Page 115 of A Well-Trained Lady

I reached out toward Augustus, feeling unstable on my feet, and he moved to offer his support.

“Very recent fiancé,” Owen said, sending his brother a pointed glare. “So recent that we had sought a moment together. Alone. Without so many watchful gazes upon us. And yet here you are.”

Augustus chuckled. “As though you don’t owe me for being your postal boy this past year while you’ve been in Town.”

I furrowed my brow. “Those were the letters you were passing to Miss Whitmore?” The question slipped from me before I considered how meddlesome I appeared, but I didn’t care.

Augustus’s expression softened. “Yes.”

Owen quirked a playful eyebrow at Augustus. “You said no one ever saw you.”

“I meant Mrs. Whitmore never saw me.”

Owen nodded, the smile growing on his lips. “I see how those two statements could be conflated. Not that it matters now anyway, considering Candace’s mother has given us her most reluctant blessing.”

Augustus offered an obligatory smile without ever removing his gaze from me.

“Well, seeing that it looks as though the two of you have as much need for privacy as we do,”—Owen offered his arm to Miss Whitmore, who gladly accepted it—“we shall excuse ourselves.” Miss Whitmore’s cheeks pinkened beautifully, just as I felt my own cheeks grow warm. “Bella, I hope there will be much time for talking later.”

I glanced at Augustus. “I hope so also.”

Miss Whitmore directed a smile at me. “And thank you, Miss Godwin.”

Before I could ask what her gratitude was for, Owen led her away.

“It wasn’t until you showed up that Mrs. Whitmore finally accepted there was no future for Candace and me. You well know how stubborn mothers can be when it comes to marrying off their daughters.”

Despite all the hurt I’d felt regarding Mother, I laughed. “Entirely too well.”

Augustus lifted an arm to me. “Shall we find somewhere we will not be interrupted?”

I smiled up at him. “Yes, please.”

We started back in the direction we had come, now at an unhurried pace.

I looked up at the tall trees surrounding the path. “I do believe Ruth was right. Fairhaven is the most glorious place I’ve ever been. I shouldn’t mind staying here all my life.”

“Are you certain of that? Will you not come to regret your choice and all that you will be required to give up?” Augustus searched my profile. “I cannot give you the life you are accustomed to. No grand balls. No expensive furnishings. Far fewer fancy dresses.”

I pursed my lips in exaggeration and put a finger to them. “How many fewer dresses are you talking?”

He laughed.

I leaned into him, tightening my hold on his arm. “Someone wise once told me that regrets come with any choice that is made. We simply need to sort out which of those choices offer the regrets we can live with.” I lifted my gaze to his. “I’ve already sorted it out, and I can’t live without you. Whatever is lost to me because of my decision, it is because I have chosen something greater.”

His other hand came to rest upon mine. “I believe you have just made me the happiest man in all of England.”

“Only England?”

He laughed. “The territory will no doubt expand once I forgive you for thinking me engaged to Miss Whitmore. One full day, Bella. That is how long I was home. Perhaps had you given me a week I might have offered for her, but a day?”

I scoffed and nudged him with my shoulder.

His eyes were a warm brown in the golden light, and his smile was even warmer. “I have loved you my whole life, Bella. And that will never change.”

My whole being was aflutter as we stepped onto the familiar path that led to the holloway. The ground grew up high above us, and the dimming light made everything appear magical. Augustus stopped and faced me. “I’m sorry I did not tell you of my brother and Miss Whitmore. I assure you, I would have if I had not been sworn to secrecy.”

“You know that is not true. You clearly enjoyed using the situation to your advantage, provoking my jealous nature.”