Page 27 of A Well-Trained Lady

“I take great pleasure in listening to my aunt speak of Uncle Henry. It is almost like he is still with us when the warmth of her words flows through me.”

“She does have an ability of making you feel as though you were somehow a part of it all.”

“Yes. It was one of my uncle’s favorite things about her. I can still recall the look of utter satisfaction on his face as he watched her tell stories.”

The thought endeared me to the man. “They seem to have both made a fortunate match.”

Ruth tightened her grip on me. “Indeed!”

“Speaking of matches, have you yet placed your affections on a gentleman?”

“Oh, no.” Ruth shook her head as we reached the top of the stairs. “I’m not acquainted with many gentlemen.”

“But you are out in Society, are you not?”

“Yes, but I’ve only been to a handful of gatherings and one ball—Lord and Lady Brimhall’s ball—where I saw you, of course.”

I nodded, debating how to best transition to the topic I’d been yearning to speak with her about.

“Besides,” she said, as we made our way down the corridor, “I wouldn’t even know how to conduct myself if I did fancy someone.”

She had handed me the perfect lead. “I do,” I said, a tad too eagerly.

Ruth giggled. “Well of course you do. Augustus told me you had gentlemen lining up to court you.”

I went rigid. “Did he, now?”

“Oh, yes. He also mentioned that you had received more offers of marriage than any woman he has ever heard of.”

My chest tightened at the thought of Augustus relaying such a thing to Ruth. Heaven knew what she must think of me, and him also. “Yes. Well, matrimony is not a decision to be taken lightly, as you well know.” The moment the words slipped from my mouth I wished them back. “Forgive me, Ruth.” I halted us. “I did not intend—”

“Of course you meant no harm.” Ruth sounded as though she needed to reassure me and not the other way around. “It is hardly a secret that my parents did not maintain a happy marriage.”

No. That secret was mine. “Regardless, I should not have mentioned it so casually.”

“It is already forgotten.”

We were nearing Ruth’s door, and I could not let another opportunity pass. “I believe we got quite off course from what I was hoping to discuss.”

Ruth quirked her head to the side.

It seemed I would never get it out without simply stating it. “I was going to offer to train you … if you desired it.”

“Train me?” Ruth asked, echoing my insensitive wording.

“Not so much train, as”—my mind raced to think of a more pleasant description—“instruct you on being a proper lady.” I paused. “Not that you are not a proper lady already, as you clearly are, I simply thought it could be beneficial …” This entire conversation had gone amiss, and I stopped myself before I made a bigger mess of it all.

“Training sounds wonderful.” Ruth’s eyes danced in the flickering light, filling me with relief. “But are you certain you wish to spend your time at such a task? I am quite aware of the effort it will take.”

“And what else would I do for the next three weeks?”

Ruth’s lips parted, as though she intended to say something, before she closed them again. “I suppose if you truly don’t mind.”

“We will begin first thing after your ride tomorrow.”

Ruth squealed in delight, and I repressed my correction, knowing a fresh start would be beneficial to us both. “I shall see you in the morning, then.”

I turned toward my room, but Ruth clasped my hand in hers. “I am so glad you came to Fairhaven.” She moved close to place a kiss upon my cheek.