Page 47 of The Beauty and the Boxer
“I’ve never been hunting a day in my life,your grace. But I hope yours was a successful attempt?”
“I’d say so,” an older man, Lord Buchananspoke up. He turned to the duke. “It’s always a pleasure to hunt inyour woods, your grace. They’re always bountiful.” Mountebanknodded his thanks as Lord Buchanan finished a red liquid drink. “Ifyou’ll excuse me, I’m sure Lady Buchanan will wish to be regaledwith my abilities.”
The other men laughed as the older lordleft. The others chatted for a moment longer, before they too beganto filter out of the room, one by one. Meredith nodded at eachgentleman as they left until only she and Mountebank remained.
“I hope you’ll excuse me, Miss Taylor, but Imust attend to some business before the rest of the activities takeplace today. There will be a Pall Mall match on the northern lawnthis afternoon and the musicians are set to arrive any minute.”
“Of course, your grace.”
The duke paused and Meredith had thedistinct idea that he wished to say something. She gave him anencouraging smile. He sighed suddenly and took a step towardsher.
“I must apologize again to you and the restof the family for the duchess’s absence,” he said. “She’s beenfeeling under the weather since her ride yesterday. I had hopedthat she would be able to visit with you and your sister overbreakfast, but it seems the doctor has suggested she stay in bedfor the extent of your visit here.”
“Oh, dear. I do hope she gets well. Andthere’s no need to apologize, your grace. People become ill overmany things.”
“Yes, I suppose. I asked your sister for herassistance this morning with finishing preparations since theduchess is ill. I’m not very well versed in arranging balls andwhatnot. I hope she didn’t think it too much of an imposition.”
“Oh, I’m sure Sarah loved to help. She quiteenjoys planning for parties.”
He gave her a strained smile and Meredithgot the impression that he wasn’t used to asking for help,especially regarding household tasks. He seemed to want to speakmore on the matter, but he shook his head.
“Yes, well, perhaps we’ll meet on the PallMall lawn later today.”
“I may watch, your grace,” she nodded,before adding, “but I certainly won’t partake. I’m not very good atlawn sports.”
Mountebank gave her a nod.
“Very well,” he said, bowing. “Good day,Miss Taylor.”
“Good day, your grace,” Meredith curtsied asthe duke left.
Thankful to finally be alone, Meredith facedthe table. A butler was by her side in a matter of seconds, holdinga plate as she pointed to several dishes, including some roastedturkey, fresh rosemary rolls and a tempting jelly that Meredithwished to try.
She ate quickly, happy to be alone as shedid. Meredith wasn’t sure why, but she always felt more comfortableeating alone. Peering around the room, she saw a large, fadedrectangle on the wall, as if a painting had been removed recently.Noticing the other portraits, she wondered what sort of painting ithad been and if the duke had commissioned a new one, possibly of heand his wife.
Meredith felt sorry for the duchess’sillness and hoped she made a quick recovery. She believed theduke’s anomalous behavior was because he was worried about hiswife’s health and it was unfortunate that she should have fallenill during this time. Regardless, the duke was proving to be farmore welcoming than she had ever expected a man of his position tobe. They hadn’t spoken much during Sarah and Simon’s wedding andshe had been rather unsure what type of man he was, having onlyheard about him secondhand from Sarah. She had overheard Simonmention once that Jack hadn’t been particularly fond of Mountebankand Meredith found herself curious as to why.
Jack hadn’t wanted anything to do withMountebank, but Meredith was sure he must have felt vulnerable onceit was revealed that Simon and the duke shared a father. Jack mighthave worried that his bond with Simon was threatened and Meredithfelt sorry for him. While Jack was quite strong and rough aroundthe edges, she knew a vein of gentleness coursed through him.Although for some reason, it only seemed obvious to her.
She wished he were here. It was sillyperhaps, but when the presence of someone in the doorway caught herattention, for a fleeting moment she believed she had magicallysummoned him, like a witch calling to her familiar. A man clearedhis throat behind her and she whipped around, expecting to seeJack.
Except it wasn’t him. Sir Roger Kent stoodin the doorway, hands behind his back as he looked at Meredith witha question in his eyes.
“Sir Kent,” she said, standing up. “Goodday.”
He came into the dining room with deliberatecaution.
“I hope I’m not interrupting?”
“Oh no, of course not. I’ve justfinished.”
“Very good,” he said coming towards her as afootman pushed in her empty chair. Another cleared her plate. “Iwas hoping that you would accompany me to the north field. The dukehas set up a Pall Mall game and I thought you might care towatch?”
Meredith smiled and ignored the slightdisappointment in her heart as she smiled at him. Jack Archerwasn’t here and he wasn’t coming. Besides, Meredith should try andbefriend someone like Sir Kent. He was an honorable, brave man whohad fought in a war. Surely, she could find something interestingto talk with him about.
She held out her hand and waited for him totake it, which he did.
“Thank you, Sir Kent,” she said as they leftthe dining room.
