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William had loved a girl once, and she had fallen ill. He hadn’t been the same amusing, carefree brother after, and it hadn’t been long before he had run all the way from England.
A dark shadow shifted in his brother’s eyes before he buried the raw flare of emotions. “Sophia is gone, I’ve accepted that. I…I long for another voice to listen to and perhaps share my cares.”
“I am sorry I wasn’t able to save her,” Simon said softly, his heart pounding a fierce beat. “I’ve waited almost six years to tell you that. I did not want to say it in a damn letter.”
William flinched, and an emotion akin to despair flashed in the depths of his eyes. "Did you believe I could ever blame you? Cholera ravaged her village, and there was nothing you could have done about it. Nothing! If anyone was at fault, it is me for not marrying her sooner and taking her away from there. I allowed anxiety in my heart because of the differences in our circumstances and the duty I had to my station.
His brother tugged at his non-existent cravat, and Simon sensed the walls which numerous times he had stated close on him unexpectedly, once again made their presence known.
“Let’s take a walk on the estate grounds and catch up on everything.”
William stood, and downed the contents of his glass in a long swallow. Simon followed suit, and then they made their way outside, despite the slow drizzle of rain. He was glad his brother was home, yet there was a disquieting sensation filling his gut, which was as inexplicable as it was strange. Pushing it aside, he strolled with his brother as they caught up on the last six years.
Chapter 8
Miranda sat in the smaller parlor, painting the scenery she’d seen from her chamber—a picturesque lake, surrounded by large oak and willow trees, swans gliding above the water, and birds flitting and twittering about—folding it perfectly with the view she’d had earlier.
“Miranda! Miranda! Come quickly, girl! Where are you?” the countess called, her tone throbbing with excitement.
Caught up in her work, she attempted to brush aside her mother’s stringent calls, much as she had done the luncheon gong earlier.
“Miranda!”
With a sigh, she lowered the paintbrush, stood, and tugged off the apron. Hurrying toward the door, she wondered what had gotten her mother in such a state of excitable nerves. Only yesterday she had been morose and lamenting staying another day under the boring doctor's roof who associated with such undesirables. She glided down the curving staircase to see her mother exiting from the parlor. The countess glanced up, and a broad smile bloomed on her lips. Miranda was startled at the speed with which she hobbled on her still tender ankle. Not wanting her mamma to fall, she hurried down to meet her. "Mamma, what is happening?"
"Come, girl, we must have tea and discuss the most exciting news," the countess said, taking her hand, and leading her down the hallway toward the parlor. Once there she imperiously rang the bell, and a maid quickly appeared and received their order for tea and cakes.
"Upon my word, what is it, Mamma, you are all aflutter."
They made their way to the chaise longue by the windows which overlooked the gardens. In the distance, she made out the distinct form of Simon walking with another man. Her heart jerked, and memories of his wonderful kisses and touch brought a flush of heat to her cheeks. She quickly looked away and toward her mother, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Not an hour ago, William James Astor, the twelfth Duke of Wycliffe arrived from India where he had been for the last six years! He will be under this very roof for the next few days, I'm told before he heads to Hampshire."
“I see,” Miranda murmured, her heart sinking. “A duke is in residence.”
"Yes," her mother crowed with delight. "And I heard him mention to Dr. Astor while they were ensconced in the library that he has returned to fulfill his duty, that he had been idle enough abroad."
Miranda was aghast. “Mamma, how could you eavesdrop on Dr. Astor and his guest?”
“The duke is Dr. Astor’s brother. And he plans to marry by next season! This is a most fortuitous opportunity, my dear. How lucky we are to have been put up in this very household!”
A bubble of confusion rushed through Miranda. “His brother?” She sucked in a sharp breath. “Sim…Dr. Astor’s brother is here?”
“Yes. I never knew the good doctor had such connections,” her mother said with a pleased smile.
Dread lodged against Miranda’s stomach like a heavy stone at the glint of matrimonial fervor in her mother’s eyes.
"I knew there must be a reason the good Lord allowed us to be stranded here. The duke returned inside a few minutes ago for a decanter of liquor and two glasses. Very odd at this time of the day but not overly improper," her mother said primly. "I contrived to run into him in the hallway and affect an introduction. How charming and unaffected he was with his manners and flattery. And terribly handsome as well. He is not current with his fashion, but that is to be expected being away for so long!"
Her mother clapped her hands together, fairly bubbling with her happiness. "This is the perfect opportunity to present yourself to the duke. Oh, Miranda, all our dreams can come true."
The raw, painful emotions tearing through her were wholly unexpected, and her silence could be suffered no longer. “To marry a duke is not my dream, Mamma,” she said softly. “That is yours. I've not met this man, and yet you are here conspiring for us to wed! I have no wish to marry a duke, a prince, or a titled peer unless I love him, and he loves me in return.”
And I know I am hopelessly falling in love with Simon Astor.
Miranda feared despite his connections he would never be thought an eligible husband for the daughter of an earl. The third son would not do when an eligible duke was available. The fervor of matrimonial fever had been lit inside her mother, her eyes glinted with mischief and, to Miranda’s mind, villainous intent. Oh, she could not bear it if her mother were to try and force a connection between them. She might very well die of humiliation, rage, and heartache.
Her mother, father, and brother would be most violently opposed to the idea of a union between her and Dr. Astor. Mamma would do all that lay within her power to prevent her daughter from marrying a man whom she unequivocally disapproved. Even if it meant locking her away. Her thought felt morbid and overly morose.
