Since they were discussing invitations, Miranda briefly considered having a look at the ones Solway had received, for they were still in the pouch he had left here last night.
She was burning with curiosity, but ultimately decided against peeking. They were his invitations and he had a right to privacy. They were his to show her, not hers to snoop.
Once their meeting with Mr. Barrow was over, Miranda spent the remainder of the morning reviewing her financial affairs. After a light luncheon, she and Gwenys settled in the library rather than run around Town as they might have done on a nice spring day. While Gwenys devoured one of those notorious novels Miranda ought to have forbidden her from reading, Miranda took out her knitting.
She had promised to knit scarves and mittens for the orphans at St. Brigid’s Orphanage, which Berry’s family had sponsored for generations. She knitted these every year for the newly arrived orphans, and always made a few extras because the olderchildren, especially the boys, were prone to losing a mitten or scarf and needed replacements.
As the hour grew late, she and Gwenys retired to their quarters to prepare for the soiree.
Miranda had tried to remain cheerful for the sake of her niece, but the effort had worn her down. She was glad for a moment of privacy where she was able to let her true feelings out.
Her heart was broken. She had heard nothing from Solway all day.
Well, she would seek him out tomorrow if he did not show up at Berry’s party tonight.
Had she wounded his pride to the point he wanted nothing more to do with her? Would he ever forgive her?
Lottie, her personal maid, bustled in to assist her in dressing. “Which gown are ye going to wear, m’lady?”
Miranda had considered donning the blue silk, but at the last moment chose a bolder emerald silk that was the height of fashion and the newest of all her gowns. She hoped it would make a striking impression and catch Solway’s eye—should he show up tonight. The color was perfect for her, bringing out the softness of her dark-cinnamon curls and the brightness of her green eyes.
As it turned out, the effort was all a waste of time.
Solway did not attend Berry’s soiree.
Miranda tried to hide her dismay and simply enjoy the evening.
The company was quite pleasant, for most of the guests were longtime friends of theirs and not the sort to engage in ridicule or spread malicious gossip. She was ready to stand up for herself, and certainly for Gwenys, too. But there wasn’t a need.
However, this made her think of what Solway had told her.
He had remarked that she fought fiercely for Gwenys, and was capable of fighting for herself, except when it came to the Lawsons. They were the only ones who still held the power to wound her. Why did she allow them to hold this over her?
Well, it was something that required more thought. But not this evening.
Her good friend and neighbor, Gwendolyn Carstairs, brought over a gentleman she wanted Miranda to meet. He turned out to be the Marquess of Milbury, an amiable and charming man who was about the same age as Solway and presently in search of a wife.
“I have volunteered to help Milbury find his perfect mate,” Gwendolyn said, obviously pleased by this new project.
But…
Oh dear.Gwendolyn wasn’t thinking to match Miranda with him, was she?
Miranda realized she would have to find a moment to take her friend aside and advise her to change her plans. If she were to marry anyone, it would be Solway.
Goodness, her heart ached for him. Why wasn’t he here?
“My sons, to my dismay,” Milbury said, regaining her attention, “wrote to Miss Carstairs about me.”
Gwendolyn laughed softly. “Apparently, the boys somehow got the impression from our dear Fiona that I had matchmaking abilities, and they sent me the loveliest letter. Lord Milbury, did you know she used to be our neighbor here on Duchess Square?”
He nodded. “Yes, I’ve heard much about her time in residence here and the good friends she made. I think I was able to recognize all of you without need for introductions because she spoke often and so fondly about all of you. I was at her home with my boys when she told them about your matchmaking talents, Lady Gwendolyn.”
“We adore her too,” Gwendolyn replied with a nod. “I suppose I have done a bit of matchmaking in the past, but not for quite a while now. Your boys completely charmed me in the way they made you out to be quite desperate. Of course, they exaggerated in the hope I would take pity on you and help you out.”
“The letter was appalling,” Milbury said with a wincing smile at Miranda.
She cast him a sincere smile in return. “Oh dear.”
