Read into My Heart

Chapter Five

Standing in the entryway of his home, Alex greeted guests alongside his mother as they entered through the front door. He smiled politely, bowing and shaking hands as each visitor walked past, yet he couldn't recall a single name after they had moved on. He was too busy waiting for the next person to walk in the room. To see her face walk in.

Tugging at his caveat for the hundredth time that night, Alex couldn't remember feeling so restless. And over a woman no less. But he couldn't stop speculating on how Miranda would react when she saw him. Surely she would have figured out his identity by now. What would she say? What would she do? He figured she would either look at him with disdain for his deception or become another one of the simpering ladies, hoping to gain his favor.

But Alex had a feeling that Miranda was not the simpering type. She hardly acted like the coy lady at the ball. If anything, she rose to his baiting and responded in kind. Not only was it refreshing to Alex to converse with a lady that displayed wit and intelligence, but it also made Miranda the perfect collaborator in thwarting his mother's matchmaking schemes. In return, he would help her make a suitable match so she would not have to return for another season.

Now Alex just had to convince Miranda to agree to his plan.

Just as it seemed that all the guests had arrived, an older gentleman with his wife on his arm strolled into the room. Alex's shoulders sagged a bit at the thought that Miranda must have chosen not to come at all. Until a gown of pale pink could be seen from behind, revealing Miranda in their wake.

Alex could not suppress a smile at the demure countenance she exhibited. He knew better now that she did possess a more spirited nature. He just had to rile it out of her again.

"Mr. and Mrs. Edwards," his mother said in greeting, "I'm so glad you were able to join our quaint gathering."

Alex almost rolled his eyes at his mother's use of 'quaint'. When it came to hosting she never did anything halfway.

"Lady Carlisle," Mr. Edwards said with a bow, "The pleasure is all ours. I believe you already met my daughter Miranda."

As Miranda's father stepped aside, Alex could finally see her more fully. Her eyes were downcast as she did her curtsy in greeting. Her demeanor seemed almost sheepish, but when her eyes finally looked up and locked with his, he could see the defiance. Oh yes, she was definitely angry at him. Alex couldn't help but grin at the thought.

After all the introductions had been made, Lady Carlisle led everyone to the parlor where the rest of the guests were mingling before dinner. Alex desperately wanted to try and talk to Miranda, especially now that she knew his identity, but wasn't sure how in a room full of people.

His mother showed the Edwards around the room to make the introductions, leaving Miranda to stand by herself. Just when Alex thought he had his chance his sister Evelyn went bounding across the room and pulled Miranda over to the other young ladies. Although annoyed with his sister's interference, Alex was also inwardly pleased that Miranda wouldn't have to face this night alone.

There were both positives and drawbacks to having the attention of society focused on you. And having been a wallflower for the past three seasons, Alex was about to shove Miranda into a whole new world.

"Dinner is served," a footman announced. As the guests began to filter out of the parlor, Alex could see all the debutantes batting their lashes at him, in the hopes that he would escort one of them to dinner. But the only one he had eyes for was the one who was pointedly trying to not look in his direction.

"Miss Edwards," Alex said smoothly, "May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?" As he held out his hand to her, Alex could see an internal struggle going on inside of Miranda. She pursed her lips as if she badly wanted to swat his hand away. Thankfully she chose instead to place her hand in his with a quiet "Thank you".