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The question hung in the air; its implications clear to everyone present. It was the same concern Caroline had raised, the same objection that had initially informed Chilton's own resistance to broader educational access.

Meredith did not answer immediately. When she did, her voice held a thoughtful quality that suggested she took the question seriously rather than dismissing it as mere prejudice.

"I would phrase it differently," she said finally.

"Education doesn't create dissatisfaction—it reveals possibilities.

The true question is whether we fear those possibilities or embrace them.

A mind that understands why certain tasks are necessary may approach them differently than one that simply follows orders without comprehension. "

"Well put," Sean said approvingly. "The dignity of informed choice transforms even mundane labour, wouldn't you agree, Sutcliffe?"

All eyes turned to Chilton, who found himself suddenly the centre of attention. "Indeed," he said, gathering his thoughts. "I've recently observed this principle firsthand on my estate. Knowledge doesn't merely improve the quality of work, but the spirit in which it's undertaken."

"Your estate implements educational programs for labourers?" Mr. Harper asked, clearly surprised.

"It will," Chilton confirmed. "I'm in the process of establishing a comprehensive school for tenant children at Sutcliffe. The details are still being refined, but the commitment is firm."

He was conscious of Meredith's sudden focused attention, her gaze seeking his across the circle. When their eyes met, he saw surprise there, but also something warmer—perhaps approval, or even pride.

"This is precisely the sort of practical application we hoped to discuss," Lady Evangeline said, clearly pleased by this development. "Would you be willing to share your approach, Lord Sutcliffe? I imagine others might find it instructive."

With all eyes upon him, Chilton reached for the portfolio Jenkins had reminded him to bring. "I've prepared a preliminary outline," he said, extracting copies of his proposal. "Not a final plan, by any means, but a framework addressing the specific needs of a rural estate community."

As the servants distributed the documents to each guest, Chilton outlined the key elements of his approach—the central school with satellite locations for younger children, the curriculum balancing practical skills with broader knowledge, the equal access for boys and girls, the integration with existing community structures through partnerships with the church and tenant farmers.

The details prompted thoughtful questions from the educational experts present. Mrs. Fielding inquired about teacher selection and training. Mr. Winthrop suggested refinements to the proposed daily schedule. Mr. Harper offered insights from his experience with similar initiatives in urban settings.

Throughout the discussion, Chilton was acutely aware of Meredith's silence.

She studied his proposal with intense concentration, turning pages slowly, occasionally making small notes in the margin with a pencil provided by Lady Evangeline.

Her expression revealed little of her thoughts, though he found himself desperately curious about her assessment.

"Miss Martin," Sean said, apparently noting her silence as well, "you've been remarkably quiet. What are your thoughts on Lord Sutcliffe's approach?"

Meredith looked up, seemingly startled to find herself addressed directly. "I was merely taking time to consider it thoroughly," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "It's a thoughtful proposal, with much to recommend it."

"But?" Lady Evangeline prompted gently, sensing the unspoken reservation.

Meredith hesitated, her gaze flickering briefly to Chilton before returning to the document.

"I wonder if the age-based separation between central and satellite locations might inadvertently create a two-tiered system.

The older children receiving more comprehensive education while younger ones, particularly those from distant farms, might never advance beyond the basics taught at satellite locations. "

It was a perceptive criticism, one Chilton had not fully considered. "A valid concern," he acknowledged. "Perhaps regular assessment of all children, regardless of location, with advancement based on readiness rather than merely age or convenience?"

Meredith's eyes met his, a spark of genuine engagement replacing her earlier reserve. "That would help," she agreed. "As would ensuring that all teachers, including those at satellite locations, are fully qualified rather than merely convenient choices."

"Transportation might also be arranged for promising younger students," Mrs. Fielding suggested, joining the exchange. "A cart making regular rounds to collect children from outlying areas, perhaps?"

