Chapter 20: Homecoming

Meredith

“SO, LIAM SUCCEEDED in talking some sense into those strikers,” Thomas said, raising his glass. Brian hurried forward with fresh martinis. “Fergie seems happy and the workers pleased with an agreement they don’t even know the terms of yet.” Thomas and Lydia laughed and toasted each other. Regina smiled and turned to me.

“We’re having dinner in the dining room this evening. You and Erich will also attend. Please refresh your drink and keep me company until they get here.”

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

“Perhaps not in the fashion you would like,” Regina laughed. “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 me. “Do you know anything about the suit?”

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

“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.” I just smiled and nodded my head. I didn’t think it would make a difference if I told them Liam sent a note instructing Erich with exactly what clothes he wanted for the meeting.

“You must remember, dear,” Regina whispered to me, “you are dealing with Promoters here.” She took my elbow and led me back to the bar. “Have an appetizer, Meredith. You needn’t be nervous. Promoters 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, Thomas and Lydia will remain in blissful ignorance until he does.”

The four of us continued to chat as we had hors d’oeuvres and 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 we awaited Liam’s entrance. I snickered to myself, thinking Liam might well come in from the garage with Erich. It seemed Regina understood exactly what I was thinking.

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

“My son, the survivor, the conqueror, and the young Leader of our family—a Promoter’s Promoter.” 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 me. I flowed into his open arms for a warm embrace that was all too brief.

He released me and we all went back to the lounge. Erich arrived from the kitchen at the same time and quietly blended in. I saw, however, that he was merely a step behind Regina just as I stationed myself behind Liam as he told of his adventure.

“It was a bit chilly at night. I mean, it is November. But Erich delivered my ski jacket and wool knit hat. 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 Promoter or even a Commander. But, of course, he could no longer be a Leader then.’ We had a good laugh at that.” Thomas was on his third martini as far as I had observed. He may have started earlier.

Dinner was peaceable. Liam’s father continued to laud praises on his son but it was obvious he didn’t really know what Liam’s role had been. And, 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,” Lydia said. She wasn’t much more stable than her husband. Thomas stood shakily and Brian moved in to help Lydia support him as they moved to their suite.

“You’ve seen your father in a rare condition. He was truly very worried 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. It will be nice to sleep in a bed.”

“Don’t worry about that. I believe that after your adventure, you should stay here for the remainder of the week. And it is soon 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.”

Liam and I strolled into the lounge. The dishes were being cleared from the dining room and staff bustled in and out but he led me by the hand to a loveseat as we talked softly. Brian brought a tray from the kitchen.

“Cook fixed your favorite baked brie, Master Liam. He said it seemed a shame everyone 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 handed a cup of hot coffee to me and we each took a sip. “I know we should eat the brie, but all I want is to feast on your lips,” he said. I nearly swooned and set the cup on the table before letting him lift my lips to his own. I was lost.

“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 happened to you.”

“I understand your feeling, but I’ve suddenly come to understand what Leaders do.”

“Really? Let us not disappoint Cook. Tell me about your epiphany while we have some cheese.” Liam cut wedges from the pastry covered cheese and served me, then himself.

“When I was first told I was a Leader, I thought, ‘What a waste.’ Every other class, even Promoters, has a function. Yet Leaders don’t produce anything. It seemed like an unneeded remnant of a bygone era. But I think I see what Grandmother was telling me about leading. We bring people together. I was able to lead the workers to a reasonable position. I was able to lead Ferguson to see how the workers’ demands would benefit him in the long run. I negotiated a settlement between them that both were pleased with.”

“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 wits and wills.”

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

“Yes. Isn’t it amazing?”

“You are amazing!” I kissed him again and then rushed off to my room. It would not do to have the staff catch us making out in the lounge.

