Miranda sighed. Oh, all right. I guess I can meet the man. But Im not promising anything. You understand?
Of course, of course! Joseph agreed happily, coming over to his daughter and enveloping her in a bear hug.
Oh, my, said a soft voice from the doorway. What joyous thing has occurred?
The two of them turned at the sound of Mrs. Upshaws voice. Miranda smiled at her stepmother, and Joseph beamed. Elizabeth Upshaw was a short blond woman who fluttered whenever she walkedhands, hair, ribbons, laces, the ends of her shawl. When Joseph had met her, she had been a pretty young woman, but over the years, time and inactivity had taken their toll on her, blurring the lines of her face and figure with fat. With a matronly cap on her head and wrapped in shawls as she always was, she looked several years older than her actual age. Though only ten years separated them, there were many who assumed upon meeting them that Elizabeth was Mirandas mother.
Elizabeth! Joseph exclaimed, going to take his wifes elbow and escort her to the sofa as if she were too weak to walk. Elizabeth had long suffered from a variety of real and imaginary illnesses, and her husband entered happily into her presentation of herself as a fragile woman. Miranda could not quite understand why Elizabeth enjoyed spending her life reclining on couches and beds, bearing her ills with a gentle smile, but if that was the way Elizabeth chose to live, it didnt bother her. She was quite fond of her stepmother, whose kind heart more than made up for her litany of gentle complaints.
The grandest thing has happened, Joseph went on, settling his wife on the couch and making sure her shawl, an afghan and several pillows were settled around her. I didnt want to wake you this morning to tell you, not as poorly as youve been feeling from crossing the Channel.
I know. Ive always been sadly affected by mal de mer, Elizabeth Upshaw agreed in a die-away voice. I dread returning to New York because of it.
Perhaps you wont have to, Joseph said happily. Or at least, not for some time.
Why? Whatever do you mean?
Miranda just may marry an earl.
An earl! Elizabeth exclaimed, sitting up so straight in her interest that her shawl slid down from her shoulders unnoticed.
Papa! Miranda said in exasperation, putting her hands on her hips. There you go. I told you I would meet the man. I have no intention of marrying him.
But an earl! her stepmother breathed, one hand going to her chest as though the news were too much for her heart. She looked wide-eyed at Miranda. You would be a countess. Oh, Miranda, that is more than I ever hoped for.
Miranda sighed inwardly, wishing that she had not let her father wheedle her into agreeing to meet this nobleman. Joseph would not have to badger her; after this news, her stepmother would take care of that for him.
Elizabeths eyes sparkled, and her face was lit with an animation unusual for her. Just thinkthe parties, the wedding A thought struck her, and she turned toward her husband. Do they have a house in Town?
No, the Countess told me last night that her husband had to sell it. I believe her son, the Earl, keeps a small bachelor house, but she has to lease a home during the Season. It sounded to be a sore trial to her.
Elizabeth nodded sagely. It would be. Having to give up ones no doubt magnificent home and make do with a rented house every summer. Knowing that everyone knows itIts too bad not to be able to have the wedding party in a grand house. She brightened. But you can buy one, dear. I mean, we will have to have a house in London if we are to stay here any length of time, and
Elizabeth, please, Miranda put in gently. Im not planning to marry the Earl of Ravenscar. I just said
What? Her stepmother stared at Miranda, her face suddenly pale and her eyes wide. What did you say? Who?
The Earl of Ravenscar, Joseph put in. Thats the fellow were talking about Mirandas marryinger, that is, meeting. Devin Aincourts his name.
Oh, my God. Elizabeth rose to her feet, her hands clenching together. You cannot marry him. The man is a devil!
2
This pronouncement had the effect of rendering her audience speechless, as Miranda and her father stared at Elizabeth. Under their gaze, Elizabeth colored a little self-consciously and sat back down.
That is, well, I mean, I dont think that it would be a good idea for Miranda to marry him. He is, well, he has aan unsavory reputation.
Do you know him, dear? her husband asked.
Oh, no. He was far above my touch, of course. ButI had heard of him. Everyone had heard of him. He had a scandalous reputation. That was before he was the earl, of course. His father was Ravenscar then.
What was wrong with him? Miranda asked curiously. What did he do?
Oh, the usual things that young noblemen do, I imagine, Elizabeth replied vaguely. Not the sort of thing suitable for your ears.
Miranda grimaced. Oh, Elizabeth, dont be stuffy. I am twenty-five years old and not a bit fainthearted. I am not going to collapse in shock.
Yes, what did he do, Elizabeth? Joseph prodded.
Well, he gambled andconsorted with unsuitable types.
The other two waited expectantly, and when she said nothing more, Miranda asked disappointedly, Is that all?
Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably. He was, they say her voice dropped a womanizer. He seduced young women, led them astray.
She colored at speaking so plainly and began to ply her fan.
Ha! Joseph let out a short bark of laughter. Id like to see him try anything with my Miranda. Besides, if hes marrying her, you can scarcely worry about him ruining her reputation.
I suspect she is worried more about his faithlessness, Papa, Miranda pointed out wryly.
Faithless? To you? Josephs brows rushed together, and he said again, Id like to see him try! Trust me, my dear, Ill make sure he knows whats expected of him.
Nothing is expected of him, Miranda stuck in pointedly. Im not marrying him.
Of course, dear, not unless you want to, Joseph replied easily. He turned to Elizabeth. Besides, Lizzie, that was years ago. He was just a boy then. Lots of men are wild in their salad years, but they straighten out as they get older.
Yes, I know. Elizabeth agreed, but her forehead remained creased with worry.
Besides, we would make sure it was all wrapped up right and tight before she married him. You know we would not allow a wastrel to endanger Mirandas fortune.
It wasnt her fortune I was thinking of, Elizabeth retorted with an unusual touch of asperity. It was her happiness.
I know. Touched by her stepmothers putting Mirandas happiness over her own desire for her to marry a peer of the realm, Miranda went to Elizabeth and sat down beside her, taking her hand. And I appreciate that. Truly.
Miranda can hold her own with any man, Joseph said confidently.
Yes, I can, Miranda replied with a grin. And that includes youso dont go thinking that youve won me over. She squeezed Elizabeths hand. I only agreed to meet this earl, and I have no intention of marrying him, I assure you.