Mamma said, “Surely he would not just leave, not without saying good-bye.”
“I am sure you’re right, Mamma,” Sarah replied, although worry continued to gnaw at her insides.
Her mother studied her. “I have said it before, my dear, but if you do decide to marry and move away, I will miss you terribly—we all will. But I would not prevent or begrudge your happiness for all the world.”
“Even with Mrs. Besley ailing, Emily spending less time here, and Jessie soon to marry?”
“Yes. Even so.”
Sarah managed a weak smile and turned to go, yet she very much feared she had lost her chance to marry or move anywhere.
She went next to the hall closet. His hat and greatcoat were gone. She walked through the parlour and saw that his books were gone as well. She told herself she was panicking for nothing. Her mother was right. Callum Henshall would not leave without saying good-bye. Then wherehadhe gone? To find alternate lodging? Or what?
Sarah’s stomach knotted. Here she’d had the admiration and attention of a good man—a man she liked. Respected. Found attractive. Someone who made her laugh and feel special. A man who had not once but twice pursued her, and she had discouraged him both times.
Oh,Sarah,what have you done?Who cared about a party if he left, her chance at happiness with him?
Mr. Gwilt hurried by, silver polish and cloths in hand.
“Mr. Gwilt, have you seen Mr. Henshall today?”
“Yes, miss. Saw him leave this morning, I did.”
Her heart plummeted. “Leave ... for good?”
“Oh, no. I did not mean that. Just for the day, I gather. Off on some errand.”
Relief. “Did he say where he was going?”
“No, miss. All I know is Major Hutton came for him in his carriage.”
“Really? He said nothing to me. I wonder where they were going. Well, don’t let me keep you.”
“Right you are. Giving all the silver an extra polishing before Twelfth Night, I am.”
“Thank you.”
Sarah still had much to do to prepare for the upcoming Twelfth Night party as well, but she was too agitated to settle down to work. First she would walk over to Westmount and ask Viola where the men had gone.
She found Viola in the Westmount sitting room, knitting something near the fireplace. She glimpsed light green yarn before Viola tucked it away into her work bag.
“Oh, Sarah. It’s you. I suppose I don’t have to hide this as you already know.”
Viola made to rise, but Sarah said, “Don’t get up on my account. What is that you’re making?”
“A little blanket.”
They spoke about the coming baby for a few minutes, and then Sarah asked the question uppermost in her mind.
“I understand Jack and Mr. Henshall have gone off somewhere together. Do you know where?”
“Exeter.”
“Exeter? Why?”
Viola shook her head. “Jack did not explain. Said it was not his secret to tell. All he said was they were going to Exeter and would be gone for most of the day. Did you ask Emily? James went with them.”
“Did he indeed?” Curious and curiouser. “No, I did not ask her. I have not seen her yet today.”
