Meredith smiled. She was beginning to notice that the Duke was a man who liked to get right down to business.
“It was quite productive, Your Grace. We covered Egypt’s geography and some of its general history today. But I hope to cover some more of its pertinent historical events in tomorrow’s lesson.”
Meredith carefully watched the Duke’s face. This was the first time she saw him appear genuinely interested in what she had to say. And Meredith could feel her attitude towards the Duke begin to soften. Here he was, eager and inquisitive about his younger sister’s learning. He seemed like a completely different person from the cold gentleman who had banished Lady Cecilia to her bedroom.
“Splendid! Thank you, Miss Meyer. And if you do not mind me asking, what is your opinion regarding Cecilia’s attitude and potential as a student?”
“She is very well-behaved, Your Grace. She might not be particularly enthusiastic about history, but she does seem prepared to learn.”
The Duke was leaning forward at this point. Perhaps he was also examining Meredith’s expression, “I see, Miss Meyer. And so she does not strike you as somewhat—” he cleared his throat, “—defiant?”
Meredith blinked at him for a moment, “Defiant, Your Grace? Not at all. Lady Cecilia is a delightful student.”
This answer caused the Duke to lean back in his chair whilst tapping his chin thoughtfully. All was quiet for a while. And unsure where to look, Meredith directed her attention towards the Duke’s desk. Finally, the Duke broke the silence.
“All of Cecilia’s tutors have given me similar reports. It’s just— if I may be frank with you, Miss Meyer, I find it somewhat difficult to believe because Cecilia never seems to be well-behaved when she is with me.” He sighed. “And her unacceptable behavior from this afternoon is just one example of that.”
Unsure of how to respond, Meredith simply nodded and said, “Yes, Your Grace.”
The Duke sighed and started rubbing his temples. Touched by his brotherly concern, Meredith decided to move the meeting in a more encouraging direction.
“Your Grace, I am sure that Lady Cecilia admires you very much. She is simply unsure of how to express it, especially during this period of… heightened sensitivity.”
The Duke shook his head, “Cecilia admire me, Miss Meyer? I beg to differ. Cecilia is still very young. She only thinks of me as a villainous critic who is constantly ruining her fun. I can only hope that she appreciates my efforts once she is older.”
“Pardon me, Your Grace. But perhaps there is no need to wait so long. Would you care to sit in during any of Lady Cecilia’s lessons and observe her progress yourself? It could provide you with a window into her thinking processes.”
The Duke seemed totally appalled by this suggestion, “Miss Meyer, you of all people should know that duty does not belong to the man of the house. That is always a lady’s duty!”
Meredith simply returned with, “Yes, Your Grace. Under ordinary circumstances, that would most certainly be the case. But given the—”
Meredith stopped.
Who am I to be telling the Duke how to care for his sister?
Now Meredith herself had stepped out of line. Oh, how she wanted to kick herself. She lowered her head and said, “I am sorry, Your Grace. I did not mean to get carried away.”
“All is forgiven, Miss Meyer. It is moving to see that you are as concerned with Cecilia’s education as I am. I look forward to hearing your insights after you have become even better acquainted with Cecilia.”
With a sigh of relief, Meredith replied, “Yes, Your Grace. Thank you. Please rest assured that I will always put Lady Cecilia’s best interests first.”
* * *
Fletcher was sitting on one of the library couches. He was anxious for the meeting between Miss Meyer and His Grace to be over. The library was separated from the Duke’s study by a single mahogany door. Fletcher caught himself staring at it, as if he could command it to open with a stern look.
“All right, Hugh, out with it. What’s wrong?”
Fletcher almost jumped. Mrs. Oakley was now towering above him with her hands on her hips. And then Mr. Fletcher had an epiphany! Since both she and Mr. Fletcher had both been with the Ambrose family for 30 years now, Mrs. Oakley could be a most valuable confidante. What is more, she also knew the Duke quite well and so could advise Mr. Fletcher on the best way to proceed.
“Mrs. Oakley—I mean, Catherine, if you would care to sit with me, it may be that you are the best possible person to help me with this predicament…”
Hugh then went on to recount to her in detail the events that both led to and originated from his lies.
Approximately two weeks prior, the Duke had entrusted him with the mission of recruiting an experienced and genteel governess for Lady Cecilia. This resulted in Hugh visiting various reputable registry offices all over town.
“And as you know, Catherine, the search was initially quite unsuccessful. And then about a week ago, someone gave me the wrong address for yet another registry office. And after asking for directions to the proper address, I decided to walk there.”
Hugh paused to check the study door again, lest it should suddenly open. Once he was satisfied that it had no intention of opening for now, he continued, “On my way, I passed by an orphanage that was filled with the sounds of childish laughter. As I passed by the gate, I happened to see Miss Meyer seated on the front steps of the house animatedly reading a storybook to a group of children.”
