“I’d rather not take the chance since you’ve finally been returned to me in good health.” Her cheeks warmed as she met his eye and shifted her gaze away. “For the most part, anyway.”
He lifted her chin, bringing her gaze back to his. “I’m as healthy as ever. I just have a bit less sight now, is all.” He let go, but before he left, he asked, “Will you go on the lake with me again tomorrow? I have several other places I’d like to show you.”
Miranda considered his proposal and then said, “Actually, I should like to go to Braithwaite and see where you live.”
His gaze was steady, but then he inclined his head. “Of course. I would be honored to act as your host, but I should warn you that my tea cart isn’t prepared for guests.”
She smiled. “I think I’ll be able to manage for one afternoon.” She tilted her head to the side. “It might be something I should like to paint. I’m sure I could find a way to add a German Christmas tree and wrapped presents.”
“I have no doubt of it.” He gave a light bow. “I’ll come collect you after luncheon. You’ve seen the lake in the bright light of morning, but it’s best viewed at sunset, when the sun turns everything into fiery perfection.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said softly, and she was. There were times she nearly forgot that her brother and sister were even there, especially when Anthony looked at her like he was now, as if he adored everything about her. She could only wish that someday he could come to terms with his past and find that she was enough. Thattheywere enough to combat anything.
“Sleep well, my lady.” He offered her a wink.
After he was gone, Miranda shut and locked the door to her room. She stood there for a moment and then walked over to the open window. She was reluctant to close it, but after giving the night sky one last, lingering look, and saying a small prayer for Anthony, she closed the doors and climbed into her warm bed, eager to wake on the morrow.
When Miranda was invitedto dine with Jacob, Elaine, and their prospective families for lunch, she knew the inquisition was going to begin. Of course, following her upset the day before, she knew that Elaine would waste no time in telling their brother what had occurred. Now, she had to explain that everything was well, and that she was going to be spending the day with Anthony.
“Are you?” Jacob said with a lifted brow. “Naturally, I don’t mind, so long as he won’t hurt you like he did yesterday. I was nearly prepared to have words with him.”
She instantly held up a hand. “Please don’t. The fault was mine. I overreacted out of previous pain and frustration. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry.”
Elaine set a gentle hand on her arm. “I knew you would find a way to work things out. You always do.”
Jacob hadn’t looked as convinced, and Miranda was tempted to point out that he was the one who had invited Anthony to spend Christmas with them in the first place. But she wasn’t going to start an argument. No doubt Jacob was still dealing with the way Anthony had disappeared without a trace as well, when they had been close friends. What made the sting a bit less biting was that he’d had a family to focus on, while Miranda’s heart continued to beat for Anthony. Every other man of her acquaintance never quite measured up to him. It was why she had never married. He had quite literally ruined her for anyone else.
Now, as she stood in the foyer of the hotel with her valise of painting supplies and waited for him, she was surprised to hear her name called. “Miranda? Is that truly you?”
Miranda glanced up and saw a gentleman she was quite familiar with. Her mouth went slack with surprise, but then she recovered enough to reply. “Terrance! What are you doing here?”
He smiled as he walked toward her and she was struck by the genuineness of it. The sandy-haired gentleman, Mr. Barbour, was similar to Anthony in that he was the younger son of a viscount. The difference was, he hadn’t gone off to battle but had become a solicitor. During the time she had known him, ever since her come out, he had made his fortune and become her devoted suitor not long afterward.
She had come close to marrying him at one point. He’d asked, but she had eventually declined. Her emotions just wouldn’t allow it. She knew the same would still hold true if he were to ask again. But that didn’t mean they hadn’t become good friends over the years. They often shared a cup of afternoon tea or a carriage ride through the park.
Most importantly, he had been there for her when her mother had passed. He’d helped her through the worst. He was a true, caring man. It was just a shame for him that he wasn’t Anthony. He didn’t stir her soul like the battle-weary hero did.
They embraced fondly, and then he said almost regretfully, “I’m on holiday with my fiancée and her family.”
She smiled, although her stomach sank for some unknown reason. Perhaps it was because her friendship with him would soon be altered. Or that he hadn’t bothered to tell her the news and she’d had to read it along with the rest of the population. “Ah, yes. I seem to recall reading about your upcoming marriage in the papers shortly before I left London. That’s wonderful news. I’m very happy for you both.”
He regarded her so intently that she could only guess what he might be thinking. “Thank you, Miss Applegate.” He glanced around, as if expecting someone to appear. “I daresay you told me you were coming to Cumbria at your brother’s invitation, but I didn’t think we would be staying at the same hotel. I should think that’s what I would call a rather ironic happenstance.”
“Indeed, sir,” she laughed. “I would heartily agree. Perhaps you and your fiancée might like to join us for supper one evening?”
“I would like that very much,” he returned smoothly.
“You haven’t introduced me to your friend, Miranda.” She started as Anthony came up behind her and put a familiar arm about her waist. She noted that Mr. Barbour tensed slightly, although he merely bowed slightly as she made the introductions.
“A pleasure, Mr. Barbour,” Anthony said tightly.
“Likewise,” came the chilly reply.
Miranda quickly grasped Anthony’s arm and steered him back toward the entrance to the hotel. “I will talk to you soon, Terrance.”
Chapter 7
Anthony didn’t like the sound of her parting promise. It seemed entirely too… intimate for his liking. “Who was that?”