The discussion flowed naturally from there, with practical suggestions building upon Meredith's initial observation. Chilton found himself energized by the collaborative refinement of his ideas, particularly when Meredith contributed further insights drawn from her own experience in Oxford.

As the conversation continued, the earlier formality between them gradually dissolved.

By the time Lady Evangeline suggested they break for refreshments before continuing, Chilton and Meredith were engaged in direct dialogue about the optimal balance between structured lessons and independent exploration—a conversation that continued as they moved toward the refreshment table together.

"You've given this considerable thought," Meredith observed quietly as they stood slightly apart from the others. "I confess I'm surprised by the comprehensiveness of your plan."

"Surprised that I could produce something of substance?" Chilton asked, a hint of their old sparring returning to his tone.

"Surprised that you've committed so thoroughly to implementation," she corrected, a small smile softening the potential criticism. "Many express interest in educational reform when it's theoretical. Few translate that interest into practical action so decisively."

Her approval, however qualified, warmed him more than he cared to admit. "Your letter arrived, then?" he asked, changing the subject slightly.

"It did," Meredith confirmed. "Though not in time for me to reply before departing for London. I would have acknowledged it otherwise."

"Of course," Chilton said, relieved that his communication hadn't been ignored. "I hope my presumption in writing wasn't unwelcome."

"Not at all," she assured him. "In fact—" She hesitated, then added more softly, "I was gratified to learn of your continued interest in educational matters. And in Mary Williams' progress."

The mention of the tenant's daughter brought a genuine smile to Chilton's face. "She's quite remarkable. Her eagerness to learn, despite having so few resources—it's both inspiring and rather humbling."

"I've observed similar qualities in my Oxford students," Meredith said, her expression warming at the shared understanding. "Children with natural curiosity, desperately seeking nourishment for minds as hungry as their bodies sometimes are."

Their eyes met in a moment of perfect comprehension—a bridge formed of shared purpose that transcended their different backgrounds and perspectives.

"Lady Evangeline said you arrived in London yesterday?" Chilton asked, reluctant to break the connection but aware of the other guests moving around them.

"Yes, I'm staying with my mother in Bloomsbury," Meredith replied. "She’s embarrassingly delighted and I’m afraid it will be difficult to extricate myself. And you?"

"At my family's townhouse in Grosvenor Street. Rarely used, I'm afraid, as London holds limited appeal for me beyond its necessary conveniences."

"You prefer the country?" Meredith asked, genuine interest in her tone.

"I prefer Sutcliffe," Chilton clarified. "Not merely for its rural setting, but for its purpose. In London, I'm merely another nobleman among many. At Sutcliffe, I have genuine responsibility for people whose welfare depends, in part, on my decisions."

The admission seemed to surprise Meredith, her expression revealing reassessment of some previous assumption. Before she could respond, however, Sean approached them, his manner apologetic despite his smile.

"I hate to interrupt what appears to be a fascinating conversation," he said, "but Mrs. Fielding is most eager to continue discussing your satellite location concept, Sutcliffe. She has extensive experience with similar arrangements in rural Sussex."

"Of course," Chilton replied, though he couldn't quite suppress his disappointment at the interruption. "Miss Martin, perhaps we might continue our discussion later?"

"Certainly," she agreed, her tone giving no indication whether she welcomed or merely accepted the prospect.

As the gathering resumed its more formal structure, Chilton found his attention divided between the educational discussion and his awareness of Meredith across the room.

She had engaged Mrs. Fielding in conversation, their heads bent together over what appeared to be a diagram the older woman was sketching on a sheet of paper.

The remainder of the afternoon passed in productive exchange, with specific educational approaches dissected, refined, and occasionally discarded in favour of better alternatives.

By the time Lady Evangeline signalled the gathering's natural conclusion, Chilton had filled several pages with notes to incorporate into his plans for Sutcliffe.

"This has been most enlightening," he said to their hosts as guests began making their farewells. "I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to consult with such knowledgeable practitioners."

