Page 71 of Refining the Debutante
Miranda appreciated his effort to add levity and pursed her lips to keep from smiling. “You were very brave. You should reward yourself with chocolate when you get home.”
Ethan gave a flourishing bow—one she knew he would never perform in public. A small smile tugged at her lips as she watched him take his leave. She traced her steps to the drawing room, where Lady Callister patiently sat, no doubt eager to hear every detail. A small sigh slipped past Miranda’s lips. Unrequited love was an altogether different sort of prison—one she was sure to be locked in for the duration of her life.
Chapter 29
An hour before calling hoursbegan, Miranda sat in her room, staring at the banknotes on her lap. Again, her uncle had sent money, and without a single word of explanation. Pleased he was thinking of her, she tucked the notes away in her reticule and went back to the drawing room to work on her embroidery. Once she was settled, there was a knock at Lady Callister’s front door. Miranda instantly concluded it was Ethan and tossed aside her needlework. She realized how foolish it would be to hurry to greet him, but the butler pulled the door open before she could retreat.
It was not Ethan. The face on the other side made Miranda gasp.
“Sarah!” Miranda flew past the butler and nearly knocked Sarah down the steps with her embrace.
“Oof! Miss, I can hardly breathe!”
Miranda pulled back to see Sarah’s dancing eyes. “Come inside, where it is warm, and we can talk.”
“I know it isn’t proper-like to visit you at the front door, but I went to the servants’ entrance, and they thought me ridiculous for requesting to see you.”
Miranda pulled her inside the entry hall, and the butler excused himself so they could talk freely. “I am sorry you were not well-received by the servants. There are already rumors about me that have no doubt reached their ears. Is that how you found me?”
Sarah nodded. “As soon as I heard a Miss Bartley was in Town, I could not believe it. I knew it had to be you.”
“It was all Mr. Roderick,” Miranda explained. She was excited to finally tell someone she trusted and knew could understand. “He insisted I let him help me find a position. With his assistance, Lady Callister graciously took me in as her companion.”
“That’s wonderful, miss.”
“Yes, and my uncle has sent me money twice now, though he communicates nothing. I have taken to writing him letters. I tell him random bits of things about myself that I am sure he does not care to read. I even had the audacity to tell him to find a hobby to improve his spirits. I said if I could play the pianoforte, then he could do just about anything. I hope he considers redecorating, but I will save that suggestion for a future communication so I do not overwhelm him with the idea.”
Sarah giggled and then sobered. “Anything is better than the drink.”
“Agreed,” Miranda said. “Enough about me. Please, tell me how you have gotten along.”
“I work for a newly married Mrs. Keene, and she never says please either.” Sarah winked at her, and they both laughed. “Your recommendation was better than gold with everyone I applied to. Apparently, I’m a sight better at fashion than you gave me credit for.”
“I do not doubt it,” Miranda said, knowing in the past that she had credited her own expertise more often than was likely true. “I was wrong about a great deal of things, of which you are already well aware.” She had once yearned to return to her old self, but not anymore. She loathed the idea. As uncertain as her future was, she was happier with herself. Miranda glanced back at the door behind her. “Will you come in and meet Lady Callister?”
“It isn’t my place, miss. I’ve used up all my bravery today, I’m afraid.”
“She is like the mother I never knew. Please, indulge me.” Miranda pulled Sarah inside, despite her many arguments, and toward the drawing room. Lady Callister was napping in her chair, but her eyes fluttered open with the commotion. “Lady Callister, you must meet my dearest friend, Sarah. She was the maid who followed me to Gray House and cared for me.”
Sarah kept her eyes down like a well-trained servant and dipped into a curtsy. “How do you do, Your Ladyship?”
Lady Callister’s nearly absent brows shot upward. “And why do we have the honor of receiving you this morning and in my drawing room?”
“I insisted,” Miranda said without an ounce of regret.
“You would,” Lady Callister answered. She eyed Sarah. “Where do you work now?”
“I am the lady’s maid to Mrs. Keene.”
“What sort of employer is she?”
“She treats me well enough,” Sarah said.
Lady Callister narrowed her eyes. “Does she pay you well enough?”
“Yes, Your Ladyship.”
Miranda reached over and squeezed Sarah’s hand. “Can I see you again? Perhaps I can meet you for a walk in the park.”
