Read into My Heart

Chapter Nine

Miranda replied the next day to Evelyn's invitation that she would be honored to join their outing to the theater. Even though she resolved herself in going along with Lord Carlisle's plan, it didn't make her any less nervous. For the past three seasons, Miranda had been very content as a wallflower. And since she always thought that she would marry William, she never had to do much socializing with the opposite sex. That was about to be all turned upside down.

That morning, Miranda and her mother sat in the front parlor awaiting any callers that may come by. Miranda felt very on edge as she was constantly looking out the front window for William to stop by again. Or worse Lord Carlisle.

As she sat trying to read her book, she heard a knock at the front door. Holding her breath, Miranda listened as the footman opened the door and admitted the caller. Putting down her book, Miranda forced her body to relax and tried to at least appear cordial. When the footman finally came into the parlor, he announced "Mrs. Benson," and moved aside to reveal Cissy in a bright morning gown.

"Cissy!" exclaimed Miranda, jumping up to give her friend a hug. "What are you doing out? I thought you would still be confined to the house?"

Cissy waved her hand in dismissal. "If I had to stay one more day in that house, I was going to scream."

Turning to Miranda's mother, Cissy curtsied, "Good morning Mrs. Edwards."

Her mother smiled warmly back. "It's nice to see you Cecelia. Congratulations on your new daughter."

Cissy beamed back. "She is a doll. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to leave her, but the nurse assured me that she would probably sleep all morning anyway."

Mrs. Edwards got up from her seat. "Well I'm sure there are lots that you girls want to talk about so I'll leave you to your confidences." Nodding in goodbye, she took her leave.

Miranda pulled her friend over to the couch so that they could sit down together. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed seeing you at the various events."

Giving Miranda's hand a squeeze, Cissy said, "I've missed you as well. It's been nice spending time with Margaret, but I feel as though I've neglected you. With so much riding on this season, I wish I could be here more for you."

Miranda looked down, warmed by her friend's concern, but also embarrassed by her pity. "I'm fine Cissy, really." She tried to smile at her friend reassuringly, but came out a little shaky.

"I have heard some more news of you as of late," Cissy said teasingly.

Miranda groaned. "How is it that you are barely out of your house, and yet you still hear things about me?"

Cissy laughed. "Because it's about you of course! So, don't you want to tell me about your ride through Hyde Park with an extremely handsome gentleman?"

Smiling to herself, Miranda thought that Cissy was right in that Lord Carlisle was extremely handsome. But she wasn't sure how much she should share about his plan in helping her find a husband. "It was very nice," Miranda hedged, "Though I am still getting used to the increased attention."

"You will do fine," Cissy assured her. "People will always talk, whether you are the perfect lady or not. But," Cissy paused for a moment, "Do you think the Earl has any intentions with these outings?"

Miranda wanted to laugh. The idea seemed so absurd! As well, Lord Carlisle seemed so greatly opposed to the thought of marriage, hence why he wanted to feign interest in her.

Miranda's heart dropped a little at the fact that he wasn't actually infatuated with her. She was just a means to an end. It felt like sometimes that he enjoyed her company, and was concerned for her, like when they were talking about William for instance, but she could sense there was something deeper than just not wanting to marry now.