“Mornin’, Miss Miranda. I trust you slept well in the new room?” she asked, pausing and folding her hands before her ample form.
Miranda nodded. “Indeed, thank you, Mrs. Keyes. And how did you sleep?” she asked kindly.
“Bah, well enough.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I thank ye for asking, though. I’ll leave you to breakin’ yer fast.” She nodded and bustled away.
Miranda watched her departure and then proceeded the rest of the way down the hall, passing the suit of armor, then turned left in to the dining room. The sideboard was set with rashers of bacon, ham, coddled eggs, and toast with marmalade. She selected some bacon and a slice of toast, then found her seat at the table, wishing forThe Timesto look over while she ate. She had an hour or so before Iris would be ready to start her instruction, and it was at these moments that she missed several of the comforts of home.
But most of all her sister.
Perhaps today would be the day Liliah and Lord Heightfield would arrive.
She poured herself a steaming cup of tea and enjoyed her breakfast in silence, the clock chiming the hour midway through.
She was almost finished with her second cup of tea when she heard footsteps in the hall. The teacup she was holding froze halfway to her lips as she listened intently. A few moments later, Iris walked into the room, her eyes slightly bleary from being newly awake.
“Good morning,” Miranda greeted her softly.
Iris took a deep breath, as if mustering the energy to speak. “Morning, though I wouldn’t say it’s good.” She muttered the last part and selected a plate.
Miranda chuckled softly and took a sip of her cooling tea. “That depends on one’s perspective.”
“You’re always happy about the morning, so I find that your opinion is one I will not take into account,” Iris replied, though Miranda noted a hint of a grin.
“Someone is cheeky this morning.”
“Someone is far too cheerful,” Iris responded, but her grin had grown into a full smile as she took a seat across from Miranda.
Iris took a bite of toast, and Miranda lifted the teapot in silent query.
Iris nodded, and Miranda poured her a cup of tea, then refilled her own.
“Shall we review last night’s conversation?” Miranda started.
Iris gave her an irritated expression as she swallowed her food. “After tea. Not that there is much to discuss. I didn’t speak very much, which means that there’s little to criticize.” Iris smirked, then sipped her tea.
Miranda sighed impatiently. “I was leading by example. And my question wasn’t referring to your involvement in the conversation; rather, I was seeking your opinion and whether you had questions regarding it.”
Iris lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I—”
“Ah, ladies don’t shrug,” Miranda corrected.
Iris arched a brow, then swallowed another bite. “I do not have any questions.”
“Very well, provided the viscount doesn’t have other arrangements, tonight for dinner conversation, I’d like you to initiate a topic upon which you can practice conversing. Something you feel comfortable with the extent of your knowledge.”
Iris tilted her head. “Something I know well?”
“Yes.”
“Very well,” Iris replied, then gave Miranda a curious expression. “The viscount seemed quite . . .” She frowned.
Miranda froze, curious and slightly concerned about what Iris had noticed.
“It was of no consequence,” she finished, taking another bit of bacon.
Miranda wasn’t about to question her further, thankful Iris didn’t press.
It wasn’t proper breakfast conversation.
