Read into My Heart

Chapter Six

Miranda stood gaping in the parlor. Her brain had disconnected from her lips as she was unable to form any words. William was here! In all of the bustle with the Earl of Carlisle, she had almost forgotten that she had heard no news of William's engagement. But the coming nuptials of a third son were hardly fodder for the town gossip.

"William," she was finally able to say, "I was not expecting you."

Unperturbed by her lack of warm welcome, William strode over, flashing one of his carefree smiles at her. "Sorry to surprise you Mandi, but I haven't seen you in an age, so I thought it best to come calling."

Nodding numbly, Miranda gave herself a mental shake. Remembering her manners, she gestured to the couch. "Would you like to sit while I ring for tea?"

"Actually, it is so nice out I was hoping we could walk your gardens. If that pleases you?"

It pleased her a great deal. Alex would be here soon, and it might be a little awkward having a male caller coming when she was already entertaining another one. "Yes, a walk sounds lovely," she said politely.

Heading back into the entryway, she donned her bonnet and shawl while William grabbed his hat. Her parent's house hardly had a garden in which to stroll through, but it did have a small walkway with a stone bench in which to sit and admire her mother's roses and lilies.

As they began to meander over to the side of the house, Miranda felt her heartbeat begin to quicken. This was the exact scenario in which she had tried to avoid at the ball. William coming to tell her that he had fallen in love with someone and was engaged to be married. But since that fateful night, Miranda could see now that her avoidance of him hadn't been because of heartbreak. Even now standing beside him, she could feel no sadness, only regret. Regret that she had pinned all her hopes and dreams on a marriage that in the end would have been based on convenience and not love.

As William walked with his hands clasped behind his back, Miranda saw that his face looked thoughtful. She could detect a stiffness in his shoulders but otherwise he seemed quite relaxed. Not acting like he was just about to shatter her world. He already unknowingly did that on the veranda.

Deciding it would be best for William to instigate the conversation, Miranda allowed herself to walk beside him in companionable silence. Even though a marriage wasn't going to work out between them like she originally hoped, William was still a good friend and she had missed his company over the past week.

"I didn't get a chance to speak with you at the Sheffield Ball," William began.

Miranda swallowed. They were apparently going to jump right in to that night. What could she say? It was obvious that she had seen him. "I...wasn't feeling very well that night," she hedged. "I ended up leaving early with my parents."

"I see," William said, though his tone suggested that he didn't see at all. "You were quite the talk afterward, ensnaring a dance with the elusive Earl of Carlisle. I hadn't realized you were acquainted with the Earl."

Miranda wanted to groan out loud. Was there anyone who hadn't heard about her dance? That was definitely going to be the last time she danced with a handsome stranger. Who knew one spin around the ballroom could cause so much fuss?

"I was given a quick introduction just that night." Miranda hated all the half-truths she was telling, but she didn't want William to feel guilty that he was the one who had caused her distress. When he was ready to tell her about the woman in the garden, Miranda wanted to sincerely wish them joy and make sure that William felt free of any obligation he may have felt towards herself.

William nodded silently. As they neared the stone settee, William held out his arm, indicating for her to take a seat first before settling himself beside her. Rubbing his hands along his legs, Miranda could tell he was suddenly nervous. Steeling herself, she sat patiently while waiting for the inevitable news of his engagement.