Page 19 of An Honorable Arrangement
"I have your eyes." Pain shot through her chest, but she had to do what she'd come for whether he wanted her or not.
For a long moment, the air sucked out of the room while he stared at her. Then he blinked. "So you want me to be a good father and take you in?" Sarcasm and disgust laced his question.
"No." Sarah swallowed down the despair. "I want you to check into Fieldstone Sanitarium and get well so that perhaps we might be in each other's company one day."
He drank another full glass of liquor and wiped his lips with his sleeve. "Going to save me, are you?"
She stood. "I want you to save yourself, Father."
When it seemed he wouldn’t respond, Sarah turned and stepped to the door. "I have left word with Mr. Knox about where I can be contacted should you decide you want to rejoin humanity, Father. I hope to hear you have sought the help you need."
Without a glance back, she walked through the dust-covered foyer and out the front door.
Montgomery was at her side and handed her into the carriage. Mary and Captain Phillips had remained silent through the entire interview and continued their reticence as they returned to town.
When they arrived at the Wayfarer, Mary sighed and went directly inside.
Captain Phillips bowed. "I know you'll be leaving shortly, Miss Sommers, but I wonder if I might have permission to write to you. I would like to check on your wellbeing in the weeks to come."
"That is very kind of you, Captain." Her new guardians might not like her corresponding with a man they didn't know, but she didn't have the heart to tell him no after all his kindness.
His smile revealed straight white teeth. "Then I will say goodbye and wish you well."
"All the best to you too, Captain." She curtsied.
He bowed and shook Montgomery's hand before walking down the street to the west.
Left alone with only Montgomery, Sarah felt suddenly shy. "Thank you for allowing me to try to help him, Mr. Witman."
A deep baritone laugh filled the chilled air. "As if I could have stopped you, Miss Sommers."
Her cheeks warmed, and she stepped away as the driver pulled the carriage from the front of the hotel. "You could have made it very difficult, and you didn't. You have been a true friend to me, and I haven't many friends."
As he closed the distance between them, his expression warmed. "I am honored to be your friend, Sarah. I have a question for you."
Her heart tripled its beat. "As we are friends, you may feel free to ask me anything, Montgomery."
He smiled then sobered. "Are you ready to go to Sussex, or shall we remain here for Michaelmas?"
It wasn’t at all what she was expecting. Though perhaps her expectations had been far too lofty. She giggled mostly at herself. "I assumed you would want to see your family as soon as possible."
Shrugging, he offed her his arm, which she took, and they walked in the same direction the captain had disappeared. The sun was high, and though it was cold, a walk seemed a perfect distraction.
Montgomery said, "We cannot arrive in Sussex in time for Michaelmas tomorrow." He shrugged. "There will be a large house party, and I shall not be missed though I know my aunt is eager to meet you. Still, if you would like to remain here another day, we might go and view the sea. As long as I have you to Willoughby before the ball, I shall remain in good standing."
She had never seen the ocean. The idea of spending more time with Montgomery sent a small thrill through her.
"I have been too forward," he said.
"No!" It came out too loud and too fast. "No. It's only, now that I have accepted the unlikeliness that my father will ever wish to have a relationship with me, I'd feel awkward should we meet by chance in the street."
"Of course. How stupid of me. I have let my desire to remain in your company skew my good sense." He drew her closer with his arm and patted her hand.
It was a simple touch but knowing he wished to spend time with her, it warmed her to her toes. Suddenly the cold held no sway, and she could walk with him indefinitely. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "It is still early enough to go and see the ocean today and leave in the morning for Sussex."
His smile was intoxicating.
Heat flushed up her chest and cheeks.
