A Place at the Table
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.
“Lupe, this is why there’s an adjoining door. Mr. Liam and I will frequently need to meet. I am his personal assistant.” Lupe nodded and relaxed. “Now about these invitations. Can you get them to the post so they are out today?”
“Yes, Miss. I’ll go now. I’ll make sure they are all in the mail immediately.”
“Thank you, Lupe.”
Lupe left and I went to the bath to look at myself in the mirror. I adjusted my hair and decided to keep the same blouse and slacks on so as not to create any surprises for Liam.
Finally satisfied, I opened the door between the rooms and knocked softly on Liam’s side. It opened at once.
“I’m so sorry to have interrupted you.”
“We were working on the party invitations. I believe I still have more than a dozen to write,” I said.
“What is this party?” he asked.
“Let’s say it’s a graduation celebration for you,” I said. “The truth is, I think your grandmother wants to show you off. But per your request, there are to be as many of your friends invited as possible.”
“I was a bit of a snot to my parents after my birthday party,” he said. “It would be nice to invite Fergie. I think we made real progress with each other.”
“Consider it done.” In fact, it was already mailed.
“We should have lunch and then go see how the contractor is coming with the apartments.”
As we ate, we talked about our date the previous evening. It had been simple and wonderful. We’d had dinner and simply sat at the table until the restaurant closed and we were the last ones there. And the kiss—we didn’t mention it as we talked—I knew it was too late for me to resist falling in love.
Lunch was simple as well, just our usual sandwiches and salad. Liam wanted to know more about the party and who else was invited. He was very pleased his friends Roald and Remy were on the list. He would have little time to talk to them when he went to present his paper the first week of December.
“Who is Elizabeth Kendrick?” he asked.
“As it happens, she is another Leader—this one from Minnesota—who will begin attending the University at midterm. David Winzar expects there will be more Leaders gathering at the University and your grandmother suggested as many as a dozen. Apparently, this happens periodically, every six or seven years, so Leaders have an opportunity to get to know each other and build a network among themselves.” I hesitated and then grinned at him. “I gather it is something of a mating fair as well. You might find the love of your life among them.”
“Meredith, I…”
“Please, Liam. I revel in your company but we must stay open to the adventures of University life and not be committed at such a young age. I know you are fond of me as I am of you. Just try not to build boxes around us. Please?” If he had objected and committed himself at that moment, I would have been lost. He understood.
“Meri, I will not take back having said I love you. But I recognize the wisdom of your advice. I will stay as open to possibilities as I can, but I cannot help growing closer to you at the same time.”
“Well, we should go off to see your new home. You’ll be able to entertain there as long as you are discreet and only invite a few guests at a time. The building is mostly older people and they would object strenuously to loud parties.”
“As you say. I can hardly wait to see the progress.”
“Miss Sauvage, what a pleasant surprise. Here to check up on our progress? I assure you it will be ready before Christmas.” John Sturdivant, the general contractor, showed his nervousness about the surprise visit. I tried to calm him down.
“Not at all, Mr. Sturdivant. We were merely in the neighborhood and Mr. Cyning had not had the opportunity to see the excellent work you and your crew are doing. I just had to show him!”
“Mr. Cyning? Begging your pardon, sir. I should have recognized you from the photo in the newspaper.” John snatched his hard hat from his head and clasped it in front of him.
“No apology is necessary, Mr. Sturdivant. There was no reason for you to recognize me nor to expect me. I’m just in such a good mood today that I wanted to see the progress. Think of it not as an inspection but as giving me a tour of my new home.” Liam held out his hand and John had no option but to release his hard hat with that hand to shake. “Tell me, how are things going?”
“Oh, well, sir. Very well. Of course, there is little to do in the rooms on this side. The kitchen needed updating and expanding. I’m afraid the furnishings have all been stacked into the bedroom for now so the floors can be refinished. Lovely hardwood in this unit, sir. Lovely.” John slammed his hardhat back on his head and led us into the new construction. “Here is where the big work is being done. We’ve cut a French door for access to your study. You’ll find it easy to entertain guests should you have business as the hall cuts it off from the living spaces. The architect was very specific about the wiring and preparation for telephone lines. Both units will be ready for any office machines you need.”
“This looks excellent, Mr. Sturdivant. I can picture the completion in my mind’s eye. Meredith, do you think I should move my entire library here? Will there be enough shelving?”
“Yes, Mr. Cyning. There will be adequate library shelves in your study as I know your fondness for books. May I suggest, however, that you only move the most recent and frequently used books to the apartment. You will need room to add to your collection as we begin school in January. I’m taking a light load this semester and it still seems I’ve started a library of my own with the required texts,” I laughed. Liam was like a child in his excitement to see everything.
“Good thinking.”
“We’ve engaged a top craftsman to create the library shelves and cabinetry,” John agreed. “If you’ll step this way, you’ll enter the smaller unit. It was very wise to put a door between them so you can consult with your assistant without running up and down the halls outside. As per the architect’s drawings, the dining room, living room, and study are all shaped into a single open space to be divided by furnishings rather than walls. Per your instructions, Miss, the kitchen has also been renovated and updated.”
“You are very proud of your work, aren’t you, Mr. Sturdivant?”
