Sally James by Miranda of the Island Page A

room, screened by potted palms.
    “I must talk with you,” he said softly. “I will procure some food.”
    Swiftly he did so, and returned with plates laden with lobster patties and other delicacies. Judith eyed him anxiously.
    “Has something occurred to disturb you?”
    “Miss Brockton bearded me in my den this morning,” he replied, grinning at her. “She accuses me of abduction and breathes of unspecified vengeance when Miranda’s guardian – again unspecified – hears of her disappearance.”
    “Do you think she knows where Miranda is?”
    “She has no idea, merely connects me with her flight.”
    “Did she mention Sir Henry?”
    “No. She was very distressed, but sufficiently mistress of herself not to give away his name.”
    “She knows you helped Miranda?”
    “I do not think she has any proof, but you must admit the circumstances point strongly to my involvement. I had been expecting her to come to me before.”
    “Why has she delayed so, do you think?”
    “She may first have been making enquiries about Sir Henry and when he is to be expected back in London. She must be in a quandary about what to tell him.”
    “Will she try to reach Miranda?”
    “It will take her some time to make the connection between us, for she cannot move in polite circles. I do not think you can expect a visit from her.”
    “But what if she sees Miranda accidentally?”
    “That we cannot prevent. But we are forewarned. Never allow Miranda to go out alone. And I had best warn her Miss Brockton has appeared, so that if they meet it will not come as too great a shock. Do you think she will be afraid?”
    Judith considered. “No, I think not. She has gained enormously in confidence these last few days, and after all, what can the woman do? Would she hire bullies to carry Miranda off by force?”
    Denzil laughed. “I hardly think so! Where would a lady – for she is that – who has lived isolated from the world these past sixteen years, find such convenient allies? No, my dear, there is no need for undue concern, provided we take sensible precautions. But can you ensure she never goes out alone?”
    Judith reassured him, and he smiled at her gratefully, then looked across the room, becoming silent as he watched Araminta, who had joined Miranda and Tom and some other young people, and was laughing gaily, flirting vivaciously with a couple of admirers.
    Araminta made further efforts to become friendly with Miranda, and as the guests began to take their leave, she suggested they should go shopping together on the following day.
    “I need more stockings and gloves, and there is a new lending library I mean to visit. I want to obtain the new book by the author of Pride and Prejudice , which I have not yet been able to do. Shall we ask Lady Beverley if you might come?”
    Permission was sought and granted, and satisfied, Araminta permitted herself to be taken home without a backward glance at Denzil.
    * * * *
    The shopping expedition was a success, and from then on Araminta made certain she saw Miranda several times a week.
    Judith suspected what was in her mind, but thought it wisest not to interfere, though she watched Denzil’s apparent renewal of his attentions to Araminta with considerable disquiet.
    As well as the friendship with Araminta, Miranda by now had a wide circle of friends and admirers, foremost amongst the latter Richard Fellowes and the Earl of Devoran.
    Every evening there seemed to be some social function, and Miranda found it hard to believe Judith’s assertion that there was a distinct lack of company in town. Miranda could now ride the docile mare Denzil had provided for her proficiently enough to ride with him and others in the Park.
    Her dancing lessons had progressed well, and since she had a natural grace, and was quick to learn the steps, it was soon decided she could dance in public. The hurdle of the first ball was passed triumphantly, and anxious as Miranda had been not to make mistakes, her