Anthony smiled, “Oh? Sounds like quite a thoughtful friend.”
Meredith shrugged, “I suppose so. But unfortunately, I have no way of repaying er… them.”
“I don’t think he—I mean,they—mind it at all, especially since the gown looks like it was tailor-made for you. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to see you wear it downstairs, though.”
“That is exactly what I was saying, Brother!” chimed in Cecilia, “Why, if I had such a pretty gown, I would attend several dinner parties in the same night so that as many people as possible would see it.”
Anthony laughed, “You have many pretty gowns already, Cecilia. Besides, don’t you dare try to stealthily change the subject! Why on earth aren’t you in bed? And don’t say that this was arranged by Miss Meyer—I know she would never do such a thing.”
Cecilia lifted her chin and huffed, “The truth is, Brother, that I was a bit cross that I wasn’t allowed to attend tonight’s dinner party. So when I found that I was too irritated to fall asleep, I came to ask Miss Meyer for a story. But when I saw that she was trying on such a lovely gown, I thought we might hold a dinner party of our own first!”
Anthony amusedly tapped his chin, “I see. And since your dinner party was impromptu,” he nodded towards the chaise lounge, “You dressed up the cushions with bonnets to create your own guests.”
Cecilia clapped her hands, “Yes! It was Miss Meyer’s idea. She said that it was what they would do in the orphanage when there weren’t enough dolls for all of the girls.”
Anthony rubbed the back of his neck.
“I’m sure you were having a lot of fun. And you look…” he attempted to conceal his chuckle by clearing his throat, “…lovely with your powdered face, Cecilia. But it is quite late, so I suggest we all get some sleep, yes?”
Cecilia crossed her arms, “But Brother! We haven’t even had a chance for a story yet. We were caught up with our dinner party.”
“Why don’t you read it for us, Your Grace?” suggested Meredith. Anthony squinted at her—he was trying to silently convey,
I am exhausted and want to go to sleep.
But he couldn’t tell her no outright, so he acquiesced.
“Fine,” he said, “One story and then we’re all going to sleep. Which one would you like, Cecilia?”
Chapter 20
“Thank you, Fletcher. If you would be so kind as to have a seat, I require your advice.”
Hugh did as he was told.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Is everything all right? How may I be of assistance?”
His Grace cleared his throat.
“Fletcher, my father trusted you implicitly, and the same can be said of me. I have consulted with Lord Gillinghamshire on this matter and he raised some crucial points for my consideration.”
“However, you have more life experience than either of us. So any insight you have would be most invaluable. You are… the closest thing I have to a father at the moment.”
Already struggling to maintain his composure after this preamble, Hugh simply acknowledged His Grace’s comments and thanked him once more. After all, it is not often that such sincere commendation and affection was bestowed upon a servant.
The Duke bit his lip. Clearly this was a matter that was weighing heavily upon him. Hugh already had a sense of what His Grace would say next, but he thought it wise to feign ignorance in case he was mistaken.
“Fletcher, what would you say if I told you I was in love?”
Hugh sighed.
So I wasn’t mistaken after all. This is, indeed, pertaining to Miss Meyer. At last, I shall have a chance to talk some sense into him.
“My heart would soar on your behalf, Your Grace.”
“Would that be all, Fletcher? Please do not hold back. I don’t have anyone else to consult about this matter.”
Hugh inhaled sharply.
