Page 13 of What the Heart Knows

“I’d like you to stop at Mr. Beuth’s shop to pick up that list he promised. I will continue on to the Barque and order a late luncheon for us. We’ll plan our activities for the next few days while we eat.”

Chapter Four

Sea Grange Manor, Suffolk, A few minutes later

Father was in the library, so Meg went immediately there. She expected the conversation to be unpleasant, but delaying the inevitable with him always made things worse.

He stood, bussed her cheek and gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Come sit with me by the fire.”

Once settled, he asked after her day and listened with interest as she discussed her purchases. Meg felt comfortable with him as she had not since before the war. Was he returning to his old self? Had he realized how unpleasant his behavior had been recently?

“I gather you met a gentleman while in the shop,” Father said. “I’m surprised you did not mention it.”

“Oh, la,” she waved the statement away. “I’d forgotten him,” she lied. She didn’t like lying to anyone, but if it would deflect an angry outburst and maintain Father’s pleasant demeanor, the lie would be worth it.

“I’ve heard disturbing reports of you traveling about Fenwick unaccompanied, or worse, in company of persons of whom I would not approve,” Father began, his expression clouding.

Reminding him he had insisted she go without escort on this and several occasions was pointless. He might be obsessed with decorum much of the time, but the obsession was erratic in ways convenient only for Father.

“You know I am perfectly safe in Fenwick. No one would dare accost me for fear of answering to you.”

“Nonetheless, you have behaved improperly. I am most disappointed and must consider consequences,” He rose, placed his hands behind his back and paced to and fro before the hearth.

Meg waited. She’d learned not to make suggestions when Father considered consequences.

“You should have come with Brookbank. I informed him how inexcusable I found his failure to return with you.”

“I am sorry, Father.” Details too were best left unsaid as any little thing could trigger her father’s temper.

“Why did you not?”

Meg held her silence. Father rarely cared why she acted. The question was rhetorical at best.

“Well?” From a side table, he picked up a long rule used for drawing straight lines and slapped it against his hand.

Meg knew from experience exactly how that slim piece of wood felt when whipped across bared skin. He’d never used it himself. He had instructed her governess to “apply the rod as needed”

“I had not completed the purchases you sent me to make. I did suggest to Brookbank that he wait for me.”

Father’s brows rose, and he put the rule aside. “Really? He did not inform me. I shall have to consult him on the matter.”

Not instruct him but consult him? Not believe your daughter over your clerk? More evidence that, as Meg suspected, Brookbank possessed some hold over Father.

“I do apologize for any concern you felt, Father.”

Some emotion—worry, regret, fear—Meg couldn’t be certain, filled Father’s eyes.

“’Tis no matter, dear Meg.” Taking her hand, he brought her to her feet and folded her into a hug. “I’m glad you realize I worry for you.” He released her and led her to the door.

She cast her own gaze to the floor. “Yes, Father.”

“I also have an apology to make. Brookbank and I will leave in an hour and will be traveling for the next few days. I know you have missed me and I’ve been home too short a time for us to establish the comfortable routine we once had. I promise, we will spend more time together in the future.”

Meg was overjoyed to be rid of Brookbank, whom she blamed for the changes in her once affectionate papa. “I will miss you,” she said. “Traveling on such short notice is no doubt inconvenient.”

“I see you understand my difficulties. Behave while I’m gone, daughter. I’ll hear about any infraction of my rules.”

Meg was certain he would. However, she had her own means of avoiding notice from the household. She looked forward to a few days of unfettered freedom.