Chapter 18: Homecoming—Meredith

Waiting

The weekend was not what Meredith had hoped for. She thought she would meet Liam at the Rathskeller and have a nice night out. They would have a romantic walk back to campus and she would drive them out to Buxton House. With luck, they would get there after everyone had gone to bed and she would have a chance to slip into the spare room with Liam for a while. Maybe a long while.

But then the strikers had pulled her off the street and held her hostage. For a few minutes. Then Liam had burst in and nobly offered himself in exchange for her. The idiot! Didn’t he know a royal was worth any number of servants? No. Of course not. To Liam, all people were worth the same. That was what made him royal. If he had taken any other course of action, it would not have been noble.

She had put him in this situation. She should have been more careful.

Then he sent word that he needed his suit. It wasn’t worded the way Liam would have done even a week ago. A week ago, he would have told Erich he needed clothes for negotiations. Instead, he itemized exactly what he wanted. Suit, shirt, tie, and shoes. Liam was showing he had the situation under control and was making the decisions.

He was acting like a royal.

The ringing of her phone startled Meredith so much she froze in place wondering if this was Liam calling her. Foolish. The phone rang again and she rushed to answer it.

“Hello. This is Meredith Sauvage. How may I help you?”

“Very nice, Meredith. It’s Regina. I’m planning a party and I could use your assistance.”

“A party? Now?”

“Yes. We’ll need to celebrate Liam’s victory.”

“You’ve heard? Has he won?”

“Dear Meredith, you don’t understand how this works. Everyone wins.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Meredith did not understand. This was a layer of royalty she had not been exposed to.

“Now, let’s have the party on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That will give things a chance to settle down. It will be a somewhat larger party than Liam’s birthday, so we’ll serve food from the buffet.”

“I’ll coordinate it with cook, ma’am.”

“I’d like you to help with the invitations since all the important guests are people you know.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Your classmates and their parents. Peggy Anne and Karen with their parents, of course. Lonnie and his sweetheart. Let’s make sure both of their parents are invited. Miss Ritter’s mother has been very influential in getting the sides together.”

“Yes, of course. Should I assume you would also like Mr. Winzar to attend?”

“Oh! What a wonderful suggestion. I see you are understanding the process. Please indicate a plus one and his parents if they happen to be in town. Now, who else?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, of course.”

“Yes. And don’t forget your parents, dear.”

“Thank you, ma’am. And Richard and Donnie’s parents. They’ll need to get leave in order to travel home.”

“I leave the rest to you, Meredith. I, and the university, will understand if you don’t make it to classes this week. I don’t think we’ll send Liam back to Elenchus just now.”

“I’ll do my best, madam.”

“I have always believed you would.”

Meredith collapsed in her desk chair. She had been given a task by the matriarch. Perhaps it was nothing more than busywork to keep her active but it was work from the matriarch. She needed to get used to this. One day it would be Liam.

“Mr. Winzar, it is Miss Sauvage calling.”

“A delight, Miss Sauvage. How may I help you this afternoon?”

“The call is a simple thank you for the part you played in ending the strike. I’m sure Mr. Cyning will want to express his thanks personally.”

“I could see what he was doing from a mile away. When that reporter called it was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. It was well-played. Is it over yet?”

“They are still in negotiations, which I am told is a good sign. There will be a formal invitation, of course, but Mr. Cyning is planning a bit of a holiday party in celebration and would like to entertain you and a guest on Saturday after Thanksgiving. He extends this invitation as well to your parents, should they happen to be visiting for the holiday.”

“Ah. As it happens, my parents will be here. Would you mind terribly addressing the invitation to them at my address.”

“I will be delighted. Oh, and Mr. Winzar, I assume you have good information sources but we believe in sharing the news we hear if we deem it important. As you know, Mr. Cyning will join us at the university in January.”

“Yes.”

“I have recently been informed that Miss Elizabeth Kendrick will also begin at mid-term.”

“Ah, yes. So, the gathering of the eligible royals has begun. Well, perhaps I’ll be lucky this time and discover she’s a lesbian.”

