure you, but this suspense. This ... wavering ... is maddening.”
“Of course I’m wavering. You’re asking me to give up my home and move hundreds of miles away from my family.”
“Yes, I am. Or I would be—were I not sure to be rejected.” The muscles in his face and neck tensed.
She had never seen him look so frustrated. Her fault. Dread curdled the dregs of tea in her stomach.
He released her and raked his fingers through his hair. “I had better take my leave of you, before I say something I’ll regret.”
Sarah stood there after he left, feeling sick and remorseful.
Then, leaving the dirty cup where it was, she went back upstairs.
Viola and Claire had remained in the parlour after the gift giving and now sat at the pianoforte together, the two musical sisters playing a duet.
In a haze of self-reproach, Sarah wandered into the parlour and joined them there.
Under other circumstances she would have been cheered by the sight of Claire and Viola sitting together, laughing and playing.
The two finished their duet with a flourish, and then Claire rose and sat in an armchair near Sarah.
“You go on, Vi. I can’t keep up with you.”
Viola began playing something soft and sweet without looking at the keys or music, as though barely aware of what she played.
Claire glanced at Sarah and then looked again, concern creasing her lovely face. “What is it? What’s happened? You look upset.”
“I am. Mr. Henshall and I have just had a...”A what? An argument,row,altercation?“A discussion.”
