Sally James by Miranda of the Island Page B

lack of practice went unremarked, and now she thoroughly enjoyed dancing, inevitably being besieged by hopeful partners.
    As soon as Araminta considered her intimacy with Miranda permitted of confidences, she began to drop hints about Denzil. The first time she did so was when the girls were taking tea in her own sitting room. Araminta had laughingly teased Miranda about the many partners who had crowded round her at a ball the previous evening, and then had led the conversation round to Denzil.
    “Do you not think him handsome?” she sighed, and Miranda agreed.
    “There have been so many girls casting lures for him,” Araminta went on. “But now – “ she halted, as if confused, and achieved a giggle. “Oh, dear, I have said too much!”
    She looked at Miranda with wide, innocent eyes that missed nothing, but Miranda did not even blink. Disappointed at her cool reaction to this effort, Araminta then tried to persuade Miranda to talk about her own home, but she learned little more than her mother, despite exercising far more tact in her approach. The main outline as invented by Denzil and Miranda was of course well known by now, but Miranda mentioned to Araminta her governess Miss Brockton, and described parts of Cornwall that she had seen on her journey to London, while being careful not to let fall the slightest reference to the island.
    Later Denzil arrived to escort Miranda back to Green Street, and after greetings, Araminta lapsed into an uncharacteristically quiet mood. Denzil glanced at her, puzzled.
    “Are you weary after the ball?” he asked solicitously.
    “No, of course not,” she laughed. “I was just thinking Miranda is the only female, apart from Judith, who has ever been seen driving with you in your curricle. I suppose you have it now?”
    He nodded, amused. “I make an exception for my ward.”
    Araminta laughed, and turned to Miranda.
    “I do believe he fears for his famous horses, though I know I would never be allowed to handle the ribbons! Could you not make an exception for me too?” she wheedled, and Denzil realising he could not refuse so direct a request without appearing churlish, smilingly agreed.
    “Shall I call for you tomorrow morning?” he asked, and delighted at having manoeuvred this concession, which would mark her in the eyes of the world as especially favoured, Araminta assented eagerly.
     

Chapter Eight
     
    The next morning Miranda was herself driving with the Earl of Devoran when she saw Denzil sweep through the gates of the Park with Araminta seated triumphantly beside him.
    “Good God!” the Earl ejaculated when he too saw this amazing sight. “Denzil has never before driven a female, apart from yourself.”
    “So I understand, but have you any notion why not?”
    “I imagine he did not wish to single anyone out. But this is unheard of! Has he – er – have they – ?” He stopped in some confusion, but Miranda spoke quickly.
    “Oh, there is Mary Fellowes with her brother. Pray let us stop and speak with them!”
    Tom thankfully abandoned the topic of Denzil’s odd behaviour and drove towards the Fellowes’ curricle, but he, like most of the other people in the Park, did his best to keep Denzil in view.
    Araminta was relishing to the full the astonished looks that were being thrown her way, and did not care how many times Denzil had to pull up in response to hails from his friends or hers. But eventually they came to a quieter part, and he commented approvingly on her hat, a jaunty bonnet that framed her face delightfully.
    “It becomes you excessively. I do not recall having seen it before.”
    “No, I have only recently purchased it.”
    “Not particularly for this expedition?” he asked teasingly.
    “No, indeed. But I have found a new milliner, Therese, who is wonderful! She has the most delectable creations. I could wish to buy every one I see!”
    “Therese? Oh yes, I believe I have heard of her.” He recalled with some amusement having been