“I beg your pardon, sir?”

“As you will discover soon enough, Miss Sauvage, my predilection is toward my own gender. It would be convenient to have a wife who also had that predilection. I’m sure we could still manage a conception, but we wouldn’t need to depend on each other for recreation.”

“I will keep my eyes open for someone who might fill the position. Please feel free to bring a guest of either gender to the party. No one will object.”

“Thank you. Good day, Miss Sauvage.”

“Good day, Mr. Winzar.”

The News

“Miss Sauvage. Miss Sauvage.” Lupe knocked insistently on Meredith’s door. She needed to tell the poor woman that if the door is unlocked, she may come in as needed. Meredith opened the door.

“What is it, Lupe?”

“Mr. Cyning called Erich to come and get him. The negotiations are finished. He said Mr. Ferguson is calling the press to meet at the picket line. You may want to watch the news.”

“Watch? Indeed! I need to impress upon Mr. Cyning who his personal assistant is. I suppose Erich has left already.”

“Yes, Miss. Mr. Cyning’s parents have gathered in the lounge to watch the conference and invite you to watch as well.”

“I ... I’ll join them at once.”

Liam was as comfortable to Meredith as a well-fitting glove. His grandmother was charming and always welcoming. His parents, however, seemed very conscious of their station and a bit standoffish. She didn’t think they actively disliked her, but they still made her nervous. She hurried to the lounge. Grandmother Cyning was also just arriving.

“Mother! Just in time. They’ve just broken into regular programming. Meredith. Please fix yourself a drink. Mother, the usual?”

“I can get my own. Don’t disturb anyone to wait on me.”

“Brian is behind the bar already, Mother. He can as well mix your drink.” Brian, in fact, rushed up to Regina with a martini and presented it to her.

“Thank you, Brian.”

“My pleasure, Mrs. Cyning.”

Meredith had just reached the bar when Brian returned. He sent her to the front of the bar.

“No matter what the boss says, Miss Sauvage, when I am tending bar, I fix drinks for everyone. What can I make you?”

“I’d almost join in the martinis but I think I’d better stick to non-alcoholic beverages. A tonic and lemon?”

“You’re an easy one to mix for. Oh, look. The people are getting in front of the microphones.” He finished pouring her drink and deftly twisted a lime wedge into the glass. Then both moved closer to the television. Several other staff members stuck heads in the door and lined up against the walls.

“This has been a very long day. Of course, for some of you gathered here it has been much longer. Your dedication is noted.” Ferguson had been the first to step up to the microphones and was trying to put everyone at ease. Most of the audience was striking employees. “I am happy to say, however, that after hours of bargaining, we have arrived at a solution I believe will please both the workers and the shareholders. Mr. Peters and I have signed a new employment contract on behalf of all employees. Yes. You have heard me right. We live in a world ruled by contracts, yet it strikes me as strange that in our closest relationship—that of employer and employee—we have never put pen to paper to formalize our relationship. This contract spells out the currently agreed terms as well as steps forward that will enable us to keep pace with the economy and make sure our workers are fairly compensated as times change. With this contract in place, we hope to never see a strike again. Of course, both the union and the shareholders must ratify this contract, but I am confident you will all find it more than acceptable.” There was applause, though the workers seemed a bit hesitant. “I would like your own spokesperson to address you at this time. Mr. Randy Peters.”

Meredith recognized the man from her brief time in captivity. He seemed like a fair enough man who was truly appalled that his fellow-workers would kidnap someone off the street to hold as hostage. She felt he might have sent her home regardless of Liam showing up.

“Hi, guys. I guess you heard from Mr. Ferguson that we settled. We agreed not to talk about the specific terms in front of the cameras but I can tell you that Mr. Ferguson has very fairly agreed to terms as good or better than we asked originally. I believe this means good things for our working relationship in the future and that we can once again take great pride in the shoes that we produce and the company for which we work. As your representative, I have signed the contract on your behalf. That means we all go to work in the morning and vote to ratify it.” At Randy’s announcement, the workers let out a genuine cheer and applauded. Ferguson stepped back to the microphones and placed a hand on Randy’s shoulder.