When I rose in the morning, I went straight to work. Each invitation needed to be written in my best hand. I was sure other people simply typed invitations or didn’t bother with them at all and used the telephone. That was not the case with the Cyning household. I clearly remembered the invitation I’d received to Liam’s eighteenth birthday party. I had opened it with anticipation and thrilled to the contents. I was certain it was penned in Regina Cyning’s own hand and it was her indication to me that I had been chosen as Liam’s assistant. It was one of my most treasured possessions.

I called the kitchen and had breakfast delivered to my study. I didn’t abuse that privilege, but Lupe was happy to bring it to me. As I ate and drank my coffee, I perused the guestlist and added the names of Randy and Sally Peters. Liam had spoken so highly of them that I couldn’t help but think they were special and should be included on this list. Thinking I might spice things up a bit, I added the name of my former roommate, Hana Ito and guest.

At half past twelve, the phone rang.

“Meredith, will you have lunch with me? I’m afraid I’ve been so busy this morning I have neglected you. Please forgive me and join me for a bite to eat.”

“Liam, you’re so formal. Of course, I’ll 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.”

“Yes, Liam.”

I hung up the phone and went to my dressing room/bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and adjusted my makeup and hair slightly. Liam was putting on a clean shirt, so I quickly changed blouses. I studied myself critically, surprised at how anxious I was to please him. A few moments later, a light knock on my door brought me to attention and I opened it to find Liam, casually dressed in slacks and a polo shirt. He looked rather yummy and I took his arm as we 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 conversation with the contractor working on our apartments. I’m certain he was capable of approving the marble tile, the kitchen layout, and on and on. I don’t know why he needed my approval for every single thing,” I said.

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

“That would explain a lot. I suggest we pay a visit to inspect the property. How about tomorrow afternoon?” I asked.

“As long as we don’t give the poor man and his crew—what did your father call it?—apoplexy.” We laughed and agreed to wear blue jeans and casual shirts. “I had a long hard run this morning. It felt good to be outside, even though I waited until the sun came up to get started. Then Grandmother met me and told me to call Mr. Peoples at school for my final assignment.”

“What is your assignment? May I help?”

“I would appreciate your assistance when you’re available. I’m to do an analysis of the labor dispute, tracking from the beginning to resolution. He stressed that it was not the same as a simple paper but I should consider it my graduation thesis,” he said. “They don’t expect me to return to school this term other than to present the paper.”

“That’s thrilling. You are graduating and heading to the University.”

“I won’t be finished with so much as the outline today. Would you like to go out this evening?”

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

“I was thinking we might go north instead of into Covington. I’ve been told there is a cozy inn with a lovely dining room just a few miles from here. Should I have Erich drive us?”

“That has advantages. I am willing to drive if you prefer it to be just the two of us.”

“Let’s plan on that, then.”

“I’ll call to reserve a place. It might help keep things low profile to use my name instead of yours.”

“Splendid.”

I ate breakfast in my study once again, attended by Lupe. Liam and I had been out quite late the night before and I slept in a bit. Lupe busied herself straightening my bedroom while I ate and then she cleared my dishes.

“Lupe, thank you for cleaning up. Would you mind returning about eleven? I have things that need to be in the mail.”

“Of course, Miss. Eleven o’clock.”

I cross-checked the invitations and addresses I had. Over fifty people would be invited—and many would also bring a guest. Lupe returned promptly at eleven to help seal the envelopes and take them to the post. While we worked companionably together, there was a light rap at the door between the studies. I took a deep breath and went to the door.

“Mr. Cyning! I was not expecting you so early. Please forgive me. Lupe and I were just completing the invitations for the party. Is it urgent?” Liam straightened quickly.

“Not at all, Miss Sauvage. I wanted to clarify a couple of matters ... about the architect’s drawings ... before we go to inspect the work. Please, just knock when you’re free. I won’t disturb you further.” Liam retreated and closed the door to his study. I did likewise. I wondered what he really wanted. Lupe had scooted back toward the exit.