Page 24 of A Well-Trained Lady

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As we settled around the drawing room fire, Ruth placed a hand over her stomach and leaned back into the settee. “Cook truly outdid herself tonight. I feel absolutely stuffed with roast chicken.”

“It was delightful,” I acknowledged, biting back my comment on appropriate portion sizes for a lady. With each folly Ruth exhibited, I grew more eager to begin our training.

Ruth glanced around. “So, how shall we occupy our time this evening?”

“We could simply converse,” I suggested, too exhausted for much else.

Mrs. Brundage nodded her agreement. “Yes, that sounds just the thing.”

“I know.” Ruth sent me a pointed glance. “Considering how much Bella adores London, why don’t we all share our favorite amusements in Town, then she will tell us if it makes her list also. I’ll start.” Her thoughtful hum disrupted the quiet. “The Royal Menagerie.”

Sarah bobbed her head. “That would be mine also,” she said, her voice almost inaudible.

Ruth gave her cousin a hasty smile and looked back to me. “And what do you think of it, Bella?”

“I regret that I have not had the opportunity to visit the menagerie.”

Ruth flung herself forward in her seat to better see me. “But whyever not?”

Though I’d always wanted to, Mother had always insisted the menagerie was a place for people inclined to vulgar curiosity. It hardly mattered how many times I had reasoned that the exotic animals belonged to the Royal Family—gifts from dignitaries all around the world.

But I could not say as much to Ruth, especially not with the Brundages listening in. “I fear it was never a priority during our stay in Town.”

“Well you must make it such during your next visit. It was extraordinary. There were bears, tigers, leopards … even an elephant. I only wish they still had monkeys, though I know why they had to be rid of them—poor boy.” Ruth’s eyes widened at my questioning stare, as though she had a rousing secret to tell. “A keeper said a small boy had his leg nearly torn off by a monkey several years ago. Apparently, they were just out roaming free. Can you imagine how frightful that would have been to witness?”

My hand involuntarily moved to cover my mouth. “That is horrible.” Perhaps there was wisdom in Mother’s refusal.

“Augi, tell her of the time you saw a rat run into the lioness’s den. How the lion pounced so quickly that the rat hadn’t even a moment to realize where it had sought refuge from the crowds.”

Augustus pressed his lips together. “I do believe you summed the whole thing up quite perfectly.”

Ruth gave a pout. “Oh. I suppose I did. Forgive me.”

I gave an amused shake of my head, turning my regard to Mrs. Brundage. “And what is it you most enjoy in London?”

Mrs. Brundage, who sat next to me on the settee, waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, you needn’t hear from me.”

“We most certainly must.”

Even in the dim light of the flickering fire, it was apparent her round face colored. “Well, I do always love going to Gunter’s for ices.”

A smile touched my lips. “That would definitely be on my list. In truth, it is one of the things I long for most when I’m away.”

She leaned in, lessening the space between us. “What I wouldn’t give for a lavender scoop at this very moment.”

I put my hand atop hers. “We shall have to make a trip there if we are ever in London at the same time, for lavender is also my favorite flavor.”

“Lavender?” Augustus repeated, drawing our attention. “Over bergamot? Or maple?”

I examined his disbelieving smirk and offered him a scrutinizing look in return. “It seems not everyone is equal to our finer tastes, Mrs. Brundage.”

Augustus gave a playful scoff, glancing past all of us to his sister at the far end of the settee. “Sarah, surely you’ll agree with me?”

Sarah gave a timid head shake. “I prefer chocolate.”

Augustus dropped his shoulders. “Ruth?”