Read into My Heart

Chapter Four

Miranda knew who she needed to go see. There was only one person whom she could confide in and that would sympathize with her situation. Cissy. Putting on her bonnet, and setting aside the questions that had been spinning her mind since that atrocious evening, Miranda readied herself for the half-hour walk into the more affluent side of London.

Besides William, Cissy had become a trusted friend and confidante, especially during her prolonged courtship. She involuntarily winced. Miranda didn't think that her and William ever had an actual courtship. But how could he have not known that she was expecting an offer of marriage from him? Wasn't it obvious that season after season she was waiting for him? But then why did he never say anything?

Walking outside, Miranda took in a deep breath of the fresh air and put her face slightly up to the sun, allowing it to warm her face. Although she had come to dread the social season, spending time outdoors in the parks helped. If only her parents had been able to save the summer cottage in Yorkshire. Miranda was sure she would have loved vacationing in the country.

Double checking that she had her reticule and parasol, in case the sun became too much, Miranda set out on her much needed walk. With only being able to support a few servants, Miranda usually walked on her own so as to not take anyone away from their duties. As long as it was in a decent part of London during the day, her parents made no fuss.

As she began to stroll the streets of London, Miranda could feel the weight of her burden begin to lighten. She even sent up a small prayer for her situation, even though she felt that her and God were not on good terms at the moment. But on such a beautiful day, it made her feel that maybe there was some hope for the future.

As Miranda drew closer to Cissy's residence, the houses became more and more grand. She was truly happy that Cissy had been able to make such an advantageous match. She only hoped that it was a love match as well. Whenever Miranda came by to visit, her husband Nicholas was usually nowhere in sight.

Approaching a yellow-bricked house that was three stories tall, Miranda walked through the cast iron gate, and up to the front door. Knocking three times, the door was immediately opened by a butler.

"Miss Edwards," the butler said, bowing slightly. "Mrs. Benson is waiting for you in the drawing room."

"Thank you Walter," Miranda said kindly, handing him her bonnet and parasol. Knowing the way, Miranda led herself to the drawing room where she could already hear the faint sounds of a cooing baby. Picking up her pace, Miranda stepped through the open door to see Cissy on a settee cradling a small infant wrapped in a pink blanket.

Looking up, a smile broke out on Cissy's face when she noticed her arrival. "Mandi!" she exclaimed. Handing the baby off to the nursemaid who was standing by, Cissy stood up to give Miranda a hug. "It has been too long."

Miranda lightly laughed, hugging her back. "Hardly. I was here just two weeks ago for a visit, but with you just having Margaret, I thought it best to let you recover first before coming back."

"Speaking of," Cissy said motioning back to the nursemaid. "Here she is." Taking back Margaret, Cissy presented her to Miranda.

Two chubby cheeks and the bluest eyes Miranda had ever seen peered up at her. "Oh Cissy," Miranda breathed, "She's beautiful." Reaching out a tentative hand, she softly stroked one cheek. "She has your hair," Miranda said, noticing a small tuft of auburn hair sticking out from under the blanket.

"Nicholas of course had been hoping for a boy, but I'm secretly glad to have a daughter." Cissy looked at Margaret with so much love and adoration, that it made Miranda's heart ache a bit. "Do you have any news for me?" Cissy asked, looking back at her expectantly. "I was surprised you didn't come the day after the Sheffield Ball."