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Happy about the discussions with the younger man, her sweet father lowered himself into a chair, grinning. “Yes. Charles regaled us with tales of his travels. Amelia was quite impressed, and accepted his invitation for a turn in the garden.” He chuckled. “I admit to having cut their time short, wishing to spend more time learning of the historical locations and what new knowledge and artifacts are available.”

Relief came over her. Perhaps if her mother was distracted with making a match for Amelia, she’d forget about Miles.

“It all sounds wonderful, Father. I am so glad I suggested he contact you.”

“Yes! Well on you!” Her father exclaimed, and she could not help but smile at him. Although she didn’t share an enthusiasm for history to the depth he did, she had always enjoyed their talks and helping him with his research. Through his love of historical studies, they’d found a bond, which meant that Siobhan was very well-versed on the subject, by default.

“Can you help me to stand?” Siobhan asked. “I must begin walking in order to heal faster.” She knew she was acting without permission from the doctor, but in her mind it was best to rehabilitate herself and loosen up her stiff muscles without too many witnesses to see how painful it was to walk. The last thing she wanted was to fail and have Amelia looming triumphantly over her.

“Of course, yes.” Her father stood and helped her to stand. To her shock, there was minimal pain. As a matter of fact, standing seemed more of a relief than sitting on her bruised hip.

With her father hovering close, she took a tentative step and then another. With each step, she relaxed more and more until she declared, “It doesn’t hurt. Well, not as much as I expected.” She smiled up at her father. “I am so relieved I could cry.”

“This is wonderful, Siobhan. You may be able to attend tomorrow when we visit the Johnstones,” her father stated, holding his hands out in case she required assistance. “Your mother and I have sent a message to let them know we will arrive at mid-day, and they replied with a welcome.”

At the statement, Siobhan’s heart stopped, and she gasped. She knew her eyes were wide as she looked up at her father, whose expression had turned serious.

“What is it? Are you in pain?”

“Father,” Siobhan spoke as slowly as she could despite her thundering heart. “Why are we going to the Johnstone’s?”

“To discuss the terms of your engagement to Lord Miles. Your mother told me she’d informed you of the need for this, as the rumors are rampant.” He waved a hand dismissively. “I myself have not heard anything, but then again, the historical group has better things to speak about.”

Siobhan grabbed his arm. “I cannot force Lord Miles to marry me! He will hate me forever.”

Her father patted her hand. “He is an honorable young man. I quite like Miles Johnstone. His temperament and yours are compatible. As I told my friend Rufus once…”

Siobhan stopped listening, allowing him to guide her back to the chair as he rattled on about the history of arranged marriages and how they seemed to end up as better marriages than those created by love and passion.

“I will go tomorrow,” she interrupted him. “Promise me that I can go, no matter what Mother says. It is my life, after all.”

“I do not see why not,” her father said, giving her another absent pat, this time on her head. “You know, this has given me an idea for a lecture for the Historians. I think I’ll go do some more research.” He left, mumbling about perhaps organizing a talk on arranged marriages.

*

Both her mother and Amelia were surprised when they walked in later that day to find Siobhan at the dinner table. Despite a bit of discomfort, she wanted to appear to be healthy enough to go to the Johnstones’ the following day.

Once there, she’d seek out Miles and together they could find a way out of what her mother had concocted. There was a chance the duke and duchess already had a plan to keep their son from marrying her. Perhaps it included having him engaged to someone of their choosing.

She frowned at the sinking feeling that formed in her stomach at the thought of Miles with another woman.

“It seems being home has done wonders for your recuperation,” her mother stated. “This is good. You will be able to go with us tomorrow.”

“Father informed me,” Siobhan said, not elaborating. If she appeared against the idea, there was a chance her mother would insist she stay behind.

“Yes, it is for the best to get you two engaged and put all the rumors to rest.” Her mother studied Siobhan for her reaction with assessing eyes. “Do you agree?”

Siobhan nodded. “It is time to stop the rumors. I will never understand gossips, using their wicked tongues in ways that hurt people.”

At her comment, her mother blinked rapidly, which showed Siobhan she was doing her best to hide that she was offended by the statement. “Did your father tell you how that wonderful young man Charles Winthrop was here?”

At the mention of Winthrop’s name, Amelia became animated, her cheeks pinkening. Siobhan smiled. Although she and Amelia were very different and even though they weren’t close because her sister regarded her as a rival, Siobhan was glad to see her happy.

“Amelia, do you have plans to see Mister Winthrop again?”

“He will be calling on me this afternoon,” Amelia replied, sliding a look at her mother. “You must return from the Johnstones’ straight away.”

Through the rest of the meal, the next day was discussed until her father interrupted to inform them of his plans for the next research project on arranged marriages.