But the mountain in her throat prevented her from speaking another word. So she settled for winding the handkerchief between her fingers.
“May I ask what’s wrong, Miss Meyer?”
Meredith saw that Lady Cecilia had turned as pale as ever. It suddenly dawned on her that the poor child was understandably anxious and likely frightened to see Meredith in such a state.
So Meredith overcame the lump in her throat and set the handkerchief down in favor of scooping up Lady Cecilia’s delicate hands.
“Oh, it’s nothing to do with you, dear. Please don’t be afraid, we’re safe now, yes?”
“I’m just—” she paused to take a breath. “I’m simply sad because Anthony and I have had a… disagreement between ourselves. It’s nothing for you to worry about, though.”
The girl’s demeanor relaxed at once.
“Yes, Miss Meyer. I understand. Then shall we talk about something else?”
Meredith reached up and tucked a loose strand behind Lady Cecilia’s ear, “Of course! What would you like to talk about?”
“I have a suggestion,” said a voice in the doorway.
Meredith rose from her place on the couch.
“Anthony…”
“Mr. Lockhart, I hope you don’t mind waiting here with Kenneth for a bit while I speak to Miss Meyer, Cecilia, and Mr. Fletcher in my office.”
* * *
“Cecilia, seeing that this matter would both directly and indirectly affect you, I believe that you have the right to know that I proposed to Miss Meyer tonight, but she politely declined,” Anthony stated matter-of-factly.
Lady Cecilia sat with her mouth agape, looking back and forth between Meredith and Anthony.
A queasiness gripped Meredith’s stomach.
“Are you angry, Tony?”
He fervently shook his head.
“No! Of course not, Mere. Well… maybe I was initially a bit confused and shocked, but I realized marriage is something thatIwant to do. So, what doyouwant to do? What doyouthink will make you happy, Meredith?”
Meredith momentarily made eye contact with Mr. Fletcher, who was standing behind Anthony. And on the chair next to her, Lady Cecilia seemed to also be keenly waiting for her response.
Buttheyweren’t what was important right now. Anthony was the person who asked the question;hewas person that needed to be her center of attention.
“That’s the problem, Anthony. I can’t really define it at the moment. Lord Gillinghamshire’s actions, as vile and disturbing as they were, were motivated by his pursuit for what he thought would make him happy. Right?”
Anthony frantically ran his hand through his hair.
“I’d rather not speak about that— that monster at the moment.”
Meredith felt like kicking herself.
“Yes, of course, Tony. I’m so sorry.” She gingerly placed a hand on top of his. “Allow me to start over. Ian has his business, you have your household and this beautiful estate to care for; it brings you joy and satisfaction. Even Lord Farellshire is a respected music critic among your peers, whereas I have absolutely nothing of the sort.”
He squeezed her hand. “You have me though, right?”
“Yes, but you deserve the best wife, Tony. And I don’t have a fortune or any properties; I don’t even have a dowry.”
He waved it all away. “But those things don’t matter at all, Meredith. You’re all I need. Youarethe best.”
