“I suppose.”
Liza laughed. “And here I thought that between you and Walker, you were the more level headed one.” She looped her arm through Mira’s. “I’ll come with you.”
Mira shook her head, pulling away. “I can do it.”
She crossed the floor, weaving her way around the various conversation groups. Upon her approach, Byron stepped away from his family and came to meet her.
“Good evening, Miss Blayse.”
She gave a small curtsy. “Good evening, Mr. Con—Mr. Sherard.”
Byron gave her a soft smile. “Are you ready to meet my family again?”
“I’m not sure I will ever be ready.”
“You’ll do splendid.”
He offered his arm and they returned to the Sherards. His mother stood between Mary and Castel. She wore a dark blue ensemble with large sleeves and swathes of fabric crisscrossing over her waist. A single strand of pearls adorned her neck.
“Good evening, Mrs. Sherard,” Mira said, once again curtsying. “Did you enjoy the performance?”
Byron’s mother considered her and gave a short nod. “It was a good array of pieces. I appreciated the Massenet especially.”
“Oh yes, the violin solo was excellent.”
“It’s unfortunate you had to leave so abruptly after the Mendelssohn section,” Mary said. “Are you unwell?”
“No, thank you,” Mira said, cheeks heating.
“Oh, good. I was so worried that you had consumption after I heard that coughing fit in the hall. That wasn’t you, then?”
“I-it was.”
Byron stepped closer. “It doesn’t particularly matter, Mary. As you can see, she is perfectly fine now.”
Castel smirked. “Yes, I suppose if it was tuberculosis, she wouldn’t be so flushed.”
Mira’s shoulders tightened as she attempted to retain what little grace she had. “Thank you for asking after my health. I am well. I simply had a tickle in my throat during the performance. And you know how difficult it is when you ought not to do something, and feel inclined to do it anyway.” She turned back to Mrs. Sherard. “I wish to apologize for my conduct earlier this week. I assure you, that is not my usual state.”
“We shall see, won’t we? One’s true character tends to show itself over time.” Mrs. Sherard opened her purse, removed a card from it and handed it to Mira. “You will come to brunch tomorrow.”
Mira took the card, glancing at the swirling calligraphy. “Thank you. I will.”
Mrs. Sherard snapped the purse closed. “Good evening, Miss Blayse.”
Byron lingered for a moment after his family started to leave. He took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “You did well.”
She let out a shuddery breath. “It didn’t feel like it.”
“Yes, well, Mary can be a bit difficult at first.” He kissed her hand. “I wish we could talk more, but I think I had better keep up appearances.”
“We can talk tomorrow.”
He smiled and turned away, following after his family. Lizacame to her side.
“That seemed to go well.”
“I’ve been invited to brunch tomorrow.”
