Read into My Heart

Chapter Nineteen

Lying in a deep soft bed, Alex's eyes slowly fluttered open. Turning his eyes towards the bay window, he cringed at the brightness of the sun filtering through. Realizing that he must have overslept, he sat up to clear the grogginess of sleep that clouded his mind.

As the fogginess cleared, last night's events came to the forefront of his mind. It all seemed so surreal now that he thought for a moment that it must have been a dream. Alex fell back onto his pillow with a small huff. He knew it was no dream. Although he was elated that Noah was unharmed in the fire, watching Miranda run into a burning building was something that he never wanted to experience again.

Alex cared for Miranda, he couldn't deny that now. The relief he felt at seeing her exit the stable was beyond measure. He didn't know whether to kiss or shake her for such reckless behavior. And that thought brought Alex to the issue at hand.

There is no mistaking that his conduct towards Miranda was inappropriate in the eyes of society. He had no doubt that the gossip would be running completely unrestrained this morning among the house guests. And because of Miranda's increased popularity, her reputation would now be in shreds. The higher you are in society's eyes, the harder you fall.

Alex closed his eyes in shame. For this was all his doing. If he hadn't entered into Miranda's life, she could have possibly been engaged to Mr. Scovell by now and none of these problems would have arisen. So that left Alex with only one option left. He had to marry Miranda.

Hoisting himself out of bed, Alex rang for his valet to help ready him for the day. Alex needed to act quickly before the rumors started spreading. They may even be able to insinuate that the engagement had happened before the incident with the fire, saving Miranda some honor.

As Alex dressed, he was surprised to find that he felt excited at the prospect of marrying. He had no doubt that Miranda would accept his proposal, for there were simply no other options left for her. To refuse meant that her and her family would have to live as outcasts from society for the rest of their lives. Alex knew that he may never be able to share his affliction, but at least their marriage can be one of respect and admiration.

Finally presentable, Alex made his way downstairs. He may have missed morning breakfast, but he figured people would be milling about in the parlor or outside in the gardens. Choosing to try the parlor first, Alex felt a tiny bit of nervousness settle in his gut. He was sure Miranda harbored some feelings towards him. She did risk her life for his horse after all. But the thought that she would be accepting his proposal solely for saving her reputation did not sit completely well with Alex.

Entering the front parlor, Alex was surprised to see it mostly empty. Except for the younger Mrs. Benson, who stood facing out the window. Although unable to see her face, Alex could detect in her countenance that something was distressing her.

"Mrs. Benson?" Alex asked with concern. "Is everything alright?"

At first Mrs. Benson didn't move, making Alex wonder if she had even heard him. Then she said softly, "She's gone."

Alex felt like the floor had just been pulled out from under him. "What do you mean by 'gone'?"

Turning towards him, Alex could see now that her eyes were red and her face splotchy as if she had just been crying. "My mother-in-law went to her room first thing this morning. She told her to pack her things and to leave Grayside immediately for her incorrigible behavior with the Earl."

Staggering forward to an armchair, Alex gripped its backside for support. It appeared that he was too late. It saddened him to know the degradation Miranda had to endure because of him.

"Why so suddenly?" Alex asked. "For all your mother-in-law knew there could have already been an understanding between us."

Mrs. Benson clenched her hands. "Someone told her that they saw Miranda enter your bedchamber."