Page 113 of A Well-Trained Lady

“On the other hand, I cannot help but think of the damage it would cause Ruth. It would break her heart and force her to grieve a second time. And the grief would be a crushing thing to bear, especially if it came to be known publicly.” I paused, the fast pace of my heart reverberating through me. “I’m now certain all the money and esteem in the world cannot compensate for a broken heart.” A truth I had learned too late.

Augustus’s discerning eyes moved across my face, and he dropped the letter to his side. “I cannot abide the thought of telling her, of having her discover such a thing after so long. Perhaps someday, when she is ready, but not yet. Besides, the case has already been ruled on, and I’m not certain if we could attempt another appeal.” He hesitated. “Ruth did not, in actuality, lose everything. The Court rewarded Ruth with her mother’s dowry as well as the money that had been set aside for her own dowry. She is also allowed her parents’ and her own personal items that have remained at Blacksley all these years.”

The shock I felt at hearing the news was quickly replaced with relief for Ruth. “I am so very glad to hear that.”

He rubbed at his jaw. “I am sorry I did not tell you. I simply did not want Mr. Green to discover that Ruth’s fortune could very well have paid off his debts.”

The mention of Mr. Green and Augustus’s underlying message—I was not someone he could confide in—pricked me. “I am sorry that I behaved in a way that betrayed your trust.”

He did not refute my claim.

I looked back to the letter at his side, and I was suddenly eager to be on my way. “If you could keep that somewhere safe, I would greatly appreciate it. It is one of the protections to keep my mother from telling Ruth.”

Augustus quirked a brow.

“As I was leaving, Papa was informing Mother that if she attempts to threaten me or Ruth again, he shall tell the authorities of your aunt’s letter and their role in withholding it. It is only a ploy, of course, Papa would not really do so and certainly not without your agreement.”

Augustus’s brows lifted, and he looked as though he was attempting to make sense of it all. After a moment, he slipped the letter into his waistcoat pocket and gave a resolute nod. “I shall keep it safe.”

“Thank you.” We stood in awkward silence. “I’d best be on my way.”

Augustus straightened. “Yes. I suppose you should.”

Though I felt like weeping, I managed a strained smile. “And congratulations on the upcoming wedding.” Unable to endure his confirmation, I ducked my head and stepped past him toward the door.

“Bella?”

I glanced over my shoulder to find a small lift on one side of his lips. “Yes?”

“Branson mentioned you arrived on horseback.”

“I did.”

Augustus took a step toward me, making my heart patter recklessly. “I thought you no longer rode horses.”

“I don’t … well, I did, but I …” My words trailed off as he took another step closer, making my heart lift in empty anticipation. What was he playing at?

“So, you rode a horse all the way here from Branbury?”

I knew I should take a step away from him, but I couldn’t. “Yes.”

“What I can’t understand is why a lady—one who declares she has not ridden in over eight years and does not care for riding—suddenly feels it a necessity to get on a horse and ride for over two hours.”

“Our carriage was being repaired. It was the only way to get here.”

Augustus nodded, his gaze moving to the window. “And where do you expect to stay tonight? Certainly you will not ride to Branbury in the darkness.”

I lifted my chin. “I am not returning to Branbury. I will likely stay at a nearby inn or go to my father’s cousins’ house. Mr. Leavitt told me I’d always be welcome.”

Disbelief touched his expression. “You are truly not returning to Branbury?”

I shook my head, wondering whether he felt remorse for so quickly asking for Miss Whitmore’s hand. No. I would not allow such thoughts. I was determined to change.

“And why would you not stay here, then? With us?”

“I do not wish to impose, nor do I wish to ruin anything between you and Miss Whitmore.”

His brow quirked upward.