Chapter 6: Dating Mistakes—Meredith

Shopping

Meredith was sitting by her phone at five minutes till ten, hoping Liam would call first thing in the morning. Her heart sped up with anticipation and she kept getting up, determined to make it more than two steps away before she returned to her waiting.

She lied to her parents the previous night. She was sure they knew it. She told them it wasn’t like she had fallen in love with Liam but in fact it was very much like she had fallen in love. She could tell by her racing heart how much she was looking forward to his call and hearing his voice. She might well have been a character in a Brontë novel that Liam had read. He kissed her fingers! And dinner had been ... sensual. It was a wonder they had not ended up making out in the lounge instead of eating the cheese. It had been easy to keep a conversation going, though, so they didn’t succumb. It was definitely her call. She was sure Liam would have no difficulty learning the fundamentals of that type of kissing. She could still taste his lips and feel his tongue.

And what would be the harm? She had been interviewed extensively by Mrs. Cyning the elder before she agreed to come to Liam’s birthday party. She’d been told in no uncertain terms that she was not there to have sex with Mrs. Cyning’s grandson. However, if the two of them developed that relationship she would not interfere unless it appeared the emotional bond was so strong that Liam would be unable to marry advantageously. She was very clear that Meredith would never be suitable marriage material for Liam.

Meredith knew this and understood it. Unlike Liam, once Meredith had been told and was satisfied with her class, she was given an extensive course in the characteristics, expectation, and relationships of the different classes. It was not unheard of for a person of any class to marry a person of any other class. Highly mismatched couples generally resulted in a change in one or the other’s class. There were no recorded cases of a servant moving to a different class if she or he married a royal. It always worked the other way and the royal was moved to become a merchant or politico. One had even taken up a trade and they lived happily ever after. Meredith would do nothing to risk Liam losing his standing as a royal. One of her jobs was to help him find suitable partners in a class that he could marry.

Regina had been a royal and married a royal of the Cyning family. It was arranged for them and she went to the marriage willingly, having been well educated in her role and responsibilities. She had brought her tutor with her into the marriage and continued to be his lover. When her husband passed away ten years ago, the Cynings were not left without a royal. Regina stepped into the job as easily as she bore the class. Meredith wished she had discovered who the tutor was but was smart enough to know that if she asked her interview would quickly come to a close.

The ringing of the phone made her jump so that she nearly fell from the chair where she sat beside it.

“Hello. This is Meredith.”

“Meredith, it’s Liam. I hope you were expecting my call.”

“Oh, I thought you might call sometime this morning.” The time was just one minute past the hour.

“I wanted first to tell you again what a wonderful time I had yesterday and to thank you for spending the afternoon and evening with me. The time seemed to fly and I was sad to see you go.”

“That is sweet of you, Liam. I had just as wonderful a time, I assure you. I’m looking forward to our next opportunity.” She hadn’t meant to be so obvious in her request for another date. It was only Liam’s naïveté that saved her from sounding desperate.

“That is the second thing I called to ask you. I ... This is perhaps a strange request, but I need new clothes. The growth spurt I went through this year has left everything I own too small for me. Lupe has lengthened all my trousers to the extent she can, but they are beginning to look and feel a bit uncomfortable.”

“It sounds as if you need to go shopping.”

“Yes, but that is the problem. I’ve never done it on my own and have no idea how to talk to a tailor. In the past, my mother has always selected all my clothes. I had to practically beg her to get me a pair of Levi’s and a sweater to wear on weekends at school.”

“Oh, my! Mothers can be so controlling, can’t they?”

“Meredith, would you consider joining me on a clothes shopping expedition this Wednesday? I’ve discussed the matter with Erich and he will be happy to drive us to the correct shops. Mother has given me a shopping card and a budget. I am just afraid I’ll be attracted to something that makes me look like an idiot.”

“Are you often attracted to things that make you look like an idiot?”

“Meredith, please?”

“Of course. Why don’t we go early enough to have lunch and then hit the shops?”

