Standing in the entryway of his home, Alex greeted guests alongside his mother as they entered through the front door. He smiled politely, bowing and shaking hands as each visitor walked past, yet he couldn't recall a single name after they had moved on. He was too busy waiting for the next person to walk in the room. To see her face walk in.

Tugging at his caveat for the hundredth time that night, Alex couldn't remember feeling so restless. And over a woman no less. But he couldn't stop speculating on how Miranda would react when she saw him. Surely she would have figured out his identity by now. What would she say? What would she do? He figured she would either look at him with disdain for his deception or become another one of the simpering ladies, hoping to gain his favor.

But Alex had a feeling that Miranda was not the simpering type. She hardly acted like the coy lady at the ball. If anything, she rose to his baiting and responded in kind. Not only was it refreshing to Alex to converse with a lady that displayed wit and intelligence, but it also made Miranda the perfect collaborator in thwarting his mother's matchmaking schemes. In return, he would help her make a suitable match so she would not have to return for another season.

Now Alex just had to convince Miranda to agree to his plan.

Just as it seemed that all the guests had arrived, an older gentleman with his wife on his arm strolled into the room. Alex's shoulders sagged a bit at the thought that Miranda must have chosen not to come at all. Until a gown of pale pink could be seen from behind, revealing Miranda in their wake.

Alex could not suppress a smile at the demure countenance she exhibited. He knew better now that she did possess a more spirited nature. He just had to rile it out of her again.

"Mr. and Mrs. Edwards," his mother said in greeting, "I'm so glad you were able to join our quaint gathering."

Alex almost rolled his eyes at his mother's use of 'quaint'. When it came to hosting she never did anything halfway.

"Lady Carlisle," Mr. Edwards said with a bow, "The pleasure is all ours. I believe you already met my daughter Miranda."

As Miranda's father stepped aside, Alex could finally see her more fully. Her eyes were downcast as she did her curtsy in greeting. Her demeanor seemed almost sheepish, but when her eyes finally looked up and locked with his, he could see the defiance. Oh yes, she was definitely angry at him. Alex couldn't help but grin at the thought.

After all the introductions had been made, Lady Carlisle led everyone to the parlor where the rest of the guests were mingling before dinner. Alex desperately wanted to try and talk to Miranda, especially now that she knew his identity, but wasn't sure how in a room full of people.

His mother showed the Edwards around the room to make the introductions, leaving Miranda to stand by herself. Just when Alex thought he had his chance his sister Evelyn went bounding across the room and pulled Miranda over to the other young ladies. Although annoyed with his sister's interference, Alex was also inwardly pleased that Miranda wouldn't have to face this night alone.

There were both positives and drawbacks to having the attention of society focused on you. And having been a wallflower for the past three seasons, Alex was about to shove Miranda into a whole new world.

"Dinner is served," a footman announced. As the guests began to filter out of the parlor, Alex could see all the debutantes batting their lashes at him, in the hopes that he would escort one of them to dinner. But the only one he had eyes for was the one who was pointedly trying to not look in his direction.

"Miss Edwards," Alex said smoothly, "May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?" As he held out his hand to her, Alex could see an internal struggle going on inside of Miranda. She pursed her lips as if she badly wanted to swat his hand away. Thankfully she chose instead to place her hand in his with a quiet "Thank you".

Alex ignored the stares as he walked Miranda out of the parlor and towards the dining room. He could sense her displeasure at being singled out by the way she stiffly held his arm and that she still refused to look at him. "Do you think we'll be able to go an entire evening without bumping into each other?" he asked in a whisper.

He caught the soft tone of what sounded like a grunt but at least her hand relaxed a little.

"You have some explaining to do," she whispered back.

Well, at least she was talking to him. "And I plan to. If you join me on a ride through Hyde Park tomorrow."

Miranda swiveled her head towards him, her eyes wary. "I'm afraid I'm already engaged for the morrow."

"The next day then," Alex said without hesitation. Miranda let out a small huff like she knew it was hopeless to argue with him. And she was right, it was.

"Very well then," she said politely, though Alex could detect a hint of annoyance in her tone.

Alex could not contain the big grin that crossed his face. Not only would enlisting Miranda's aid help him in surviving the season, but it would also provide him with a means of diversion. There was only so much work he could do from London and the clubs didn't appeal to him because of all the people. The truth was, Alex wouldn't mind so much escorting a lady out now and then if he didn't have to put up with their constant flaunting over him. The first season Alex had as the Earl of Carlisle resulted in such an overwhelming number of ladies seeking his attention that he had to flee to his estate in Northumberland to escape it all.

But with Miranda, Alex had found someone whom he could be around and not worry about ulterior motives. Even though she lacked a dowry and marriage prospects, Miranda still chose to give him, an Earl, the cold shoulder when she discovered his true identity.

