Miranda replied the next day to Evelyn's invitation that she would be honored to join their outing to the theater. Even though she resolved herself in going along with Lord Carlisle's plan, it didn't make her any less nervous. For the past three seasons, Miranda had been very content as a wallflower. And since she always thought that she would marry William, she never had to do much socializing with the opposite sex. That was about to be all turned upside down.

That morning, Miranda and her mother sat in the front parlor awaiting any callers that may come by. Miranda felt very on edge as she was constantly looking out the front window for William to stop by again. Or worse Lord Carlisle.

As she sat trying to read her book, she heard a knock at the front door. Holding her breath, Miranda listened as the footman opened the door and admitted the caller. Putting down her book, Miranda forced her body to relax and tried to at least appear cordial. When the footman finally came into the parlor, he announced "Mrs. Benson," and moved aside to reveal Cissy in a bright morning gown.

"Cissy!" exclaimed Miranda, jumping up to give her friend a hug. "What are you doing out? I thought you would still be confined to the house?"

Cissy waved her hand in dismissal. "If I had to stay one more day in that house, I was going to scream."

Turning to Miranda's mother, Cissy curtsied, "Good morning Mrs. Edwards."

Her mother smiled warmly back. "It's nice to see you Cecelia. Congratulations on your new daughter."

Cissy beamed back. "She is a doll. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to leave her, but the nurse assured me that she would probably sleep all morning anyway."

Mrs. Edwards got up from her seat. "Well I'm sure there are lots that you girls want to talk about so I'll leave you to your confidences." Nodding in goodbye, she took her leave.

Miranda pulled her friend over to the couch so that they could sit down together. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed seeing you at the various events."

Giving Miranda's hand a squeeze, Cissy said, "I've missed you as well. It's been nice spending time with Margaret, but I feel as though I've neglected you. With so much riding on this season, I wish I could be here more for you."

Miranda looked down, warmed by her friend's concern, but also embarrassed by her pity. "I'm fine Cissy, really." She tried to smile at her friend reassuringly, but came out a little shaky.

"I have heard some more news of you as of late," Cissy said teasingly.

Miranda groaned. "How is it that you are barely out of your house, and yet you still hear things about me?"

Cissy laughed. "Because it's about you of course! So, don't you want to tell me about your ride through Hyde Park with an extremely handsome gentleman?"

Smiling to herself, Miranda thought that Cissy was right in that Lord Carlisle was extremely handsome. But she wasn't sure how much she should share about his plan in helping her find a husband. "It was very nice," Miranda hedged, "Though I am still getting used to the increased attention."

"You will do fine," Cissy assured her. "People will always talk, whether you are the perfect lady or not. But," Cissy paused for a moment, "Do you think the Earl has any intentions with these outings?"

Miranda wanted to laugh. The idea seemed so absurd! As well, Lord Carlisle seemed so greatly opposed to the thought of marriage, hence why he wanted to feign interest in her.

Miranda's heart dropped a little at the fact that he wasn't actually infatuated with her. She was just a means to an end. It felt like sometimes that he enjoyed her company, and was concerned for her, like when they were talking about William for instance, but she could sense there was something deeper than just not wanting to marry now.

"No," Miranda answered, "I don't believe his lordship is looking for a wife. I just happen to be a lady who isn't always trying to trap him into marriage."

Cissy chuckled. "Ironic really, when you are seeking a husband." Cissy sobered for a moment, "You do still hope to marry don't you?"

Miranda nodded. "It is the only way I can provide for my parents." It was Miranda's turn to pause as she thought about how much to say. "I plan on taking your advice and using the attention from my outings with the Earl to help find a husband." She laughed without humor. "At least this season people will know I exist."

Silence reigned in the room. Miranda could barely look at her friend for fear of what she must think of her. Does she think she is a mercenary for wanting a husband that can financially help her parents?

Taking a deep breath first, Cissy said, "I understand your predicament Mandi. As women we have very few choices to begin with." Cissy placed a hand overtop of Miranda's. "But if you are going to take my advice, then take this one above all. If you can, marry for love."

Miranda looked up at her friend sharply. That was not the advice she was expecting to hear. Was Cissy speaking from the experience of making a love match or from the lack of one? It made Miranda sadly realize that she didn't know much about her closest friend's marriage. She had been too caught up in her own problems of late.

"However," Cissy said with a cheeky grin, "If it is marriage you're seeking, I may have an opportunity that could prove useful."

