“Water is fine, thank you.” Meredith slid the glass closer. “I don’t really know why I came except that I promised Darius I would talk to you.”
Olivia paused. How could she broach the delicate subject without offending her? “Darius said you might be interested in some information about Bennington Place.”
Meredith’s delicate brows rose. “I’m not sure it will be suitable, but I agreed to hear you out.”
Olivia did her best to ignore the strangeness of the situation and remain objective. “My friend Ruth Bennington and I started the home to give women who find themselves in trouble a safe place to go. A place where they would be treated with compassion and respect. Our goal is to give them as much assistance as possible in making the best choices for themselves and their children.”
“That sounds like an admirable goal.” Meredith bit her lip. “The problem is the location. It’s too close to home. If any of my parents’ friends or associates ever found out I was there . . .” She trailed off. When she lifted the water glass to her mouth, her hands shook noticeably.
“You wouldn’t have to go out very often. We have everything you’d need within the residence’s walls. A doctor and midwife come out to give the girls monthly checkups, or weekly ones as the due date approaches.”
Meredith’s eyes widened, fear evident within their depths.
“Have you seen a doctor yet?” Olivia asked gently.
“Just once to confirm my suspicions.” A rosy hue invaded Meredith’s cheeks.
“Please don’t be embarrassed. I’m not here to pass judgment.”
Tears welled in the woman’s eyes, magnifying a flash of anger. “You couldn’t possibly understand how I feel. My family wants to send me away like I’m nothing more than a common criminal.”
Unbidden images of the Mercer’s iron-barred cells flashed to mind.
“Oh, I understand, believe me.” Olivia held the other woman’s gaze until understanding dawned.
Meredith raised a hand to her lips. “You’ve been in my situation?”
Olivia hesitated. If she told Meredith her story, it might help her make a decision. But what if she relayed the information to Darius? He would never look at Olivia the same way again. Yet how could she allow her own insecurities to overshadow this girl’s problem? She drew in a breath and nodded. “About two years ago, I found myself with a similar problem. My fiancé had already left for the war, and when my family learned of my condition, they disowned me completely.” She closed her eyes until the wave of pain subsided. “I gave birth in the hospital alone. My baby was taken away to be adopted.”
Meredith’s mouth gaped open. “That’s terrible.”
“Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help women facing similar circumstances and give them the opportunity to choose what to do for their child, because my choice was taken away.” Her insides trembled. She’d only told her story to a few people, ones she suspected could benefit from her tale. Even fewer knew of her incarceration.
“You’re very brave,” Meredith said. “I don’t know if I could do the same.”
“As I’ve discovered, you never know what you’re capable of until faced with an impossible situation.” Olivia smiled, hoping to ease the girl’s fears.
But Meredith didn’t smile in return, focusing instead on shredding a paper napkin into strips. “I’m not proud of the way I’ve handled things. The way I treated Darius . . .” She glanced up at Olivia. “I can’t believe he’s still trying to help me after what I did.”
“It doesn’t surprise me,” she said quietly. “Darius is an honorable man.” As well as decent and kind, and a loving father. She took a sip of her now-cold tea to ease her dry throat. “You’re more than welcome to come and stay with us, Meredith.”
The girl hesitated. “I don’t know.”
“If you’d like to see the house and meet the other residents, I can arrange—”
“Meredith Cheeseman? Is that you?” A shrill voice boomed through the diner as a rather large woman approached their table.
The color drained from Meredith’s face. Her mouth opened but no sound emerged.
“Why, it is you!” The woman stopped beside her. “I almost didn’t recognize you in that plain outfit. You’re usually so stylish.” She gave a hearty laugh that jiggled her second chin. “Whatever are you doing on this side of town?”
“Mrs. Dollard. How nice to see you.” Meredith gave a weak smile, her cheeks flaming red. “May I introduce Miss Rosetti?”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Dollard.” Olivia nodded in the woman’s direction. “We’re in the middle of a business discussion, but you’re welcome to join us if you’d like.”
Meredith’s nostrils flared.
“Oh, heavens no,” the woman said. “Don’t let me interrupt. I just came in to get my husband his favorite smoked meat. Marty’s has the best in town.” She tugged the bodice of her dress where the buttons appeared stretched to their limit. “Well, give my best to your dear mother and tell her I look forward to our next bridge night.”
“I will.” Meredith gave a slight wave.
As soon as the woman left, Meredith’s eyes closed, and she pressed a hand to her mouth. Seconds later, she opened her eyes again and exhaled. “You see what I mean? It’s not safe here. Even in this neighborhood, there are people who recognize me. I’m afraid this isn’t going to work.” She shot up from her seat, taking her purse with her.
“Meredith, wait. Let me look into—”
“Thank you for your time, Olivia. But I’ll have to come up with another solution.” Without another word, she rushed down the aisle and out the front door.
Olivia’s heart sank as she sagged back against her seat. How was she going to tell Darius that she’d failed him? And what was Meredith going to do now?
26
Darius drummed his fingers on the desk as he stared out his office door. Mr. Walcott was due back from his business trip today and would expect a renewed commitment to Walcott Industries. If Darius continued to oppose his boss’s wishes, he might be out