“Please understand that at such short notice we cannot provide printed copies of the contract at this time. Typewritten copies have been provided for the press and in the morning, I am assured there will be copies available for all employees at the door. Your representative and negotiator have represented you well. I’m happy to say we worked as a team. I will also say that Mr. Cyning, falsely reported as being a hostage, has been a welcome guest of both the workers and of Covington Shoes. He plans to return to his home now. Now go home and get some rest. Be fresh when you clock in tomorrow morning.”

There was more applause and cheering as the reporters tried in vain to ask questions. Ferguson, Randy, and Liam all turned their backs on the cameras and worked their way around to the gate where Erich was waiting for Liam.

“So, Liam succeeded in talking some sense into those strikers. Fergie seems happy and the workers pleased with a contract they don’t even know the terms of yet.” Thomas and Lydia laughed and toasted each other. Regina smiled and turned to Meredith.

“We are having dinner in the dining room this evening. You and Erich will also attend. Please stay here in the lounge for hors d’oeuvres and refresh your drink.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you. I was hoping I could greet Liam when he arrived back.”

“Perhaps not in the fashion you were hoping, but you will be with the family.”

Thomas took a call in the study and returned shortly to the lounge.

“Fergie says Liam acquitted himself well today. He sounded almost as proud of the boy as I am. Did anyone notice, by the way, that he was wearing a suit and tie? They looked new. You don’t suppose he went out shopping while he was held hostage, do you?” Lydia laughed at her husband’s lightheartedness. They turned to Meredith. “Do you know anything about the suit?”

“If I am not mistaken, that is the suit Liam acquired just before school started. Perhaps he has not had an opportunity to wear it before now.”

“Of course.” Lydia toasted her husband again. “No doubt when the news of the meeting came out, his valet convinced the strikers to let him change. That would be just like Erich. Always thinking ahead.” Meredith just nodded her head.

“You must remember, dear, that you are dealing with merchants here.” Regina took Meredith by the elbow and led her back to the bar. “Have an appetizer, Meredith. You needn’t be nervous. As I was saying, the merchants place a price tag on everything and have determined the exact value of Erich as their son’s valet and you as his personal assistant. Apparently, Mr. Ferguson did not explain the extent of Liam’s involvement. I think we can safely say, they will stay in divine ignorance until he does.”

The four continued to chat as either Thomas or Lydia was continually called out of the room to talk to an associate or friend calling to congratulate them on Liam’s release. To a one, they considered the release to be the accomplishment of Thomas and Lydia. Lupe came into the room and whispered to Brian before rushing out again. Brian rang a small bell on the bar.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am informed that Master Liam has just arrived.”

Everyone moved to the hallway and awaited Liam’s entrance. Meredith snickered to herself, thinking Liam might well come in from the garage with Erich. It seemed Regina understood exactly what she was saying.

“No matter how much he would wish it, Liam will not disappoint his parents on his return home. Erich won’t let him. He will come in ... just ... about ... now.” The old woman proved psychic as Liam opened the door and the four applauded his entry.

“My son, the survivor, the conqueror, and the young royal of our family.” Thomas made a rare display of embracing his son and turning him directly to his mother for like treatment. As soon as he was free, Liam embraced his grandmother and then turned to face Meredith. She flowed into his open arms for a warm embrace but whispered as she did.

“Only a hug, Liam. Don’t be inappropriate.” He released her and they all went back to the lounge. Erich arrived from the kitchen at the same time and quietly blended in. Meredith saw, however, that he was merely a step behind Regina. She assumed a similar position behind Liam as he told of his adventure.

“It was a bit chill at night. I mean, it is November. But Erich delivered my ski jacket and stocking cap. It wasn’t so bad then.” Liam explained what the conditions were in the camp.

“On the ground? You slept on the ground?”

“It was like going camping, Mother. We had a nice campfire that was fed throughout the night and I shared the same conditions as the workers. It was that, in part, that allowed me to win their trust and let me guide them.”