“Good idea. I’m sure Erich will be okay with it. We’ll pick you up at eleven-thirty.”

“Do you know where I live?”

“Um ... No.”

“Maybe we should start with that.”

Meredith chatted with Liam for thirty minutes, as happy to talk to him as he appeared to be talking to her. When she hung up, she sat for a long time beside the phone just thinking about Liam.

“Good afternoon. This is Meredith Sauvage. I am assisting Mr. Liam Cyning in selecting clothing for the coming year and want to ask about the uniform requirements and other clothing that might be needed at Elenchus Schole.”

“Of course, Miss Sauvage. I am Ray Wellborn, the dorm parent for Mr. Cyning. On matters of fashion and dress, however, it would be better for you to talk to my wife. Will you hold, please?”

“Yes, thank you.” It took only a few seconds for Mrs. Wellborn to come to the phone.

“Miss Sauvage, so nice to meet you. I am Lucille Wellborn, dorm mother. I understand you wish to pick out clothing for Mr. Cyning. Here is what we have as our standard list.” Mrs. Wellborn read through the list of clothing including uniforms, what she referred to as ‘play clothes’ and casual wear. Then she threw in another bit of news. “I hate to see you spend for a full closet of uniforms. We have noted that Mr. Cyning is expected to matriculate to the university after Christmas. I would suggest dropping at least one of the uniforms and preparing to purchase a few items for the less rigid university lifestyle.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Wellborn. I will take your advice. I do hope you have a pleasant afternoon. It has been a pleasure to discuss this with you.”

“Good day, dear.”

Meredith looked at the list she had made. She reduced the uniform blazers from two to one. The standard uniform slacks were suitable for casual wear as well as with the uniform but would be boring if he had no other choices. And even though white shirts and ties could always be worn, Liam would need a selection of ties as he would not always be wearing his school tie. He would need at least one new suit for dressier occasions. He would look handsome in a Norfolk jacket and contrasting slacks but it could also be worn with his jeans for a dressier casual look.

Yes, this would be fun.

Promptly at eleven-thirty Wednesday morning, Liam rang the bell at Meredith’s home. She was ready and opened the door at once. She’d chosen her own clothing carefully for the adventure and dressed in a gray knee-length diagonal check with a narrow high waist and full skirt. The top of the dress changed the subtle checks to vertical in a bolero top that accented her shape. It had a white collar and she wore matching gray pumps.

“Wow! You look terrific.”

“Thank you, Liam.” She reached up and kissed his cheek, then took his hand to walk to the car. Erich held the door as Meredith slid in and to the center of the seat. Erich nodded to Liam and he slid in next to her.

“You understand that most of the things you purchase today will not be ready to wear today? Even with off-the-rack clothes, it is likely the tailor will need to adjust length or take in a seam here and there. I understand your mother has directed you to Monsieur LeFevre. His shop has some ready to wear and you will probably be able to carry out your shirts unless you want them monogrammed. I suggest not. That is stylistically a mark of the merchant class, though I’ve seen it of late on some politicos as well.”

“Right. No monograms.”

“I’d like to find at least one pair of slacks you can wear immediately. We will probably need to stop at a commercial outlet to purchase your casual wear.”

“Thank you, Meredith. I’m in your hands.”

“Yes, as long as we are in the car that is fine. But we mustn’t display such affection when we are shopping. It would be inappropriate.” She squeezed his hand. They had not let go of hands since he picked her up. She dropped her voice to whisper. “Don’t worry. My hand will be yours whenever we are shielded from prying eyes.”

“I am learning so much. I had no idea our society had such rigid standards for public behavior. I’m simply certain I will offend someone now.”

“I doubt that. And for many people, the standards would not be so high as for you. It is a burden of royalty to always set an example for other classes.”

Their first stop was at the Queen’s Table, a tea shop where they enjoyed a light lunch while Meredith continued to tell Liam about the art of shopping for clothing.

