"Oh, Olivia," Fiona said. "I know you are friends with Miranda because she lives so close by and shares your lessons, but you must admit she isn't very pretty. My mama says she'll never get a husband."

Olivia's blue eyes sparkled dangerously. The Earl of Rudland's only daughter had always been loyal to a fault, and Miranda was her best friend. "Miranda will get a better husband than you, Fiona Bennet! Her father's a baronet whereas yours is a mere mister."

"Being a baronet's daughter makes little difference unless one has looks or money," Fiona recited, repeating words she had obviously heard at home. "And Miranda has neither."

"Be quiet, you silly old cow!" Olivia exclaimed, stomping her foot on the ground. "This is my birthday party, and if you can't be nice, you may leave!"

Fiona gulped. She knew better than to alienate Olivia, whose parents held the highest rank in the area. "I'm sorry, Olivia," she mumbled.

"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Miranda."

"I'm sorry, Miranda."

Miranda stayed silent until Olivia finally kicked her. "I accept your apology," she said grudgingly.

Fiona nodded and ran off.

"I can't believe you called her a silly old cow," Miranda said.

"You must learn to stand up for yourself, Miranda."

"I was standing up for myself just fine before you came along, Livvy. I just wasn't doing it so loudly."

Olivia sighed. "Mama says I haven't an ounce of restraint or common sense."

"You don't," Miranda agreed.

"Miranda!"

"It's true, you don't. But I love you anyway."

"And I love you, too, Miranda. And don't worry about silly old Fiona. You can marry Winston when you grow up and then we'll be sisters truly."

Miranda glanced across the room and eyed Winston dubiously. He was yanking on a little girl's hair. "I don't know," she said hesitantly. "I'm not sure I would wish to marry Winston."