She held a note of crisp vellum, and her usually stern expression held a hint of pleasure. Laura and Miranda knew her news would come when the Countess was good and ready, so they refrained from asking what had caused her cheerful mood. As they expected, their mother took her time, arranging her breakfast, settling herself down, even chatting with the butler. Laura considered leaning over to look at the letter, which the Countess had laid down on the table while she got her plate, but thought better of it. Lady Norwood’s breakfast took an interminable amount of time, but finally, she placed her fork down and cleared her throat. She picked up the mysterious note. “Your father received the most interesting letter just before we left the estate,” she began. “And we are so pleased. It seems Miranda’s season has been most successful, as we expect to receive an offer for her hand.” Laura and Miranda turned a confused glance at each other.
