Chapter 21
The realization hit Anna with the force of a physical blow. Lady Merran had ditched Lady Classie on purpose. It was a calculated move to secure a private audience with that man.
Anna felt a sharp spike of irritation. She had always viewed the girl as a paragon of naivety, but this sudden display of cunning was unsettling.
If Merran had feelings for the gentleman and wanted some time alone, she should have been transparent. Classie wasn’t the type of person to intentionally sabotage her niece’s romantic interests.
Regardless of Merran’s motives, Anna refused to let her mistress be humiliated in front of their guest.
“Lady Classie departed for a separate engagement,” Anna explained smoothly. “She didn’t mention any other plans to me. There must have been some sort of miscommunication.”
Dernick offered a polite nod, his eyes crinkling into a thin smile. “I understand.”
Despite his agreeable tone, his expression suggested he saw right through the lie but was willing to play along for the sake of decorum. Anna felt a cold knot of dread form in her stomach.
A clear, melodic voice drifted down from the landing above.
“My aunt is out making calls, Sir Dernick.”
Merran glided down the staircase toward them. Dernick turned, presenting a basket of sweets he had brought as a gift. With a radiant grin, Merran took the offering, her movements as light as a butterfly. She shot a pointed look at Anna.
It was a silent dismissal, but Anna didn’t budge. Classie had been very specific: Anna was to remain with them at all times.
“Anna, do you really intend to stay?” Merran asked, her tone thinning.
“I am here to ensure you both have everything you need,” Anna replied with feigned innocence.
“Are you trying to make me look ridiculous in front of our guest?”
“Never, my lady. I would never dream of disrespecting you.”
“Then why won’t you do as I ask? Imagine what Sir Dernick must think of me.”
“He likely thinks you are a precious treasure, kept under careful watch.”
“Anna, stop. I am not a child. Please leave us.”
“But my lady,” Anna countered, “he is still essentially a stranger to this house.”
Merran’s temper finally snapped. Anna was her aunt’s loyalist. No matter their personal rapport, the maid’s primary allegiance was to the Kalashi estate.
The girl felt a bitter sting of resentment. She was certain that if Classie had given the order to leave, Anna would have vanished instantly.
“Anna. Get out.”
The command was icy and sharp, leaving no room for negotiation.
Anna was momentarily stunned. The entire arrangement—inviting Dernick over while Classie was away—had been Merran’s idea, but it was predicated on Anna being present.
Merran had practically begged Classie for this opportunity, and Classie had only agreed on the condition of Anna’s supervision. It was a pact they had all understood.
Now, Merran was behaving as though that agreement never existed. With Classie absent, Anna found it increasingly difficult to defy a direct order from the young lady of the house.
Eventually, Merran managed to steady her breathing and sank onto the sofa. Dernick didn’t move to assist her. Instead, he remained perched on the windowsill, letting out a soft chuckle.
“Don’t let it get to you,” he said. “The youngest members of a family are always smothered. It’s to be expected. Besides, it’s not as if I’m a close acquaintance of the Kalashi family anyway.”
Merran pressed her forehead against the cool leather of the couch. “It isn’t about protection. She treats me this way because I don’t truly belong here.”
“How can you say that? You’re the niece of the Countess.”
“I am an Omel, not a Kalashi. Anna’s loyalty belongs to my aunt, not to me.”
Dernick scanned the reception room, noting its sophisticated and inviting decor. “You and your aunt seemed to be on excellent terms. Is that just a facade?”
“We have our moments,” she admitted. “Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it isn’t.”
“That sounds like my relationship with my parents. That’s just the nature of family.”
Merran suddenly remembered Classie’s directive to find out more about Dernick’s lineage. However, after the confrontation with Anna, she had no desire to follow her aunt’s script.
Furthermore, while she found him charming, she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted a serious future with him yet. Was his family history really that important right now?
Pushing her aunt’s request aside, Merran stood up. She was still simmering with resentment toward Anna, but she didn’t want to ruin the visit by sulking.
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s go to my quarters. I’ll show you those mementos I mentioned.”