“Fergie was pleased. He said you did well and that is a good enough recommendation for me. He said, and I quote, ‘I wish he were a merchant. But, of course, he could no longer be royal then.’ We had a good laugh at that.” Thomas was on his third martini as far as Meredith had observed. He may have started much earlier.

Dinner was peaceable. Liam’s father continued to laud praises on his son but it was obvious that he didn’t really know what Liam’s role had been. And that he was becoming quite drunk. Finally, Regina saw fit to intervene.

“Lydia, we are obviously all exhausted. Poor Liam is nearly asleep in his chair. Why don’t you and Thomas go to your suite for a nightcap and let the rest of us retire as well.”

“Yes, Mother Cyning. I believe that is a good idea.” Thomas stood shakily and Brian moved in at once to help support him as they moved to their suite.

“You’ve seen your father in a rare condition. He was truly very concerned about you, Liam. Let us say he over-celebrated.”

“Indeed, Grandmother. I hope he is fully recovered tomorrow. Oh, my. I suppose I need to get some sleep so I can get back to school tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry about that. I believe that after your adventure, you should stay here for the week. And next week is a holiday, so let’s just say we are starting yours early. We have a lot of holiday planning to do.”

“Thank you, Grandmother.”

“You do look very handsome in that suit, by the by. Excellent taste. Goodnight, Liam. Goodnight, Meredith. Erich, would you escort me to my chamber?”

“Certainly, madam.”

“Goodnight, Grandmother. Sleep well.”

Reunion

Liam and Meredith strolled into the lounge. Of course, the dishes were being cleared from the dining room and there were staff around, so they restrained themselves, merely sitting side-by-side on a loveseat holding hands and talking softly. Brian approached them with a tray.

“Cook fixed your favorite baked brie, Master Liam. He said it seemed a shame that everyone had left the table before cheese and coffee. May I pour for you?”

“Thank you, Brian. Please tell cook thank you from me as well. We do like his baked brie.” Liam leaned forward and handed a cup of hot coffee to Meredith. They each took a sip and as soon as they saw the room was empty, set down their cups and embraced in a long and loving kiss. “I know we should eat the brie, but all I want to do is feast on your lips.”

“Oh, Liam, I was so worried about you. Please, don’t ever offer yourself in trade for me again. I couldn’t have lived if anything bad had happened to you.”

“I understand your feeling, darling. But I’ve suddenly come to understand what royals do.”

“Let us not disappoint cook. We must have some cheese.” Liam cut wedges from the pastry covered cheese and served Meredith, then himself. Cook was right, Meredith thought. Liam certainly loves this dish. “Now tell me what your epiphany was.”

“When I was first told I was royal and found out about all the different classes, I thought what a waste. Every other class has a function. Yet royals don’t produce anything. We seemed like a remnant of some bygone era that no one really needed any longer. But now I think I see what Grandmother was telling me about royals leading. I was able to lead the workers to a reasonable ask from the company. I was able to lead Mr. Ferguson to see how our asks would benefit him in the long run. I negotiated a settlement between them and an employment contract.”

“You? Liam, do you mean... ?”

“Yes. Fergie was a bit surprised when I sat opposite him at the table but he soon warmed to the idea, basically challenging me to a battle of wills.”

“That ... And the workers let you represent them?”

“Yes. Isn’t that amazing?”

“That is perhaps less amazing than that you negotiated for them but not by much.” They laughed, ate more cheese, and stole kisses between sips of coffee.

“Liam, are you ready for our night to end?” Meredith’s whisper would not have carried past Liam’s ears for all that there were no others around as they walked up the stairs.

“Not at all, darling. Shall we go to the room past mine?”

“No. Liam, in your study, there is a door.”

“Of course. I use it to enter the room.”

“Not that door. On the opposite wall.”

“That wall has my bookcases.” Meredith moaned. “Do you mean there is a door behind my bookcase?” Liam had lived here all his life and didn’t know about the door. “Does it connect?”

“Our studies. But if you have a bookcase in front of it, it is of no use to us.”

“I’ll move it. I need to change out of my suit and then I’ll start unloading the books and move the shelf.”

