Page 14 of A Well-Trained Lady

Augi? My faculties returned in near unison with the mortification that consumed me. I glanced sideways with dread as Augustus returned my look of embarrassment with one of utter amusement.

“I …” I didn’t know what to say as I ensured my hair had not dislodged from the pins. My training had entailed memorizing appropriate excuses for any foreseeable misstep; unfortunately, falling asleep on a gentleman had not been among the list. “I must have fallen asleep.” My deficient excuse sent the rising warmth to my cheeks.

Augustus’s smile grew. “I did not mind in the least.”

Ruth watched the exchange with nearly as much enjoyment on her face as her cousin.

“I’m sorry if I drifted off while you spoke, Ruth. I was very much enjoying your explanation of Fairhaven and”—I searched my mind—“the orchard.”

She smiled. “It was not the first time someone has fallen asleep while I prattled on and it certainly shan’t be the last.”

I gave a timid nod, hoping my acknowledgment would not be taken offensively.

Ruth’s unaffected expression moved to her cousin. “Tell Bella where we are.”

“Branbury Court is about to come into view.” Augustus’s intent stare only deepened the awful shade of red I could feel settling into my cheeks and neck. “I hated to wake you, but we figured you’d be disappointed if you missed it.”

I swallowed. “Who told you of Branbury?”

Augustus did not look away. “Your father wrote of it in the missive he sent—both the upcoming house party as well as the anticipated engagement between yourself and Lord Thorton.”

My fickle heart lurched, quickly followed by a wave of guilt surging through me. But why should I feel guilty about such a thing being withheld? It wasn’t as though I’d hidden the truth, we simply hadn’t ventured on the taboo topic yet. And there certainly had never been an opportune time to mention my forthcoming offer. Not with Augustus here. Eager to be free of their expectant gazes, I looked out the window nearest me. “I had not realized we passed by Lord Thorton’s estate on our journey, though I admit I am eager to catch a glimpse of the place.”

“It will be on my side.” He pointed out his window ahead of us. “At the edge of this clearing of hedges—just there.”

I moved slightly toward him, but could only see the darkened wall of endless foliage from where I sat. Augustus pressed himself against the bench, allowing me more room for viewing. I leaned a little farther, ensuring I did not touch him, only to find my attempts were in vain.

“I shall wait.” Gesturing for him to return to his place, I corrected my posture.

“But you shall miss it.” Ruth’s voice was frantic. “You can only see it for a few moments before the hedges will again block it from view.”

I glanced back at Leah who was awake but seemed to have little interest in the happenings inside the carriage. Reassured by her unwavering view out the opposite window, I inhaled and leaned even farther over, craning my neck. It was hopeless. I still could see nothing.

A warm hand settled on my waist, and the touch of Augustus’s other arm wrapping around my back forced the air from my lungs. Slowly he pulled me toward him until my face nearly touched his window. His strong grasp held my weight effortlessly. “Is that better?” I felt his voice vibrating in his chest which did little more to ease my racing heart than his warm breath on my neck.

“Yes,” I whispered just as a large estate came into view. My ears rang and my neck tingled, but I attempted to focus on what I saw and not the sense of yearning that Augustus’s touch evoked. Branbury was tucked significantly back from the road, a long private drive leading toward the house. The gray stones reflected the sun and, though I could not see it exceptionally well due to the distance, I could tell it was enormous in size and sufficiently grand. “Branbury Court,” I said to myself. “How ideal.”

I watched my future home until it was once again hidden from view. Before I considered how my proximity to Augustus was no longer necessary, he slipped his hand from my waist.

The heavy folds of my traveling dress repositioned under my forceful hands. “Thank you, Mr. Brundage.”

“It was my pleasure,” he said with that familiar, mischievous tone.

I refused to let it rattle me. “Well, if all goes according to plan, I do believe I will be quite pleased to call Branbury Court home in a few months’ time.”

“Why did you not tell us you would soon be engaged?” Ruth gave a small pout. “I was quite amazed when Augustus mentioned it before waking you just now.”

“Forgive me.” I clasped my fingers tightly to keep myself from fidgeting. “But as the arrangement is only anticipated, I do not yet speak of it openly.” The excuse was hollow, but what else could be said? Surely not that I was just as uncertain as to the reasons for my blatant omission.

Ruth nodded, her expression cheering a touch. “Well, now that I’ve been made aware, it is you who must do the talking. You must tell me everything.”

“There is not much to tell.”

Ruth scoffed. “I can hardly expect that is the truth of it.”

“Lord Thorton is an earl.” I gave a small lift of my shoulders, hoping she would accept the only answer most people required.

She bobbed her head. “And?”