Page 30 of A Well-Trained Lady

“Thank you, Augi. Bella had her maid style my hair, and she also let me borrow her spencer. Isn’t it beautiful?” She pulled at the lapels of the jacket and swayed from side to side, no longer able to suppress her grin. “When I first saw my reflect—”

I reached out gently and touched her hand.

“Oh yes,” she said, looking sufficiently contrite, before lifting her chin high into the air. “I thank you for your compliment.”

Mrs. Brundage stepped next to her son with an amused expression. “I must say the style is very becoming on you, Ruth. How grown up you look.”

Sarah released a small sigh. “I quite agree.”

“It is one thing to look the part of a fine lady,” Ruth said, appraising me before emulating my stance, “now Bella must teach me to act the part also.”

“Act the part? That seems an interesting yet fitting description.” Augustus smirked at me. “But I suppose if your desire is to learn to bat your eyelashes and become privy to the secret means of entrancing gentlemen, I can think of no finer tutor than Miss Godwin.”

Ruth clasped onto my arm. “It is! How I long to be admired like Bella.”

I pinned Augustus with a subtle glower. “Ruth, there is more to being a lady than simply being admired. But I suppose it is a difficult distinction to appreciate among the less cultivated of the sexes.”

Augustus chuckled at my retort.

“I think it’s a wonderful notion,” Mrs. Brundage said cheerily. “And it’s so very kind of you to offer your assistance.”

Guilt pricked me. “I hope you do not think me pretentious in offering such a thing. I assure you, I do not find Ruth lacking in any way.” It was a lie, but a necessary one. “I had simply thought it would be something enjoyable to pass the time, while allowing me to continue in my own development as well.”

Mrs. Brundage gave a kind smile. “I did not find your offer at all pretentious. It has been far too long since I’ve been a young lady in training, so your knowledge is much appreciated.”

I caught sight of Sarah’s rapt expression, but she quickly dropped her eyes to her hands when she noticed me watching her.

“You are welcome to join us also, Sarah.” The offer came without my needing to consider it. “If that is acceptable to you, Mrs. Brundage?”

Sarah’s hope-filled eyes lifted to her mother.

“I don’t see why not. She is seventeen and will have her own coming out soon enough.” Mrs. Brundage smiled at Sarah with encouragement. “Would you like to join Miss Godwin for lessons, Sarah?”

A beautiful flash of pink colored Sarah’s cheeks. “Yes. If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not in the least.” I clasped my hands in front of my chest, confident Sarah’s willingness meant she would soon grow to be at ease with me. “Shall we begin? Three weeks shall pass before we know it and there is much to cover before my departure.”

“Yes. You best get started. And unless I’m needed”—Mrs. Brundage looked to me, and I shook my head—“I shall be catching up on my correspondence.”

Pulling his eyes from his mother’s retreating figure, Augustus met my gaze. “I suppose I better get to work myself. I’d hate to keep you from your …” He waved his hand in small circles as though he was attempting to think of the correct word.

“Training,” Ruth interjected.

He pointed at her. “Precisely.”

“Well don’t go far, Mr. Brundage. I may require your assistance at some point.”

He appraised me a moment.

“There are several things of vital importance that will only be learned while interacting with a gentleman.”

He leaned in closer. “Such as?”

I suppressed my amusement at his eagerness. “Dancing, for one.”

The corners of his mouth twitched. “Will we waltz?”

“You and Ruth will waltz, seeing as she is the one in need of instruction.”