Read into My Heart

Chapter Twenty-Four

The sun shone down through a cloudless blue sky. Miranda couldn't help but tilt her head up allowing the rays to warm her face. Sitting in the garden outside her home, it was hard to believe that it was here that she had been caught in an awkward situation with two male callers. It seemed but a distant memory now.

With her bible in her lap, Miranda surrounded herself in the truth of God's mercy and grace. After the events from a few days ago, Miranda needed a firm foundation to stand on, for it had left her feeling pretty unsettled.

But that was not all that was troubling her. It had been three days and Alex still hadn't come to call. No note or a letter. Even Evelyn hadn't stopped by. It must be obvious to Alex now that she knew of his secret. So why did he stay away? Hence why Miranda was pouring over her bible and trying to lay her worries at the feet of Jesus.

As Miranda went back to her reading, a rustling sound brought her attention to the garden path. There she saw someone who she didn't think she would ever be able to see again.

"Cissy!" Miranda exclaimed. Setting her bible down, Miranda ran to her friend and threw her arms around her, afraid to let her go.

"It's so good to see you Mandi," Cissy said, hugging her back.

"What are you doing here? I thought your mother-in-law banned you from ever seeing me again."

Cissy looked at her with a twinkle in her eye. "Apparently Mrs. Benson was so horrified how she had taken the word of a blackguard that she chose to humble herself and apologize then be associated with the likes of Mr. Archer." Cissy let out a laugh. "I never thought I would see the day when my mother-in-law was taken down from her high horse."

Miranda couldn't help but beam at her friend. "I'm just so happy that you're here."

"Me too," Cissy said. "But I must confess I do have ulterior motives. I'm here to take you out."

"Out?" Miranda asked.

Cissy nodded. "My carriage is waiting, your parents already know."

The next thing Miranda knew Cissy was dragging her out of the garden and into the carriage. She didn't even have a moment to refuse. And the whole ride Cissy remained tight lipped about where they were going and wouldn't give a single clue.

Miranda decided it was a lost cause and chose to sit back and be patient. She would find out soon enough.

When the carriage finally did come to a stop and the girls departed, Miranda found herself in front of a three story stone building. "Vauxhall Gardens?" she said to Cissy. "This was your outing?"

"And why not?" Cissy said, pretending to be offended. "You love gardens and it got you away from home moping around."

Miranda shot her a look. "I was not moping."

"Yes you were," Cissy retorted. "Even in the first five minutes I could tell that you've been waiting for Lord Carlisle to come calling."

Miranda blushed because she knew her friend was right.

Walking through the proprietor's house and back outside, Miranda sighed at the beauty of the gardens. Even though it was a common attraction in London, it still took one's breath away. Numerous trees lined the paths while a gazebo sat in the center of one of the squares.

Cissy steered her past the gazebo and toward the east side.

"I think you would enjoy a stroll down Lover's Walk," Cissy said.

Miranda let out an involuntary snort. "That's the last place I would want to go."

Cissy waggled her eyebrows at her. "Oh I begged a differ."