A Rose Beneath the Snow by Gayle Mullen Pace

Author:Gayle Mullen Pace
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical, victorian, 19th century, sensual spicy, gayle mullen pace
Publisher: Gayle Mullen Pace

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Lady Shefford and Miranda attended a garden party hosted by Lady Milton on Wednesday afternoon, and having no engagement that evening, Miranda used the time to write a letter to Celia to be delivered to Mr. Westfeld’s residence. Celia was happy that Miranda’s new life was going so well, and that no one suspected anything. That relieved most of Miranda’s anxiety, and she began to enjoy her life at Shefford House.

Fearful of going riding with Mr. Lane without knowing the finer points of equestrian etiquette, she asked Lady Shefford for assistance. She was only too happy to instruct her companion and took her to the stable where she would ride one of the carriage horses. The lady’s saddle was terribly uncomfortable, but Miranda said nothing, allowing the young groom, Nate, to lead her around the courtyard. On the second day, he passed her the reins while he continued to control the horse by means of a rope. Finally, she felt confident enough to walk the gentle horse on her own.

She spent two hours each day riding in the courtyard, becoming accustomed to the sidesaddle and learning the proper etiquette required of a young lady of prominence who wished to ride in public with a gentleman. Lady Shefford was convinced she would be lovely riding upon a proper mount and looked forward to seeing the horse that her godson would procure for her companion.

On Thursday, Miranda and Miss Prescott went shopping in Bond Street, accompanied by Lady Dunham’s footman, who diligently carried their packages and saw them to and from the carriage. During their outing, they discovered how much they had in common, their taste in many things being similar, and that they had both grown up without brothers and sisters. After making several purchases during their three-hour excursion, they promised to have tea on Monday.

That evening, Lady Shefford and Miranda attended a small party at Camelford House in Park Lane. They each wore a new gown made by Madame Dusseau—Lady Shefford a violet pongee gown with a basque waist, and Miranda a pale jade-green silk gown, heavily embroidered on the skirt and sleeves with thread the same color, the bodice and high neckline trimmed with velvet ribbons and delicate ivory Mechlin lace.

Lord Amberley and his family also attended, and it was not long before Mr. Lane had singled out Miranda for particular attention. Lady Shefford and Lord Amberley looked on as the couple danced.

“Your niece is beautiful and charming, indeed,” he observed pointedly. “Why did you wait so long to bring her to London?”

Lady Shefford sighed. “Her father’s fortunes had waned, but it was not until she was orphaned that I was allowed to give her everything that would be of benefit to her.” There was a deep sadness in her voices as she watched Miranda, and Lord Amberley was quick to note it.

“You must be congratulated for the way you took her in. Other relations might not have been as generous.”

“True, but I thought it utterly tragic that her grandfather chose to ignore her.

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