herself.
Unable to decide which would be appropriate, Miranda snatched the yellow and blue dresses off the bed and marched into the sitting room. “Which one would you recommend?”
Uncle Jonathan turned and raised an eyebrow. “For what?”
“Tea?”
“Just because you’ve invaded my attic does not mean I must act as a fashion consultant.”
She should have known better than to ask.
“Why does it matter? Has a gentleman come to call on you?”
He said the words with such unbelievable surprise that it hurt. Did her great-uncle not think any gentleman would have interest in her?
Was that the real reason she had so few callers when in London? Was that why Epworth hadn’t called on her after the kiss they had shared. And, even though he was here now, it had nothing to do with her.
“Oh, don’t get all emotional,” he complained. “That’s not how I meant my words to sound.” He fished the handkerchief out of his pocket and waved it before Miranda.
She simply stared at him. “I don’t think that is going to be of assistance.” She could see right through the linen as it was as ghostly as him. “But thank you for the offer.”
“I thought the guests weren’t due for another day.”
“Adam is to meet with the Marquess of Epworth, but they are having tea, instead of demanding answers and all because Epworth was accompanied by his grandmother and younger sister.” Though why the two couldn’t be entertained by others while she, Adam and Epworth discussed the wreckage of the ship was beyond her.
Uncle Jonathan stilled for a moment then the corner of his lip twitched. “I hadn’t realized they’d arrived.”
“It’s not like you leave the attic when anyone is here,” Miranda reminded him.
“Just because you don’t see me beyond this room, doesn’t mean I don’t visit other parts of Hollybrook Park,” he insisted then leaned back and folded his arms across his chest as if intrigued. “Why are they earlier than the others?”
She quickly explained about the ship from Bocka Morrow being lured by false lights and their wreckage. The more she spoke the deeper Uncle Jonathan frowned.
“This was near Laswell?”
“Yes. Do you know the area?”
He leveled a look. “I was a ship’s captain. I still know the coast as well as I know my name.” He turned his back on Miranda. “They haven’t wrecked a ship in centuries. There was an agreement.”
“Which is the purpose of the meeting. Adam intends to demand why this happened and what reparations will be offered.”
“Yes, as he should,” Uncle Jonathan offered thoughtfully as he stared out at the sea, his frown deepening.
“Well, I must hurry if I’m to be in time for tea.” Miranda darted for her chamber because she fully intended to be part of the discussion.
“Wear the lavender,” Uncle Jonathan called.
She stopped and turned. “I thought you didn’t wish to be a fashion consultant,” she teased.
Her great-uncle pinned her with an irritated look, and she bit her lip to hide her smile since it seemed to irritate him.
“It’s appealing on you. Not too feminine as in all useless frills and whatnot, but not too dowdy either. Something to wear if someone wishes to be taken seriously.”
She blinked at him.
“I assume you intend to insert yourself into the discussion involving the wreckage.” He raised an eyebrow in question.
“Yes. Of course.”
He gave a swift nod. “Hold firm and don’t let your brother go too easy on them.” With that, Uncle Jonathan disappeared.
Chapter 3
Miranda smoothed her skirt for the dozenth time as she waited for their guests to join them.
She’d never been nervous about seeing Epworth before. Excited, yes, but never nervous. However, today, she couldn’t calm, and her palms were damp.
It was ridiculous, of course. She should no longer care either way, but she did.
Miranda pushed the thoughts away. She’d not think about the past, or the way he’d kissed her, claiming her breath, and his arms, tight around her body as he held her close, or the passion she’d only once heard of, but finally experienced as it flared within. At the time, she’d not realized everything she had experienced. It wasn’t until she was back in her chamber , remembering everything that had happened at the well, and anxiously awaited Epworth to call on her the day after the ball, in hopes that they’d finally move on from being just friends.
Except, she never saw him again, and it had nearly destroyed her heart.
But she’d not think on that today, or ever again. Instead, she’d focus on the issue at hand.
Adam had