Page 16 of A Well-Trained Lady

“They do not know,” he whispered.

I paused mid-descent, furrowing my brow.

“The question you asked me earlier—if my family knew what had transpired between us. They are not aware of it. Not even Ruth.”

Relief flooded over me, and I completed my descent. “Since you had the consideration to confess before introductions, I may come to forgive your excessive delay in answering—eventually.”

He laughed, relinquishing his aid only to set his hand on my back to guide me forward. “Mother, you recall Miss Godwin?”

“Of course I do.” Mrs. Brundage’s sparkling blue eyes danced happily in the daylight. “And how lovely you’ve grown, Miss Godwin. Though it should be no great surprise, as it was always apparent you’d be most handsome.”

“You are too kind.” I looked to the younger woman standing near. She was no more than sixteen or seventeen, with a feminine loveliness that offset the strong likeness to her brother. I wondered at how a plain woman like Mrs. Brundage should have such attractive offspring. Perhaps she had been a beauty in her younger years as her sister had been. Though it was just as likely that their looks could be credited to the late Mr. Brundage, despite my inability to conjure an image of him.

Augustus sent his sister an affectionate wink. “Miss Godwin, may I introduce you to my sister, Sarah?”

“But I’ve already met your sister.” The memories of her were nearly too faint to evoke, as she had chosen to remain behind with her mother the only time I recalled them visiting the Setons, but it was important to make a person feel remembered. I gave her my sweetest smile. “Though I would not blame you if you do not recall, Miss Brundage.”

Sarah’s cheeks pinkened in a most endearing manner. “I remember.”

I faced Augustus. “See, there? I’m not entirely forgettable.” I turned back to Mrs. Brundage before he could respond. “Thank you for allowing me to visit. I very much look forward to becoming reacquainted with Ruth after all these years.”

“And Augustus,” Ruth added, causing my smile to falter.

I compelled the corners of my mouth to lift again. “Yes, of course.”

Mrs. Brundage reached out and briefly took hold of my hand. “We are honored to have you here, my dear. But you must be anxious to rest after two days in a carriage. Come, I will show you to your room.”

The mere thought of being alone was so entirely welcome, it was unnecessary to feign gratitude. “That would be wonderful, Mrs. Brundage.”

I walked beside Mrs. Brundage up the front steps toward the entrance.

“She is so lovely.” Sarah’s voice was hardly discernible when I overheard it from behind.

“I’m certain we are not the only ones who think so.” Ruth giggled. “You should have seen how your brother kept watching her, and when she fell asleep on him—”

“Ruth!” I spun toward her, my face flushed from the idea of Augustus’s sister hearing such nonsense. “Did you say the stables were directly behind the house? I seem to have already forgotten your explanation.”

Ruth sprang up the last of the steps to join me. “Not directly behind, but set to the northwest. Would you care for a tour later? I shall even introduce you to Guinevere.”

“Guinevere?”

“My mare.” Her eyes grew in size. “Did I not mention her yet? That is a most tragic oversight on my part. She is the most stunning horse you shall ever see. Her coat is all white, but her nose and feet look as though they have been dipped into a pool of golden-brown paint.”

“She sounds exquisite.” I linked my arm with Ruth’s, ensuring she did not return to her cousin’s side to gossip about my folly. “I shall very much look forward to meeting your Guinevere.”

“She was a surprise from Uncle Henry. He knew how much I missed Daisy. You remember my pony Daisy, do you not?”

An image of the lovely chestnut-colored mare surfaced in my mind. “Of course I do.”

Ruth squeezed my arm in apparent appreciation. “Well, Uncle Henry felt awful that I had been forced to leave her at Blacksley. And when he had no success in retrieving her, he bought me Guinevere to offer in her place.” Ruth sighed. “Every time I look at her, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to be so loved.”

I caught sight of Mrs. Brundage wiping a tear from her cheek. I doubted she had been as fond of her late husband in life as she apparently was in death, despite how sincere she appeared. Mother would certainly not shed a tear for Papa unless she thought it expected.

“Here we are.” Mrs. Brundage stopped in front of a door and opened it.

The room that had been prepared for me wasn’t as sizeable as the rooms I was accustomed to, but it had an air of comfort I was not familiar with. Everything, including the set of drawers, somehow looked friendly, as though nothing need be handled with care. True, it wasn’t decorated according to latest fashions, but I was quite pleased with it.

“This shall do very well.” I turned toward Mrs. Brundage who watched me anxiously.