Alex expected the arrangement to help Miranda in her predicament as well. With all the gossip surrounding her and the reclusive Earl, his hope is that it will spur on this suitor of hers to finally make his move. Or at least bring on another interested suitor. Alex had only interacted with Miranda a couple of times and even he could see what a rare find she was in London society.

Now it was time to put my plan into motion, he thought smugly to himself.

+++

The next day dawned bright and early as Miranda rose from bed. She felt tired even though she had retired directly after returning home last night. Her thoughts were still in turmoil over the night's events. What could be the meaning of it all? It didn't make any sense for the Earl of Carlisle to continue showing her attention. From what Cissy said, it appeared that he was not in the market for a wife.

And that was made very apparent during dinner. Miranda had watched with amusement from down the table as all the ladies present tried to gain his favor. But guessing from the Earl's terse replies and cool facade, they were not having much success.

Miranda only hoped he kept his word and explained everything tomorrow. She might have to do some explaining to her parents when Alex came calling. First he escorted her to dinner and now a ride through Hyde Park. She would hate to get their hopes up with an Earl showing interest in her. But there was hardly anything she could do about it now.

Deciding it was all a hopeless cause for the time being, she rang for a maid to help her get ready for the day. Miranda hadn't been lying when she told Alex that she was already engaged for today. Friday was the day she went to the school to help any boy or girl who struggled with their reading. Miranda loved opening up the world of reading to children, especially when their eyes lit up when they sounded out a particularly hard word. It was very rewarding work and Miranda knew that if she ended up as a teacher she would at least be happy doing what she loved.

After getting helped dressed into a serviceable brown frock, Miranda headed to the dining room for breakfast. Lessons would be starting at nine, but even though schooling was now compulsory for children aged five to ten, Miranda noticed that a lot of the students still worked in the factories and such in order to provide for their families. Miranda firmly believed that in granting these children an education, they had a much higher chance to better their situation.

Her mother and father were already sitting down to eat when Miranda entered. Her father looked up from his newspaper at her arrival.

"Morning Miranda," he said with a smile. "Off to the school today are we?"

"Yes, Father," Miranda answered while filling her plate from the buffet table.

Her mother glanced up from her plate. "How did you enjoy last night's evening Miranda?" she asked. "The Earl seemed quite...attentive towards you."

The room suddenly seemed too silent as Miranda took her seat. She could feel a flush creeping up her neck. "Yes, it was very surprising to say the least," she said quietly. Then taking a deep breath she said abruptly, "And he will be calling tomorrow to take me on a ride through Hyde Park."

If she thought the silence before was uncomfortable, it had just become stifling.

"Miranda," her father began gently, "Are you aware of any designs Lord Carlisle may have towards you?"

Miranda shook her head. She was in the dark just as much as the rest of them.

Mr. Edwards set his newspaper down and looked Miranda in the eye. "I'm not sure then if I'm comfortable with him calling on you. It gives me doubt that his attentions towards you are honorable."

Miranda bristled slightly at the implication. "You mean to say that it would be impossible for him to view me as marriage material." Although it hurt to say it, Miranda knew it to be true. It never once crossed her mind that Alex might be considering her as a potential wife. With her mousy looks and wallflower status, she was hardly the makings of a countess.

"Now Miranda," her mother admonished, "Your father is just looking out for your wellbeing."

Miranda knew her parents meant well, but even though she hardly knew Lord Carlisle, he didn't strike her as the type of man to act dishonorably towards anyone. When they had danced at the ball, he seemed very concerned for her wellbeing. It was hardly the actions of a man who wanted to take advantage of her.

"I thank you for the concern," Miranda said, "But for now I see no harm in a simple ride through the park." She also wasn't going to give up the opportunity for the Earl to explain himself.

"If that's all I think I'll head out now." Miranda rose before giving her parents a chance to respond. Her father eyed her like he wasn't happy with how the discussion ended, but didn't voice any objections as she left the room.

Stepping out into the fresh air cleared Miranda's head considerably. All the talk surrounding Lord Carlisle was becoming tiresome. For today she needed to put aside all thoughts of him and focus on her task at hand, which was making sure that the boys and girls at St. Mary's received the best education possible.

As Miranda left her neighborhood and neared the school, her surroundings slightly changed to a more subdued environment. St. Mary's was a school that was runned by a local church that catered to the middle-class who could afford the shilling a week tuition. Miranda was a firm believer that education should be free to all who wish to learn, but parliament had yet to make it happen.

Approaching a two-story red brick building, Miranda could already see various boys and girls frolicking outside while they waited for their teacher to ring the morning bell, signaling the start of class. One little girl in her knee-length woolen dress ran up to Miranda with a smile.

"Good morning Miss Edwards!" she said with enthusiasm.

"Morning Nellie," Miranda smiled back. Nellie was one such student that after having some one-on-one teaching, her reading capabilities improved significantly. Some of the classrooms had upwards to eighty students, making it near impossible for the teacher to address each child's needs.

