Page 35 of A Well-Trained Lady

I glanced at Augustus. “No. Well, not really. You see we were just talking … and …”

Ruth quirked her head to one side. “I thought you said that a gentleman should not be alone with a lady unless they are set to be married.”

“Yes. I did say that. But …” I looked back to Augustus.

“That rule hardly applies to old friends,” Augustus interjected.

Ruth’s expression grew accusatory, and her hands moved to her hips. “A rule that one believes should hardly apply, still applies. Is that not what you said just yesterday, Bella?”

Sarah nodded in agreement, her cheeks lifting into a smile.

“Absolutely.” I clasped my fingers together in my lap. “And I’m pleased that you not only remembered my exact words but … that you also … passed … my assessment.”

Ruth’s eyes narrowed a touch. “Your assessment?”

“Yes,” I said, trying to conjure up the remainder of my fabrication. “To …”

“To demonstrate that your knowledge is not superficial,” Augustus offered, coming to my rescue. “She thought it beneficial for both of you if, from time to time, she was to break one of her rules to make certain you are able to discern the error.”

Ruth nodded slowly, obviously taking a moment to grasp the concept. “So, we are to watch your interactions and point out when you err?”

I pressed my lips together. “Precisely.”

“This shall be fun!” Ruth looked to Sarah whose smile confirmed her willingness to comply, but I was not surprised to see a glint of continued skepticism in her discerning eyes.

“Well, now that we have discussed that … idea, shall we be off?” I asked, eager to leave Fairhaven and this awkward conversation behind.

“I shall see about the basket directly.” Augustus offered me a quick wink before he walked from the room.

* * *

I set my plate on the blanket beside me to readjust my bonnet. “I’m so glad you joined us, Mrs. Brundage.”

She scrunched her nose and lifted her face to the sun. “I always appreciate a summer picnic. Though I’m certain ours cannot compare to the ones you are accustomed to attending.”

“It has been perfectly lovely.” Perhaps she was right that it wasn’t like the typical picnics I attended, but there was something about the simplicity of it all that was still pleasing. No servants hauling in tables and setting up gourmet dishes. It was just the five of us enjoying the summer afternoon and a small basket of food that Cook had prepared. It felt … perfect, really.

Mrs. Brundage’s regard returned to me. “I do appreciate what you are doing for the girls. I hope you know that.”

“Do not even mention it. I am thrilled to be able to return a small part of the kindness you have shown by allowing me to stay at Fairhaven.”

She nodded, releasing a breath, and I was certain she wished to say something else, but her gaze went to the plate on her lap. Augustus continued watching his mother, waiting.

After a few more moments, she lifted her head. “I only hope you don’t think me neglectful in my rearing of them. Especially considering their lack of instruction in some areas.”

“Not at all,” I said, glad for the years of practice I’d had in concealing my feelings. Besides, it wasn’t as if I thought Ruth and Sarah truly neglected, only ignorant in certain aspects—aspects important for the future but not yet vital for the present.

“Well, you are kind to say so. But I fear I have been a touch too lenient with them both. I’ve tended to focus on morals, principles, and the like, and less so on Society’s expectations of them.” She paused, glancing toward the stream where Ruth and Sarah splashed, a hint of sadness in her countenance. “When Ruth first came to live with us, I felt such a heaviness about what she’d been through. The light had faded from her, and I worried we would not see it again. But slowly, as she healed and learned to trust us, it returned. I wanted nothing to ever dim it again. I wanted her days, as well as Sarah’s, to be full of laughter and happiness.”

“And you have given them exactly that.” I reached my hand out, setting it atop hers. “And I assure you, they are some of the finest young ladies of my acquaintance.”

Mrs. Brundage rotated her hand to grasp mine. “You are a dear girl, Miss Godwin.”

I sensed Augustus’s eyes upon us, and I turned to find a satisfied grin on his lips, his head nodding in agreement.

“Bella,” Ruth called, waving her hand from the stream, “come join us.”

Mrs. Brundage nodded her encouragement. “Go on, dear. We all deserve a little laughter and happiness from time to time.”