Page 23 of A Well-Trained Lady

“Thank you, miss.”

I stood, taking several steps back from the vanity in hopes of catching a more thorough view of myself. It wasn’t ideal, as my own full-length mirror would have been, but it was sufficient enough to see how the stunning silk gown I had chosen draped upon my curves perfectly. “A lady should be able to don her finest without a particular purpose,” I said, with an air of indifference. There was no one here to impress, so why did my heart patter about in such an irritating manner?

Appraising my reflection one last time, I gave my cheeks a little pinch and walked from the room to make my way downstairs.

“Good evening,” I said, gliding into the drawing room to find only Augustus and his mother present. Augustus turned toward me, a most satisfying smile alighting his features, and I could sense his struggle at keeping his eyes on my face. Forcing back my amusement, I gave him a nod of acknowledgment and looked to Mrs. Brundage.

“How lovely you are, Miss Godwin.” Mrs. Brundage walked toward me with outstretched hands. “Though I am now regretting not having asked some of our neighbors to dine with us. You look too fine for our simple party.”

I clasped her hands in mine. “You are kind. But I prefer an intimate dinner to one with too many faces I do not recognize.”

“I quite agree.” Mrs. Brundage hesitated. “I just wish Owen could be here. Or the Whitmores. They would certainly have added some liveliness to our small group.”

“Will the younger Mr. Brundage be in London long?” My inquiry came partly from curiosity and partly from the desire to avoid speaking of the praiseworthy Miss Whitmore I’d already heard too much about.

Augustus and his mother shared an uneasy glance. “We are not yet certain,” Augustus said, stepping to my side. “But we are hopeful he will return before your departure, at least for a visit.”

“I should very much like that.” I scanned the vacant room, hating to feel the outsider on whatever they were attempting to keep hidden. “And where is Ruth?”

Mrs. Brundage hesitated a second time. “She has gone to convince Sarah to join us. I know Sarah is not yet out, her being only seventeen, but when we don’t have guests, or our only guests are the Whitmores, we allow her to join us for the evening.” Her eyes flickered to Augustus. “Ruth assured me you would not mind if we treated you with such familiarity.”

“Of course I don’t mind. It is fitting for you to treat me as such, considering Ruth is like my own family.”

Mrs. Brundage’s smile broadened, and she wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “In that case, we are happy to oblige you, my dear girl.”

An odd warmth settled over me at her touch, and I crossed my arms to balance the wave of uncertainty that raced through me.

“Here we are!” Ruth called, pulling a blushing Sarah behind her. Her eyes stopped on me and moved over my gown. “Oh, Bella. Look at you.”

The warmth that had filled my body with Mrs. Brundage’s kindness suddenly moved upward, concentrating in my cheeks. “And look at you.” Oddly wishing to pull the attention from myself and my unnerving blush, I gestured to Ruth then Sarah. “And Miss Brundage, you both look so lovely.”

Sarah dropped her head. “You may call me Sarah if you like,” she whispered.

I glanced at Augustus, who wore an approving grin. “I would like that very much. Thank you.”

“May we go in now?” Ruth asked. “I’m absolutely famished.”

“Oh, Ruth.” Mrs. Brundage’s tone displayed endearment rather than correction. “Go on then. Lead us in.”

Augustus and I leisurely followed the others.

Leaning in toward him, I lowered my voice to ensure I would not be overheard. “Your sister is so quiet.”

“At first. She takes a little longer to warm to people, but in time she’ll prove herself to be just as silly as Ruth.”

I considered Sarah, now several paces in front of us, whispering into Ruth’s ear. The ladies exchanged a muted giggle before Ruth glanced over her shoulder in our direction.

“I hope she doesn’t take too long to warm to me, for I hate to think my being here makes her feel ill at ease.”

A side of Augustus’s mouth quirked upward. “Of course it does. You make everyone feel ill at ease.”

My gaze shot to his profile. “Whyever would you say such a thing?”

His irksome smile grew. “Because it is the truth.” He stopped to allow me to step through the dining room ahead of him, but I hesitated, searching his features and longing to press him for an explanation.

“Is anything amiss?” Mrs. Brundage’s question forced my consideration to our awaiting onlookers.

“Not in the least.” I continued forward, unwilling to allow my emotions, nor my curiosity, to get the better of me.