Edmund was quick to turn towards where his name had been called from, and lit up when he saw Francis and by his side, Mable.  He met them halfway between where they were walking from and the hotel, having to swallow down the urge to hug the both of them.

"I'm very happy to see her," he said, looking between Mable and Francis.  The other man had said she was happy to see him, too, but she didn't look it.  But, at least she didn't look unhappy to see him.  Her lips were pressed together and her eyes wide and avoiding his own.

"You were smart to suggest the beach," he told Francis, hoping his sister would become more talkative if he didn't draw any more attention to her.  His poor sister might have been embarrassed.  "What did you two talk about for so long?  I swear I looked up and down the market three times before coming here."