Page 32 of A Well-Trained Lady

The sight of Mr. Brundage clasping my hand and looking up at me as though he was a love-stricken fool was too much, and the laugh I had been suppressing for days burst from me. “I most certainly can,” I managed, amidst the chorus of laughter that followed mine.

I wiped at the tears that had managed to escape before wrapping my arms around my midsection. “I don’t believe I’ve laughed that hard in years,” I said. “Though it should be no surprise as you were the only one who could ever make me laugh like that, Aug—” I quickly corrected myself. “Mr. Brundage.”

“That is quite the badge of honor you have placed upon me.” Augustus stepped near. “I shall wear it with pride.”

“As long as you do not bring it along for our next lesson.” I sent him a disapproving glance. “Sarah and Ruth shan’t learn a thing with such ridiculous and overly dramatic displays.”

He looked toward his sister and Ruth. “I believe they learned a great deal. Did you not find the demonstration enlightening?”

Both ladies looked absolutely giddy. “Yes,” they said in near unison.

My face warmed, too aware of what they were affirming, but Augustus only laughed.

“Well, I best leave you now before Miss Godwin bans me from her lesson on how to encourage a gentleman’s pursuit. Considering how satisfying this one has been, I’m confident that one would be a dreadful shame to miss.”

I shook my head. “You are incorrigible.”

He smiled a most handsome smile, the smile that used to make me weak in the knees. I realized, to my great mortification, it still did. I placed a hand behind me, stabilizing myself on the back of the settee, watching him walk from the room.

“So much for no tomfoolery.” Ruth sent me a knowing glance. “It is wonderful to see the two of you together again.”

I cleared the lump from my throat, having no desire to give Ruth evidence of her foolish hopes nor acknowledge the nonsensical expressions they both wore. “Shall we start on our actual lessons?”

Chapter Nine

“I never knew walking could be so exhausting.” Ruth slumped into a chair. “Or that one could do it wrong.”

“Just be thankful we do not have access to the backboard Mother made me use.” I examined Sarah’s posture as she moved across the room. “Very nice, Sarah. Remember to lift your sternum as that will pull back your shoulders in a more natural way.” Her figure went into a beautiful, natural alignment. “Chin up just a touch. Perfect.” I looked over my shoulder at Ruth. “It is your turn again.”

She tilted her head back and gave an exasperated groan. “Must I? We have been working tirelessly for the past few days now, and my whole body is aching, especially my poor feet.”

I placed my hands on my hips and fixed her with a disbelieving look. “You make it sound as though I’m some sort of Napoleonic dictator.”

She exhaled most dramatically. “I’m sorry, Bella. You are right. I believe I am simply in need of a short respite to rejuvenate. My head is still spinning with how many ways there are to communicate with a fan.” She shook her head. “It is like a language in itself.”

“That is the point, dear,” I said, though I recognized I had required a lot of them since beginning our training. “What is it you’d like to do?”

Ruth sat up straight, brimming with excitement. “Augi offered to take us on a picnic. There is a lovely stream where we like to go. And would it not be divine to spend such a beautiful day out of doors?”

I pursed my lips. A short break was one thing, but a picnic was entirely another. Then again, I had been putting off speaking with Augustus about who had prevented him from writing to me. Nerves were certainly a part of the reason I had not accomplished my purposes, but the constant interruptions had not made the task any easier.

“We could continue our lessons there,” Sarah offered timidly.

I glanced between both ladies’ hopeful gazes. “Very well. If Mr. Brundage is available, I suppose some fresh air could be beneficial.”

Ruth squealed in delight as she ran to Sarah’s side.

“Ruth,” I said, pinning her with a look of censure.

“Sorry.” Ruth took a calming breath, just as I had shown her, and linked her arm with Sarah’s. “Come,” she said coolly, “let us fetch Augi.”

“I shall wait for you both here.” I moved to the settee. The quiet settled over me as I collected my needlework and took a seat. After removing my gloves, I glanced around the empty room. It was entirely too quiet.

“And where have your pupils got off to?” Augustus stood in the doorway, a few letters in his hand.

“Actually, they have just gone in search of you.” I slowly rose to my feet to face Augustus. “Something about a picnic they were promised?”

Tucking the letters into his waistcoat, he moved around the settee. “Is there time for such diversions as picnics in your schedule?”