Chapter Three
Miranda took the stairs carefully as she made her way to the dining hall. The air was crisp, and a shiver trailed down her back. Again, she was reminded of the coming Scottish winter, and she wondered how she’d purchase appropriate clothing. She’d never had to think about money before, and now it seemed so important and quite evasive.
So many questions.
Not enough answers.
After a fortifying breath, she followed the footman down another hall and inhaled deeply of the rich scent of pheasant and some sort of broth. Her stomach rumbled quietly in appreciation. The hall opened into a grand dining room with gold and red accents. A majestic table was the focal point of the room, lined with velvet-covered chairs. Her gaze shifted to the two place settings at the very end of the table, one beside the other. Apparently, she was first to arrive for dinner.
“Good evening!” Mrs. Keyes bustled into the room. “I wanted to make sure this was to your liking before we summoned your pupil.”
Miranda blinked, then turned to the table, then back to the housekeeper. “I’m afraid I don’t understand,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t giving away her inexperience.
“Oh, forgive me. You see, we’ve not had any experience in training up a young lady. We’ll be relyin’ on you for the proper way of doing things, Miss Miranda.”
Miranda swallowed.
But after a quick moment, she was quite thankful that clearly there were no expectations for her. She could set them herself, which was an acute relief.
“Of course,” Miranda answered, then turned back to the table with a fresh perspective. “The table is splendid, and I agree with the way you’ve placed the settings together. Later on, we may practice what it would be like to have a larger party, but for now, everything is as it should be.”
“Good.” Mrs. Keyes beamed. “I’ll go and have Miss Iris fetched for dinner, then.” With a soft smile, the woman disappeared into the hall.
Miranda exhaled in relief and walked to the table. It was odd, to be looking at things from such a different perspective. Yet, at the same time, she could see the way her upbringing and training had given her more than adequate experience for the job at hand.
Perhaps she would not only know enough but also excel at something. It was a revelatory thought, one that boosted her spirits in a way she hadn’t felt for some time.
The sound of footsteps alerted her to the approach of her pupil, and she turned, straightened her shoulders, and waited.
At first glance, Miss Iris Grace was pretty enough, though her red hair was almost vulgar in its bright color. Miranda watched her walk, noting the confident stride that was almost masculine in its approach. Shoulders back, her posture was perfect, but her air was casual. Miranda made mental notes as she watched her enter the room.
“Miss Iris, allow me to introduce Miss Miranda, your governess.” Mrs. Keyes gestured to Miranda.
Belatedly, Miranda curtseyed. It was odd to curtsey to her pupil, but she remembered her governess always curtseying to her because of her higher rank.
A smile curved her lips as she considered this twist of fate.
“A pleasure,” Miranda spoke demurely as she rose.
Miss Iris watched her, a tiny frown forming between her green eyes, before she curtseyed as well, albeit it a little awkwardly. That was certainly something they’d have to remedy quickly.
“A pleasure, Miss Miranda.” Iris spoke with a slight accent to her English tones.
Rather than remark or inquire, Miranda gestured to the table and watched as her pupil walked around the table to her place setting.
Mrs. Keyes glanced from Miranda to Iris, then back. “Please let us know if you need anything else.” She bowed her head graciously, then left.
Two footmen stood beside the place settings and withdrew the chairs. Miranda watched as Iris took her seat, then followed suit.
“So, Miss Iris, can you tell me about yourself, maybe starting with your age, interests, education?” Miranda asked, starting the conversation.
A rich broth was brought out as Iris began to answer. “Old enough to wonder why my guardian thought I’d need a governess, quite honestly.” Iris’s tone wasn’t unkind, just forthright.
Miranda suppressed a smile. “Perhaps he wanted you to have companionship as well?”
“Perhaps. I’d find that easier to believe if he’d taken the time to even make my acquaintance.” Iris spoke dryly as she took a sip of the soup before them.
“I see,” Miranda remarked, then took a sip as well. It was rich and flavorful, reminding her of the beef and barley soup at home.
