Page 39 of The Beauty and the Boxer
“I bought some when I first moved toBristol. From a vendor during the mayday fair, just outside of thecity. Remember we went there, Sarah?” Her sister nodded. “Theseller said it was definitively the best soap, but I found thescent too strong. Like leather. I put it away, but I can’t seem tostop smelling it.”
“Ah, well, I’m to blame for that, I’m sure,”Simon confessed. “The nuns growing up made Jack and I use it allthe time. Supposedly it was good enough to clean wounds and Jackused it during his fighting days. There are no doubt finer,costlier soaps, but I find I use the carbolic bar from time totime. I’m sorry if the scent offends you.”
“Oh, no, it doesn’t,” she shook her head,finally understanding. Jack must still use it, too.
Lost in her own thoughts for a moment,Meredith barely noticed a look pass between the two, but thenDaniel began to stir next to her. He stretched his arms andyawned.
“Are we there yet?” he asked.
“Just about,” Sarah said, peering back outthe window. “My, there is a long line of carriages.”
“I hope there are some people my age,”Daniel said.
“Mountebank said there’s a boy just your agewho lives at Dragmoor. The new vicar and his wife have severalchildren as well. They’ll be in attendance,” Simon said. “I believethere’s also an older girl from a neighboring family, theSmyths.”
“No, thank you,” Daniel said under hisbreath, causing the three adults to smile.
But Meredith’s smirk was fleeting as sheturned her attention back to the house. There were so many peopleclimbing up the wide, stone stairs that led into Dragmoor. It madeher feel worried. Surely someone here would know something abouther history? And yet how could anyone? It had never been an issuebefore, Sarah had seen to that. Meredith had never dealt withanyone whispering even an inkling about her or her past and yet,she couldn’t help but feel as if her time was running out. Someone,somewhere was bound to discover her truth and when it happened, sheshouldn’t want to be caught off guard.
As the carriage came to a full stop,Meredith tried to push her worrisome thoughts away. They were quickto exit the vehicle and were met by a footman in full black andgold livery, down to the silk stockings.
Sarah and Simon made their way up the longstone steps, followed by Meredith and Daniel. A large, double slabdoorway opened just as they reached the top step.
The interior of the home was grand indeed,with ancient tapestries hanging down the stone walls. A grand,double stone staircase stood several yards away, flanking the foyeron both sides. Meredith was impressed by the grandeur and twirledaround as she eventually followed Simon and Sarah into the home,gazing up at the tall walls as she did. As she removed her bonnet,a masculine voice suddenly echoed throughout the foyer, causing herto start.
“Welcome to Dragmoor.”
Turning around, Meredith saw the mirroropposite of her brother-in-law standing before them. The Duke ofMountebank was a tall and broad chested man, with dark hair, aprominent nose, and eyes that seemed to be a mix of every color.Nothing would have been remarkably interesting about hisappearance, except for the fact that he was a different version ofSimon. Where Simon’s hair was chestnut, the duke’s was coffee.Where Simon’s eyes were grey, the duke’s were multiple colored,green, blue, brown and even gold in a certain light. It was obviousthat the two were related and Meredith couldn’t help but wonder howJack must have felt when he first met the duke. Had he noticed theresemblance? And had it bothered him?
“Damien,” Simon said, stepping forward toshake the duke’s hand. “Good to see you.”
A bemused expression passed over the duke’sface at the gesture, but then took his hand and patted Simon on theback with the other.
“You as well,” he said before addressing therest of their party. “As it is all of you.”
“Your Grace,” Meredith and Sarah said inunison and curtsied as Daniel bowed.
“A pleasure, Mrs. Archer, Miss Taylor,Master Cummings.” He bowed, facing Daniel. “I saw Bennet not toolong ago headed for the back terrace. I believe he was hoping to gofishing. He was carrying a rod.”
“Who’s Bennet?”
“One of Mr. Brown’s sons, the new vicar. Ifyou head straight back—” Daniel was off like a shot. “The stream isdown the north valley!” The duke smirked. “Lively boy, isn’the?”
“Very,” Sarah said, smiling after her son.She focused on the duke. “Thank you so much for having us, yourgrace.”
“Of course. And please, there is no need torefer to me as your grace. We are family after all.” He cleared histhroat and continued. “I hope the ride wasn’t toouncomfortable?”
“It was most enjoyable,” Sarah said, gazingaround. “Where is your duchess, your grace?”
Sarah was turned away from the duke, butMeredith saw a shadow pass over his face. Though he barely let apause pass before his response, Meredith noticed.
“She has taken a midday ride,” he saidmatter-of-factly. “She is terribly fond of riding.”
“How lovely,” Sarah said as she came aroundand took Meredith’s arm in hers. “We’re most excited to see her.However, I would like to freshen up a bit.”
“Ah, yes. Well, Buckley will show you toyour rooms,” the duke said, waving his hand to a dark haired, stoicbutler dressed in livery. “And, Simon, would you care to discussthe deal with MacDougall?”
“Yes, actually.”