Miranda immediately perked up but then was instantly weary. "What are you planning Cissy?" she asked.

Cissy put both her hands up in mock surrender. "Only that my father-in-law will be hosting a week-long house party at his estate in Northumberland. The men will be out shooting during the day but there will be lots of time to socialize in the evening."

Cissy then proceeded to bat her eyelashes in exaggeration at her. Miranda couldn't help but burst out laughing at the spectacle. Gaining control of herself, Miranda started to process what her friend was insinuating. "You're suggesting that I use this house party as a means of acquiring a husband?" It wasn't a terrible idea. It would provide Miranda with more opportunities to get better acquainted with suitors. "But I'm not acquainted with your father-in-law," Miranda pointed out, "Wouldn't it be awkward to attend a gathering where I won't know anyone?"

"You'll know me," Cissy assured her. "You'll be coming as my special guest and since I'm married now, I can act as chaperone and introduce you to all of the most eligible bachelors," she teased.

Miranda smiled but looked down to hide her embarrassment. In truth, she was a little scared of putting herself out there, purposely trying to catch a man's attention. The attention alone from society for the past week was enough to put her on edge. But this is what she decided wasn't it? That in order to save her parents from financial ruin, she was going to have to be married, or at least engaged, by the end of this season. What better way than a house party?

"I don't know Ciss," Miranda hedged, trying to find an excuse. "I just started tutoring a new student and I'm not sure I could leave him just now."

"It is only for one week Mir, not a whole month. I'm sure the teacher won't mind, she's lucky to have you enough as it is."

Miranda knew Cissy was right, but Henry was a special case, especially with his position at the school being so precarious. Still, one week away shouldn't hamper his progress too much. And it would allow her to at least make some new acquaintances that she might be able to pursue back in London.

Miranda sighed heavily. It all sounded so conniving to her ears. Is this how every woman captured a husband? Apparently so.

"Alright, Cissy. Even if I don't find a suitable match, it should at least be entertaining."

"Yes!" Cissy squealed, throwing her arms around her friend. "We are going to have so much fun. And I'm sure we'll be able to find you a swoon-worthy husband," she added with a wink.

Miranda smiled to reassure her friend, but inside felt that it was likely not a possibility.

+++

As Alex sat in the carriage alongside his sister and mother, he found himself constantly fidgeting with his cuffs or his cravat. They were on their way to pick up Miranda before heading to the theater and Alex could not remember ever feeling so unsettled over a lady. It didn't help that as they boarded the carriage, Evelyn took the empty seat beside their mother, giving him a wink as she did so. That left the last open seat for Miranda beside him.

Secretly he relished at the thought of sitting close to her. Miranda had been a refreshing balm to his soul these past few days. He greatly enjoyed her company, and found himself looking forward to future outings together. That is if she decided to take him up on his offer. Alex felt a pang of disappointment at the thought that she might decide to not accept, which meant there would be no more reason to spend time together.

He could of course continue seeing her as a gentleman who would pursue any unmarried lady. And although the idea of matrimony with Miranda didn't leave a sour taste in his mouth as it usually did when thinking of marriage, he still couldn't bring himself to take the leap. Especially after how things went with his parents.

Pulling up to the Edward's residence, Alex hopped out so that he could help Miranda into the carriage. As he primped one last time to make sure his evening coat was not rumpled from the ride, the front door opened allowing Miranda to exit. As Alex stared up at her as she descended the steps, he couldn't help but notice how pretty she looked. She wore an evening gown of soft blue, and though he was sure by society standards she would have been considered plain, Alex found something rather appealing in the gentle way she carried herself.

Alex gave a slight bow as she reached the bottom of the steps. "Miss Edwards, may I say that you look very lovely this evening."

A slight blush fanned her cheeks as she curtsied in return. "Thank you my lord."

Smiling at having made her blush, Alex opened the carriage door. "Shall we?" he asked, holding out his hand for her. He sensed a slight hesitation before she placed her hand in his and so when Miranda was just about in, he held on a second longer than necessary just to vex her. As he settled in beside her on the bench, he caught a subtle pointed glare in his direction. Alex never had so much fun teasing someone.

"Miss Edwards," his mother said in greeting with a nod. "It is so nice of you to accompany us this evening."

Alex noted how his mother had her serious Dowager Countess facade on, but he was sure inside she was elated at having a single lady in Alex's company. He also noticed that over the past few days she hadn't even mentioned the next dinner party.