“You need to drive the conversation when we reach Monsieur LeFevre’s. If he detects you are not in control of your own wardrobe, it will be the same as if you were shopping with your mother. I’ll support you and supply comments about things that would be nice on you or things that you should avoid. Shall we go?” They entered the shop.

“Ah, Mr. Cyning. I see you are shopping for your own clothes. And with a lovely companion. I have laid out all the usual attire if you would come this way.” They followed the tailor into a fitting room where the usual array of school blazers and slacks were hung. Monsieur LeFevre began by getting a new set of measurements as Meredith browsed through the selection.

“You won’t need so many school uniforms this year, Mr. Cyning.” Meredith had deftly separated out just one jacket and two pair of slacks.

“That is true. Monsieur LeFevre, I expect to be leaving Elenchus at the holidays and will start at the university in January. I’d prefer that the bulk of my winter wardrobe be less formal and more in keeping with the college atmosphere. I’m thinking instead of three school blazers, I will only need one and would like two appropriate sport coats with an assortment of slacks to go with them. One of the jackets could be another blazer, but I’d like one to be a Norfolk style in either herringbone tweed or other estate tweed. Will that be possible, sir?”

“Of course, Mr. Cyning. Let’s look at a couple of fabrics and see what you like. With your coloring, I would recommend you stick with blue or gray as your primary colors. Don’t you agree, Miss?”

“For the more formal pieces, I agree, sir. I think though Mr. Cyning could launch into browns for his tweed.” Meredith fingered a wool fabric and tugged the corner out a bit to show Liam. He smiled.

“I think I like this one, Monsieur. Do you think it would make up nicely in a Norfolk style sport coat?”

“That is a very good fabric, Mr. Cyning. You have a good eye. This is Suri Alpaca wool from the Argentine Andes. This fabric is woven of natural colors and has not been dyed. It’s more durable than other alpaca wools and considerably warmer so it makes a very good jacket for cool days. Your choice of a traditional Norfolk design will go excellently. And for your blazer?”

“I’ll go with your recommended gray,” Liam said. “I’m not fond of brass buttons, though. Could we have another choice on that?”

“Of course. I would recommend a leather shank button for the Norfolk. That is a constant. Now, on the blazer, is it all metal buttons you object to or only shiny gold buttons. Here, for example, I have a simple pewter color metal button with a Celtic engraving that would work well with the lighter gray you have chosen for the fabric.” Meredith nodded to Liam over Monsieur’s shoulder.

“I think you captured exactly the right idea with that.”

The shopping continued with Meredith subtly pointing to different fabrics and styles until Liam had ordered the bulk of his fall wardrobe.

“Shall we deliver these to you at school?”

“I’ll be at Buxton House for another four weeks before I return to school. Can you have them sent up to me there?”

“You can expect them in seven days.”

Meredith walked ahead of Liam to the door where she paused and let him open it. Erich met them with the car and they proceeded into the larger retail area of town.

“I think Browning’s will have the remainder of the things you will need, Liam. How are you surviving the day so far?”

“I feel a bit like a mannequin,” Liam laughed. “But I do like the combinations we selected. The charcoal pinstripe suit is sure to become one of my favorites.”

“Let’s see if we can’t add a little color to your choices with the casual wear. There is no need for you to always be dressed in white shirts. And as this is a department store, I can be a little more direct in my assistance if you like. You handled Monsieur LeFevre very well. It’s your confidence that changes things.”

“I would not have had such confidence if you had not briefed me so well over lunch and in our phone conversations. I will need some new shoes, as well. I believe my feet have quit growing now, so new dress shoes, a pair of loafers, and a pair of tennis shoes would be good. And I suppose athletic shoes, too.”

“Your confidence is strong even when I am the only audience. Very well done, Liam. Shall we start with a cup of coffee to fortify you for this next phase?”

“Oh, yes. Let’s.”

