Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 6

To Miranda Riley's dismay, she was joined by Matthew Westbrook for the meal. A little uncomfortably sheepish after her conversation with Isabel earlier, she sat between him and Cousin Charity Bertram and her eyes searched to see where Mr Kirkley was seated. She finally met his eyes a ways down the table. 

Matthew, sitting between Miranda and Miss Cotton, had noted the actions and conversation between his honorary sister and the object of her interest (being Mr Kirkley), and had grown increasingly irritated as the night carried on, especially as each dance passed without Miranda giving him his promised one. Seeing Miranda and William Kirkley now exchanging titillated looks and smiles over the cold cuts and baked veggies his irritation peeked.
He leaned so only she could hear. "Do you really find that silly fop attractive?" He tried to tease, but in truth it almost came out as a sneer. 

She glared at him "He is not silly, he is a playful romantic. And just because he takes extra care in his appearance doesn't make him a fop. You could learn a little of romance and wooing a woman, than you may find love and not find yourself alone the rest of your life." 

Matthew wasn't overly successful on hiding how that comment pricked him. "That's all very nice but romance has precious little to do with love. Your gentleman can't keep you alive and happy on flattery alone." 

Miranda ignored his comment and took some sweetmeats from the plate a Butler proffered to her. Matthew let out a sharp sigh of frustration and struck up a conversation with Miss Cotton over the remainder of the meal who pleasantly surprised him with her knowledge and intelligent conversation. He learned at one point that she knew Mr Kirkley, they being both from London. Her manner when speaking of him didn't seem complimentary, but she no reason as to why she did not like the man; not that Matthew cared enough about gossip to pry.

~~~

Isabel's luck was proving ill, she found herself a seat and who but Miss Dunsworth took the seat opposite and waved over her brother who had been chatting by the door. He sat with a nod to Isabel and her father (who sat next to her). Isabel ducked her head to hide her fierce blush, taking longer than necessary to fix her napkin in her lap.

Mr Riley struck up a conversation with Dunsworth immediately, asking how things were in Southamptons; Isabel eavesdropped for a very short time until she heard a bright feminine voice speaking her name. "I don't believe we have officially met, Miss Riley, the last time I saw you was on you and your sister's fifteenth birthday. I am Sicily Dunsworth, if you do not recall." 

Isabel offered a tentative smile, "I remember you well though we only conversed in greeting, I have often regretted there was so little time for us to form a closer acquaintance." (Miss Dunsworth looked pleased) "It doesn't feel so long ago, but a suppose it has been quite some years." 

"No, indeed, time does seem to speed by.." There was a pause.

"Will you be in London at all this season?" 

"Not this year. We are to go to Bath for three weeks after this, then home to Southamptons." 

"Oh I do love Bath!" Isabel cried, forgetting her nerves in her enthusiasm. "I have fond memories of our Aunt taking us bathing there in our youth and long to go again." 

"Oh, you love the baths, how splendid! I also love bathing but we have never been to Bath before and have no acquaintance there, nor any idea of the best spots to go. You wouldn't happen to be going would you?" 

"I wish I were, but nay! We have no plans yet to go anywhere for the rest of the season; but that may change, I will hope for bath. But you are lucky to live so close to the sea, for you may go sea-bathing whenever you wish."