Anthony sat up as Kenneth handed him a glass of water. When he had finished downing it, Colin folded the newspaper and asked, “Well? What happened, Tony? What’s wrong?”
So Anthony went on to recount the events of the past fourteen or so hours. Everything from Miss Meyer’s return from her day off until the moment he decided to sneak into the stables and ride here.
Naturally, his impromptu visit had greatly surprised the servants, who then proceeded to wake up Colin. Colin had watched with mounting concern as Anthony gradually grew too drunk for conversation.
“And that’s about as far as my recollection goes, for now at least,” Anthony said as he stretched his arms over his head.
Colin endeavored to fill the gaps in Anthony’s recollection.
“If you’re wondering how you ended up in Kenneth’s bed, I had the servants carry you upstairs. If you are experiencing any head pain, it’s because I specifically asked them to let your head hit the railings once or twice on their way up the steps.”
“And you can imagine my surprise when I rolled over and was greeted by your gaping, drooling mouth,” teased Kenneth.
Anthony almost rolled his eyes but remembered that doing so could very well trigger another headache, so instead he asked, “What’s for breakfast?”
* * *
“Is it true that His Grace has already returned?”
Philippa turned around and let out a small yawn, “Yes, Mere— I mean, Miss Meyer. I heard that he arrived about twenty minutes ago, shortly followed by Lords Farellshire and Gillinghamshire.”
Meredith gulped, “Right. Anything else?”
“Jenny said that Lord Gillinghamshire gave Mrs. Mullens—the head cook—a gift for putting together that wonderful dinner the other night. You know, the one that you got invited to—”
“Not like that, silly! I meant anything pertaining to me or Mr. Fletcher!”
“I might know something about that,” said a voice behind them.
“Oh, Mrs. Oakley! Good morning.”
“Good morning, Miss Meyer. To answer your query, His Grace has requested that you and Mr. Fletcher meet him in his study.”
* * *
“And so, after a long night spent in deep thought and in consultation with my closest friends,” Anthony gestured to Colin and Kenneth sitting by the unlit fireplace, “I have decided to let you both stay on. For different reasons, of course.”
Anthony paused so as to allow Fletcher and Miss Meyer to absorb what he had just said. After watching them both exhale silent sighs of relief, he proceeded to expand on his decision.
“Fletcher, you have been an integral part of this household longer than any of us can remember. I see now that it would not be wise to suddenly terminate such a strong bond simply due to a course of actions that were, as you yourself bore witness, motivated by concern and moral duty.”
“However, I want it to be clear that if you wish to take such liberties at some point in the future once more, please do confer with me. I see no reason why we could not discuss any suggestions or differences in opinions like the civilized men that we are. Henceforth, there is no need—nor any room—for deceit. Am I clear, Fletcher?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you, Your Grace. I thank you with all my heart.”
And so, Anthony offered his hand, which Fletcher gripped and shook firmly. This symbolized the end of the matter.
And now it was Miss Meyer’s turn.
“Despite having only recently engaged your services, Miss Meyer, you have undoubtedly made an impression on Cecilia. For her sake, I have decided to let you stay on.”
“However, since you have not been educated to the level of most other governesses, henceforth I will be more involved in your lessons with Cecilia. I hope that you do not take this personally. It is simply a measure to ensure that the lessons are satisfactory.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you very much for your kind consideration.”
“I saw Cecilia doing her deportment lessons in the dining room with Mrs. Ramsbury, so I believe it is safe to assume that your next lesson will be this afternoon, correct?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
