Page 26 of A Well-Trained Lady

I surveyed him, knowing I should accept his excuse and permit a change in subject, but I found my resolve lacking. “Let me assure you, I have no intention of blushing at whatever you say.”

He opened his mouth and closed it again, releasing a slow exhale.

I lifted my hand to my mouth, certain I could not keep my laugh in without physical reinforcement. “You are not implying that you were one of those boys who came under my intrinsic female powers?”

“A young lad’s affections should not be mocked, Miss Godwin.” He gave his head a correctional shake, though a grin now graced his lips.

Despite my assurances to the contrary, my face reddened in a most embarrassing display. I had realized his regard for me had begun to change, but that was not until right before he left Bath. Up until then, I had assumed his behavior was a result of the stupidity of boyhood. “All those times you teased me?”

He shrugged. “I’m far from proud that my initial response to this mystical power of yours was to act a jester. I would have much preferred Robert’s speechlessness to such nonsense.”

My mind sifted through memories of Augustus. Had his constant teasing truly been because of his affections for me all along? Regardless, it left me feeling somehow elated, even giddy. “Well, I’m glad I no longer have such an effect on you. I should hate to see what tomfooleries you would implement to gain my attentions now.”

“Let us hope then that such drastic strategies might be avoided.” Augustus stood and winked at me.

My mouth parted at his nerve before my lips betrayed me with a smile.

“Are you retiring already, dear?” Mrs. Brundage asked, a touch of concern in her tone.

His gaze lingered on me before shifting to his mother. “A man can only undertake so much goading before his resolve weakens. Who knows what other admissions are at risk of liberation if I remain? But, by all means, feel free to gossip about the ones I have offered up once I leave you.”

I stood to bid him goodnight at the very same moment he stepped in front of me to offer his farewell. Our bodies collided, but before I could be offset by the impact, Augustus steadied me. “Pardon me, Miss Godwin.” He took a step back, my skin prickling from the absence of his warmth.

I stood there dumbly, unable to move.

“Goodnight,” he said, reaching for my hand. I placed it in his, and he lifted it to his handsome lips before lowering it again and moving to his mother. “Do not stand on my account,” he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. He bid Sarah and Ruth goodnight in a similar manner and walked from the room.

Ruth tilted her head to the side and appraised me. “Are you going to bed also, Bella?”

Suddenly aware I was still standing, I took a seat again. “Not just yet.”

Ruth and Sarah exchanged a meaningful glance, and I looked to the safety of the flames.

“For all his teasing ways,” Mrs. Brundage said, interrupting the silence, “he is the best man I know. Well, he and Owen, of course.”

Unwilling to discuss the qualities she believed her son possessed in my current state of malleability, I decided to change the topic of conversation. “He must take after his father then, for I have heard your late husband was a superior gentleman as well.”

Mrs. Brundage’s eyes grew wet. “Yes. He was that and more.”

With only a little encouragement, Mrs. Brundage began to speak of Augustus’s father. Her memories of him were filled with light and laughter, and I genuinely enjoyed myself as she spoke.

“My parents did not want me to marry Henry.” Mrs. Brundage stared into the dancing flames. “They said he was beneath me, but I knew better. No matter how much they reasoned that I could find contentment in another marriage situation, I knew that there was not a better option.” Her gaze settled on me. “There are people, Miss Godwin, that will make your life richer and more beautiful by being in it. Henry did that for me. Every morning, I woke grateful that I had chosen him.”

“And what of your parents? Did they ever offer their blessing?”

“No, and for that I am sorry.” She glanced at Ruth and Sarah. “Well, Miss Godwin, I believe you have heard quite enough for the evening. It is nearly eleven, and it seems I have already managed to put one person to sleep.”

I looked to the opposite end of the settee where Sarah slumbered on the armrest. “Poor dear,” I said, standing.

“You and Ruth go on ahead. I shall see to Sarah.”

“Goodnight, Aunt Marina,” Ruth said, kissing Mrs. Brundage on the cheek.

“Goodnight, my dear girl.” There was such affection in Mrs. Brundage’s endearment that I could not help but wonder what it would be like to be so warmly regarded. “Sleep well, Miss Godwin.”

“Thank you.” I offered a brief curtsy before retrieving two candles off the side table. I handed one to Ruth and clasped my arm through hers, eager to finally have her alone.

As we ascended the stairs, I glanced over at her. “You were quiet tonight.”