Page 83 (1/2)

"I trust you are well," he said

She nodded, trying not to look at hi herself not toevery time she saw him She'd learned to school her features into an impassive mask They all knew he had devastated her; she did not need everyone to see it every time she walked into a roo past hiht her aran to quiver What was he trying to do? Had she been feeling less confused- or less pregnant- she probably would have rasp, but as it was, she acquiesced and let hi the first few courses, which was just as well for Miranda, as happy to avoid all conversation in favor of her food Lady Rudland and Olivia tried to engage her in conversation, but Miranda alwaysby chewing, sing, and then ry"

This worked for the first three courses, until the baby stopped cooperating She'd thought she was getting quite good at not reacting to the pains, but she must have winced, because Turner looked sharply in her direction and asked, "Is so?"

She smiled wanly, chewed, sed, and ry"

"So we see," Olivia said dryly, earning herself a reproving stare from her mother

Miranda took another bite of her chicken alain This time Turner was certain he'd seen it "You ?"

She chewed and sed "Nothing Although I a too quickly," Olivia suggested

Miranda jumped on the excuse "Yes, yes, that must be it I shall slon" Thankfully, the conversation changed directions when Lady Rudland drew Turner into a discussion of the bill he'd recently supported in Parliaed elsewhere; he'd been watching her too closely, and it was getting difficult to keep her face serene when she felt a contraction

Her belly clenched again, and this ti down at her enia"

"Did you say so, Miranda?" Olivia asked

"Oh, no, I don't think so"

Another few el," she whispered "We had a bargain"

"I'," Olivia said sharply

"Did you just callhie bed "Of course not You're just is But I vow I am tired I believe I shall retire, if none of you minds" She started to stand up, then felt a rush of liquid between her legs She sat back down "Perhaps I'll wait for dessert"

Lady Rudland excused herself, claiime and could not bear to watch the rest of the Her departure made it more difficult for Miranda to avoid the conversation, but she did her best, pretending to be engrossed in her food and hoping no one would ask her a question Finally, the meal was over Turner stood and walked over to her side, offering his arm to her

"No, I believe I'll sit here for a mo up along her neck Good heavens, no one had ever written an etiquette book concerning what to do when one's baby wanted to be born in a for room Miranda was utterly mortified and so scared that she could not seem to pick herself up off the chair