Liliah had the grace to look slightly abashed. “Well, we must encourage affection and attachment where we can.”
“Yes, but what happens when those circumstances change? Will that affection and attachment remain? What is wrong with allowing it to build naturally?”
Liliah sighed. “Nothing, but I don’t know how much time we have,” she answered, her eager anticipation fading into a concerned expression. “I don’t want to risk Father finding you, spiriting you away to London, and—”
“He didn’t want me there in the first place. Why would that change now? I’m out of his realm of responsibility; isn’t that what he wished? Why he was willing to marry me off to the highest bidder? To be rid of me, the responsibility of me under his protection?” Miranda asked, her indignation rising to the surface, causing her voice to become harsh.
Liliah stepped toward her. She reached out and cupped her cheek, smoothing her thumb over her skin. “Yes, but never underestimate a man in love with power. I’d rather not trust any aspect of his character, not with something as precious as your future. But I do promise to listen to you, totry,” she emphasized the word, “not to become carried away with my own plans. I just want you settled, and I want you . . .” She gave a watery smile. “I want you as happy as I am. As loved as I am. I want it for you so desperately, I’m afraid I’m going to be overzealous.”
“Overzealous? You?” Miranda teased, giggling softly. “You do it with love. As such, I’ll do my best to remember it.”
“When I become tyrannical?” Liliah asked, laughing.
“More or less.” Miranda shrugged, grinning at her sister.
“It will probably lean on the more side, rather than the less.” Liliah hitched her shoulder, then grinned unrepentantly. “Let’s start anew.”
Miranda nodded, and watched as Liliah ambled past the settee and took a seat in the wingback chair. “Now then, have you any resistance to meeting the three gentlemen suggested by Mrs. Keyes?”
Miranda twisted her lips, then took the few steps to the settee and sat down, thinking. “What does the viscount know about these gentlemen? I’d like to have his insight. Surely he knows them?”
Liliah nodded. “I haven’t asked him yet. Perhaps we should do that now, before we go any further with our plans. Just to be certain they are of the character Mrs. Keyes suggested.”
Liliah rose from her seat, then strode to the corner to ring the bell for the maid. “I’d like to include my husband in the details as well. He’s quite astute with social arrangements, granted his expertise is of the darker variety, but he’s insightful nonetheless.” Liliah walked back to the recently vacated chair and sat back down.
“I don’t mind who we involve, at least in the first stages.” Miranda paused, then added just to make sure her point was clear, “Only in the beginning stages, though.”
“Understood,” Liliah replied.
The door opened and Mrs. Keyes herself walked into the room, her expression inquiring. “How may I assist you? Tea, perhaps?”
Liliah was quick to answer. “Yes, and would you please inform my husband as well as the viscount that we request their company?”
Mrs. Keyes replied with a grin, “Right away, Lady Heightfield.” With a polite nod, she quit the room, presumably in search of the tea service and the gentlemen.
Miranda took a deep breath, steeling herself in anticipation of seeing the viscount again. It was a strange juxtaposition. When they were alone, or alone enough, she had little anxiety in carrying on a conversation with him, or stating her mind.
She had little trouble with being nervous when they kissed.
But add in her sister and Lord Heightfield, and she could feel her body humming with tension. It was odd, really. She should be far more comfortable with others around, her own family! Yet, she found that only increased the stress, and she was much more relaxed when it was simply the two of them.
She mused about this odd truth, wondering why it was so, as her sister interrupted her thoughts. “After we discuss the gentlemen in question, you know, seek the viscount’s opinion on their character, I think the next most important thing is to determine when we can host the masquerade.”
“Masquerade?” Miranda blinked, then narrowed her eyes slightly. She hadn’t remembered her sister mentioning a masquerade.
Then again, her sister had spoken so swiftly and with such vigor, she might have missed more than just part of the one-sided conversation.
“Yes, of course. We need to provide an avenue for you to mingle without risking exposure to your identity. Originally, there was to be a house party first, but I’ve now decided it is best to have the masquerade ball first. It will be easier to explain as well as give you insight into the gentlemen you find interesting,” Liliah replied, flicking her wrist in a dismissive way, as if to say her answer should have been understood without needing to be explained.
“I see,” Miranda replied. “So, I’m to meet gentlemen without them actually knowing who I am.”
Liliah leaned forward, her brow pinched. “Were you listening to me at all earlier?”
Miranda had thought she was listening, or at least listening to part of it. She was realizing now that maybe she hadn’t been listening nearly enough. “Yes,” she answered anyway.
“I’m not entirely convinced,” Liliah replied. “But it is of little importance. We are starting over, sort of.” She frowned. “The viscount may be reluctant to help,” she added, a little off topic.
Miranda froze. Her breathing stilled as hope and a fierce curiosity rose within her. “Why is that?” she asked, then released her tight breath, exchanging it for another.
