Miriam found Isabella in the hallway just after lunch.
"I think I'll go out for a bit," she said, keeping her voice light and casual. "An old friend of mine lives nearby. I haven't seen her in ages. I thought I'd pay her a visit."
Isabella looked up from the letter she was holding. Her eyes moved briefly to Miriam's coat, already buttoned, and then to the small bag hanging from her wrist.
"Of course," Isabella said simply. "Shall I have Fletcher arrange a carriage for you?"
"Oh, no need," Miriam said quickly. Too quickly. She softened it with a smile. "She lives close enough. I could do with some fresh air anyway."
Isabella nodded and looked back at her letter. "Take a footman with you at least," she said. "The roads can be muddy after yesterday's rain."
Miriam's smile held. "I'll be fine."
She turned and walked away before Isabella could suggest anything else.