“My darling, that would take forever tonight. Take me instead to the room that will become your sitting room.”

They looked around carefully before hurrying down the hall to the door past Liam’s bedroom. Once inside the couple did not hesitate to kiss and caress each other. When they finally pulled themselves away from each other, they were both rather a frazzled mess. Liam’s shirt hung open, his jacket flung on the floor. Meredith’s blouse gapped open and her bra was unfastened.

“If we had more comfortable furnishings, this might go further, my love. But not here on the floor.” She tucked her blouse in and pulled it shut, going to the door. “If there is no one in the hall, I will hurry to my room.” She peeked out and as she suspected, the hall was dark and empty. “Goodnight, my love.” She rushed out of the room and to her own, leaving Liam to decide his own way to his room.

When Meredith arose in the morning, she went straight to work. Each invitation needed to be written in her best hand. She was sure other classes simply typed invitations or didn’t bother with them at all and simply used the telephone. That was not the case with the Cyning household. She clearly remembered the invitation she had received to Liam’s sixteenth birthday party. She had opened it with anticipation and thrilled to the contents. She was certain it was penned in Regina Cyning’s own hand. It was one of her most treasured possessions.

She called the kitchen and had breakfast delivered to her study. As she ate and drank her coffee, she perused the guestlist and added the names of Randy and Sally Peters. Liam had spoken so highly of them that she couldn’t help but think they were special and should be included on this list. Thinking she might spice things up a bit, she added the name of her former roommate, Hana Ito plus one.

All the time she was working, she kept hearing sounds on the other side of the door. Liam had not called her this morning, even to invite her to breakfast. Meredith wrote invitations and addressed envelopes all morning.

At half past twelve, her phone rang.

“Meredith, my dear, will you have lunch with me? I’m afraid I’ve been so busy this morning that I have neglected you. Please forgive me and join me for the midday repast.”

“Liam, you are so formal. Of course I will join you. Shall I meet you in the hall?”

“I need to wash and put on a clean shirt first. I’ll knock at your door as soon as I’m ready. Until then, my dear.”

“Yes, Liam.”

Meredith hung up the phone and went to her dressing room/bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror and adjusted her makeup and hair slightly. Then she decided to change blouses. After all, Liam was putting on a clean shirt. She studied herself critically, surprised at how anxious she was to please him. A few moments later, a light knock on her door brought her to attention and she opened it to find Liam. He was casually dressed in slacks and a polo shirt. She fully approved and took his arm as they went to the kitchen nook where cook was setting out bowls of soup.

“Thank you for letting me get so much work done this morning. I had a lengthy phone call with the contractor working on our condos. It seems some people need to have approval of every decision. Yes, the marble tile is fine. Yes, both units should have kitchens. Yes, yes, yes. He could make the decisions himself.”

“You don’t suppose the agent told him my name.”

“That would explain a lot. I suggest that tomorrow we pay a surprise visit to inspect the property. How would that be?”

“As long as we don’t give the poor man and his crew heart attacks.” They laughed at the thought of surprising the construction workers. They would wear blue jeans and chambray shirts. “Actually, that’s what I’ve been wearing all morning long. I unloaded the bookshelves and started work at clearing the door. You see the shelves run the entire length of the wall, completely concealing the door. I’m afraid I shall have to ask Erich to provide assistance this afternoon.”

“You must have an impressive book collection.”

“There are several hundred volumes but I’m afraid I’m a bit of a packrat. I have every book I’ve touched since a toddler. Can’t bear to give them up. I’ve thought, ‘Someday, I’ll pass this on to my son.’ I know it sounds ridiculous. Styles and tastes in literature will have changed so much by then.”

“As long as you are sure to give him your volumes of the Brontës and Austen. They certainly helped you understand how to love a woman.”

“I feel I am still only beginning. There is so much to learn about you.”

“I have a long time to teach you.”

“I’m afraid I will not be finished with the shelves today. Would you like to go out this evening?”

“Since our date last weekend was so rudely interrupted, I think it could be arranged.”