was not going to remain mum. Smuggling was in her blood, and before her hands and back started to pain her, she’d often participated in loading and unloading cargo. It was a family business, and when goods arrived, everyone was down in the caves as soon as they were old enough to be of assistance and keep secrets, which is why he hadn’t bothered to hide the disturbing news from Lucinda, who was all of eighteen.
He had also assumed that it would take longer to reach Hollybrook Park since his grandmother was also traveling with them. Instead, she demanded they travel an even quicker pace than he would have alone. She refused to stop at inns and insisted on sleeping in the carriage, taking quick meals, and resting only long enough to change the horses. Wesley was certain couples running off to Gretna Green took more time in their travels, but she was anxious to deal with the matter of the wrecked ship.
After they’d arrived, it was Lynwood who greeted them, the lines around his mouth grim.
“I apologize for arriving early but given the circumstances I thought it best that we meet and discuss the matter before your other guests arrive.”
He nodded. “Do you know who is responsible?”
“Not here, boys,” his grandmother chastised. “We are still standing in the foyer waiting for our things to be unloaded.”
Wesley had assumed Lynwood would be insulted by his grandmother’s tone, as they were the guests. Instead, Lynwood nodded.
“Yes, of course, Your Grace.” Then he studied Lucinda and Grandmother before he looked to Wesley. “Can I assume the females in your family are as much a part of our, um, shared interest as those in my family?”
Grandmother knocked Lynwood in his shin with her cane, causing him to wince.
“This mere female has more experience in the shared interest than the two of you combined.”
Lynwood’s face turned crimson. “Yes, well, then why don’t you get settled and then we will all sit down to tea to discuss what to do about the situation,” Lynwood finally suggested.
“Excellent, young man,” his grandmother agreed.
“My wife has arranged for you to have the best chamber available, Your Grace,” Lynwood assured her. “And Lady Lucinda will be in the room next to yours.”
“Thank you, Lord Lynwood.”
Grandmother lifted the hem of her skirts and started up the stairs following the housekeeper.
“I’ve been told that your grandmother is not to be trifled with?” Lynwood whispered.
“I thought she’d mellowed over the years,” Wesley grumbled. “I was mistaken.”
Miranda stared at the three dresses on her bed, unable to decide which would be best to wear to tea. Normally this wouldn’t be a concern, but today they had guests—Marquess Epworth, his grandmother and sister. They’d arrived a day ahead of the other wedding guests to discuss recent, disturbing events. She was shocked that her brother would waste time with a formal, polite tea when he should have been demanding answers the moment they’d arrived.
“Tea!”
Bocka Morrow had lost a good ship, not to mention the cargo, but thank goodness none of the crew had been harmed. Adam should demand compensation from His Grace. Instead, he was sitting down to tea with the duke’s son.
Tea!
If Grandfather were still alive, he’d not be having tea, but would have ridden to Forester Hall directly.
It was unforgiveable what happened, and she’d hoped that Adam would deal harshly with Epworth and the smugglers of Laswell.
Instead, he was having tea.
Well, if Adam wouldn’t demand satisfaction, then she would. And to do so, she needed to present herself in a manner that would make everyone take notice.
Oh, why couldn’t His Grace come to discuss the situation instead of his son?
Miranda wasn’t ready to see Epworth again, but she needed to force aside her longing, pain and yes, the love she still held for him despite the rejection, so that they could address the more important issue at hand.
At least it gave her something more to focus on instead of wondering why he hadn’t called on her.
Miranda shook her head and returned her concentration to the dresses.
The yellow was flattering against her dark hair, but the blue complimented her eyes, whereas the pink was feminine.
She frowned. Frilly and feminine was for younger girls and Miranda had no desire to be dismissed so easily. Too often Adam forgot her age and treated her as if she still belonged in the schoolroom. She didn’t want Her Grace to make that same mistake. As for Epworth, well, she didn’t really care what he thought, Miranda lied to