Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 19

(A Furtherance of Events Which Occur Between Chapter 15 and 16)

A polite rapping on her chamber door at the ungodly hour of nine woke her the next morning, and she rose sorely moaning when it would not cease.

"A visitor for ye Miss." she was told. "A young lady in a bad way. She asks if she may see ye in your rooms when you're ready." Alarmed, Miranda allowed it, and had herself dressed as quickly as she could. The maid brought the girl when instructed and, to her surprise, Miranda found the door closed behind Miss Victoria Bradshaw. 

"Miss Bradshaw....what...?" She nearly stammered in shock at the young woman who stood before her, pale, eyes bloodshot and swollen. 

"Do forgive me Miss Riley, but if I am not mistaken, you witnessed..something..last night." 

Miranda, cheeks pink with shame, gestured for the girl to take a seat in one of the armchairs that sat in her room. "I did eavesdrop, it was very wrong of me, but if you have come to ask me not to gossip on the matter then allow me to put your fears to rest.." 

"I confess that was partly my purpose in coming." 

"I am not one to spread rumors." 

"I did not think you were, but you would be full within your right to spread the truth." 

"Well I reiterate: you may have confidence in my promise of silence Miss Bradshaw." She settled into the remaining armchair. "What was the other part of your purpose in coming?" 

"I wished to warn you away from him." she muttered. "I know you fancied him as I did." 

"Ah, that is admirable of you. The little I witnessed last night warned me well enough; any shallow feelings I may have had for him are waning rapidly." 

Miss Bradshaw looked as though she might begin to cry once more. 

"Forgive me as it's not my place, but, he did not ruin you?.." 

"No. I would not let him..." her voice cracked and chin trembled. "You may be disappointed by Mr Kirkley, Miss Riley, but this is my third season, I have no prospects, and no money.." 

"But your parents make nearly eight-thousand a year!" Miranda interrupted. 

"Oh, they aren't my real parents, they are my aunt and uncle. My parents died and their fortune fell on my younger brother. I have no dowry."
Miranda understood then, nothing more need be said. With no dowry, no gentleman would attach themselves to her except he love her unconditionally – which was unlikely knowing how rare such love was. Miss Bradshaw must marry for money, if she could, or else she would be forced to live as a spinster or a governess. Miranda pitied the girl who sat across from her, she made the resolution to be compassionate and kind to her from now on, sorry she had not been before.

~~~

Not ten minutes after Miss Bradshaw left was Miranda's door rapped upon once more, much to her great astonishment. 

"Another visitor for ye Miss." she was informed. 

This time Miss Cotton was let in, apologizing profusely for her unannounced appearance so early in the day. "But look, perhaps I needn't worry now I see you are already up and dressed.." 

"No, you needn't worry about a thing; see, you aren't the first to surprise me with a visit this morn. It appears my bedchamber is quite 'the place to be' today." 

"Oh! Who.." 

"The lady begged my confidence so I cannot say. Pray tell what urgent matter it is that has brought you to me in such haste."