Page 45 of A Well-Trained Lady

I did not overlook Miss Whitmore’s unwillingness to mention Augustus and how he felt regarding my visit. “We are both most grateful for the chance to be reacquainted.”

She nodded, but I could sense her hesitancy. I thought to be civil and offer conversation, but I knew that would only postpone the discussion she wished to have. After a few more moments of silence between us, she sighed. “In truth, Miss Godwin, I was astonished that you came to Fairhaven at all.”

I glanced at her. “And why is that?”

She readjusted her arm on mine, lessening her hold. “Well, for one thing, there are rumors of an understanding between you and Lord Thorton.”

“Rumors are not often to be trusted, Miss Whitmore.”

She slowed our steps. “So, it is not true? There is no understanding?”

I set my gaze ahead again, uncertain of how much to divulge to this near stranger. If I said nothing, she would likely believe I had come to steal Augustus from her. But such a thing would do neither of us any good. “Not yet. Though I will not deny, to friendly ears only, that I do hope to receive an offer from Lord Thorton when he returns from France.” There. It was said. And heaven knew I needed the accountability.

Another moment of silence passed between us as we neared the group again. “Well, I hope Lord Thorton is deserving of you. From what I’ve been told, you are one of a kind.”

I glanced toward Miss Whitmore, surprised to see that she appeared genuine. “Thank you,” I muttered, trying not to make it sound like a question. Was she using my own tactics against me?

She gave me a small smile before releasing my arm and moving toward her mother.

“What did the two of you find to speak of?” Augustus’s curious expression reminded me of the offense he had given in refusing to warn me of his regard for Miss Whitmore.

“It is of no consequence to you,” I said quietly, moving to step past him.

He took a step back, lifting an arm to block my retreat. “I certainly hadn’t thought it to be of consequence until now.”

I glanced around before fixing him with a scowl. “You should have warned me,” I hissed.

His brow lowered. “Of what, exactly?” He leaned in close, just as he had done with Miss Whitmore.

The very thought unnerved me, and I took a step away. “You know precisely what I am referring to.”

He followed my sight to Miss Whitmore. “Miss Whitmore?”

My stomach knotted at his acknowledgment. “Fortunately for you, I did not feel inclined to divulge your constant bombardment of flirtations.”

His expression did not change, but there was a flicker in his eyes that left me feeling unsettled. “And how is what you accuse me of any different than what you are guilty of yourself?”

I stilled.

“Or did I miss you mentioning your upcoming engagement to Lord Thorton before I spoke of it when we passed Branbury Court?”

I lifted my chin, relieved to discover he was not referencing my flirtations toward him. “That is different. There is not yet an understanding between us.”

“Just as there is not an understanding between Miss Whitmore and myself. We are friends.”

My heart leapt, but I simply shrugged my shoulders. “Yet you seem quite familiar with one another and most eager to reunite.”

A corner of his mouth lifted. “Is that jealousy I detect in you?”

My lips parted at the accusation, and I glanced around again to be sure no one had overheard him mention such a ridiculous notion. “Not in the slightest, I assure you.”

“Being all too familiar with the sensation, I have become quite efficient at recognizing the same symptoms in others.” The other side of his mouth now lifted until a full and most infuriating smile lit his features. “And you are most certainly jealous.”

I pressed my lips together, so entirely vexed I could hardly draw a breath.

“Are you well, Miss Godwin?” Mrs. Brundage asked, stepping to my side.

I forced my eyes from Augustus. “Yes.” I nodded my head a little too eagerly. “I was simply … we were just …” I could not find the words to continue.