But then again, her behavior had been anything but proper concerning the viscount.
Miranda turned her attention to the day ahead. “Today, I think we shall work on your needlepoint and discuss some of the details pertaining to Almack’s, the establishment I mentioned last night at dinner.”
“Anything but dancing,” Iris remarked. “I never thought I’d see the day I’d actually want to do needlepoint. What has become of me?”
“A lady. You are becoming a lady, Iris.”
“I always was a lady—a miss of gentle breeding. My father was a gentleman, and I am a gentleman’s daughter, Miss Miranda,” Iris replied archly, a wide grin making her eyes sparkle.
“I’m simply helping your behavior match your birth,” Miranda replied, proud of her little turn of phrase.
“Ah, well done.” Iris lifted her teacup in a salute.
As Miranda chuckled, she smiled at Iris, thankful for their budding friendship, even if it was that of governess and pupil.
It went a long way in keeping her from feeling so alone.
And she expected it did the same for Iris.
She finished her tea and stood from the table. “I’ll be waiting for you in the library. It has the best light.”
“Anticipation floods me,” Iris replied, lifting her last piece of toast.
Miranda quit the room and started down the hall toward the library, where the east-facing windows stood tall and allowed the room to be full of a cheery glow each morning.
As she walked into the room, she considered Iris’s word choice.
Anticipation.
While Iris may not be authentic in her anticipation for her next lesson, Miranda couldn’t help but reflect on the viscount’s promise to furtherhereducation.
And the anticipation she felt for such an education was frighteningly real.
