Page 70 of The Beauty and the Boxer
“But why did they have to write aboutme?”
“Well, why not?” Sarah countered. “Thewintertime is always slow for the gossip pages. It gives thereaders something to speculate on during the colder months.”
“Yes, but why must they speculate about me?”Meredith asked, trying to keep the whine out of her voice. “I neverwanted to be in the papers.”
“Why does the sun shine?” Sarah askedsarcastically. “It’s just the way of it. And really, my dear, Iwouldn’t worry about it. The Times is a reputable paper and even iftheir columnist needs a lesson in crafting articles, they wouldnever print anything that wasn’t true.”
“Which is exactly what I’m worried about,”Meredith said. “What if they learn about … you know.”
“They won’t,” Sarah said as a pair of groomscame up. One took the reins as another helped her off her horse.“And even if they did, they would need to confirm their sources andI can guarantee the Petersons are just as tight lipped as we are. Iknow Percy doesn’t wish for a scandal, nor does his brother and SirPeterson and his poor wife have been gone for a long time now.”
“Have they?” Meredith asked, rather shocked.“I didn’t know.”
“Why would you?” Sarah asked, taking hersister’s wrung hands. “I promise, Meredith. The Times won’t print aword.”
Meredith nodded without conviction.
“But what if…”
“What if what?”
Meredith shook her head, unwilling to speakon it anymore. “Never mind,” she said. “You’re right. There’snothing to be done I suppose.”
“See? All will be well,” Sarah said in acomforting voice. “Will you walk with me? I’ve some news I’d liketo share with you.”
Meredith locked arms with her sister andbegan to walk with her back to the house, leaving Simon and Danielbehind. Meredith peered over her shoulder at the echo of Daniel’slaughter as the two rode off down the sloping field. Sarah’s pacewas slower than usual and Meredith gazed at her.
“Are you all right?”
“Very well, actually.” Sarah cheeks wereflushed. “I’ve a secret. Do you want to know what it is?”
Her eyes were twinkling with barelycontained mirth. She was happy. Exceedingly so, it wouldpresume.
“Tell me.”
“I’m going to have a baby,” she said in arushed whisper, looking over her shoulder as if Simon could hearher, even though he was far out of sight. “Or at least, I believe Iam.”
“A baby?” Meredith said with excitement. Shelowered her voice when Sarah’s hand came up to her mouth. “DoesSimon know?”
“He suspects, I believe,” she said as theyentered the house. “But I think he’s more confused thananything.”
“Confused?”
“Well, it’s not exactly something we’ve everdiscussed. And I doubt he’s ever even known a woman who was withchild let alone living with one.”
“How could you not discuss such a thing?You’re married.”
“Yes, but I think we both rather assumedthat Daniel was the only child in our lives. I never dreamed thatwe would… Well, that is, I know how it happened of course, but Iguess it just never crossed my mind.”
“Do you think he’ll be pleased?”
“I hope so,” Sarah said.
For the first time in a long time, Meredithsaw genuine worry in her sister’s face. Meredith held onto her armand gave it a quick squeeze. Simon was madly in love with Sarah.Surely, he would be thrilled to hear the news.
“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled,” she said asthey entered the family parlor room. “Shall I ring for tea? Youmust be cold.”
“Yes, please,” Sarah said.