“It is my trade. My reputation rests on fulfilling my contract with the utmost care. I employ both excellent tradesmen and top craftsmen. I hope you will find all of the work acceptable.”
“I’ve no doubt I will. Meredith, do you suppose we might expand the guest list to include Mr. Sturdivant?”
“Yes, of course. Mr. Sturdivant, I will send you a formal invitation in the morning mail to a small gathering at Buxton House to celebrate Mr. Cyning’s graduation from Elenchus on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Would it be convenient for you and Mrs. Sturdivant to attend?”
“You would invite us to Buxton House for a party? Miss Sauvage, Mr. Cyning, the missus and I would be most honored.” John was dancing from foot to foot and I could tell the first thing he would do when we left would be to call ‘the missus.’ I took Liam’s arm and moved him toward the door.
“It is our pleasure and privilege to have a fine tradesman as our guest. I have been thinking of some work I would like done at Buxton House, as well. It will give you a chance to get a feel for the old house. I’m afraid we’ve interrupted your work long enough. I want to thank you for making this project go so smoothly.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cyning. We’ll have it all finished and ready for you to move into by the winter holidays.”
“That was well-handled, Liam. You have become a real person to him,” I said when we reached the car.
“What was I before? A mythical beast?” he laughed.
“In a way. There are few Leaders. It’s the smallest class. So, most people never have a direct encounter with one. People tend to build up a mythos around Leaders. It takes direct contact to show the true human. Much as you did with Randy and the other Dexters.”
“I see what you mean. Our society, our entire country, would not function without all the classes. You have said Leader is the smallest and Dexter is the largest. We don’t dare let a barrier exist between the two. I think that is my life’s work,” he said. I looked at him with an overflowing admiration. To know that he, with my assistance, might deconstruct the barriers that have arisen between classes!
“I am so very proud of you!”
John Sturdivant
I TAKE MY WORK SERIOUSLY. I started as a carpenter but I was interested in all aspects of the building industry. I learned plumbing, electrical installation, and even worked on a crew pouring concrete foundations. My contracting license was secured years ago.
But ethical dealings are most important to me. I have never let down a customer. A handshake is a sacred contract to me. Liam Cyning struck me as the kind of man that would mean something to.
“What do you think, boss?” The crew was cleaning up at the end of the workday and the boys often talked about the day’s work.
“Good job.”
“I meant about the high and mighty stopping by for a surprise inspection. I saw him look in every opening like he was checking for flaws in our work.”
“Now, don’t get upset about a surprise visit. Miss Meredith has stopped in nearly every week. Customers always want to check on the progress of their home. Mr. Cyning was no exception. If he was looking into every hole and crevice, I figure it was because he wanted to learn something, not to find fault. He’s a good chap. Downright friendly,” I said.
“Don’t get too friendly with him.” I turned to look at my electrician—an excellent tradesman himself. “From what I hear, Leaders can be all chummy in one instant and cut your balls off in the next. Who’d have thought a bunch of Dexters could get the best of a Commander like Ferguson? Did you read that agreement in the paper? He gave in to every demand those workers made. I tell you, that Cyning boy twisted the screws on a fellow who talks all the time about going to Buxton House.”
“That’s as may be. Ferguson sure sounded happy in the interview he did. He seemed to think he’d won some fantastic victory. We aren’t on the inside of this. You’re looking for evidence to support your belief. I’ll base my beliefs on the evidence. I don’t have much experience with Leaders, but I do have experience with customers. He was no different than any other customer who hired us to build or remodel. We do our jobs the way we always do and he pays his bills. No one’s ever been cheated by a Leader.”
“We’ll need clothes, John. Have you thought of what to wear? You’ll need a new suit and I need a new dress. We can’t go to Buxton House looking like we just came from a jobsite.” My wife already had a catalogue open on the table with pages marked for suits and dresses.
“We should wait until we see the invitation before we run out to buy new clothes. Maybe they are having the party in the stable. I’ve heard they sometimes throw parties with a theme. We might need jodhpurs,” I teased. My Rebecca was quite the excitable woman. A real Creator.
“Oh! You make me so flustered. We shan’t order until we see the invitation but come and look at the pictures with me. Don’t be such a spoilsport.” I smiled at her and sat to look at the illustrations, agreeing that she would look lovely in a particular gown but that if the party was informal a certain dress would show off her good looks. Rebecca blushed. I kissed her on the cheek.
“Perhaps we should have dinner now and then continue our window shopping after.” She hopped up from the table and soon brought steaming bowls of stew with freshly baked bread. I’d smelled it when I walked in the door and my stomach told me I needed to match smell with taste.
“I have never once regretted marrying you, John. You are good to me.”
“And you are good to me. I’d say you are good for me, as well. You married a mere carpenter to become a wife and mother. I’ve always been thankful.”
“My art would have made me another underemployed jeweler sitting at a desk typing letters. You made it possible for me to raise our family and take care of our home. I still have time to tinker with making jewelry a bit. Perhaps I’ll go to one of those holiday craft shows and display a few pieces.”
“Your jewelry belongs in a museum, not a craft show.”
“Take me to bed, John. I’ll show you art instead of craft.”
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