Anthony sighed, “Correct… So we shall keep this just between us, then?”
Colin nodded gravely, “For now. It’s all for your sake, old boy. You’ve seen how thoughtless Kenneth can be. Perhaps one day in the future, we shall revisit this story over a drink.”
“Right. Well, where’s your snuff box?”
* * *
“All right, children. I believe that’s quite enough for now. Run along, we shall allow Meredith and Ian some time to rest and catch up,” declared Ma’am Tabitha.
Meredith and Ian stepped out into the front garden and sat on opposite sides of the iron bench. Unsurprisingly, Ian’s physical appearance had changed significantly since the last time they had seen each other. This was to be expected since he was but four-and-ten the last time Meredith had seen him.
His complexion was slightly tanner now, but he still had the same bright blue eyes and blond hair that was a most conspicuous shade.
“I didn’t realize that the children would have questions for me. I had fully expected to be quite forgotten by now. Oh, but enough about me! I want to hear more about you, Mere! Do tell me what you have been up to.”
“Indeed! As you can see, Ma’am Tabitha and I have been using your story to give the children some hope. You have become something of a legendary hero around the orphanage. Even beyond the orphanage, for that matter.”
Ian raised his eyebrows in disbelief, but Meredith reassured him with a fervent nod.
“Don’t look so surprised, Ian. I’ll have you know that I have told stories of you and our other playmates even to the young Lady Cecilia, whom I have the honor of being a governess to.”
Ian shook his head. “Ah, I had almost forgotten that you have quite an exceptional memory, dear Mere. While we are on the subject, pray elaborate on your experience as governess so far. Are your employers treating you fairly?”
Meredith eagerly recounted every detail she could remember of the exciting events on Ambrose Estate from the moment that she had set foot on it. Ian was uncharacteristically silent the entire time. As soon as Meredith mentioned she was nervous about the upcoming dinner party, Ian skeptically asked,
“And are you sincerely look forward to attending it?”
“Of course, Ian! Why wouldn’t I be?”
He rose and began pacing back and forth. He was clearly uneasy and it was beginning to rub off on Meredith as well. Finally, he disclosed the reason for his apprehension.
“Given that we share a very close, sibling-like bond, Mere, I shall take the liberty of being very candid with you.” He sucked in a sharp breath and looked directly into her eyes, “Meredith, I don’t believe you should attend the party.”
Meredith resisted the temptation to become provoked. She remained silent to see what rationale was causing Ian to warn her against what sounded like an extravagant night of fun.
“Mere, I’m warning you that it will be a most miserable affair, for it will be filled with no one but the jealous, pompous, irritatingly-conceited and double-faced monsters so affectionately referred to ashigh society. I guarantee that you won’t enjoy the party in the least.”
Completely caught off-guard by this tirade, Meredith urged him to join her on the bench once more so that he may catch his breath. He broke into a smile as he noticed Meredith’s inquisitive expression.
“My sincerest apologies, Mere. You are clearly astounded I would so vehemently oppose a seemingly harmless dinner party. But you see, I have had to deal with them very closely over the years, Mere, for—and please allow me to be candid once more—our glass-making business has proven very lucrative.”
“As a result, I have often had the misfortune of finding myself in their company. And do you know what my parents and I discovered?”
Meredith shook her head.
“We found that no matter how hard I or my adoptive parents worked, no matter how expensive or extravagant our garments, no matter how politely we treated them or held our tongues, they still viewed us as barely a step above the stray dogs that wander the streets. And that is so damn infuriating, considering that they themselves are completely incapable of working with their hands.”
This account sent shivers down Meredith’s spine. And as she took one more look at her cherished friend, she noticed something that most certainly wasn’t there before: bitterness.
The blue of his eyes was now coated with a premature world-weariness and solemnity that were far too young for a man of two-and-twenty to wear.
Meredith reached out to pat the back of his hand. She did not need to press for any more details. Whatever hardship or cruelty that Ian had experienced, Meredith just wanted to soothe the pain, just how he had soothed her all those years ago. After a period of silence, Meredith sought to remind him of happier times.
“I still remember, you know, the way you told off the other children for teasing me and pulling my hair. You were the only one who could stop me from crying.”
The corners of Ian’s mouth tugged upwards.
“Yes, I remember. I never understood why you would get teased for being a ginger. And I say this with utmost sincerity, I remember being envious of your fiery red hair. I used to speculate that it would be quite effective at keeping one warm during the winter months.”
