Page 15 of Brazen

Chapter Five

Mia stared out the carriage window. She sat beside Angeline. Aunt Leana and Joshua sat across from them. Joshua had stared out the window the entire ride. He no more wished to attend Sir Stirling’s party than did she. Though his reasons related to youth and the desire to be anywhere but a party where his marriage-minded sisters sought husbands. Mia grimaced inwardly. Perhaps their wants weren’t all that different. She had no desire to attend a party where her aunt and sister were trying to marry her off. Mia paused in her thoughts. Was this how Angeline felt?

Nae. The situation for Angeline was different. She had a good chance of finding a nice gentleman to marry. She could even choose from the men who pursued her. On the other hand, Angeline and their aunt wanted Mia to—how had her aunt put it?—entice him into seducing her. To Mia’s shock, Angeline hadn’t disagreed.

Mia had every confidence Angeline would be married within the month. Three of the young gentlemen who had danced with her at the party three nights past had sent messages with requests to call upon her. Mr. Forbes would, no doubt, fall madly in love with her the moment he laid eyes on her, just as those gentlemen had. No matter what Aunt Leana said, no man would choose Mia over Angeline. Which was the very reason Mia didn’t need to attend the party.

Through the window, Sir Stirling’s home, Westbourne Tower, came into view. The massive stone structure was rumored to have been built in the early sixteenth century by a cousin of King James IV. They had visited Westbourne Tower many times. This was the first time, however, Mia wished to be anywhere but here. She intended to have her wish.

The carriage entered the drive and stopped in front of the large oak door. The vehicle shifted as Joshua opened the door and stepped down. He helped their aunt to the ground, then Angeline and Mia.

Mia hugged her cloak tighter against the cool air, took three steps, then glanced at the trunk being handed down. “Oh dear, I don’t see my luggage.”

Leana turned and looked up at the trunks. “How did that happen?”

“I do not see my valise, either,” Mia said.

Leana frowned. “Boyd can return for the luggage.”

Mia shook her head. “I should return home, Aunt. It occurs to me that I may not have packed a proper ballgown.”

Aunt Leana narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice. “I know you too well, Mia. You will not return.”

Mia blinked as if surprised. “Of course, I shall return.”

“Boyd can fetch everything you need.”

Joshua cast them an impatient glance, but Mia feigned embarrassment and dropped her gaze to the ground.

“What is amiss?” Angeline whispered.

“If I am to…you know, to try and get a gentleman’s attention, should I not…” She let her voice trail off.

Angeline exchanged a glance with their aunt. Two footmen emerged from the castle headed toward them.

“Should you not what?” Aunt Leana asked.

Mia hesitated, as if uncertain what to say, then whispered, “Wear a suitable dress.”

“Of course, the blue silk,” Angeline said. “Along with her emeralds.”

Mia kept her gaze on the ground and nodded.

“The emeralds do show you off to your best advantage,” Aunt Leana said. “You are to return immediately. Do you understand?”

Mia nodded. “Of course.”

Boyd and the young footman removed the last of the luggage, then Mia grasped the carriage door handle.

“What’s this?” Joshua demanded.

“Perhaps Joshua should go with you,” Angeline said.

He frowned. “Go with her where?”

“She forgot her luggage.”

“Why not just send Boyd for it?” he said.