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"As well as can be expected" The countess sighed and took a sip of her tea "These are trying tiht I knoas a solace to Olivia"

"Of course," Miranda murmured "I was happy to be of help" She followed Olivia to the sideboard and fixed herself a plate for breakfast When she returned to the table, she found that Olivia had left her a seat next to Winston

She sat and looked up at the Bevelstokes They were all snly, Olivia with a hint of shrewdness, and Winston…

"Good , Miranda," he said warmly And his eyes…They held…

Interest?

Good heavens, could Olivia have been right? There was so at her

"Very well, thank you," Miranda said, completely unsettled Winston was practically her brother, wasn't he? He couldn't possibly think of her like- And she couldn't, either But if he could, then could she? And-

"Do you intend to reht we o for a ride Perhaps after breakfast?"

Dear God Olivia was right

Miranda felt her lips part with surprise "I, er, I hadn't decided"

Olivia kicked her under the table

"Oh!"

"Has the one off?" Lady Rudland inquired

Miranda shook her head "Sorry," she said, clearing her throat "Ehrm, it was just a bone, I think"

"It's why I never eat fish for breakfast," Olivia announced

"What say you, Miranda?" Winston persisted He smiled- a lazy, boyish masterpiece that was certain to break a thousand hearts "Shall we go for a ride?"

Miranda carefully edged her legs farther fro a habit, I'm afraid" It was the truth, and it was really too bad, because she was beginning to think that an outing with Winstonto banish Turner from hersweetly over her toast "It will be only a little too big"