Page 105 of A Well-Trained Lady

“We were also speaking of the occurrence with Mr. Green.”

Lady Beatrice and Miss Browning shared a meaningful look. “It was quite unfortunate. To think poor Mr. Green nearly embroiled himself with a girl of impoverished means. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to discover a proposal had been Miss Seton’s purpose from the beginning with how shamelessly she flirted with him. But I suppose you would not think that, being her friend.”

Though I wanted to scream, to tell her what a vile, unfeeling gossip I found her to be, with Mother’s penetrating eyes burning into my profile, I bit my tongue.

Lady Beatrice closed her fan and rested it on her collar bone. “I do hope the encounter has not caused any discord between you and Lord Thorton?”

The lie felt bitter on my tongue. “Not at all.”

Lady Beatrice sneered. “Well I’m relieved to hear it. Especially considering how there are whispers of your supposed regard for Mr. Brundage.”

I did not respond.

“Are you not shocked at hearing that?” Lady Beatrice appraised me, disappointment pulling her mouth into a frown.

My false smile was meant for Mother, not Lady Beatrice. “With you encouraging the rumors along, I confess I am not surprised in the least.”

Lady Beatrice gawked at me. “Come, Marianne.” She turned her back on me. “I believe we shall find more tolerable companionship elsewhere.”

Miss Browning paused just before passing me. “I am sorry for what happened with your friends, Miss Godwin. I hope you know that.”

Before I had time to acknowledge the unexpected kindness, she was gone.

I did not move, listening to the ladies’ excited murmurs. The chorus of their voices created a sort of hum like the wind through the trees. It made me feel distant. Alone. Had I not just been one of them weeks ago? Had I not yearned to be here at Branbury, with the victory of having attained Lord Thorton’s offer as I soon would? How swiftly things could change.

The men’s loud laughter echoed through the drawing room, but instead of moving toward them, I took a seat on a nearby settee.

Lord Thorton came to stand before me. “What are you doing sitting so far off from the others? Are you still upset about the occurrence with Miss Seton?”

I lifted my gaze. “I’m simply exhausted.”

“You should retire.”

“I do not believe sleep can cure the exhaustion I suffer, my lord.”

He appraised me briefly. “What sort of exhaustion is that?”

Mother’s eyes were fixed upon me from the other side of the room, and the small surge of courage vanished. “It is nothing.”

Lord Thorton let out an exhale and took a seat next to me on the settee. “I am not a fool, you know.”

I stared at my hands clasped in my lap. “I did not think you one.”

“Perhaps not, but you have certainly not been forthright with me as you agreed to be.”

I stilled.

“I am well aware of your regard for Mr. Brundage. As I already shared, when I first brought him here, I had hoped to discover that it was not so. I even gathered evidence to the contrary for a time. But you have made it far too obvious for me to pretend otherwise any longer.”

He glanced over at me, but I could not make myself meet his gaze. Not when all I saw in my mind’s eye was how furious Mother was going to be with me when Lord Thorton did not make his offer, and how she would take it out on Ruth. I couldn’t let that happen. I shifted to face him, panic rising in me as I attempted to rally myself for the greater cause. “Forgive my failings and the boldness with which I am about to speak. I admit I have been blinded by my infatuation with Mr. Brundage, but I am well aware that a union could never work between us. I’m confident my disappointment shall soon pass, and I will move on. As you have already stated, we are a good match and equal in many important things.” I paused, knowing it was time to seal my fate—if I’d not already lost the chance. “Though I can understand if you no longer wish to make me an offer, I believe we could make a good life together.”

Lord Thorton considered me. “Do you know what amazes me about all of this?”

I shook my head.

“When I finally came to terms with your regard for Mr. Brundage, and after being assured by your mother that a match to him would not be permitted, I found that I still desired to offer for you.”

“You did?” My emotions were all muddled, and I simultaneously felt great relief and overwhelming displeasure at his declaration.