Miranda planned to go to bed once her brother was settled, but a footman caught her before she slipped away and told her that one of the guests was awaiting her in the library and wished to speak to her. Curious, since she thought everyone had gone home, Miranda descended the stairs.
She opened the heavy door a quarter of the way, stopping before the tell-tale squeak that would have given her away. Her mother had complained to the servants countless times about the squeak, but no amount of oiling would eliminate the problem.
Derek stood in a corner of the room, absently twirling the handsomely mounted globe that stood beneath the window. The candlelight shimmered along the brass fittings and reflected up into Derek"s still, pensive face. Miranda swallowed. She had never seen him look s
