“Cream, and lots, please. And I might try one of those sandwiches. I am most dreadfully hungry.”
“Try a raspberry tart. They’re a favorite of mine.” Kate handed her a plate and a napkin.
Merry bit into the tart and sipped her tea. Color flooded back into her face. “I can’t wait to see Robert, again.”
“When was the last time you met?”
“Oh, years ago.” She wrinkled her nose. “I was quite young.” She took another bite. “So I doubt he’ll recognize me. I’ve changed a bit, you see. Is he still terribly good looking? I must confess I was a little enamored of him back then.”
“But that’s not why you’re here?” Kate asked, stifling a smile.
“Oh no.” Merry laughed. “I’m in love with someone else now.”
“Oh?” So that was what this was all about.
“Yes.” The girl ate another sandwich. The food seemed to settle her, and she drooped against the sofa cushions.
“Tell me about him,” Kate prompted.
A dreamy expression filled Merry’s eyes. “Armand is wonderful.”
“Armand?”
“He’s my dancing master. Well, he was.” She frowned. “Father dismissed him without a reference. Armand De Ville. Isn’t that a heavenly name? He’s French.”
Kate sighed inwardly. “I see.”
Merry’s eyes widened and she sat up. “Am I foolish to love someone like Armand?”
“I don’t know, Merry. You must be guided by your parents’ wisdom in these matters.”
Merry scowled. “But they want me to marry Mr. Foster.”
“I haven’t met Mr. Foster. What is he like?”
Merry pouted. “I hate him.”
“As you said. But can you tell me why?”
“He accused me of being spoiled and childish.” She swallowed the wrong way and coughed. “He said I would have to grow up or he wouldn’t marry me.”
“But you don’t want to marry him, do you? You wish to marry Armand, isn’t that right?” Kate struggled to keep up as her head throbbed.
“Yes. I do.” Merry put her hands on her cheeks. “Oh, I wish I knew. I had to get away… to think.”
“And what does Monsieur De Ville have to say on this?”
“He cares for me, he told me so, in the most beautifully passionate way.” She closed her eyes and smiled.
Kate frowned. “Did he kiss you, Merry, or anything else.”
Merry’s eyes widened. “I hoped he would, but no, he didn’t. He says he respects me.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure I like to be respected. I’d rather be terribly daring and interesting.”
“Respect is a high honor, Merry, which one must earn.”
Merry looked mulish. “Perhaps now he might ask me to run away with him.”
Kate patted the girl’s hand. “You were right to give yourself time to consider it, and you’re most welcome to stay with us while you make your decision.” She would remove Merry from under this Frenchman’s nose for a while. She rose to pull the bell. “I shall enjoy your company.” She was sure she would. She’d been very lonely of late. “But we must write to your father and mother who must be terribly worried about you. They will be relieved to know you are safe.”
