“Such theatrics,” Miranda said in an effort to delay.
“You kissed,” Liliah guessed, then bit her lip as she awaited the verdict from her sister.
Miranda’s face heated to a painful degree, then closed her eyes as her sister applauded with victory at guessing correctly.
“My, this is wonderful, and not necessarily surprising. Why, I told Lucas—”
“You told me what, darling?”
Liliah startled as the door closed quietly.
“I didn’t even hear you enter,” Liliah scolded playfully.
Miranda turned and watched her brother-in-law stride into the room, his eyes solely on his wife, affection apparent on his face.
“You were quite enthralled in the conversation, love.” He came beside his wife and took a seat, kissing her softly on the cheek. Miranda watched as a lovely rose-colored blush tinted her sister’s cheeks.
For a moment, they just gazed at each other. It would have been almost theatrical in its drama if it weren’t so lovely. Miranda was thankful for the obvious love between the two, but also felt a sense of loss. She couldn’t quite place it, but it was there nonetheless.
Lucas was first to look away, and he turned to Miranda. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Miranda.” He spoke smoothly, as if her borrowed name were her true identity.
“It’s a pleasure to see you as well, Lord Heightfield,” she said warmly.
“Lucas, if you please. I’ve never been fond of being called by my title. Reminds me too much of London society.”
Miranda nodded. “Lucas, then.” It was slightly awkward to call him by his Christian name, but if he requested it, who was she to deny him?
“I trust you had a productive conversation with the viscount?” Liliah asked, her eyes sparkling with knowledge.
Miranda held her breath as Lucas studied her. Would he notice her overly exuberant expression? Probably. The true question was whether he’d inquire about it.
“Indeed. It was quite . . . enlightening,” he added meaningfully.
Miranda released her held breath, then grew curious at the tone of his voice.
“As was mine.” Liliah arched a brow. “The question now is what to do with them?”
Miranda would have choked on her tea had she taken a sip. Blessedly, as it was, she was practically frozen with dread at their conversation.
“Hmm. That remains to be seen.” He arched a brow and turned to Miranda. “I trust you are comfortable with your position here?”
Liliah served him a cup of tea while Miranda nodded. “The viscount has been very kind, and Iris is . . . challenging,” she finished with a smile.
“Challenging; that’s an interesting way to put it.” Lucas arched a brow and accepted the teacup from his wife.
“She’s educated, but not in the more feminine arts. It’s been a learning experience for both of us.”
“I see. And are you happy here?”
Miranda smiled warmly at her brother-in-law, thankful that he’d care to ask. “Yes. The viscount moved me into a very lovely room, and I do adore Mrs. Keyes and the other staff.”
“That’s very good to hear.”
“And Iris and I get along quite well, as long as we don’t practice dancing too much. I’m afraid it is a bit of a sore subject, which in turn gives me sore toes,” she added with a grin.
Lucas chuckled, turning a warm gaze to his wife, then back to Miranda. “That is something that certainly must be remedied. However, if she insists on dancing on all the gentlemen’s toes in London, she surely will at least be remembered.”
“I don’t think Iris has the personality to be forgotten, my lord. She has quite a colorful personality. She will either take the Season by storm, or she will offend many with her bold nature,“ Miranda replied. “I rather think she will make a splash.”