"The benefit has been mutual, I assure you," Sean replied. "Your practical perspective on implementing these principles within an estate community provides valuable insight for our other educational initiatives."

"Indeed," Lady Evangeline agreed. "In fact, we were hoping you might consider joining the Society for Educational Improvement as a patron. Your influence could encourage other landowners to consider similar approaches on their estates."

The invitation was unexpected but not unwelcome.

"I would be honoured," Chilton said sincerely. "Though I should prefer to establish Sutcliffe's program successfully before presuming to guide others."

"A prudent approach," Sean approved. "Nevertheless, your willingness to champion these principles within the aristocracy would be most valuable. Few of your peers have shown similar interest."

As they continued discussing potential collaboration, Chilton was acutely conscious of Meredith preparing to depart. She had retrieved her wrap and reticule and was exchanging final thoughts with Mr. Harper near the doorway.

"If you'll excuse me a moment," he said to Sean and Lady Evangeline, "there's a matter I should discuss with Miss Martin before she leaves."

Understanding flashed in Lady Evangeline's eyes. "Of course. In fact, we're hosting a small musical evening tomorrow. Perhaps you both might join us? Mrs. Fielding has a niece with remarkable vocal talent who will be performing several pieces."

The transparent attempt at matchmaking might have been amusing under different circumstances. As it was, Chilton merely thanked her for the invitation before making his way toward where Meredith stood alone, Mr. Harper having just taken his leave.

"Miss Martin," he said as he approached. "Might I speak with you a moment before you depart?"

She turned, her expression guarded yet not unwelcoming. "Of course, my lord."

"I was wondering if you might consider another meeting to discuss our educational initiatives further," he said, the formal request belying the personal motivation behind it.

"There are aspects of your Oxford approach that could benefit Sutcliffe's program, and perhaps elements of my plan that might address some of the challenges you've mentioned. "

Meredith regarded him thoughtfully, as if weighing his words for hidden meaning.

"That seems a reasonable suggestion," she said finally. "Did you have a particular time in mind?"

"Lady Evangeline has invited us both to a musical evening here tomorrow," Chilton said. "But perhaps we might meet earlier? I could call for you at your mother’s residence, and we could take a turn in the park before coming here. The weather promises to be fair."

It was a carefully proper suggestion—a daytime walk in a public place, followed by an evening in company. Yet they both recognized it as something more significant than mere professional consultation.

"That would be agreeable," Meredith said after a brief hesitation. "Shall we say three o'clock? Mother resides at seventeen Bloomsbury Square."

"Three o'clock," Chilton confirmed, unable to completely conceal his pleasure at her acceptance. "I look forward to it."

As he assisted her into the hackney cab that would return her to Bloomsbury, their hands touched briefly through her gloves.

The contact, though minimal and entirely proper, sent a current of awareness through Chilton that had nothing to do with educational philosophy and everything to do with the woman herself.

"Until tomorrow, Miss Martin," he said, stepping back as the driver prepared to depart.

"Until tomorrow, Lord Sutcliffe," she replied, her voice steady though a hint of colour stained her cheeks.

As the cab pulled away, Chilton remained on the pavement for a moment, watching it disappear around the corner before returning to make his own farewells to the Smythes.

The afternoon had been productive beyond his expectations, both in refining his educational plans and in reestablishing connection with Meredith.

Tomorrow would bring a more personal conversation—one less constrained by the formal setting and educational focus of today's gathering. The prospect filled him with nervous anticipation. So much remained unspoken between them, so many assumptions untested, so many possibilities unexplored.

Yet as Chilton made his way back to Grosvenor Street through London's bustling streets, one certainty had emerged from the day's events: whatever barriers of background, perspective, or social expectation might stand between them, his connection with Meredith Martin was too meaningful to relinquish without a fight.

The question that remained was whether she might come to share that conviction—and what future they might build if she did.