Read into My Heart

Chapter Twenty-Two

As Miranda stood outside of the school house, she tried to remember in her past conversations with Henry if he mentioned the whereabouts of where his family lived. Miss Sutherland was very unlikely to give out his address and the last thing Miranda wanted to do was go back inside to face her. Miranda thought she could recall Henry talking about his father working as a clerk at a local shop. It wasn't much to go on but at least it was a start.

Heading in the direction of the marketplace, Miranda worried about what her parents might think of her going without an escort. Walking to Cissy's alone in the richer part of London was different than going to a more unrefined area. But this couldn't wait. Miranda needed to see Henry now. Pulling her bonnet to hide her face as much as possible, Miranda was glad for once for her simple attire. She hoped it would help her appear less conspicuous so as not to draw unwanted attention upon herself.

Miranda decided to head towards Bond Street as that was the closest shopping district to the school. Turning onto the street, she could see the various stores opening up for the day and it was already starting to become busy with shoppers perusing the wares available.

Keeping her head low as other ladies strolled by with their maids in tow, Miranda now realized that a lady out by herself could cause some scrutiny. She wasn't planning on staying long, so the sooner she accomplished what she came for, the sooner she could get back home. But Miranda didn't even know where to start.

Looking into each of the stores as she walked past, Miranda caught sight of a woman that looked familiar to her. As the lady turned and made eye contact through the shop window, Miranda realized it was Miss Chism.

Spinning around in the hopes that she hadn't recognized her, Miranda walked in the opposite direction.

"Miss Edwards!"

Miranda badly wanted to keep walking like she hadn't heard her but years of etiquette training wouldn't allow her to do so. Instead she halted and slowly turned back to see Miss Chism standing in the open door of the shop. Allowing the door to close, she made her way over to her.

Miranda braced herself for the smug and derisive comments that were sure going to come her way. Miranda was surprised that Miss Chism would even be seen talking to her in public. When she had finally reached her, Miranda did her best to not break eye contact, else she looked guilty for sins she did not commit.

But instead of speaking, Miss Chism gently placed her hand on Miranda's arm. "Thank you," she said, "For saving Athena. I didn't deserve it of you."

And the next moment she was gone, heading back into the shop and leaving Miranda only with a complete look of shock.

"Miranda?"

Swiveling around at who else could have recognized her, Miranda sagged in relief at seeing William walk towards her. With his top hat and gentleman's cane, he was looking unusually dapper.

"I thought it was you," he said with a smile. Looking around to see no one with her, his smile instantly fell. "Are you here alone?" he asked with concern.

Miranda opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it again and ended up only nodding her head in abashment.

Lightly taking her arm, William led them to a small alleyway off the street where they could talk more privately. "What are you doing here without an escort? I heard about what happened at the Benson's house party, but I figured it was just the gossips blowing everything out of proportion as they usually do. Don't tell me that you've actually thrown off all sense of decorum?"

Miranda wanted to be angry at him for thinking the worst of her, but she knew she couldn't. If their roles had been reversed she would have thought the same thing. "No I haven't," she answered. "I had an urgent matter to attend to that could not wait."