Page 91 of Refining the Debutante
“Ethan?” Jane asked, handing Miranda a cup of tea the maid had just brought in.
“Yes. I am afraid he will marry me whether or not your parents relent.”
Jane sighed. “Do you think I will find someone who adores me like that?”
Jane used to share her insecurities freely with Miranda, but this was the first time in months she had done so.
“I did once promise you I would help you find a husband. Whether or not I am ever your sister will not keep me from fulfilling such a promise.”
“And what about me?” Hannah asked.
“Oh, Hannah,” Miranda said. “You and Jane should not worry for a moment, as long as you avoid the mistakes I made.”
“That should be easy,” Jane said. “Neither of us is obsessed with our brother.”
Hannah giggled. “You are right that Jane does not have to worry. Did you know Captain Grant has come to London? He called on us only this morning. He was watching Jane with a great deal of interest.”
Miranda clasped her hands together against her chest. “How wonderful!” Then he had figured out her hints about Jane’s feelings, which also meant he wasn’t as in love with Miranda as he had thought. “If he has come all this way, his intent must be serious.”
“We shall see,” Jane said with a pink blush. Her attempt to appear collected quickly dissipated, and an excited smile blossomed across her face.
They all giggled, only to be silenced when Ethan returned with his parents. They rose to their feet, none more anxious than Miranda.
Lord Gibson approached her, his face grim. He extended his hand, and she tentatively placed hers into his.
“Welcome to the family,” he said.
Everyone erupted in cheers—Jane’s being the loudest. Hannah hugged Miranda tightly but was shooed away by Ethan.
He took her hand and brought it quickly to his lips. “You look surprised. Surely you did not think I was going to waste my second chance with you?”
“Our second chance.” Miranda’s voice caught.
“Yes,” Ethan said, “and now we can start making plans together. Starting with a funeral but ending with a wedding.”
Lady Gibson came up beside them. “How about starting with an apology?” She turned to Miranda. “I once thought you fit perfectly into our family, and I am happy to see you were meant to be there all along. I hope you will forgive us for our previous reservations.”
“I do, Your Ladyship,” Miranda said, “as long as you forgive me for wanting to marry your son despite what Society might think of me.”
Jane came over to her opposite side. “Ethan is determined, so do not feel guilty. You know how set he can be once he is decided. I would not be surprised if he would willingly walk to the guillotine for you. Those few days while you were gone were rather scarring for my brother.”
Miranda looked to Ethan, who smiled at her with his boyish grin and nearly straight cravat.
“Oh, be off with you to dinner,” Ethan said to his family. “Miranda and I shall be there shortly.”
“Just this once,” Lady Gibson said. “Behave yourself.” She motioned everyone toward the door. Lord Gibson, having just sat down, groaned but obeyed his wife and stood once more.
Ethan followed everyone to the door. Once they were all out, he shut it behind them.
Miranda wanted to laugh at the triumphant gleam in his eyes and his silly grin.
“Finally,” he said.
“Finally,” she echoed back.
She rushed to Ethan. He put out his arms and caught her to him.
He hugged her tightly, lifting her off the ground. When he set her down, he did not release her.