After coffee in the little restaurant at Browning’s Department Store, they made their way to the men’s wear department and had fun choosing casual clothing that would still look sharp. This time, however, most of the packages came home with them. The shoes took longer than expected, but in the end, Liam carried six boxes out of the store and handed them off to Erich who put them in the trunk.

“Meredith, we’ve been shopping all afternoon. I’m so sorry to have taken up your entire day with my task.”

“Hush now, Liam. I had fun.”

“But I wish there was a way I could thank you more appropriately.”

Meredith thought about suggesting a thank you kiss, but it wasn’t wise to move in that direction too quickly. Instead she made a different suggestion. “You could, I suppose, take me to dinner. A casual dinner, so you could wear a new pair of your slacks, shirts, and shoes.”

“Where would I change clothes?”

“Can you not get into your dorm room? I was sure Mrs. Wellborn said your room was waiting for you.”

“Yes, of course. Erich, are we needed back at Buxton House soon? I would like to take Miss Sauvage to dinner.”

“An excellent idea, sir. Would you like to stop at your dormitory to change clothes?”

“Yes, thank you. Oh. Where shall we go?”

“May I suggest Rangers?” Meredith quickly supplied. “You’ll find the food there is very good and the atmosphere is suitably casual.”

“I agree with Miss Sauvage. Rangers would be an excellent choice for an impromptu dinner date. I will call while you are changing.” Erich pulled up in front of the dormitory and Liam jumped out. “Ah, Miss Sauvage, this is a delicate situation.” Erich turned to look at her.

“Why don’t you go make sure to speed Liam up and I will simply wait in the car. It happens that I always carry a book in my bag.”

“I will go assist him and make the phone call from his room.”

“Meredith! Welcome, dear. I didn’t know you were coming in this evening. I can have your usual table ready in just a moment.” The hostess in the restaurant kissed Meredith on both cheeks before hurrying away. In just a minute they were led to a table near the back of the restaurant and on one side.

“You’re known well here? I assumed Erich would have reserved the table in my name.”

“Oh! Of course! Jasmine, please cancel the reservation for Mr. Cyning. He is with me.”

“Really! What a lovely surprise. Would you rather have the table I reserved for him? It’s at the window.”

“No, no. Please. I would much rather we stay at Meredith’s usual table. It is my opportunity to get to know more about her.” Liam smiled at the hostess and the woman blushed.

“So nice.” She handed menus to each of them and hurried away.

“So, since you are so well known here, what would you recommend? The menu looks very good.”

“Oh, it is, I assure you. Everything on the menu is delicious, but in the interest of helping you on your first time here, I would recommend the chicken pot pie.”

“A pot pie? In a restaurant?”

“Trust me. It is my father’s signature dish.” Liam placed his order and then seemed to realize what Meredith had said.

“Your father? Does he create recipes?”

“Yes. And cooks them. He wanted to serve you a meal sometime but this will be our little surprise to him and he won’t have time to fret about it. He’s the chef here at Rangers.”

“Will you ever run out of surprises for me?”

“I hope we will be able to surprise each other often, Liam.”

They chatted over their soft drinks until Rainer himself rushed out of the kitchen with their dinners.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming this evening! It’s not nice to give your old father apoplexy.” He teased his daughter, but the smile he had for her warmed her heart. “Mr. Cyning. Need I apologize for my daughter suggesting such a humble meal? If there is something else on the menu you would prefer, just say the word.”

“Not at all, Mr. Sauvage. Meredith tells me this is your signature dish and I am looking forward to it.”

“Well, enjoy your meal. If there is anything you need, just let us know.”

The meal was as good as Meredith had suggested and Liam seemed to enjoy it immensely.

“This has been lovely, Meredith. That dish was incredible. So many distinct flavors to have all been in a single dish. What is proper for me to tip and how do I settle the bill?”

“Shh. Liam, my father would never let a date of his daughter pay for a meal here. I don’t abuse the privilege, but I eat here often as a break from the college cafeteria. Eating the same thing all the time can be a drag and Papa has always asked me to come here whenever I can. Leave a nice tip for our server and let’s depart.” Meredith selected a bill from Liam’s wallet when he opened it and it was left discreetly on the table as they stood to leave. Rainer hurried out of the kitchen again.

