“On second thought, it would be far better if Kenneth recounted the story for us. His recollection is superior to mine in every respect.”
Mr. Warwick let out a hearty laugh, “Your Grace, you are certainly a man of diplomacy and with a fine taste in wines.”
The similar expressions of adulation echoed around the drawing room. This reminded Anthony just how much he disliked compliments.
What on earth is one supposed to do when a room full of people flatter and laud oneself? Was one expected to simply sit still and soak it all in like the most conceited buffoon there ever was?
Throughout the entire evening, his ears had been filled with nothing but such hollow compliments and worthless pleasantries. And to make matters worse, Meredith had stood by her decision to not attend.
I daresay I envy her. Indeed, she is not missing much by staying away. Although it is a shame I never got to see her in the dark blue gown I bought for her. I hope she at least found it to her liking.
Anthony watched Kenneth and Colin collectively entertain the guests. He examined the captivated expressions on each of the guests’ faces, expressions that were almost guaranteed to be found at any party or social event that Kenneth or Colin attended.
Indeed, my visitors shower me with compliments and praise, either simply because I am the host or because of my title. But there is no doubt that Kenneth and Colin are the favorites.
The room erupted into laughter. As per usual, Kenneth’s storytelling capabilities combined with Colin’s quick, dry wit had mesmerized everyone present. Even the breakaway group of people who were initially standing next to the desserts table had now moved closer to hear the duo better.
Anthony was not the slightest bit jealous, for this had always been the way. As he was the youngest amongst the three friends by only a matter of months, Anthony was used to letting the other two take the lead in social situations. Besides, the two of them certainly enjoyed the attention.
Anthony was capable of performing his duties with attention fixed on him, but Colin and Kenneththrivedunder it. Anthony stole a quick glance at the clock; quarter to ten.
One more hour and then I shall begin sending everyone home.
* * *
Meredith had been in emotional turmoil for the whole day. No, in fact, it had now been two days and two nights of restless uncertainty, starting the moment she unwrapped Anthony’s gift. The gown had fit her perfectly and Meredith’s eyes welled up the first time she saw herself in it.
It was an elegant dark blue evening gown, delicately trimmed with matching dark blue lace, hemmed with a tasteful golden thread. Even the sleeves, short and puffy, were immaculately edged with the same golden thread. He had thought of everything, even new gloves and a shiny new brooch.
Meredith had agonized whether or not she would attend. She knew this was not at all Anthony’s intention. He most likely thought that he was being helpful with this gesture. Nonetheless, Meredith had been tormented.
In the end, she decided to not go. Not simply because she had no way of styling her hair except to wear it in a low chignon like she always did, but also because she had realized that putting on a high-class gown did not render her high-class. So despite it being her day off, Meredith did not visit the orphanage today, lest she risk running into one of the guests as she came back.
My main aim is to not embarrass Anthony. And the best way I could think of was to not set foot outside this room.
But since Meredith was still grateful for the gown, she wore it as she took her dinner alone in her room. When Philippa brought her dinner a few hours ago, she had just enough time to ramble on about the state of affairs downstairs.
“It is absolute madness, Meredith! I’ve never seen so much food in my life. It’s as though Mr. Tulk and Miss Watts were food-concocting machines! And you didn’t hear it from me, but Mr. Fletcher’s got himself a sore throat from barking out orders nonstop from yesterday until now.”
“Jenny heard from Alan that everyone is especially on edge because there hasn’t been a proper dinner party hosted here in decades. Decades, they say! Right, I can’t stay. Can’t stay! Must be at my station. Dinner is almost served!”
Meredith smiled as the image of Philippa dashing down the hallway popped into her mind once more.
They must really be very busy because it is now ten o’clock and Philippa still hasn’t returned to fetch my dishes.
As though Philippa had read her mind, there was a soft knock on the door. Eager to ease things a bit for Philippa, Meredith sprung to her feet and collected the tray and the dishes and brought it to the door. But when she answered it, it wasn’t Philippa at all.
“Wow! What a lovely dress, Miss Meyer!” gasped Lady Cecilia.
Meredith kicked herself.
You forgot to change into your normal clothes, you thoughtless creature!
* * *
“Ah, come now, Tony! The night is young, let us stay with you and celebrate what we have accomplished!” yelled Kenneth a bit tipsily from the coach. “Or if you prefer, come with us back to Colin’s.”
“Absolutely not!” Anthony yelled back with a grin. “I’ve had quite enough of you two. Between the party planning and dinner and the entertaining anecdotes, I’ve seen quite enough of you two to last me a lifetime. Now go home and go to sleep, you have earned it.”
