Page 30 of A Treacherous Bet to Win a Duchess

Last autumn, hearing that Mother had fallen ill, Anthony moved back home. Admittedly, he did not really give Cecilia enough attention, for he was more focused on trying to help Mother.

“May I have a moment with Cecilia?”

So the siblings stepped out into the hallway.

“Cecilia, I want to apologize. I have regrettably misunderstood you. For all this time, I thought that I needed to stop you from being so childish. But I am just now learning that in truth, you never really had a chance tobea child.”

Her only reply was a faint smile.

But Anthony did not waver, “How would you feel about starting afresh? I promise it will be completely different from now on.”

Still no reply.

“Do you not believe me, Cecilia? I am giving you my word that I will try my hardest.”

“Thank you, Brother,” she squeaked.

Apparently, that was all that Cecilia had to say to him for now.

It’s all right. I shall prove it to her. And I shall have Miss Meyer help me do so.

When the siblings reentered the drawing room, they were surprised to find Miss Meyer seated at the pianoforte, with Kenneth and Colin standing on either side of her.

“Do you know how to play the pianoforte, Miss Meyer?”

She turned to face Anthony, “Not at all, Your Grace. I happened to mention to Lord Gillinghamshire that I had never seen one before, so he offered to let me sit at it. I was just trying the keys. Is Lady Cecilia all right?”

“Hmm? Yes, we just needed to discuss something. I cannot believe I’m saying this, but given that we still have some time until dinner is served, would you be willing to play us something on your flute, Kenny?”

With a devilish grin, Kenneth replied, “I’m already ahead of you, old boy.”

* * *

Meredith watched Lady Cecilia start to nod off. They were now seated directly opposite each other in the coach. Exactly as he said he would, the Duke had sent them home as soon as dinner was over so that Lady Cecilia could finally go to bed.

Mr. Fletcher greeted them once they had alighted at Ambrose Estate.

“Welcome back, Lady Cecilia, Miss Meyer. I trust that you both had a splendid evening.”

“Yes, Mr. Fletcher. Thank you. His Grace asked us to tell you that he will arrive later on in the evening.”

“Yes, thank you, Miss Meyer. Good night. I shall have Mrs. Oakley escort Lady Cecilia to her room.”

“Mr. Fletcher, may Miss Meyer accompany me instead?”

Meredith exchanged surprised looks with Mr. Fletcher.

“Yes, of course, Lady Cecilia. Would you mind, Miss Meyer?”

“Not at all! I would be delighted.”

After all, their rooms were not too far apart, just on opposite sides of the same hallway.

As they slowly ascended the steps, Lady Cecilia yawned, “Miss Meyer, do you think Brother can change?”

“Why, of course, Lady Cecilia! Anyone can change.”

Meredith expected Lady Cecilia to follow up on this answer, but she did not, perhaps because—like Meredith—she was tired. This intriguing question played on Meredith’s mind even after she had finally reached her own room. But as curious as she was, Meredith had not had a proper night’s sleep in two days. So she was asleep as soon as her head touched her pillow.