Page 106 of A Well-Trained Lady

Lord Thorton straightened in his seat, his broad shoulders pulling back. “The only way I can seem to make sense of it is to compare it to something I actually understand. You see, I am a hunter. And when hunting, every so often there is an animal that is capable of evading the best of us; the more it does, the more fiercely we hunt it. You, Miss Godwin, are a rare vixen, and I mean that in the best sort of way. Your beauty and your poise alone make you a catch worth having, but you are also cunning and caring. Each suitor who attempts to entrap you has ended up empty-handed, and yet it only adds to your allure. That is why I must have you.”

As the truth set in, so did the ache inside me. To Lord Thorton I was nothing more than a trophy to be had. And the worst of it was that I had lived the last eight years of my life for that purpose, without realizing the consequence. And now I was trapped. “Tell me, my lord, as I’m not a huntress, is there a scenario where the vixen comes to a favorable end?”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Stubborn pieces of hair stuck out of my coiffure at odd angles, the ringlet curls near my face askew. Leah stepped back, chewing on her lip as she likely assessed what could be done.

“I fear I did not sleep well.” It was an understatement, but the dark circles contrasting my splotchy, swollen face were evidence enough of the night I’d had. Nightmares had awoken me more times than I cared to remember. But I had been too exhausted to keep myself from sleep, so I would close my eyes and allow them to haunt me again. Endlessly staring out the window waiting for Augustus. Mrs. Seton poisoning her husband before putting a vial to her lips and drinking it herself. Papa standing trial for murder. And, the nightmare that had left me drenched in sweat and trembling—me poisoning Lord Thorton on our wedding night. I shook the vivid recollection from my mind.

Leah froze, a pin halfway pushed into my unkempt hair. “Did I hurt you?”

“No. Not at all.”

The door creaked open and Mother strode inside, pulling on her gloves. “Are you ready, Arabella? The ladies are beginning to gather for our shopping expedition.” Mother’s eyes landed on my reflection, and her eyes narrowed. Swiftly she moved to my side, taking hold of my chin and forcing me to look at her. “You look dreadful. You cannot accompany us to town in such a state. Your hair … and your face.” Mother shook her head in disbelief, turning on Leah. “Have you tried any facial powder?”

Leah’s arms were rigid at her side, her gaze set on the floor. “We tried that, my lady. I fear it made her look chalky, so she had me remove it.”

“Will you be able to make her presentable by dinner?”

“I believe all that is required is a bath.”

Mother gave an irritated huff. “Very well. I shall inform the servants to bring up a bath at once. We must have you looking fit enough to play the part of an Earl’s future wife.” Mother gave a tight smile. “Lord Thorton has spoken to your father, and despite all my fears, I am assured that he intends to offer for you this evening.”

“Papa is here?”

Mother’s eyes flicked upward in aggravation. “Did you not hear me?”

“I heard you.” I lowered my gaze to my lap. “And I shall be put to rights by dinner.”

“You should aim to be readied before that, in the event Lord Thorton desires a private audience with you beforehand.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Mother placed a hand on my shoulder, but there was no warmth in her touch. “I know it does not seem so now, but you shall one day be grateful for what I have done.”

I stared vacantly at my own pitiful reflection.

“Speaking of what has been done …” She paused. “If your father returns with the gentlemen before we do, I have forbidden him to speak with you until I am present. We have many things to discuss, the three of us together.”

“Yes, Mother.” My voice was empty, hollow. Just as I was.

Mother released my shoulder and walked to the door, stopping when her hand grasped the doorknob. “Do not thwart me again or there shall be severe consequences.” The door closed behind her.

Leah’s gaze continuously returned to my reflection as she removed the ineffective pins from my hair, but I had no strength to meet it and witness her pity.

When the servants had towed in the bath, filled it, and departed, Leah helped me to undress. As I soaked in the warm water, I felt no pleasure and no cleaner. Perhaps it was because I was sullied on the inside, and no amount of water could wash that away.

When I was all dried and dressed, Leah began combing through my hair, her hands gentle as she worked through the knots. She continued combing long after the knots were all removed. She hadn’t spoken a word since Mother left, but I felt her care in her silent tenderness.

“I am grateful for you, Leah.”

She gave a small smile.

“I hope you will choose to stay on with me when I marry.”

Her comb stopped midway through my hair, and I glanced at her reflection, nervous to discover regret on her face. Losing Leah would be unbearable in this moment. To my great relief, she nodded. “I will be happy to stay on with you wherever you go, miss.”

I reached up for her hand, and she placed it in mine. “Thank you.”