Miranda tilted her head in query.
“Yes, Miss Miranda.” Iris stood, curtseyed, and then left the room.
“She seems like a lovely girl; a bit on the precocious side, but that’s only to her credit.” Liliah grinned.
“She reminds me of you in many ways.”
“She’ll be a sensation for sure, then.” Liliah giggled. “Now, tell me everything. Start with the first day you arrived.” Liliah leaned forward, anticipation radiating from her.
Miranda was more than willing to indulge her sister’s curiosity.
She was just telling of the first time she was introduced to the viscount when Mrs. Keyes arrived with the tea. Liliah assured Mrs. Keyes that they would pour for themselves, and the housekeeper left, her footsteps slightly reluctant, as if she wished she could stay to solve the fascinating mystery of the two ladies.
When the door closed, Miranda continued her tale. She debated speaking of the story of her fall into the pond but wanted her sister’s opinion on the matter.
Once she finished with that, Miranda purposefully poured herself a cup of tea and waited for Liliah’s response.
“That is certainly out of character.” Liliah poured herself a cup of tea as well, blowing across the top.
“How so?” Miranda asked.
“You say he was abrupt in his departure once he set you down in the room?” Liliah asked.
“Yes.”
“Hmmm. Continue. I’m saving my opinions till I’ve heard everything,” Liliah said.
Miranda suppressed a groan, then gave a description of last night’s dinner conversation.
“Ah, so that is why Iris said it would be difficult to get a word in. It seems you and the viscount have much in common,” Liliah said with a significant look.
“Some. I would not venture to say much,” Miranda corrected, but as she considered the rest of her story, her cheeks flamed. Did she dare tell her sister?
“Oh! There’s something you’re not telling me,” she quietly exclaimed and set down her teacup. “Surely there is something delicious or you wouldn’t blush so!”
“I’m not blushing.” Miranda calmly took a sip of tea.
“Liar,” Liliah replied. “Regardless, I will not cease in pestering you till you give me what I seek. What happened?” She leaned forward with a wide grin.
Miranda sighed. “It is nothing as forbidden as you are anticipating.”
Lilah bit her lip. “The fact that you said such a thing tells me that you know something you did not know when you left London . . .”
“You are utterly irritating,” Miranda replied.
“Lucas says it’s part of my charm.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Love is blind,” Liliah said with a wave of her hand.
“Love is ignorant.” Miranda giggled, immensely enjoying the camaraderie she shared with her sister.
“I’m still waiting,” Liliah singsonged.
Miranda’s face heated as she opened her mouth to speak, then closed it.
“The anticipation is horrific,” Liliah lamented.
