Page 72 of Refining the Debutante
“I should like that very much. There is something I dearly need to speak to you about. Can you meet me the day after tomorrow, say after luncheon?”
Miranda turned to Lady Callister with a request for permission on the edge of her lips.
“Most companions have afternoons or Sundays off,” she said before Miranda could speak. “You have never asked for either. I should think a walk and the use of my carriage a perfectly acceptable arrangement.”
Renewed appreciation for her employer filled Miranda. She saw Sarah out and returned to the drawing room. Ethan’s family arrived a few moments later—without Ethan.
Miranda refused to be disappointed after seeing Sarah again, but it was hard to lie to herself. She curtsied deeply to Lord and Lady Gibson, Jane, and Hannah.
Lady Gibson started to smile at her but quickly cast her gaze down. Miranda did not blame her. She knew Lady Gibson had high expectations for her son’s marriage, and even if she cared for Miranda, the situation necessitated that her loyalty remain with her son.
Hannah immediately crossed to Miranda and took her hands. “I am so glad you have come to London.”
“Hannah,” Lord Gibson censured. “Please sit down and compose yourself.”
Hannah gave Miranda a look of apology. She found a seat next to Jane, who seemed rather quiet and avoided her gaze. Miranda hated the tension her own presence brought to the room. She wanted to greet Lady Gibson as warmly as Hannah had her, but it was not to be. She took a seat near Lady Callister and averted her eyes from the company.
“Are you well, Aunt?” Lord Gibson asked Lady Callister.
“I am well enough. Thank you, Charles.”
“And Miss Bartley?” Lord Gibson asked. She looked up to see his dark, discerning eyes pinning her to her seat.
Miranda always felt like Ethan had received the best qualities of both of his parents. However, both Lord and Lady Gibson could be quite intimidating. Their lack of smiles and Lord Gibson’s expression of annoyance made Miranda squirm.
“My health is excellent, thank you. And your family?”
“Tolerable,” Lord Gibson answered. “My gout is much improved since Bath.”
“Hannah is preparing to take her bows,” Lady Gibson said rather proudly. She spoke to Lady Callister, though, as if Miranda were not even there. “We are all happy for such an occasion. And Jane’s prospects are most excellent. She has already entertained several gentleman callers since our arrival.” Jane beamed, and poor Hannah’s gaze remained in her lap.
“Very good,” Lady Callister answered. “And what of my nephew?”
“Ethan?” Lady Gibson asked, hardly surprised. “Why, we all know he is to marry Miss Withers.”
“Have they announced their engagement?” Lady Callister sounded almost skeptical.
“Not exactly, but these things take time.”
Lady Callister frowned. “My nephew is not one to take his time. He is punctual in every aspect of his life. Is something amiss?”
What was Lady Callister hinting at? Miranda would dearly like to know.
Lady Gibson gave her husband a pointed look. “He is preoccupied, to be sure. In fact, more than a week ago, I heard tell he rescued another stray boy. I do not know the details, but his cause is always worthy.”
“Worthy?” Lord Gibson said with raised brows. “The boy has too much heart and not enough backbone. He’ll learn the hard way like the rest of us.”
Lady Gibson gave him a patronizing nod. “Mark my words, he has a good head on his shoulders and will not disappoint us where Miss Withers is concerned.”
Miranda wanted to defend Ethan’s nature, but her desire to excuse herself was stronger. There was only one door, and it was located behind Lord Gibson. There was no way to leave the room without drawing unnecessary attention her way. However, if she stayed in her seat, any more discussion about Miss Withers and Ethan would make her ill.
“It is Ethan we are discussing,” Jane interjected. “He considers himself a moral giant among men. He will do exactly as he pleases and will rationalize it in a way that makes us feel apologetic for being contrary.”
“We will simply have to remove any distractions he has.” Lord Gibson briefly glanced at Miranda. “I do not have time to lecture him.”
They must not have been informed of her visit to Stonebrook until recently. They seemed quite put out toward her. She wanted to laugh off Lord Gibson’s comment and explain that there was no way she would ever induce Ethan to marry her now. Their worry was needless.
“Lady Callister,” Lady Gibson began. “We know you care for Ethan’s happiness. You will help us?” Everyone, including Miranda, took her meaning.
