Page 18 of A Well-Trained Lady

A surprising surge of excitement rushed through me at the thought of amending Ruth’s unfortunate upbringing, at least in part. Now I simply needed to conceive a way for her to request my intervention, for I would hate to be regarded as patronizing.

Chapter Six

An incessant knocking roused me from sleep. I opened my eyes to find that Leah had quit the room and my trunks no longer filled the space on the floor. I could not imagine how she had managed it all without waking me. I must have been in a deeper sleep than I had thought.

The knock sounded a second time, and I heaved a sigh, moving my aching body clumsily from the comfort of the bed. “Who is there?”

“It is Ruth.” As I opened the door, her smile intensified. “I hope I did not disturb you?”

“Your interruption was most welcome. I had intended to rest only for a moment, but I am afraid my exhaustion got the better of me.”

“And are you feeling much improved?”

“I am, thank you.”

Ruth was now bouncing on her heels. “I came to see if you would care to take a tour of the grounds before dressing for dinner. I know you mentioned your interest earlier.”

I glanced at the clock. It was nearly four already. “Will we be gone long?”

“The grounds are not so very big that we cannot make quick work of them.”

I should have supposed as much, given the size of Fairhaven itself. “Very well. Let me retrieve my bonnet.”

“Oh, but you shan’t need it for such a brief walk. Besides, much of the way is shaded.”

Despite her assurances, I started to the wardrobe. “It is imperative a lady wear a bonnet out of doors. Freckles are hardly an admirable trait.”

Ruth’s expression became thoughtful. “I shall retrieve mine also, then,” she said, disappearing into the corridor.

Perhaps a quick jaunt wasn’t such an ill-conceived notion. I would finally be alone with Ruth and could help her realize how much she required my assistance. Snatching one of my more basic straw bonnets, I hurried on my way, waiting to tie it into place until I was confident my fingers had regained their dexterity and could manage a decent bow.

Stepping out onto the circular drive with Ruth at my side, I stopped to admire the grounds on this side of Fairhaven. The sun was no longer above us in the sky, but the warmth of it served as a reminder to secure my bonnet in place.

“Are you two out for a walk?” Augustus was striding toward us from the side of the house, leather gloves in hand.

Ruth walked to meet him. “We are. And you are most welcome to join us.”

Augustus’s gaze flitted to me. “Thank you, but I do not wish to impose my company upon you.”

Ruth laughed. “As though such a thing could ever happen. Bella, do tell him he is most welcome.”

Augustus’s eyes met mine, and I convinced the corners of my lips upward. “You should certainly join us. If you wish it.”

“See, there? It is settled.” Ruth took hold of her cousin’s arm. “Shall we start our tour with the garden or the stables?”

When I realized her question was directed toward me, I glanced around. “I’m certain I will find pleasure in wherever you decide to lead us.”

“I have been quite anxious to see Guinevere. I have missed her so very much while we’ve been away.”

“Then let us not delay my introduction a moment longer.”

Ruth’s shoulders lifted in excitement. “This way, then.”

Ruth rambled on as we followed the drive to the rear side of the house and a stable came into view. The woods around it seemed to nestle the brick building so completely that it appeared to be straight out of a children’s story.

“Augi, do you not remember Mr. Ansely’s reaction when Guinevere bested his racing stallion?” Ruth’s question pulled me back to the conversation, if it could be called a conversation at all. “He was most vexed. Was he not?”

My regard moved to Augustus whose analyzing regard was, not surprisingly, on me.