Entering into the building, Miranda walked across a sparse entryway for the children to hang their coats and lunch pails, and to a small room in the back where a simple wooden table and two chairs sat where she could teach a student without interruption. Setting up a reader as well as a small slate and chalk for practicing letters, Miranda could only hope that she was making some small difference in these children's lives.

Hearing the morning bell, Miranda double checked to make sure everything was in its proper place. Just as she was about to go meet with the teacher to see which student she would be working with that day, Miranda noticed they were already standing in her doorway.

"Oh, Miss Sutherland, I was just about to come see you about my student for the morning," Miranda said.

Elizabeth Sutherland peered down her nose at Miranda, arms crossed in a disapproving stance. Miranda guessed the stern schoolteacher to be in her mid-thirties, but with a frown constantly on her face and hair in a strict bun made her look years older.

"That's why I came obviously," Miss Sutherland said, "I have a student that has failed to improve his literacy skills all semester. I believe he is too far behind even for your help."

Miranda bristled. No student was ever too far gone to improve himself. "If you send him to me, I'm sure I can have him caught up by the end of the school year," she said calmly. Though inwardly she wanted to thwart the woman who would deny any child an education.

"Very well, but if you fail to do so then I will have no choice but to expel him." Looking pointedly at Miranda, it was if she had already made up her mind on the subject.

"That will not be necessary."

Miss Sutherland sighed doubtfully, but did not press the matter. "His name is Henry Tillman. I'll send him over directly." And without another word, she turned and left the room.

Letting out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, Miranda tried to calm herself down before her pupil appeared. Miss Sutherland had always been a strict teacher, but even though she was good at what she did, Miranda didn't agree with expelling any student just because they didn't meet academic standards. Nellie had almost suffered the same fate until she stepped in. And now Nellie has no trouble with reading at all. She can do the same for Henry.

A soft knock at the door pulled Miranda out of her thoughts and back to the present. Standing in her door this time was a small boy in a brown coat and shorts. He nervously rubbed his hands while keeping his gaze to the floor, like he was in trouble for being there.

Miranda gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "You must be Henry. Why don't you come and have a seat."

Slowly shuffling forward, Henry sat in the seat she offered. "My name is Miss Edwards, and Miss Sutherland tells me you are having a little trouble with your reading."

Henry responded with a small nod.

Sitting down beside him, Miranda pulled the slate towards him. "Well, I'm here to help change that. Why don't we start with your letters? Can you start by writing out the alphabet for me Henry?"

Tentatively picking up the piece of chalk on the table, Henry began to write on the slate. Miranda sat patiently letting him take his time but she noticed that it took him longer than most to get through the whole alphabet.

After he had put his chalk down, Miranda picked up the slate to assess where his literacy level lay. What she saw surprised her. She was able to make out some of his letters, but most of them looked only half finished. And some were missing entirely.

"How old are you Henry?" Miranda asked.

"Ten ma'am."

"And have you been at school long?"

He ducked his head. "I started going when I was six."

Miranda blinked a few times, not sure if she had heard him correctly. He had been going to school for four years and yet he still couldn't write out his entire alphabet? Most of the children that Miranda worked with had a basic understanding of their letters and the sounds that they made. She just provided them with the encouragement and practice to hone their skills. But this was something else entirely.

As she went to pick up the rag off the table to wipe the slate, Henry flinched, quickly hiding his hands in the folds of his jacket. Puzzled, Miranda asked, "Henry, can you show me your hands please?"

Shoulders sagging, Henry lifted one hand up to her. Miranda gasped when she saw the red welts that covered the palm of his hand. Now his flinch made sense. As punishment for not doing his work adequately, Miss Sutherland must have used a ruler or rod in order to correct him.

Feeling tears begin to pinprick her eyes, Miranda could feel nothing but compassion for this boy. To have to go through four years of schooling, and still being unable to read. She knew physical punishment was a common practice in schools, but she didn't understand how it was supposed to help them understand better. If anything, it was only going to push them away from wanting to learn.

Firming her resolve, Miranda vowed to herself that she would help Henry, to get him an education so he didn't end up working in a factory all his life. Or worse. Wiping clean the slate, Miranda put on a friendly smile and said with enthusiasm, "How about we try some reading, shall we?"

+++

Miranda had spent the whole school day with Henry, and had made very little progress. He could read a little bit, but had to concentrate very hard to read a simple sentence. She wasn't about to give up though. She may have to approach Henry in a different way then she had in the past with her other students.

The next day, Miranda readied herself in her room, for her ride with Lord Carlisle but she couldn't stop her heart from racing. How she was going to sit in such close proximity to a man that made her stomach flip every time he looked at her was going to be a challenge.

"Miss Miranda," Bridget said, coming into the room. "You have a caller waiting for you in the parlor."

Taking a deep breath, Miranda tried one last time to slow her pulse before heading downstairs. Checking her appearance one last time in a hallway mirror, Miranda walked through the open door.

But she stopped in her tracks when she noticed that it wasn't Lord Carlisle waiting for her in the parlor. But William.