Page 4 of A Well-Trained Lady

I could not prevent a smile, though whether from the ridiculousness of her declaration or the clarification of Augustus’s bachelor status, I could not be certain. “Your cousin was always most handsome,” I said, unwilling to admit more. “And how do you enjoy Dorset? I heard the landscape there is quite breathtaking.”

“Oh, it is. When I first went to live with my aunt and uncle, I was certain I could never grow to love it as I loved Bath, but I have. And you would love it there also.”

I had once wished to visit Dorset more than any other place in the world, but that was years ago. Now I had not the slightest desire to step foot within the county, let alone be anywhere near Augustus’s treasured estate, Fairhaven. “Perhaps I would.”

“Arabella, dear.” Papa stepped to my side. “Your mother sent me to check on you.”

I glanced over at him with a grin, eager for him to realize who I was speaking with. But he was already staring at Ruth, his face blanched and his mouth agape.

“Ruth?” His whispered voice was hoarse, nearly indistinguishable.

I scanned his awestruck features, utterly confused how he had known her when I had not.

Ruth beamed up at him. “I am surprised you recognized me, Lord Godwin.”

Papa pressed his eyes shut and opened them again, as though he thought Ruth might be a figment of his imagination. When he had confirmed she was still there, his gaze returned to me.

“It is her, Papa,” I said with a laugh, taking hold of his arm.

He gave a slow nod. “It is obvious. She looks very much like her mother did at her age.”

Ruth’s expression filled with delight. “Do you truly think so? My aunt has claimed the same thing—that I remind her of Mama, when Mama was younger—and I have often wondered if she speaks the truth of it or if she simply means to please me. I do have her hair and brown eyes, of that I am certain, but I recall Mama being the most beautiful woman I have ever known. Yet, when I look in a mirror, I feel I am quite plain.” Ruth’s words gushed from her, and I again felt a smile coming to my lips without the slightest encouragement. There was the chattering girl I’d loved so well.

Ruth tipped her head to the side. “I don’t necessarily count it as a bad thing—to be plain that is—for I have been told many a time there is more to a person than their appearance.” She glanced sideways and drew in closer to us, lowering the volume of her voice. “But, in all honesty, I wouldn’t complain if I were to be thought beautiful.” She straightened. “So, you saying I resemble Mama, Lord Godwin, is the greatest of compliments, and I thank you with my whole heart.”

“Then you’re most welcome.” Papa’s lips lifted into a rare, full smile, but when he caught sight of me it lessened. “And who is it you are here with, Ru—pardon me—Miss Seton?”

“Our neighbors, the Whitmores. That is who we are staying with while Augustus and I are in London. You see, Mrs. Whitmore is Lady Brimhall’s first cousin, and the Brimhalls were generous enough to allow me along this evening when they were told of my visit to Town. It is my first ball, you know.” She glanced around. “It is all quite overwhelming, so many people in their finery, and I don’t believe I’ve seen so many candles in my whole life, let alone in one room.”

Papa and I gave slow nods.

“Oh yes, the Whitmores. I should be happy to introduce you, if I could only place them.” Ruth’s face scrunched, and she rose onto her toes, scanning the crowded room. “Oh, they are here somewhere.” Papa seemed equally conscious of her tactless manners before she lowered herself. “I’m certain I shall find them in time.”

Papa glanced over his shoulder, his eyes returning to Ruth with a gleam of urgency. “Well, it’s likely best if you go find them straightway. You do not wish them to worry after you.”

I took in Papa’s inscrutable profile, unsure why he would say such a thing when we had just found one another. It wasn’t as though the Brimhalls held such large functions that one could truly get lost for long among the crowd.

Ruth’s smile faltered at Papa’s admonition, and she glanced toward me. “I would hate for the Whitmores to worry on my account, especially after their kindness toward me. Perhaps I should go in search of them.”

I reached out and took hold of her hand. “Then go. But let us depart with an agreement to correspond now that we’re older and more capable of such things?”

Her brow creased momentarily, before her face brightened again. “Oh, yes. Now that we’re older and more capable. I should enjoy that, and it makes our goodbye feel not so permanent.”

A sense of relief overcame me. “Precisely.”

Papa cleared his throat, and Ruth instantly dropped my hand, taking a few steps backward. “Farewell, Bella. Farewell, Lord Godwin.”

Papa and I dipped our heads in near unison, and I offered a parting smile. “Farewell.”

We watched as she disappeared through the crowded room.

I released a sigh. “Poor dear. Though I love her regardless, I cannot help but think how altered she would be if her mother had not died. It is apparent her aunt’s tender disposition is far too lenient for her spirited nature, for I have hardly met a lady so neglected in her training.”

Papa looked at me, his expression pained.

“Who was that pathetic creature?” Mother’s voice startled me, but Papa turned toward her, his face now masked of emotion.

“I’m not certain. It seems the young woman had Arabella confused with someone else.”