“Come again any time!” he said. “This table is always open for you. But my daughter, remember this does not excuse you from inviting your young man home for dinner. Just give me a warning first.” He kissed his daughter on the cheek and shook Liam’s hand. They left the restaurant and Erich drove them to Meredith’s house. Liam walked his date to the door.

“I had such a lovely day with you today. It is not an irregularity that a young woman’s charming date might give her a goodnight kiss at her door. If he were so inclined.” She tilted her head slightly and looked at his eyes. He was quick to take her hint and gently put his arms around her to draw her to him. The kiss—the only one she had permitted during their adventure—was unhurried and Meredith found that she was letting the action of their tongues together go further than she intended. For a moment she thought she would pull away but lost herself to the sensation for several more seconds before she could force herself to do so.

“Thank you for all your help and for your lovely company, Meredith. I look forward to seeing you this weekend if you are available.”

“Call me and make some suggestions of what we might do. Perhaps something more social rather than being only in each other’s presence. I fear we might be progressing rather too quickly and should find company for our next date.” Her heart was beating rapidly and though their kiss had ended, they held their embrace.

“I’ll call you in the morning.”

Dancing

Liam called her at ten a.m. sharp on Thursday. Meredith was expecting the call but it still made her heart flutter to hear the phone.

“What do you have for us, Prince Charming?”

“Meredith, I’m informed that you are an accomplished dancer. If you can stand being escorted by a novice, would you consider going to a dinner club Saturday evening? There is a teen club called Dominoes that Lonnie has been to. He and Susan would meet us there. And if you wish, you could invite friends as well.”

“What a nice idea. Have you ever danced before?”

“Well, yes. Mrs. Wellborn has taught all the boys in our dorm several dances. I’ve not had any practice with a ... um... young woman, though.”

“Dancing at a teen club might be a little different than you are expecting.”

“How so?”

“Most of the music will be jazz and rock, not big band music. What I’m saying is that the dancing won’t be like on Lawrence Welk. There won’t be foxtrots.”

“Oh. That’s okay. I learned the other dances pretty quickly. I’m sure I can pick up these. Then when I return to school, I can teach them to Mrs. Wellborn and she can pass them on to the other boys.”

“That’s very noble of you, Liam. When will you pick me up?”

“Shall we say six? The club closes to teens at ten, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Oh, they do serve food as well. I can’t imagine it will be as tasty as your father’s pot pie, but Lonnie says it’s all right.”

“Thank you for letting me know. I’ll not partake of a full dinner here at home.”

“Meredith ... I ... I am really enjoying our time together.”

“So am I, Liam. So am I.”

Erich drove again Saturday night so Liam could pick up Meredith. Meredith was willing to drive but she had to admit that being chauffeured meant she was free to sit next to Liam and hold his hand, which was very pleasant. And it helped to keep their romantic activities in check. She worried about the speed at which their relationship was growing. It wouldn’t be good for Liam to step into an active sex life without some grounding in the relationship.

Sex? Meredith was shocked that her thoughts had turned to that. When did she begin thinking that she would become sexually active with Liam? The true answer to that probably went back to when he kissed her fingers the first time. Was she so easily moved by his gentleness? She needed to find a way to slow this further so she could get a grip on her own emotions.

When they reached the club and Liam offered her his hand, she was noticeably stiffer than she had been just fifteen minutes earlier when he picked her up. She ignored the offered hand and strode to the door purposefully. Liam barely kept up.

When they entered, there were already teens jostling for position, carrying their drinks from table to table and talking loudly. The music hadn’t begun yet and there were pockets of people who had apparently come out together as a group. One boy stumbled against Meredith and nearly spilled his soda on her. She shook her head and immediately turned to take Liam’s arm. There was no reason to be mad at him just because she was falling in love.