Chapter Twenty-one
Miranda tucked her hair behind her ear as she adjusted her hat in the windy Scottish air. After her sister had discussed the details about the masquerade with Mrs. Keyes, she had announced that she, Miranda, and Miss Iris would be leaving for town—Edinburgh to be exact. The carriage had been readied, Iris had been summoned, and dresses had been changed to be acceptable for the outing. Lord Heightfield had announced that he would be accompanying them, and after a pointed look to the viscount, who had the poor luck of entering the foyer at that moment, a fifth member to the party was added.
So it was, less than thirty minutes later, that Miranda found herself opposite her sister and Iris, while the gentlemen rode behind the carriage, enjoying the fine sunshine.
“I’m quite relieved that Lucas and Viscount Kilpatrick wished to attend us. I’m not terribly sure where to go in Edinburgh. I’ve heard Princes’ Street is the place to shop, but I’m not entirely sure,” Liliah mentioned.
“Surely a footman would have known, or Mrs. Keyes. She seems to know everything else,” Iris mused.
Miranda agreed. Mrs. Keyes did seem to be a wealth of information.
“Be that as it may, it’s much better to be accompanied by gentlemen on our first outing. After this one, I’d think we would be fine on our own,” Liliah remarked.
The carriage shifted slightly as they traversed from the courtyard to the open road toward Edinburgh.
“I’ve never been to the city,” Miranda said, eager expectation filling her. It seemed like an age since she’d been shopping with her sister, a lifetime ago.
“We’ve only recently arrived, and I haven’t had the pleasure either. I’m glad we are doing it together. It seems apt, does it not?” Liliah asked, offering her sister a small smile.
“Yes. It does,” Miranda affirmed.
“And I’m thankful to be out of the estate. I was growing rather impatient with the confines,” Iris replied. “I’m quite accustomed to movement from place to place. I can’t remember the last time I stayed in residence for more than a week.”
“Truly?” Liliah asked, turning to her.
“Yes. My parents were very serious travelers,” Iris added somberly.
Miranda offered her a kind and sympathetic smile. She still missed her parents dreadfully.
“Well, we shall have to take you out and about more often. There is much to offer in Edinburgh, or at least that’s what I’ve been told,” Liliah mused. “I shall love to see the castle, and possibly Holyrood House as well. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed there once, though I don’t think the Regent has any plans to visit.”
“Holyrood House?” Miranda echoed.
“I’m told it’s quite stately.”
“That may be interesting,” Iris agreed. “Do you think we will be able to see the castle from the carriage? It’s on a hill, is it not?”
Miranda turned to her sister. Geography never was her best subject. But she had adored math, which only reminded her of her earlier musings regarding addition and kisses.
Blast it all.
Her sister was answering Iris’s question, and she turned toward her, eager for distraction. “Yes. I believe so. It’s built from the stone of the mountain, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we could see it quite soon,” Liliah angled herself so she could look out the carriage window.
Miranda and Iris followed suit.
“There, see that hill? On the top, I believe that’s it.” Liliah pointed and Miranda squinted.
“I see,” she murmured. “Quite fascinating. How old is it?”
“It was built in the twelfth century,” Iris answered. “My parents loved history.”
Liliah turned to Iris, giving her a kind smile. “I see my sister doesn’t need to further your historical education.”
Miranda gave a wry smile. “No, I rather think she could educate me in some subjects. I’m helpful in other ways.”
Iris winced. “I’m afraid I’m not as accomplished in other areas.”
“You’ll get there,” Liliah affirmed, then turned her gaze back to the window.
