There was a lake behind Miranda’s house. It was off-limits. Emma did not have any problems obeying the rule, mostly happy with her dolls. At ten, the older sister was content with embroidery, reading, and voice lessons. Unfortunately, Miranda was aware she sounded like a strangled frog whenever she sang. However, she was better at sports. Better than any girl - and boy - at least in the earldom.
Count Phillip knew about the rumors. He heard them loud enough and often enough. Everyone said that his younger daughter was not really his own. The count was aware that his wife never loved him and would not be surprised if she had other lovers. The business of arranged marriages just was rarely pleasant.
Still, he stubbornly held on to the notion that Miranda was his and nobody else’s. After
