Oh dear, it appeared Gabrielle did not like Miranda much at all. Camille supposed that she and Miranda were not blood relatives of the family, so were drawn to their respective Storm men for their personalities rather than putting up with them as kin. Gabrielle, the Murrays and the extended British side of Ignan's maternal family were altogether kinder, more thoughtful and likeable than the German family. Miranda could be a little sharp, but Camille was more than used to sharp personalities.

The more Gabrielle explained, the more Camille realised it was perhaps less over how Miranda was, but what she had said. Gabrielle was in love and quite smitten Francis, who as Camille understood, had been a sweetheart of Gabrielle's in her younger days.

"Do not take it to heart. Not all of us have the luck to get a second chance, or a happy marriage." She reached over, and clasped Gabrielle's shoulder a moment to convey her sincerity. "Chin up my dear. I have seen it in the numbers, you and Francis are well matched. Take pride." Camille's fingertips brushed Gabrielle's cheek ever so slightly before she withdrew.

"Perhaps she's just jealous." Camille suggested with a wink.



End