Free All the Pleasures of the Season by Lecia Cornwall Page A

she went to see Marianne. Her sister was making lists of parcels of food and clothing and toys to be sent to her tenants at Westlake, since she would be at Carrington for Christmas.
    â€œYou look like you haven’t slept a wink,” Marianne said, laying down her pen and dismissing the faithful Northcott, who would travel to Westlake in the earl’s and countess’s stead to see their wishes carried out.
    â€œI’ve come to tell you that I have ended my betrothal to Lord Kelton,” Miranda said without preamble. “I hope you will not try to change my mind. No doubt the news will be all over London by noon tomorrow, and there’s bound to be embarrassing gossip and speculation.”
    Marianne sighed and got to her feet. “Oh, Miranda. I’m sorry. I can’t help but think this is my fault. I thought he would be the perfect match for you. Would you have chosen him if I hadn’t pressed you?”
    Miranda swallowed, studied the finger where Kelton’s ring had been. Her hand felt free and light without it. “I chose him to make you happy, and to please Grandfather. You were all so eager to see me married. I didn’t want to disappoint any of you, or make Grandfather come to Town for another Season next year. I thought Kelton would make a good husband. But he hasn’t even made a good fiancé.” She regarded her sister fiercely. “I am causing you much disappointment and scandal, and for that I am sorry, but I do not feel any dismay at breaking things off with Kelton. Never that.”
    She braced for Marianne’s argument, but Marianne came and took her hands, led her to the window seat, tucked a wayward blond curl behind Miranda’s ear. “I wanted nothing but your happiness. I would face any scandal for you.” She dabbed tears from her eyes. “Adam would say that since I am the cause of so much scandal, I should be an expert at navigating through the storm of consequences. What do you wish to do? I will stand by you.”
    â€œI wish to go to Carrington Castle—now, today,” Miranda said.
    â€œThere is no need to run away. We are Archers. We will face this together no matter what happens, though I think his lordship is entirely in the wrong—”
    â€œI am not running away, Marianne, though I considered it. I must see Grandfather, tell him myself before he finds out some other way.”
    Marianne leapt to her feet. “You’re perfectly right. We’ll go this afternoon. Grandfather is bound to read of this as soon as the London papers are delivered to Carrington. He has learned to expect scandal from one of us every time he opens the Times .”
    â€œNo, Marianne, I’m not a child anymore. I wish to go alone. It is my responsibility, since it was my decision to end my betrothal.”
    Marianne paused with her hand hovering over the bell pull. She studied her sister’s face for a moment. “Oh, Miranda, you truly are all grown up, aren’t you? This is a woman’s decision, not a debutante’s or a girl’s. Are you sure?”
    Miranda raised her chin. “Can you arrange a coach for me?”
    Marianne hesitated. “This won’t be easy, even if Carrington takes the news well. In a few days, the whole family and everyone of consequence within a hundred miles will be descending upon the castle, expecting a wedding.”
    â€œI know. That’s why I must get there as quickly as possible, so I can smooth things over and help Grandfather make other arrangements.”
    Marianne pulled the bell and came to hug her sister. “I’m proud of you. We’ll get through this together, all of us.”
    Marianne’s maid arrived and curtsied. “Eliza, would you help Lady Miranda’s maid pack? She’ll be leaving for Carrington Castle this afternoon. Please ask John Coachman to come and see me for instructions, and I’ll be there in a little while to help