A Prince of My Own by Stacy Reid

Author:Stacy Reid
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2019-04-14T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

Miranda had dreamt of Simon kissing her and doing far more to her than she had ever imagined being possible. It had appalled her that her subconscious could have betrayed her in such a manner, for her dreams had been wickedly delightful. She had been roused from slumber with her heart pounding, and an unfulfilled ache she did not understand.

“Oh, how intolerably bored I am,” Countess Langford groused, glaring at her feet propped high atop the cushions.

“The report from Dr. Astor was good, Mamma,” Miranda said with a comforting smile as she looked over from the canvas before her. “You’ll be on your feet in no time. Would you like me to continue reading?”

Her mamma leaned back on the chaise with a sigh. “I’ve had enough of Shakespeare for the day. Your poor father must be in such a worry to have us home with him.” A tiny frown appeared between her winged brows. “Agnes has informed me you’ve been taking long walks with Dr. Astor these past few days.”

Miranda’s heart fluttered wildly in her breast. “Yes,” she said, inordinately glad she faced away from her mamma. Surely, she would have seen the guilt in her eyes and the flush on her cheeks. “The doctor is very charming company, and I do enjoy our long walks. I am quite aware of Agnes following at a discreet distance, Mamma. I am properly chaperoned if that is your worry.”

She felt her mother’s stare, but she concentrated on her brushstrokes, as she painted the view of the estate visible through the large windows of the parlor.

“Need I remind you that as the daughter of an earl, it would be unseemly for you to form an attachment with a man inferior to your rank and wealth?”

"The reminder is not necessary, Mamma, I've been told every day since I was twelve years of age." She lowered the brushes to the side table and stood. "If you'll excuse me, I promised the children I would read to them today. Three of them are going home."

Her mother considered her with a critical eye, before nodding once.

Miranda left the parlor and walked to the drawing room where the children were gathered playing cribbage.

"Lady Miranda!" they chorused. "Join us!"

She tumbled to the carpet and played with them for more than an hour. They all seemed more robust, their skin a healthy pink, their eyes enlivened with happiness. She spent a good portion of the afternoon with them reading and playing cards, and even gathering them together for a quick sketch of a portrait.

Shortly after luncheon, Simon returned from his jaunt to the village. Nerves coursed through her as he approached her where she reposed under a beech tree with her canvas, easel, and paintbrush. A breeze rustled through the top branches of the trees and swept along the mowed grass bringing a scent of roses and pines. The memory of the way he had kissed her sent a dizzying thrill through her.

She watched him approach, trying to affect a mien of polite inquiry.

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