"Thank you Lady Carlisle," Miranda answered demurely, "I was very grateful for the invite."

"I was so happy that you accepted," Evelyn cut in, "My brother can be such a bore at these events. It'll be nice to actually talk to someone about the performance."

Alex glowered at his sister for the slight against his character.

Alex watched as Miranda grinned at his sister. "I didn't know you found your brother so dreadfully dull," she said in response.

Evelyn giggled. "He believes that an Earl cannot have fun, or smile."

"If you're done talking like I'm not here," Alex drolled, "We've arrived."

As the carriage came to a halt outside the theater, Alex helped the ladies out one by one. With Miranda last, Alex gave her pause by not letting go of her hand. "Despite what my sister tells you, I do know how to have some fun."

Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Knowing how you feel about the social season, I find that unlikely."

"I had fun during our ride through Hyde Park or couldn't you tell?"

Miranda once again blushed prettily and quickly took back her hand. "I'm sure you would have found any number of ladies entertaining."

Alex shook his head. "I highly doubt that." He held out his arm to her, "I'll agree to one thing my sister said though, the night should be much more enjoyable with you here."

Miranda accepted his arm but did not reply to his statement. Alex wasn't even sure himself why he was telling her these things. He could see that Miranda lacked self-confidence, and he felt that he wanted her to see herself as he did.

Walking into the front foyer, Alex stiffened at the throng of people mingling before the start of the opera. He hated the false pretenses he was expected to put on. A smile, cordial conversation, when really he felt like doing the complete opposite.

Turning to Miranda to see how she fared with the crowd, he saw her instead looking up at the high dome ceiling in complete wonder. It had escaped Alex how this must be a completely new experience for Mirnada. It was all so normal to him, to the point of tediousness. But watching her take it all in with such awe brought a feeling of elation to him knowing that he was giving her that new experience.

Pulling Miranda along, or else he feared she wouldn't be able to stop gawking, and led her over to where his mother and sister were conversing with an older lady and who he assumed was her daughter.

As Alex and Miranda stopped beside Evelyn, he watched as the older ladies' hawklike eyes settled on him, lighting up in approval. But as they flickered over to Miranda, immediately her eyes cringed and she pursed her lips. Miranda must have noticed it too, for she immediately withdrew her hand from his arm.

"Alexander, Miss Edwards," his mother said, "Allow me to introduce Mrs. Chism and her daughter, Miss Catherine Chism."

The appropriate bows and curtsies were exchanged.

Miss Chism looked toward Miranda. "Miss Edwards, I don't believe we've had the pleasure. I've heard you are quite experienced in navigating London's season. You'll have to share some of your wisdom with me."

Alex's eyes narrowed at Miss Chism's backhanded compliment. He could sense Miranda bristling at the underlying insinuation. This was exactly the type of attention Alex wanted to shield Miranda from. But if she wanted to take advantage of the acquaintanceship of an Earl and his family, she was going to have to accept the negative attention as well.

"I'm sure you will do just fine Miss Chism," Miranda responded with politeness, though her tone was cool.

"Shall we head up to our box Mother? I believe the performance is about to begin." Alex wanted to get Miranda out of there as quickly as possible, before anymore barbs could be shot at her.

As they walked away and towards the stairs, Evelyn bounded up to Miranda and thread her arm through hers. "Don't let her get to you, she's just jealous because of the attention my brother is giving you. For reasons I cannot fathom, society thinks him to be quite a catch."

This brought a smile to Miranda's lips. Although it was again at Alex's expense, he was grateful for his sister's encouragement.

As they reached their personal box, Alex made sure that he was seated by Miranda so he could have a private conversation without his sister's prying ears listening in.

Miranda looked down over the balcony at the audience below. As people took their seats, many were gazing back up as, ironically, many only came to the theater to see who was in attendance, rather than watching the stage.

"Is it worth it?" Alex whispered close to her ear.

Miranda sat back. "Is what worth it?"

"The view, despite the company."

Miranda fiddled with the clasp that attached her reticule to her glove, avoiding his eyes. "Perhaps. Though I guess it depends on the quality of the play."

"I'm sure it will be quite satisfactory, I assure you," Alex answered, catching on that they were no longer referring to the theater.

Miranda finally lifted her eyes to his. They were more brown tonight instead of hazel. It felt like to Alex that he could've lost himself in their depths.

"Then yes Lord Carlisle," Miranda breathed, "I do believe it's worth it."