Page 30 of Mistress of Misfortune

Chapter 8

Spending the day confined to her bedchamber allowed Meredith ample time to relive the wonderful moments she had spent dancing with Alistair Thorne. He had transformed an ever-dreaded activity into a new and exciting delight, and for once gave her a chance to be like other young ladies. If only she hadn’t been so clumsy and tripped, she might have spent the evening in his company. But at least she had the memory of their one dance to cherish—and the kisses they had shared in the tower before disaster struck.

Annie brought her meals on trays, and promised to do what she could to repair the jade silk gown.

“This looks like boot blacking, Miss,” the maid said, showing her the scuff mark. “You must have kicked a gentleman jolly hard to make that mark.”

“I suppose I did that as I fell,” Meredith told her.

As the day dragged on she thought on everything that had happened over and over. She’d felt her foot catch on something hard, something that had jerked it back and sent her off-balance. She hadn’t seen what; it might have been a boot. Perhaps her foot had collided with a man’s boot as he had been taking a step, but then it wouldn’t have jerked backward unless he was walking past her. Everyone around her had been leaving the dance floor, moving in the same direction Meredith had been walking.

In the end she had to agree with Thorne’s claim that someone had tripped her: a man, for ladies did not wear boots. But who would be so spiteful?

During her afternoon tea Meredith tested her weight on her foot, which felt much improved, and decided to go downstairs for dinner. She asked Annie to walk with her. The last thing she needed to do was take another tumble down the stairs. But when she reached the dining room she found it empty. From there she followed the sound of her mother’s voice into the sitting room.

Her mother and aunt and cousin were having a very late tea, while her father sat reading a book. All of them looked up as she came in as if expecting her.

“Mama.” Meredith smiled at her cousin and aunt. “Why is everyone here?”

“I was just going to send the maid to fetch you.” Lady Starling gestured for Meredith to sit beside her, a favored spot usually reserved for Percival.

“Should we not be having dinner, Mama?” she asked, feeling confused.

“We have come together for a special purpose, my dear, and had to discuss the particulars. Everything has been decided to our satisfaction.” Her mother beamed happily at Percival. “Very well, my dear boy. You may proceed.”

Meredith glanced up at her cousin, whom she just now realized was wearing his finest tailcoat and cravat, and then at his mother, who looked absolutely bilious. “Has something happened, Cousin?”

“Meredith, my dear girl,” Percival said, placing his hands behind his back and clearing his throat several times. “You know that since we were nippers I have had much affection for you. All these years your excellent parents…” He smiled at Lady Starling. “…have treated me like a beloved son. I think I have also been of great service to you in your times of trouble.”

Meredith felt a little impatient now. “Yes, I’ve always regarded you like a brother, Percival. I’m grateful for your many kindnesses to me.” Did she have to express her gratitude every time they were together?

He frowned a little, as if she had made him lose his place in a well-rehearsed speech. “Yes, well. I know you have endured much suffering, which I find admirable. Unhappily your misfortunes have prevented any suitable man from forming an attachment to you. This has made me very sad on your behalf. Indeed, I have often wondered what I might do to assuage your pain.”

“You have been a constant companion.” One Meredith often wished she could avoid, truth be told. Her cousin’s vanity often grew tiresome. “I daresay your brotherly affection has never wavered.”

Percival pressed a hand over his heart. “Indeed, with me at your side I know I may be able to deflect future tragedy, and fill your life with new meaning and purpose.”

Lavinia made a mournful sound and propped her brow against her hand.

He meant to offer for her, Meredith suddenly realized. The very notion sent a shudder of revulsion through her. Marry Percival? Allow him to kiss her and touch her and whatever more happened in a marriage?

She had to escape this before it was too late.

“I thank you for your kind words, cousin. I am feeling rather tired, so I must go back to my room now,” Meredith said, rising quickly to her feet.

“Do not be ridiculous.” Lady Starling tugged her back down. “You were meant to hear this last night. That was the whole reason for attending Lady Hardiwick’s ball. We intended to announce it there, before all our friends, but you spoiled that. Now permit Percival to finish what he wishes to tell you.” She made an encouraging gesture to her nephew.

“I know you are in pain, dear girl, but I bring joy to you this night,” her cousin assured her. “All I have ever wanted is your happiness, Meredith, and I know you feel the same. So, I have come here to ask you to join with me in the endeavor for the rest of our lives and do me the honor.” He went down on one knee.

Meredith stared at his toothy smile. He really had done it. “You wish to marry me.”

“Of course, he does,” Lady Starling hissed.

“I am not in favor of the match,” Lavinia said to no one in particular.

She looked from her cousin to her father, who seemed oblivious to what was happening. “Papa?”

Her father glanced up from his book and squinted at her. “What? Oh, yes, Percival has spoken with me, and I have given my permission.” He waved a hand. “You may accept, my dear.”