Page 109 of A Well-Trained Lady

I looked down at it. “What is it?”

“The letter from Susan.”

My gaze shot to Papa’s. “You want me to take it?”

“I did not go through such a painstaking endeavor of retrieving it simply to read it myself.” His jest was null on me, and his weak grin fell. “It should be in the possession of Ruth’s rightful guardians, the Brundages, and they must decide how to move forward with the knowledge.”

My eyes settled on the missive, again amazed that such a small thing could so fully alter so many lives. I took hold of it, handling it with care. “But Mother can still tell Ruth what she knows.”

“Yes. She can. But she no longer holds the strongest cards, for I am calling her bluff and quitting her game.”

I quirked a brow.

“Do you know the highest punishment for withholding evidence here in England?”

My entire body went weak from the realization. “Death … by hanging.”

“Precisely. And my guess is that Mother will be as eager to avoid the noose as I am.”

My face blanched.

“Do not worry, Bella.” Papa patted my arm, his hand tarrying a moment. “It is not likely we would be prosecuted, seeing as it would require the Crown to reinstate the majority of Ruth’s inheritance. And even if we were charged, the consequence would likely not be severe. For what incentive have they to condemn a loyal peer, or his wife, harshly?” He paused, a slight lift at the corners of his mouth. “But your mother does not know that. Nor will she tempt fate by threatening the people who hold such a powerful card in their hand. Ruth should be safe.”

“I understand what you are suggesting, but there were too many likelys in your explanation. Any possibility for prosecution is too much.” I held out the letter to him. “You must keep this.”

Papa’s expression grew solemn. “Just like you, I’m ready to change. I’m ready to amend the wrongs I have committed.” He paused, his gaze dropping to the missive. “The Brundages deserve to know what is contained on that paper. They deserve the protection it could provide Ruth. And if, after thinking on it, Mr. Brundage decides to bring the matter to court, I will testify to the letter’s authenticity, no matter the outcome.”

It seemed a foolhardy decision, yet I understood it. I would do anything to right the wrongs I had caused Ruth. The Brundages. Augustus. I pulled the letter to my chest protectively. “Thank you, Papa.”

He released an exhale and took a step back. “Now, I told Lord Thorton just this morning that I will consent for you to marry any man you love.”

I did not move, teetering between shock and joy.

“Let me rephrase that. Unless you truly desire to marry Lord Thorton, you’d best be off.”

Needing no further prompting, I lifted onto my toes to place a kiss upon Papa’s cheek. “Thank you,” I squealed, glancing around the room and considering how best to proceed. I wasn’t certain how long I had before Mother’s return, and I wondered if we could get my trunks packed and on the carriage before— My shoulders dropped under the weight of the realization, and I looked at Papa. “We have no coach.”

Papa smiled. “We have horses and Mother’s side saddle. She likely will not miss it until tomorrow morning.”

My hands and legs tingled at the very thought of climbing atop such a large creature after years of refusing to ride. “Very well. But I shall need to go now before I change my mind.”

Papa laughed. “Tell our groomsman to accompany you. I should join you myself, but I must be here to deal with your mother and the social mayhem your sudden absence will surely cause.”

“Thank you, Papa.” I placed the letter in my reticule and opened the door, sending him one last smile.

“Where in heaven’s name are you going in such a state?” My head whipped around to find Mother stepping into the doorway, her look of disgust lingering on my dampened, loose-hanging hair.

I opened my mouth but no words came out.

“What are you hiding?” She pushed past me and her eyes landed on Papa. “What is this? Did I not specifically tell you both to wait to speak until I returned?”

I took several steps backward.

“I believe you did,” Papa said, his voice emotionless. “But I wished to see Arabella before her departure.”

Mother’s gaze narrowed. “Departure?”

Papa moved to my side, placing himself between Mother and me in an undeniable display of protection. “She is leaving Branbury without delay.”