Chapter 5: Dressing for Success

Meredith

“YOU HAVE CONCERNS?” Mrs. Cyning asked as soon Liam left the room.

“Of course,” I answered. “I am concerned about our ability to work together and worried that the honeymoon, so to speak, will be over before we really resolve our relationship. So far, I believe I have seen Liam on his best behavior and it is difficult to not imagine he will turn around one day and still be a brat. It’s worrisome.”

“Well, we all have our ups and downs. Do you believe you’ll be able to weather the storm when it breaks?”

“Yes. Oddly, I am more concerned as to whether Liam will be able to weather it. I don’t want to destroy what is being built. But I don’t dare let him walk on me. I appreciate your concern and the opportunity to vent about mine.”

“We shan’t have these talks often, I’m afraid. I don’t want Liam to think that you are running to me with stories about him. You report to him. I just wanted to confirm in my own mind that we made the right choice with you.” Mrs. Cyning paused for a moment and looked me hard in the eye. “I am confident we did. You’ve been carefully prepared for this responsibility which I do not place on you lightly. Do what you must to expose Liam’s leadership qualities. Help him to see them in himself. Goodnight, Meredith.”

“Goodnight, Mrs. Cyning.”

I stepped into the hall to find a woman waiting for me in a household uniform.

“Good evening, Miss Meredith. I’m Lupe. I was asked to give you a more extensive tour of your suite and let you know where and how to get meals, laundry, and help if you need it.”

“Thank you, Lupe. Today has been exhausting and I’ve not really taken time to learn anything about Buxton House.” She led me first to the kitchen and explained the protocol there. She also told me I could ask for a meal to be sent to my suite if I wanted. When we got to my room, she pointed out the huge walk-in closet and that she had already pressed and hung my clothes. In the dresser, my lingerie had been neatly folded. Fresh toiletries had been laid out on the bathroom sink. Unlike Mrs. Cyning’s suite, mine did not have a separate sitting and dining area. But there was a small table and chairs where I could eat if I wanted, and a lovely easy chair with a reading lamp. It was obvious the room was not set up for entertaining.

“This is your office,” she said, opening a door opposite the bathroom. “It is not completely set up yet, as we wanted your input on preferred décor and furnishing.” The room was large and had only a desk and chair in it, making it seem even larger. “The door here is to the hall so you need not take guests through your bedroom to reach the office.”

“And what is that door?” I asked. The third door was in the wall opposite my bedroom.

“That is a connecting door to Mr. Liam’s study. It is a security door and must be opened from both sides. You needn’t fear being interrupted or interrupting Mr. Liam.”

“Not much need for that, I think. If Mr. Cyning wishes to come to my office, he can use the hall door, like everyone else.”

“Yes, of course, Miss.”

I rose from bed, showered, applied makeup, dressed, and still made it to the breakfast table by eight o’clock. There was no sign of Liam. I went to talk to Cook.

“What would you like for breakfast, Miss Meredith?” he asked. “I can whip up nearly anything, but if you have a regular sequence of meals, it makes it go more smoothly.”

“Thank you, Cook. I’ll try not to be a pain. I feel awkward calling you ‘Cook.’ Do you prefer to be called by name?”

“I’m James Harrison, but I actually prefer being called Cook. It’s what I was called in the Army.”

“Then Cook it is. I eat lightly in the morning, preferring fruit, coffee, and some type of cereal, hot or cold. I’m not very picky.”

“That is not a problem at all. This morning, we have an assortment of fresh berries and oatmeal. Most of the staff just finished eating.”

“I’ll try to be earlier tomorrow. When does Mr. Cyning usually eat?” I followed Cook’s pointed finger to get a coffee mug and pour my own.

“He’s usually in and out by six-thirty when he’s here at Buxton House. Always has been an early riser.” I groaned. It would be hard enough to get to the kitchen while the other staff were eating but I was not going to suggest breakfast meetings with Liam.

As soon as I had finished my meal, I returned to my room. There was no telephone in my office but one sat by the bed. I looked up the number I wanted and called Elenchus.

