Page 118 of A Well-Trained Lady

I blinked, unable to take my eyes off the letters. “Why did you not tell me?”

“I had planned to give them to you earlier, but I thought it would be more meaningful if I presented them to you both at the same time. That way, when you wish it, you could share the experience.”

Tears blurred my vision as I reached out and took hold of the priceless treasure. “Thank you.” I lifted my gaze. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Or me,” Ruth said, having successfully freed a missive from the bundle and unfolded it.

Augustus leaned in, and I welcomed a lingering kiss from him.

“Listen to this.” Ruth stepped to our side, unaware of our affectionate exchange. “My dearest Ruth. I cannot understand why I have not heard from you yet, and I’m loathe to admit that I miss you desperately. My life has become monotonous without you and Augustus to keep me company. Mother has taken control of my training, and I absolutely abhor every moment of it. I don’t know why she feels it so necessary to make me into a well-trained lady. I had to wear a backboard the whole day until it was time to dress for bed, and I’m now certain there was never a worse invention in all of history.” Ruth flashed me an amused smile and dropped the letter to her side. “It shall be so delightful to read through these.”

It was strange hearing my own words so long forgotten, and I longed to open a letter and see what Augustus had written to me. I sighed and walked to my desk, placing the stack carefully in the corner. I rubbed my fingers over the top letter. “As much as I wish we had the time to read them now, I do not want to rush the experience. I have waited this long; I suppose a few hours more will do me no real harm.” It took every bit of self-restraint to leave them there and return to Augustus’s side.

A knock sounded at the door and Leah moved to answer it.

“I came to see if Arabella and Ruth are ready.” Mrs. Brundage’s cheery voice sounded through the room.

Leah opened the door wider, allowing Mrs. Brundage a clear view inside.

“Oh, Ruth, how stunning you look. The very likeness of your mother.” Mrs. Brundage hurried toward us, her eyes glistening as she wrapped Ruth in an embrace. Her hand found mine, and she looked over at me. “And you, Arabella, ever the vision of feminine beauty.”

Augustus crossed his arms over his chest and cleared his throat. “And good evening to you, Mother.”

Mrs. Brundage’s cheeks rounded in a teasing smile. “Oh, do not be sour, dear,” she said dismissively. “You look well enough.”

“Well enough?” Augustus scoffed. “Surely you might have offered something like—the epitome of masculine charm.”

Mrs. Brundage tilted her head, appraising him. “If you say so, Augustus.”

He threw up his hands and laughed. The sound reverberated around us, and we could not help but join him.

“I think you look dashing,” I said, smoothing the lapels of his double-breasted tailcoat.

“That is an improvement to looking well enough, I suppose.”

Ruth leaned forward and whispered to Mrs. Brundage, and Mrs. Brundage nodded. Her eyes were dancing as she sent me a meaningful glance. It was time.

“Now I have a surprise for you,” Ruth said, looking at Augustus.

He appeared completely perplexed by the notion. “And what is that?”

“Sarah,” Ruth called. “Come in!”

Sarah took a hesitant step into the room wearing a beautiful white ball gown, her hair set in a lovely coiffure with loose curls positioned around her face.

“What is this about?” Augustus asked, his brows set low.

“She is also having her coming out tonight,” Ruth said matter-of-factly. “We decided not to tell you until the last minute—which is now.”

Augustus stared at his sister for a time, then lowered his gaze to me. “Did you know of this?”

I attempted an air of innocence. “As though I would go behind your back and help plan such a thing.”

“You did, and you didn’t tell me.” He shook his head, his jaw slackening in offense, though a slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth betrayed him.

I pinned him with an overdone pout. “Would you have allowed it if I had?”

His eyes widened. “No. Absolutely not. She cannot come out into Society yet, she’s still far too young.”