Page 21 of The Beauty and the Boxer
“Ah, Daniel,” Simon said, shaking his headas he ignored the scowl Sarah gave him. “Remember, it isn’tgentlemanly to speak like that in front of the women folk.”
“But you said—”
“A great many things, it seems,” Simonlaughed. He folded the corner of his paper down and winked at theboy. “But it upsets your mama.”
“Oh, all right.”
Meredith tried to hide her smile behind herteacup as she brought it up to her lips. It had been amusing andrather delightful to see the relationship between Daniel and Simongrow over the past few months. Daniel had been so desperate for aconfidant and had been worried that without a father, he wouldn’tlearn things the other boys in school would know. Simon had takento his role as stepfather with surprising ease, relating to Danielin many ways that Meredith and Sarah hadn’t. Sarah was pleased aswell, though she didn’t always appreciate the vocabulary her sonwas learning. Simon was adamant that it would only benefit him tocommand the entire English language, as opposed to only the politeparts, which had made Meredith laugh.
Even now, Meredith could see the lovebetween Sarah and Simon. Theirs was a love that shouldn’t havebeen, considering both of their backgrounds and upbringings, andthey had nearly given it up for appearance’s sake. Meredith hadbeen worried that her sister might come to resent her choice inpicking Simon over time, but the exact opposite had taken place.Sarah much preferred the company of a few dear friends rather thanmultiple acquaintances. While Simon would never be the poshest orshining example of first society, he tried his best solely toplease Sarah and had become a sought-after guest in the uppercircles that still accepted them. Whether it was because theyviewed him as an anomaly or not, it didn’t seem to matter to thecouple. They were together and that was all that mattered.
Meredith knew that an invitation toMountebank’s would benefit the family. It would also be nice tobefriend the duke’s new wife, especially if they were all familynow. Distant of course, but family, nonetheless. She really had noexcuse not to attend.
Except that she did not wish for it to be amatchmaking event for herself. If it was truly a family affair, shewondered if Jack was going to attend.
“Pardon?” Sarah asked.
Meredith’s head picked up.
“Excuse me?”
“Did you ask if Jack was going?”
Meredith’s cheeks warmed under the watchfuleye of Sarah and Simon. Had she really just said her last thoughtout loud? How mortifying!
Swallowing hard, she attempted to smile.
“If it is a family event,” she started, hertone unnaturally light. “I would assume that all the family wereinvited.” When Sarah didn’t speak, Meredith added quickly. “Is Mamaand Beatrice to attend as well?”
Seemingly jolted from her thoughts at themention of their mama, Sarah shuddered.
“Heavens, no. Mama wouldn’t care if we weregoing to stay at Balmoral Castle with the queen. It was hard enoughconvincing her to let us sponsor Beatrice. I fear she’ll neverforgive me for marrying Simon,” she said, looking lovingly at herhusband.
“Our loss, I’m sure,” Simon saidunconvincingly. “As for Jack, I doubt he’d much appreciate comingto Mountebank.”
“So, it’s not a family affair,” Meredithsaid.
Sarah shifted, seemingly uncomfortable, asif being wary of being caught in a lie.
“Of course, Jack will come. It is a familygathering, after all, and he is part of the family.”
“I’d love to hear you tell him that,” Simonmurmured. His attention returning to his paper.
“I will tell him,” Meredith said so quicklythat everyone shifted their attention to her. “I mean, Daniel and Iwere going to have our history lesson by the pond today.”
“We were?” Daniel asked, excitedly.
“Yes, it’s such a lovely day after all andwho knows how many more we shall have before autumn comes proper?And since the pond is edged by Mr. Archer’s property, we will be inthe vicinity. It would be no trouble to deliver the invitation tohim. When are we leaving to attend?”
“A week from Thursday,” Sarah said. “Butdear, let Simon go. I should hate for you to walk all the waythere.”
“It’s quite all right,” Meredith said,standing up from the table. “I don’t mind. Besides, I’ve been eagerto take a long walk and it’s such a fine day for it. Even if it isa bit cold, the sun is shining.”
“Please, Mama?” Daniel said. “I’d very muchlike to go see Uncle Jack. And Dash loves to come for walks withus.”
The hunting dog that Meredith had gifted toDaniel nearly a year ago was still very much a hyper pup and neededto run at least twice a day. Her sister appeared worrisome, but sheeventually nodded.
“Of course.”
