Soon, Sarah was receiving well-wishes and embraces from her sisters and brothers-in-law. Georgie, Emily, and James were the first to congratulate her. Viola and Jack came over a few minutes later—Westmount likely having been Georgie’s first stop in her role as messenger.
Seeing Effie come down the stairs, Sarah opened her arms, and the girl sailed into them, accepting and returning Sarah’s embrace. “I am happy for the both of ye, and for me! I am glad ye are joining our little family. You’ll make us more of a family, a better family, I know.”
“Thank you, dear heart.”
Effie then turned to Mr. Henshall and accepted his embrace as well. She said, “And if the offer still stands, Da’, I’d like to take your last name when Sarah does.”
Tears misted his eyes. “That would make me very happy, lass. A double blessing, indeed.”
Later that day, Claire came over to offer Sarah her heartiest congratulations.
“I’m delighted for you both. And I’m especially glad William and I have decided to keep the Edinburgh house. He says he can decipher codes for the foreign office and write his diplomatic memoir from anywhere. We plan to live there at least a few months a year and find a cottage near Sidmouth for the remainder.”
“That is excellent news!” Sarah exclaimed, squeezing her hands.
Sarah considered, then said, “I wonder ... Everything is so new, we’ve not yet had time to propose the idea, but since Georgiana has a strong desire to travel, and Effie would surely appreciate her company on the long journey, Callum and I were thinking of asking her to accompany the three of us. Like I accompanied you and William on your wedding trip.”
“Ah! And when William and I come up to visit, we could bring her back with us.”
“Yes, if that might be agreeable to you both.”
“I don’t see why not, but I will ask William and let you know if he foresees any problems.”
“Thank you. I think it would make Callum feel more assured of Effie’s safety. This way, the two girls could share a room at the inns we stop at along the way, while he and I...” Sarah stopped, face burning.
Claire failed to hide her smile. “I understand perfectly. What has Mamma said?”
“I wanted to talk it over with you first so have not yet broached the subject. But I shall.”
Georgiana was still out spreading the news when Sarah went and spoke to her mother in the parlour, where she sat with Emily. Sarah expected Mamma to be reluctant to agree but her reaction surprised Sarah.
“Perhaps that would be a good idea. Give her some distance from Colin Hutton. I like the young man a great deal—don’t mistake me—but he’s too old for her.”
“I am not defending or encouraging their friendship,” Sarah replied, “but I feel it only fair to point out that their age difference is less than Viola and Jack’s. Or yours and Papa’s.”
Emily spoke up. “And far less than Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon’s inSense and Sensibility.”
“That’s different! They are fictional. And Viola was already one and twenty when she met the major.”
“And how old were you when you met Papa?”
Mamma lifted her chin. “Well ... seventeen was older back then.”
Sarah grinned. “If you say so.”
After a thorough discussion of the merits and drawbacks of the plan, Mamma agreed, saying, “As long as she’s back by summer, when things get busy here. And as long as Claire and William can deliver her home again, then, yes. I cannot deny her the experience. She’s been longing to travel for some time.”
“Are you sure you won’t be too lonely without her?”
“I will miss you all, of course. Yet children flying from the nest is an expected part of life. Cora is young, but she is already a great help to me and excellent company as well. And Viola and Jack are right next door, and Emily and James will be here a few days a week. That’s more time with adult children than many mothers enjoy.”
“You are very good, Mamma. Very selfless.”
“Selfless? Not a whit.” She winked. “I’ve been hoping to get you married off for years.”
After gaining Mr. Hammond’s and Mamma’s approval, Sarah then asked Georgiana if she had any interest in traveling with them to Scotland.
Georgie’s eyes widened into blue saucers. “Really? Could I? Yes, please!”