Dernick hopped down from the windowsill. His movements were unexpectedly fluid and rapid, catching Merran off guard. Before she could blink, he was standing right beside her.
“By the way,” he asked, “where is Lady Mary’s sister? Where did Miss Classie go?”
“She’s out with some acquaintances. She doesn’t usually share the details of her social calendar with me.”
“Was she aware I was coming by today?”
“Yes, she knew.”
“And she left anyway?”
“Is that a problem? My aunt isn’t exactly your biggest fan, Sir Dernick.”
Once they entered her room, Dernick immediately drifted away from her. Like a fish returning to a pond, he began exploring the space, keeping his distance.
“Do you find my room that fascinating?” Merran asked, feeling a touch of annoyance.
Dernick flashed a grin. “A person’s living space reveals their true soul.”
“So, this is a character assessment?”
“You are Mary’s daughter. I assumed you would share some of her traits.”
Merran usually loved discussing her mother, who was a cherished memory. Yet, hearing this man bring her up constantly was starting to feel intrusive.
“What exactly did my mother do for you to earn such devotion?”
“She provided a massive service.”
“Did she save your life?”
Dernick offered a cryptic smile but remained silent. “If Lady Mary didn’t tell you, she likely had a reason. I won’t betray her confidence.”
“Perhaps she just thought I was too young to understand.”
“How old are you exactly?”
Dernick’s smile brightened. “Then her silence probably had nothing to do with your age.”
“Why do you say that? I was only eleven when she passed away.”
“I was fourteen back then.”
Merran’s jaw dropped. He had a youthful face, but his sophisticated manner had led her to believe he was much older. They were only separated by three years.
“You’re twenty-three? You’ve been treating me like a child this whole time, and you’re only three years older than me?”
Dernick shrugged as if the age gap were irrelevant and moved on. “So, where are these keepsakes?”
Merran felt a surge of irritation and briefly considered kicking him out. However, she realized she didn’t entirely hate his attitude. He had focused on her age without asking about Classie’s.
If he had asked, she would have had to admit that Classie was only two years older than him. She preferred that he view Classie strictly as an older aunt figure rather than a peer.
With her mood improving, she spoke with renewed energy. “The items are in that side room. Follow me.”
“A hidden chamber?”
“Hardly! It’s just where I keep my personal storage.”
She retrieved three boxes from a corner and passed them to him. Dernick carefully unpacked the contents, arranging them on the floor with great precision.
Merran watched him closely, wondering exactly what he was searching for among her mother’s things.
Meanwhile, Classie was wandering through the plaza alone. As dusk settled, a heavy snow began to fall. Since she lacked an umbrella, she decided to head home.
By the time she reached the front door, she was covered in a layer of white powder.
“Good heavens, my lady! You look like a snow statue!”
Anna rushed over with a plush towel, frantically dusting the snow from Classie’s hair and heavy cloak.
“I feel like I’ve turned into an icicle,” Classie shivered.
She leaned into Anna, seeking warmth. The maid smelled of fresh bread and radiated a comforting heat from her time in the kitchen.
“Careful now! You’ll freeze me right along with you!”
“I can’t have that. You need to stay warm for your grandchildren, Anna.”
The maid let out a boisterous laugh. As Classie handed over her wet cloak, she asked, “Where is Merran?”
Anna’s face went rigid.
“What happened?” Classie asked, sensing the shift in atmosphere immediately.
Anna paused. She didn’t want to cause a rift between the two women by reporting Merran’s behavior, but she couldn’t hide the truth either.
When no answer came, Classie went straight to Merran’s room. She gave the door a firm knock. After a moment, it opened to reveal her niece.
Merran’s cheeks were flushed a deep crimson.
Classie felt a wave of relief. The girl looked happy and composed, suggesting things with Dernick hadn’t ended in a quarrel.
“I just got back. How was the visit? Did Sir Dernick enjoy himself?”
Merran’s blush intensified. A warning bell went off in Classie’s mind. This felt like more than a polite social call.
“Did the two of you have a meaningful conversation?”
Merran hesitated for a heartbeat before giving a shy nod.
“We discussed the topic of marriage,” she whispered.
