Page 20 of Refining the Debutante
“Not some, just one.”
Miranda stuck out her tongue again.
“You snort, and you have bad manners. Perhaps you are a pig.”
Miranda adopted a saucy tone. “Perhaps some rich, handsome man will pay a fine shilling to have this little porker for a wife.”
This time Sarah snorted. “You’re too thin. Lean meat isn’t worth much to the rich.”
They both laughed, but there was an underlying truth to their joke. What worth would Miranda possess after her time at Gray House? Would any gentleman want her? The idea of dying a spinster in an unhappy place such as this left her fearful and uneasy.
* * *
Ethan was just about to mount his horse when he saw Jane crossing the grounds toward him.
He held off until she reached him, not anticipating the letter she extended.
“I don’t want to detain you from your trip to the school, but I thought you should see this before you left.”
Ethan accepted the letter and unfolded it.
“It’s from Mama,” Jane said. “The second paragraph is what I wanted to show you.”
Ethan easily found the second paragraph and began reading.
When Mr. Bartley lost his fortune, I was terribly concerned about Miss Bartley’s welfare.
Ethan’s stomach clenched. “Mr. Bartley ruined?” He did not wait for Jane to answer and read on.
Just this morning, I have had word from our friends the Bradshaws. They have discovered that Miss Bartley has been sent to live with her uncle in Kent. I am greatly relieved, as I remember he was a man of some means.
Miranda was safe. Thank the stars! Ethan knew little about her uncle, only that he was titled and estranged to the family. What was his name again?
It is a shameful thing for a young woman to have to bear the disgrace of her father. I hope, in time, she can recover a portion of her reputation and secure a decent marriage. Sadly, there is little hope for her father’s future or for either of them to rejoin our circle of friends.
His eyes flashed to Jane’s. “This is... unfathomable. A tragedy. Mr. Bartley was extravagant, but I had not even heard rumors of his situation.”
“He duped us all.”
“You don’t seem upset,” Ethan said. Jane lowered her gaze, and realization dawned. “Did you know something?”
“By the time I heard, it was too late for the family. All was lost. I wasn’t sure if you would care to know—I know you hate to hear any mention of Miranda—but at the end of the letter, Mama said to be sure to tell you.”
“Of course I would want to know.” Ethan handed the letter back to her. “I still have respect for the family. Mr. Bartley is a good man, despite his misfortune. Perhaps a little misguided about his finances and unrestrained in his parenting, but he is amiable nonetheless. When did this happen?”
“Before we came to Stonebrook.”
“Nearly six weeks ago? I forget how slow news travels to the country.” He blew out a long breath.
“I thought the rumors would reach you sooner. I am sorry I did not tell you myself.” Jane shifted, avoiding his eyes.
“Now I know why you have encouraged my attachment to Miss Withers. I appreciate your support, but I am sorry to hear your dear friend has suffered. It is no doubt a loss you feel just as keenly as Mir—Miss Bartley does.”
Jane nodded and stepped backward. “Safe journey to you.”
Ethan swung up into his saddle. He had not expected such news. Miranda had been dealt quite the blow. The thought of her hurting made him sick to his stomach.
Chapter 10
