Page 44 of A Well-Trained Lady

He began with Almack’s last ball of the Season, but even with the lure of an apparent scandal, my attention drifted to Miss Whitmore approaching Augustus on the far side of the room. He greeted her with the smile I had grown accustomed to receiving since my arrival. She leaned in close, spoke, and gazed up at him expectantly. He nodded and leaned back toward her, the low hum of his voice reaching me as she lifted her hand to rest on his arm, her attentive eyes not deviating from him. I steadied my breaths and shifted my regard to Mr. Treynor, struggling to keep my irritation imperceptible.

Why had Augustus not told me of his obvious attachment to Miss Whitmore? Though I was not so foolish as to be swayed by his constant flirtations, it was inexcusable to treat any lady with such untoward behavior when your affections were bound elsewhere.

“How mortifying for her,” Ruth said, and I realized she still stood next to my chair. “It makes me glad I have never been to Almack’s. Just hearing of the patronesses makes my skin prickle. I don’t know what I’d do if I fell under their condemnation.”

Mr. Treynor returned his regard to me expectantly.

Grateful Ruth had given me an appropriate direction for my response, I gave a nod. “That is most shocking. In all honesty, I’m relieved to have missed the entire incident.” I paused, certain I could not focus on any more news of London. “And how long shall you be staying, Mr. Treynor?”

“I believe we are set to depart soon, but my aunt has accepted Mrs. Brundage’s invitation to return to dine this evening.”

“How wonderful,” I said, disappointed at the news I had not requested. “Though I refer to your stay with the Whitmores. Will you be here long?”

“Oh.” At realizing his error, his face reddened. “I shall only be at Safford a week, I’m afraid.”

I tipped my head to the side, acting disappointed. “Well, we will have to make the most of your time here, shan’t we?”

He straightened in his seat. “I look forward to it.”

Mrs. Brundage rose from her place near the hearth. “Would anyone care for more tea?”

“I would not be opposed,” Mr. Treynor called after her. “Nor would I refuse another cake or two.”

“Let me help.” Ruth stood to assist her aunt.

My gaze involuntarily slid back to Augustus and Miss Whitmore, both still oblivious to the happenings of the rest of us. How discourteous some people were.

“Do forgive their desire for privacy, Miss Godwin.” The false sweetness in Mrs. Whitmore’s voice drew my attention. “They were apart for months before Augustus came to visit us in Town.”

My chest tightened, and I again looked to where they stood.

“You know how young love can be—a few days’ separation is entirely insufferable.”

I forced my focus back to Mrs. Whitmore, now fully aware why I had received such an unwelcoming introduction. She thought I meant to steal Augustus from her daughter. What a ridiculous notion. An indirect assurance that I would not interfere with her plans was all that was required for her to begin seeing me as an ally, not a threat. But I could not convince my tongue of my reasonings. “I am all too aware of the effects separation can have on young love.” I blurted the words before I could think better of it, not only undermining my plan to make myself agreeable to Mrs. Whitmore but asserting myself as a formidable threat to her daughter.

Her posture went rigid, and her eyes became shadowed slits.

“Mr. Treynor,” I said, focusing again on Mrs. Whitmore’s seemingly unaware nephew, “remind me where your family’s estate is.”

I suffered nearly a quarter of an hour fretting about my brazen comment to Mrs. Whitmore while Mr. Treynor highlighted the appeals of Cornwall.

“Miss Godwin,” Miss Whitmore said, ambling up with Augustus just behind her, “if you would not find it too much of an imposition, would you take a turn around the room with me? I do desire to know you better.”

I did not look at Augustus but set my teacup and saucer on the side table. “Of course.” I stood and looked to Mr. Treynor. “If you will excuse me.”

He gave a nod as Miss Whitmore took hold of my arm in an all too familiar manner.

“Do you care to join us, Ruth?” I asked, hoping she’d be inclined to offer me her aid.

“No.” Ruth moved into the chair I had just occupied. “I will allow you a moment to become better acquainted without my endless chattering.”

Wondering if discernment could be taught, I allowed Miss Whitmore to lead me forward.

When we had moved a little way off, Miss Whitmore released a tight exhale. “And how are you enjoying your stay at Fairhaven, Miss Godwin?”

My gaze was fixed ahead of us. “It has been most pleasant up to this point.” Though her eyes moved to my profile, I did not betray myself by showing more.

“Well, I am certain Ruth is exceptionally pleased to have you here. She has always spoken so highly of you.”