Page 74 of A Scot on Duchess Square
Miranda stared down at her plate because she could not find the words to respond. They were jammed in her throat quite painfully.
And whatcouldshe say? Gwenys was right about all of it.
Gwenys sighed. “I’m sorry. I should not have said that. It is your life and your heart. I’ll support you in whatever you choose to do.”
“Thank you, Gwenys. Will you be all right in your bedchamber tonight? Do you want to come into my bed instead? It might be wise, at least until the Bow Street guards are put in place.”
She nodded. “Yes, I’d much rather stay with you than be on my own. I liked that we shared quarters while traveling to and from Scotland.”
“So did I,” Miranda admitted. “As for our upcoming schedule of balls, teas, and musicales, we can cut back on a few this week and stay closer to home for now.”
“What about Berry and Gideon’s soiree tomorrow?”
“No need to send our regrets for that. Their party ought to be safe enough for us. In truth, it is important that we support our friends and attend. I’ll also be curious to see how their guests respond to us. Then we’ll know just what we are facing for the upcoming events.”
Gwenys took her hand. “Who cares if these pompous boors give us the cut direct? We have each other, and our loyal friends and neighbors who will never abandon us. You know Gideon is not going to put up with anytongames played in his home, especially if they are waged against us.”
“I know.” Miranda cast Gwenys a smile. “I’m glad that’s settled. What are you going to wear to the soiree?”
“I thought the apricot silk. It shimmers nicely by candlelight. And you?”
Miranda had no idea. “Perhaps the pale-blue silk.”
Gwenys nodded enthusiastically. “It’s perfect. Solway will melt when he sees you in it.”
“Assuming he is invited.”
“Oh, he will be. Berry assured me she would send over an invitation with a personal note imploring him to attend.”
Miranda hoped so. Or would he rip it up because she had rejected him in front of everyone?
They retired to Miranda’s bedchamber shortly afterward, and Miranda was comforted by Gwenys’s familiar tossing and turning. The girl was slight and slender, and yet managed to take up three-quarters of the large bed.
Despite it all, Miranda slept deeply and woke up early, looking forward to seeing Bram and the Bow Street Runners he’d retained on her behalf. However, she hid her disappointment when morning came and only a Bow Street man by the name of Homer Barrow arrived at her front door. She knew him because he had helped Gideon save Berry from a desperate fortune hunter several months ago.
For this reason, she welcomed him graciously. “And will the Duke of Solway be meeting you here?”
“No, m’lady. He was busy this morning and left the matter of your niece’s protection to me. Rest assured, my men will do an excellent job.”
“You were brilliant in saving Lady Berry from that horrible viscount. I have no doubt you’ll do all in your power to protect my niece, too.”
She summoned Gwenys to join them, and all three settled in her study to establish their course of action. Of course, she could not look at the small table in the corner without blushing. Not that she had done anything naughty there, but it wasn’t from lack of hoping Solway would wantonly ravish her on the neatly polished tabletop.
She cleared her throat, turned her back to the table, and addressed Mr. Barrow. “Have you a plan in place for my niece’s protection? I’d also like to know what all this will cost me. Shall I give you a retainer for your services?”
He shook his head. “No, m’lady. His Grace has taken all the charges upon himself. You aren’t to concern yourself.”
“I see.”
This was yet another thing to discuss with Solway. She would not make a fuss about it now, since there was no point in arguing the matter. She could see Gwenys’s tension ease as the two of them went over their schedule of activities with Mr. Barrow and got his advice on which to cancel.
“My men are experienced and know how to remain discreetly in the background while you go about your daily chores and visits. Your niece will be well guarded no matter where you choose to go, but it would make their job easier if you stayed away from crowds as much as possible.”
“We will,” Gwenys assured him. “We have only just returned to London and have yet to respond to most of our invitations. We can keep to the smaller dinner parties and afternoon teas for now. Our first ball is not for a few weeks yet. Hopefully, all will resolve by then.”
She stared pointedly at Miranda, as though to tell her to stop dawdling and take the duke up on his offer of marriage.
Well, she would see him tonight and thank him for all he was doing. This assumed Berry had sent him an invitation to her soiree, that he saw it, and responded with an acceptance.
