“I think he said something along the lines of, ‘I know they’ll put on a show for us, Cecilia. But I’m more interested in going backstage.’ Or something of the sort,” she giggled.
Mr. Lockhart sighed, “Just when I think that I know your brother, he goes and pulls something like this.”
“You’re right, Mr. Lockhart. I think he’s becoming more and more like Lord Farellshire every day.”
This caused Mr. Lockhart to snort suddenly.
“Oh, and by the way, I like that he used a theater analogy. Could it be that he was trying to speak your language, as it were?”
Cecilia blushed, “Who knows, Mr. Lockhart? I’m surprised by how supportive Brother is about my singing. I’m sure he’s told you that we’re arranging a charity recital on the 1stday of next month. Would you be able to join us?”
“Why, of course, Lady Cecilia! That is, of course, if I don’t have to make any sudden business trips. Oh, and if your brother doesn’t renounce my friendship.”
Cecilia narrowed her eyes. “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean, Mr. Lockhart. Why would Brother renounce your friendship?”
With sly grin, he replied, “Well, I may have made a few arrangements without consulting him and I don’t know how he’ll react. Oh, come, don’t force me to tell you now. You’ll find out for yourself soon enough.”
* * *
“Did you ever find what you were looking for, Miss Meyer?” inquired Lord Farellshire.
Meredith smiled, “Yes, Lord Farellshire. That’s why I was able to come back.”
His eyes widened. “Really? What was it, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, are you here to stay? Or are you going back to continue as governess to the Venturis?”
“One question at a time, Lord Farellshire!” she laughed. “Yes, I found it. It was in the Alps.”
“The Alps?” he exclaimed incredulously.
“Yes. Well, more specifically, it was at the bottom of the Alps, a few weeks ago. We were sitting at some tables outside a café enjoying the springtime weather.”
“And as we sat in the sunshine, looking at the mountains, it suddenly dawned upon me that were I asked to scale any of those mountains, I wouldn’t be afraid. No. Rather, I would readily purchase the necessary equipment and find a trustworthy guide.”
“The mountains, as severe as they looked, no longer scared me. In fact, after two years of constantly trying new things, I realized that the future, the unknown, theworlddidn’t scare me anymore.”
Lord Farellshire appeared impressed. But Meredith still had some points to clarify.
“It’s not that I think that I am invincible, Lord Farellshire. But rather, thanks to a deeper understanding of my flaws, my strengths, my goals, and so on, I now have a clear understanding of my abilities and what challenges I can surmount. And I think… I think I’m ready to face whatever life can throw at me.”
“That is beautiful, Miss Meyer. I have an inkling that you’re absolutely right. But what about my other questions? Will you be moving back here permanently?”
Meredith shrugged. “Possibly, Lord Farellshire. I think it mostly depends on how this first month goes.”
He chuckled, “I see that you are quite adaptable now, Miss Meyer, which is just as well because you’ll certainly need to adapt in the next few minutes.”
“What do you mean, Lord Farellshire?”
“No, no, we’re quite close to the orphanage now. You will find out for yourself soon enough.”
* * *
Tabitha looked around to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. The children were orderly, lined up in the garden along with Joyce and Anthony. The food was on the table; the table was set. She herself was dressed in her best Sunday clothes.
At one o’clock on the dot, the coach pulled up to the gate. The children immediately started murmuring and craning their necks to get a better look.
Ian was the first to alight. Everyone waved and wished him a good afternoon. But their voices quickly died down as they waited to see what the mystery patron looked like.
Their mystery patron was… a young girl? Tabitha exchanged confused looks with Joyce and several of the children. Once again, the murmuring started.
