That was also why, although he knew he might regret it, he said, ‘I’ll take you to the public house myself.’
Chapter Ten
Drake not only took her to the public house, he attended the meeting with the gardener beforehand, then took Meridith on to the police station afterwards, where her request for information was granted. The name they were given caused Drake’s eyebrows to rise, and he wondered whether it would make Meridith give up her plan for retribution.
Yet it didn’t seem to alter her determination.
Once they’d left the station and were inside his coach, he asked, ‘Are you sure you want to follow through with this?’
‘Of course.’
‘But the boy they named is Adam’s brother. Baron Montgomery’s son.’
‘I am fully aware of that,’ she replied. ‘I’m also fully aware that the baron and baroness already know that their son was responsible for what happened. The police told them when they brought him home last night.’
‘Perhaps that’s where it should end. They may not appreciate further interference, especially when your sister Diana and the baroness are such close friends.’
She shook her head. ‘Neither a family’s social position, nor their friendships, should influence their responsibility in correcting misdeeds.’
‘No, it shouldn’t, but it does. It’s simply the world we live in.’
‘This may be “the world we live in”, but as such it is our responsibility to make it a fair and just world for everyone.’
She had a point, yet Drake didn’t want to see her hurt over something that truly shouldn’t involve her. ‘Upsetting certain people has been known to directly damage other people’s reputations.’
‘I’m aware of that.’
‘Well, then, think about your sister. What will she have to say about you confronting her friend, the baroness, about her son’s misdeeds?’
‘Diana will most likely be quite put out with me, but that is not unusual.’
Drake was in agreement with her that the boys should be held accountable. At the same time, he was worried about the repercussion she could face by insisting on retribution. ‘How about I pay for the damages, the zoo, the park, and the wine? After all, I’m the one who brought Hugo to London.’
‘That wouldn’t be fair. You are not the one responsible for the damage.’
‘I don’t want to see more damage,’ he replied.
‘As in my reputation?’ She shook her head. ‘I don’t have one.’
‘Yes, you do. Your family has a very favourable reputation.’
‘Nothing I am doing should damage my or my family’s reputation, but if it does, I will wear it like a badge. Now, are you going to signal your driver, or should I?’
This was not an argument that he was going to win. Her mind was made up, but at least he’d be with her and protect her against whatever the Montgomerys might suggest.
Using the cane next to his seat, Drake tapped the roof of the carriage. He had to admit that Meridith no longer reminded him of a little turtle with her head safely tucked inside her shell. Instead, she was sticking her head out, or her neck in thisinstance, for what she believed in. He had to admire that, and did.
Still, he couldn’t help worrying, including about whether admiration was theonlything he felt towards her.
They were welcomed into the Montgomery home by a butler, and within moments, the four of them, he, Meridith, the baron, and baroness, were all sitting in the front parlour.
The first thing the baron mentioned was their adventure the previous evening, saying he’d read about it in the newspaper.
‘Last night’s event is why we are here,’ Meridith said, immediately diving deeper into the subject. ‘The boys responsible for what happened need to be made aware of the consequences of their mistakes.’
Drake flinched at her directness, but wasn’t surprised. Nor was he surprised by the startled look that the baron and baroness shared.
‘I’m aware that one of your sons was brought home by the police after falling off Hugo in the park,’ Meridith continued, ‘and am here to discuss the costs of the damages that occurred as a result of his actions.’
