Read into My Heart

Chapter Ten

Sitting at her vanity as the morning light streamed through her bedroom window, Miranda absentmindedly ran a brush through her hair while she thought of last night's events. Sleep had eluded her for most of the night, as she felt too restless to be able to let her mind settle.

Being in Alex's company was something else entirely, and Miranda wasn't sure what to think of it. Sitting next to him in the theater had been both nerve wracking and exhilarating all at the same time. His presence was so distracting that she couldn't even remember what the play was about. She was being silly she knew, for she was sure Lord Carlisle had been totally unaffected by her company. Nothing ever seemed to unsettle him.

But now that Miranda had agreed to his plan, she was going to be thrown into his company even more so. She needed to get a tighter rein on her emotions if she didn't want to turn into a nonsensical ninny whenever he was near. Which was exactly the type of lady Lord Carlisle was trying to avoid.

Sighing inwardly, Miranda finished her toilette and began to dress herself. With being down a maid, Bridgett had enough duties to care for and so Miranda had taken it upon herself to dress in the mornings on her own. Thankfully she never did wear her hair in any complicated fashion, and so was not too difficult to pin into a simple bun.

Today was another tutor day and so Miranda donned her usual brown frock for the walk to the school. Even with the increased sessions, Henry was still not showing any marked improvement. Of the scientific journals she acquired on literacy, most of them concluded that the child simply did not have the intelligence, or must have a deficiency in the brain either from birth or head trauma. But to Miranda, none of those explanations seemed to fit Henry's situation. She knew he was intelligent, and she could see no "deficiencies" other than being unable to identify letters. In every other aspect, he was a normal healthy boy.

Miranda was not ready to give up however. Even with Henry's limitations, he deserved an education and should not be expelled. Especially when it was hardly his fault. Miranda left her room and started heading toward the front foyer. As she descended the steps she paused halfway down as there was a visitor waiting for her.

William once again stood at the entryway, holding his hat with a sheepish smile on his face.

"Good morning Miranda," he said cordially. "I seem to have finally caught up with you."

Miranda tried to erase the surprise on her face and instead tried to give a warm welcome. "Morning Mr. Scovell, I was not expecting you." Miranda knew at some point William would catch up with her again but if she was being honest with herself, she was hoping to avoid the matter for as long as possible. Or at least until she came back from the house party with Cissy. Then maybe she would have some idea of potential suitors.

"Yes, well, I asked the footman the last time I was here when you would be going to the school next. I thought I could walk with you." He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Unless you already have an escort?"

What William was suggesting was not lost on Miranda. She felt her cheeks grow warm at the memory of being caught between two gentlemen in a single morning. Wallflower status indeed. "No, you heard correctly. I am heading to the school and you are more than welcome to accompany me."

As Miranda donned her bonnet and gloves, William gallantly opened the front door for her to proceed him. They walked in silence for a few moments, but the air felt heavy with unspoken words. They both knew what the other was thinking but Miranda was unsure of how to bring it up. This was definitely not something taught during etiquette lessons.

"I feel," William began, "that our last conversation did not go exactly as planned."

Miranda gave a dry chuckle. "And that is the least of it," she said, trying to add some humor to the situation.