Chapter Fifteen
Iris’s eyes grew wide as the door to the library opened. Miranda studied her pupil for a moment, then turned the direction of Iris’s gaze, then gasped.
“Liliah!”
She all but tossed her needlepoint aside and rushed to meet her sister.
“Sa—Miranda!”
Mrs. Keyes took a quick step back, her gray head shifting between the two girls as Miranda rushed forward to embrace her sister. Tears pricked her eyes as she held on to her elder sister, feeling the loneliness melt from her like snow in the sunshine.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you,” Liliah murmured, holding her tightly, then releasing her just enough to lean back and examine her.
Miranda’s face ached with the span of her grin of delight as she studied her sister. Her golden hair was neatly pinned into a beautiful twist and her eyes danced with joy, a deep-seated joy that came from her once-restless heart finding its home.
Miranda had the suspicion her brother-in-law had much to do with that peaceful state in Liliah’s life. Affection for her little-known brother-in-law flooded her at the sight of her sister’s joy. “You look lovely as always, and utterly joyful,” Miranda replied, reaching down to squeeze her hand.
“And you!” Liliah tilted her head slightly. “There’s something different, something confident in you. Freedom looks well on you, love.” Moisture gathered in Liliah’s eyes as she spoke the words.
Miranda nodded, understanding their deep meaning.
Freedom. It was worth the risk.
Because even though she had fought loneliness, she was free to live her life without the oppressive nature of their father, and his tyrannical rule over her life.
Liliah had fled first but, thankfully, had never once considered leaving Miranda behind.
“Come, sit.” Miranda gestured to the library’s sitting area and watched as Mrs. Keyes stepped forward.
“If I may, would you care to take tea?” she asked with the utmost civility.
Miranda nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Keyes, thank you.”
To her credit, Mrs. Keyes didn’t ask the questions clearly written on her face, and quickly quit the room, presumably to fetch tea.
“Allow me to introduce my pupil, Miss Iris.” Miranda gestured to her, noticing her silence.
Liliah moved forward with grace and nodded kindly to Iris.
Iris remained frozen.
“Iris?” Miranda asked.
Iris blinked, then stood. “My apologies. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She curtseyed, albeit slightly awkwardly.
They would work on that later, Miranda decided.
“Miss Iris, please meet my sister, Lady Liliah Heightfield.” Miranda bit her lip after the introduction, suddenly concerned that she had given too much detail. It would be helpful to speak with her sister, and her brother-in-law, to decide how much could be potentially dangerous. Not that her father would suspect her to be hiding in Scotland, but one could never be too careful.
Especially when dealing with the Duke of Chatterworth.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Iris. I’ve been looking forward to making your acquaintance,” Liliah said as she took a seat across from her.
Iris nodded, then turned wide eyes to Miranda. “Perhaps you would like some time alone?”
“Yes, but promise me you’ll continue your needlepoint and then do something to improve your mind? Likely we will practice conversation at dinner as well, and I’d like for you to enter into the conversation more than last night.”
Iris nodded, the sparkle returning to her countenance. “If I can get a word in edgewise,” she teased.
