"Finally you've come!" exclaimed Francesca, wrapping Miranda in a tight hug. "I had just been telling Stuart that if you didn't visit soon, I was going to have to steal you away from Langdon Manor myself." The words greatly comforted Miranda. Not that she thought Fran would slowly pull her affections away, but hearing this quashed any doubt.

"As you know, I lead an extremely busy life, between readying father for the numerous engagements he never attends and deciding which landscape to paint next, it's a wonder I even manage to eat," Miranda huffed, the twinkle in her eye giving her away.

"I've already told you, just have your father tell you what to paint, one can never have too many bowls of fruit," Fran teased back. Her expression turned serious as she asked, "Well my dear, jesting aside, how are you doing?"

Glancing down to hide her low spirits, Miranda smiled brightly and then raised her eyes to meet Francesca. "Wonderful, of course. Besides, I should be asking how you are. You're the one who's had a life-altering change. Are you experiencing marital bliss? Is Sir Stuart doting on you hand and foot?"

"He's been exceedingly kind and caring. Ah Miranda, I still pinch myself to ensure I'm not in the midst of an incredible dream. Of course if it was, I wouldn't want to wake up. To think that a governess, at my age no less, could be happily married to such an amazing man. I've become a believer, in miracles," Francesca readily gushed. This brought a laugh from Miranda, because Fran was many things, but very rarely was she one to gush. "So I am doing far better than well, but I do worry about you. And I fear that sometimes you may feel a little less than wonderful."

Miranda brushed Fran's concern aside and after some trivial conversation, Francesca broached an entirely new topic, one of some interest. "As you know, Stuart's son Benjamin will be joining us in another week or so and I had hoped to ask you a favor, my dear."

"It was a shame he couldn't be present for the wedding," Miranda said.

"Yes well, it was an honor for him to receive that scholarship. Working under the tutelage of Dr. Webber, even for a short time, would be any scholar's dream. It was unfortunate the project ended so quickly and of course that the wedding was already scheduled. Still, I'm excited to meet him. Stuart tells me such interesting things about Benjamin, though I daresay he's a bit biased." With an innocent glance at Miranda, she continued, "I think you may enjoy his company too." When Miranda gave her a pointed look, Francesca quickly clarified, "No, you misunderstand me. I mean that Benjamin may prove to be a good friend, but perhaps not. At any rate, he'll be someone new to meet, and that doesn't happen often in Gloucester."

"I do still wonder that Sir Stuart ever ventured here in the first place," mused Miranda.

"After such a busy life, he wanted the solitude of the countryside, which he certainly achieved. Anyway, back to the favor I had mentioned. With Benjamin being new to Gloucester, there will be much for him to learn. Stuart and I will of course show him around, however we don't want to tie him down to such an old couple as ourselves." Miranda sent her a contradicting look, but Francesca seemed oblivious and went on, "I wondered if you would mind sharing some sites and information with him."

Miranda tried to discern if her friend had an ulterior motive, but guile was not in Fran's nature and she certainly couldn't conceal a lie. Seeing no signs to warrant this as anything but a friendly request, Miranda felt relieved and asked, "How old is he?"

"He's two years older than you, but he has already done much."

With a good-natured laugh, Miranda responded, "He's 21! Well surely I don't mind playing at governess. I always enjoyed that game as a girl and you provided a perfect example on dealing with naughty children." Miranda continued laughing. Her father Always said that she would match with someone who was probably 23 or 25.

"You were nothing but a delight Miss Miranda Bailey. You know how much I've loved every moment with you and how happy I am that our relationship has grown to such a wonderful friendship," Fran warmly answered. "At 21, Benjamin is certainly a man, and he unlike many his age, happens to be very mature. Stuart, as you know, is a well travelled man and always thought it important to expose his son to the world. Apparently, he's something of a genius too, being one of the youngest men to enter college. You could have some very interesting conversations with Benjamin. I wouldn't ask, of course, if I felt it would be a burden."

Miranda was quick to assure her friend, "Naturally Fran, I'd do anything you ask. It will be no trouble at all and as you say, could prove quite enjoyable."