Today's Reading

He looked to his companion, who was nearly as tall, although younger.

The younger man obeyed the silent command and completed the introductions in a low, eloquent voice. "This is Captain John Conroy, equerry to the Duke of Kent and Strathearn. And I am James Thomson, private secretary."

Both men bowed smartly.

Mamma nodded, while Emily curtsied, her gaze fixed on the younger man's handsome face. Belatedly, Georgiana lumbered to her feet and followed Emily's example, although with far less grace.

Sarah clasped her hands to conceal their nervous tremble. "I am Miss Sarah Summers. This is my mother, Mrs. Summers, and these are my sisters. How may we help you, gentlemen?"

With a brisk nod, the captain replied, "The Duchess of Kent requires a milder climate for her health. Therefore, His Royal Highness and I have selected Sidmouth as an ideal winter residence."

Georgie blurted, "We know."

The man scowled, leveling a suspicious glare at her. "Who told you? The news is not yet public."

"I...That is, our..."

Sarah squeezed Georgie's hand to forestall her, not wanting to cause any trouble for Miss Stirling.

"It is only natural that such good news should travel quickly through town," the secretary said, clearly trying to smooth things over. "General Baynes, or the property agent, or the tradespeople we've contacted might have mentioned it."

"Very true," Sarah said. "It is an exciting prospect."

Mamma added, "An honor for us all."

The captain huffed before continuing. "Their Royal Highnesses shall reside in Woolbrook Cottage with as many attendants as the house can accommodate, which unfortunately is not all. The duke travels with a large suite of servants, advisers, et cetera. We have also rented a house in Fortfield Terrace for the upper staff, but we need accommodation for a few others. We understand you run a sort of boarding house here."

"Yes," Mamma agreed. "Although we prefer the term guest house."

He ignored that. "How many rooms have you available?"

They all looked to Sarah.

"We have six guest rooms," she said. "Seven if we include a small adjoining chamber. Three rooms are now occupied, but all save one shall be available come the end of the month."

Their current guests included a Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, who shared one room, while their twin sons slept in the adjoining chamber. The family planned to stay with them through October. Mr. Hornbeam was their other guest, and as far as Sarah knew, he had no plans to leave.

"How soon would you need accommodation?" she asked the men.

"Not until December."

"Would you like to see the rooms?"

Captain Conroy waved a dismissive hand. "No need. I am sure they will suffice for lower staff. Proximity to Woolbrook is key. I estimate we shall need an additional three or four rooms."

"And the specific dates?"

"Yet to be determined. Mr. Thomson here will write and apprise you of all pertinent details once arrangements are finalized."

Sarah hesitated. They were to hold in reserve four rooms with no specified arrival date? She was tempted to protest, to say they could not promise to keep rooms available without guaranteed dates, but Captain Conroy's fierce expression dampened her courage.

Besides, as Mamma had said, things had been quiet and guests few. The prospect of three or four rooms occupied for the entire winter was an opportunity they could ill afford to jeopardize.

"Very well," Sarah said. "We shall await your instructions."
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