“Good morning. This is Meredith Sauvage. I am assisting Mr. Liam Cyning in selecting clothing for the coming season and would like to ask about the uniform requirements and other clothing he will need at Elenchus Scholé this fall.”

“Of course, Miss Sauvage. I’m Ray Wellborn, the dorm parent for Mr. Cyning. On matters of fashion and dress, however, it would be better for you to speak 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. May I ask your role in this?”

“Of course, Mrs. Wellborn. I have been hired as Mr. Cyning’s personal assistant as he explores his class potential.”

“Oh, you’re the one. Wonderful! I am so glad he is moving smartly into his class. I’m sure you will have your hands full, but a finer young man you will never find. Here is what we have as our standard list.” Mrs. Wellborn read through the list of clothing. It included uniforms, what she referred to as ‘play clothes,’ and athletic wear. “I hate to see you spend a lot 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.”

I looked at the list and 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. Even though white shirts and ties could always be worn, Liam would need a selection of ties now instead of just the school tie. He would need at least one new suit for dressier occasions. He would look handsome in a Norfolk jacket and wool slacks, and the Norfolk could also be worn with jeans.

Yes, this would be fun.

Our first stop was at the Serenity Garden, a tea shop where we enjoyed a light lunch while I told Liam about the art of shopping.

“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?” We 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.” We followed the tailor into a fitting room where an array of school blazers and slacks were hung. Monsieur LeFevre began by getting a new set of measurements as I browsed through the selection.

“You shan’t need as many school uniforms this year, Mr. Cyning.” I separated out just one jacket and two pair of slacks. “I’m told you will be starting at the University mid-term.”

“Really? I mean, of course. In that case, I’ll need fewer school uniforms and more casual attire for the University, Monsieur LeFevre. I’d prefer the bulk of my winter wardrobe to be more in keeping with the college atmosphere. I’m thinking I will need only one school blazer 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 an 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 the 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.” I fingered a wool fabric and tugged the corner out a bit to show Liam. It was amazingly soft. He smiled.

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

“That is a very good fabric, Mr. Cyning. You have a good eye. This is Suri Alpaca wool from the Argentine Andes. The 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 will go excellently. And for your blazer?”

“I’ll go with your recommended gray,” Liam said. The shopping continued until Liam had selected the bulk of his fall wardrobe.

“Shall we deliver these to you at school?”

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

“You can expect them in seven days.”

I walked ahead of Liam to the door where I paused and let him open it. Erich met us with the car and we proceeded into the larger retail area of town.

“When was I supposed to find out I was going to the University this winter?” he demanded. “That was a bit of a shock.”

“I apologize. I assumed that since it was information so freely given to me, it was common knowledge. I had no idea you didn’t know!” I was surprised and worried that I’d let out news that was not supposed to be public.

“I suppose this is Grandmother’s doing. Why do you suppose she’s having me wait until mid-term to transfer?” Liam mused, somewhat mollified.

“I would think they have a transitional course planned for you this fall. Aside from that, 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. You needn’t always dress in black and white and shades of gray. You handled Monsieur LeFevre very well. It’s your confidence that changes things.”

“I did not feel confident and thank you for giving me subtle hints where he could not see them. Oh! I will need new shoes, as well. I believe my feet have quit growing, so at least 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. Let’s head for Browning’s.”

“I’m heading home now,” I said when Erich dropped us off in front of Buxton House and indicated he would take the boxes to Liam’s room. “It would be good for both of us to list out some of the things we want to accomplish in your few months before enrolling at the University. Also include any topics you would like to discuss. Subject areas you want to investigate. That sort of thing. I’ll plan on spending more time here next week as we establish more routines. This was all sprung on you rather suddenly.”

“Are you supposed to be my teacher now? Giving me assignments?” Yes, he could still be a brat.

“As a matter of fact, that is part of my job. I can scarcely prepare to either assist or mentor you if you don’t share with me your interests. It will be best to increase our exposure to one another gradually so we don’t come to blows at once.” I did laugh to lighten that little sting. He smiled.