Read into My Heart

Chapter Fourteen

Trudging through mud and brush, Alex remembered why he disliked hunting so much. It didn't help that the rain clouds were now letting down a steady drizzle, soaking him through. He had been half expecting the shooting party to give up at the start of the rain but it seemed they were more committed then he was.

The dogs ran ahead, barking and yelping as they chased pheasants out into the open. As they flew into the air, Alex took aim with his rifle. But with the rain in his eyes he lost sight of the birds and his shot went wide.

"Good try old chap," a voice spoke beside him. Glancing over, Alex spied Harrison smirking as he walked by. Alex snorted to himself at the use of the word "old". Harrison wasn't even a year or two younger than himself.

More birds fly into the air and multiple shots ring out. Alex didn't bother and decided it was better to save the ammunition then try to see through all the mist. He watched as Harrison let out a cheer at having hit his mark. He then looked back at Alex, a gloating grin on his face.

"I can't wait to tell Miss Edwards my success for this morning. She should be quite impressed."

Alex bristled at the mention of Miranda. No doubt Harrison was goading him, but he refused to rise to his bait. "I doubt Miss Edwards will be easily impressed by a kill count."

Letting out a bark of laughter, Harrison went to walk past Alex, but not before stopping before him. "It's no secret that you favor Miss Edwards, but I hope you're up for a little competition," he said with a wink.

"Tell me something Cousin," Alex said, switching topics. "How did you even receive an invitation for this get-together? You don't seem like Benson's usual guest."

Harrison glowered. "Well she could hardly refuse the cousin of an Earl now could she?" And without another word he sauntered off to catch up with the rest of the men.

Thankfully the shooting party broke up shortly after and the men started to meander their way back to the house. Rays of sunlight began to break through the clouds, slightly lifting Alex's spirits. He was greatly looking forward to his ride with Miranda tomorrow and had been afraid the rain was going to ruin those plans. It made him reflect on their morning together in the stable.

Alex couldn't remember being so vulnerable with someone outside of his household. He could feel Miranda slowly tear down the defenses that he had built over the years. Defenses that he used to protect himself against anyone finding out about his disability. And with how easy it was for him to share about his father made Alex want to open up about all of his secrets. But being open about losing a parent and telling someone that you've been illiterate your whole life were completely different things. Just because Miranda was understanding about one, would not mean she would also be about the other.

Finally arriving at the house, Alex never thought he would be so happy to step inside. His family never had a close relationship with the Benson's, despite being such close neighbors. Alex always felt that they were more concerned with the status gained from the association, rather than friendship. But considering he was soaked to the bone, he was willing to settle.

As he trudged up the stairs to his guest room, Alex wondered what the ladies were doing at present. He was glad Miranda wasn't there to see him looking like a drowned rat. When his valet dried him off and made him look presentable again, Alex went searching for the rest of the party. After a harsh morning he was looking forward to a more dignified activity.

A footman informed him that the ladies decided to adjourn for tea outside in the garden. Heading that way immediately, Alex purposely kept a steady pace, so as not to look that he was too excited.

As he walked out into the warm sun Alex scanned the gardens till he saw that the ladies had set up a little picnic lunch on a terrace to the side. It looked like most of the seating had been dried off, but he could see that blankets had been thrown over the stone benches so that the ladies' gowns would not be stained. It wasn't hard to pick out Miranda, sitting demurely next to Mrs. Cecilia Benson who was chattering excitedly.