“Aye, she told me. It’s sorry I am that the lad acted as he did, but I cannot say I’m sorry to have you stay.” Charles glanced at Meredith. “You are a treasure, lass, and I’m a wee bit jealous Danny found you first.”
“Kind of you to say so,” she said, her tone dull.
She still hadn’t looked at him either. Daniel took note of the puffiness around her eyes. “Meredith, I’m sorry.”
“For what?” she asked as she reached for the basket of eggs beneath the counter. “Did you suggest stealing the diamond to Oliver?”
“Are you implying I did this to keep you here? Heat rose up his neck at the insult. “I had nothing to do with his theft. How could you even think such a thing?”
“I don’t.” She bit her lip and her eyes filled. “Daniel, I’m sorry too. None of this is your fault, and I shouldn’t dump all over you because I’m upset. I need time to deal with what has happened. I need to be alone so I can think things through.” Finally she met his gaze. “Will you give me that?”
“Of course. Whatever you need, you shall have.” He swallowed the lump that had risen to his throat. “How would you like to achieve the privacy you seek, seeing we all live under the same roof?”
“After breakfast, I’d like to go upstairs where I plan to spend the day indulging in a little self-pity and anger. After that passes, I’ll do my best to come to terms with the situation.”
“Charles and I will stay out of your way.” Even though his heart ached, he admired how Meredith met adversity head on, even going so far as to plan how she’d deal with her upset. He only hoped when she came through on the other end, she found a way to trust in him. More important, he hoped she’d be able to trust in the love they shared.
He squared his shoulders. “Meredith, my apology is for having the mentality of a nineteenth-century man who happens to be head-over-heels in love with a twenty-first century woman. Everything you said is true. My plan was to entice you into staying here with me. I believed all it would take was the promise of a comfortable life managing our home and being a mother to our children. I know now you need and deserve more than domesticity to feel fulfilled.”
Her eyes widened. He took that as a good sign. “You have every right to pursue a career and to earn your own wages. I have a few ideas to run by you once you’re feeling more receptive. I also have a few thoughts on how we might avoid the doubts and resentments Oliver’s actions have placed between us.”
He joined her at the counter and took the basket of eggs she still held in her hands. “If you wouldn’t mind fixing us all a cup of coffee, I’ll see to breakfast.”
She nodded, and he could practically see her mind working through what he’d said. He took that as a good sign as well. She pulled down mugs and the sugar bowl, and fixed them each a cup of much needed coffee.
After they’d finished breakfast, Daniel encouraged Meredith to go upstairs, promising to give her all the space she needed for as long as wanted. Once he heard the door to their bedroom click shut, he refilled his and Charles’s mugs.
“It’s pouring out,” Charles remarked.
Daniel once again took his seat at the table. “I can see that.”
“Are we about to have a serious talk, Danny?”
“We are.” He rubbed his chin and considered how best to go on. “Meredith’s choices have been taken from her,” he said, and then he recounted the conversation he’d had with her while in the shed. “I want to replace some of what she’s lost. She needs to have a career and money of her own.”
“Hmm. Am I correct in assuming that career will involve Hannigan & Cavanaugh?”
“Is that a problem?” Daniel fixed his friend with a pointed look.
“Of course not.” He grunted. “Just think of it, Danny. With her knowledge of the future, she’ll know exactly what we should import and export when those items are needed most. She’ll know what industries in which to invest. Perhaps we should consider branching into manufacturing.”
“She will be a great help, but that isn’t at the heart of why she’ll have a role to play in our endeavors. What is most important to me is that she knows with certainty she has a place of importance, and that we value her input. She’s a well-educated, intelligent woman, and her happiness is my priority.”
“I understand, and I’ll do all I can to help.”
“Good. Will you agree to making Meredith a full partner?”
“I will, for I’ve no doubt she’ll earn her place many times over.”
“You have my gratitude, Charles.”
Now, all he had to do is find a way to allay her fears for their future happiness. He’d take on the role of her champion. Even if it took a lifetime, he’d slay the dragons of doubt Meredith believed would erode the love between them.
Daniel did his best to keep busy while waiting for Meredith to emerge from their room. He’d gone over the ledger books, did an inventory of their supplies, cleaned and organized the kitchen shelves, and helped Charles on his multiple walks. And all the while he fretted about where her thoughts might lead her.
He’d just begun cutting an onion for their evening stew when he heard the door upstairs open. His heart pounded hard enough that his ears rang. His future happiness rested upon his ability to convince Meredith the two of them could forge a lasting happily-ever-after despite Oliver’s theft. He needed to present his plan in the same manner he would with any partnership agreement.
Scraping the onions from the cutting board into the pot, he did his best to calm himself. Should he say something, or should he wait for Meredith
