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"He said that?" Miranda froze Hoas it possible she did not know this? She knew he'd said he wasn't looking for a wife, but surely he had not meant forever

"Oh, yes," Olivia replied "He said so the other day He was quite adaht Mother would have a fit over it As it was, she very nearly swooned"

"Yourit

"Well, no, but if her nerves were less constitutional, surely she would have done"

Most of the ti manner, but just now she wanted to throttle her

"Anyway," Olivia said, sighing as she settled into a reclining position, "he said he will not marry, but I aet past the grief" She paused, glancing over at Miranda with a wry expression "Or the lack thereof"

Miranda shtly, in fact, that she was fairly certain it ought to be terether

"But despite what he says," Olivia continued, settling back down and closing her eyes, "he certainly will never find a bride whilst living here Goodness, how could anyone court in the coer sisters?"

"Two?"

"Well, one, of course, but you ht as well count as a second He certainly cannot behave in any ht like to behave while you are in his presence"

Miranda did not know if she ought to laugh or cry

"And even if he does not choose a bride anytiht to take a et Leticia"

Miranda did not see how she could possibly co here " Olivia opened her eyes and propped herself up on her elbows "So really, it is all for the best Wouldn't you agree?"

Miranda nodded Because she had to Because she felt too stunned to cry

19 June 1819

He has been gone a week now, and I am quite beyond iven But he has not come back!

He has not called upon h I hear whispers and gossip that he is out and about and being seen in society, he is certainly never seen by me If I aht I saw him from across a room, but I cannot be certain, as it was only his back as he made his departure