Read into My Heart

Chapter Twelve

Ever since Miranda told him that she would be leaving next week, Alex could seldom think of anything else. At night he would toss and turn, the burden that if anything were to happen to Miranda, he would be responsible. And for what? Because he didn't appreciate his mother's meddling. The whole idea seemed petty now. Even with Miranda in a desperate situation, which was actually much more dire than he originally thought, he could be potentially putting her in the path of someone who could ruin her life indefinitely. And then not even he could rescue her.

Alex knew he needed to attend that houseparty. Even though just the idea of being around so many people made him sweat, he would never be able to forgive himself if something were to happen to Miranda. And a houseparty where she was out of the protection of her parents, and with an inexperienced chaperone was just such a situation that a rake may try to capitalize on.

Resolved in his chosen course, Alex trotted downstairs in the morning, hoping to find his mother having breakfast. He knew in the past they had always received invitations for the Benson's yearly houseparty, but since they were in London for Evelyn's season, that may have changed. It could make for a tricky situation, for Alex to try and wrangle an invitation.

When he entered the breakfast room however, it was only Evelyn sitting reading the newspaper. "Good morning Sister," Alex said as he began filling himself up a plate from the sideboard. "Have you seen Mother this morning?"

Evelyn picked up her cup of tea, taking a slow sip before putting down her paper and looking up at Alex. "I believe she said something about needing to see the dressmakers for a new ball gown. Apparently the dozen others we brought with us weren't good enough for the Worther's upcoming ball." Setting down her tea cup, Evelyn cocked her head at him. "Was there something you needed? Trying to get out of another dinner party perhaps?"

Alex gave an exaggerated shudder. "Thank heavens no. Fortunately Mother seems to have dropped that crusade for the moment."

"Because she thinks you're pursuing someone," Evelyn said. "You do realize Mother is expecting you to propose by the end of the season?"

Alex pretended that he was concentrating very hard on the food in front of him. "If she wants to make assumptions about my life then that is her prerogative."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow at his answer, but choosing not to comment, returned her attention instead to her newspaper.

Alex put down his knife and fork, the food suddenly tasting bland in his mouth. With his mother now expecting a proposal, it was yet another thorn in his "perfect" plan. What he originally thought was such a fool-proof plan, was actually only hurting those around him. Frustrated, he pushed himself away from the table, ready to stomp off out of the room. But as reached the doorway, Evelyn's voice stopped him.

"If you're wanting to know about the Benson's, we did receive an invitation."

Alex swiveled back around, surprise etched on his face. "How did you know I was going to ask Mother about the Benson's?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Please, it was painfully obvious with how you waltzed with Miss Edwards last night."

Alex frowned at her. "Your omniscience is duly noted. Is the gossip so slow that they're speaking about attendees at house parties?"

Evelyn gave him a pointed look. "You should know by now that Miss Edwards is hardly slow gossip. Why, she has gone from being practically invisible to a favorite of an Earl. Society finds her a novelty."

Sagging against the doorframe, Alex suddenly felt very tired. He knew that giving Miranda special attention would give a boost to her reputation, but he could have never imagined it would get this out of hand. "Do you know if Mother accepted the invitation?"