Page 49 of A Well-Trained Lady

The room was suddenly far too quiet.

“I believe we are in need of a demonstration,” Augustus said, his false exuberance almost masking his concern. “Come, Bella. Show the girls what you mean.”

“It will not work on you.”

A side of Augustus’s mouth lifted in a half-smile. “But I thought you were implying that even I am not immune to such things.”

“Knowledge empowers a person. And seeing as I have shared a woman’s secret tactics with you, you are now only as susceptible as you allow yourself to be.”

“So I shall choose to allow for it.”

“No. If Ruth and Sarah wish to see an example, it must be authentic.” I glanced sideways at them. “We must select an unknowing gentleman for the purpose.”

Ruth threw up her hands. “If only Owen were here.”

Augustus scoffed. “As though I would allow Bella to flirt with my brother.”

His look of disbelief forced a laugh out of me. “Is that jealousy I’m glimpsing?”

“Mr. Treynor is the practical choice,” Augustus said, completely disregarding my inquiry. “Besides, he is likely the only other man we are to encounter any time soon.”

My gaze flickered to Ruth. “If we were to go to town, I’m certain we could find an unsuspecting candidate.”

“You must not forego Mr. Treynor for my sake.” Ruth gave a resolute nod. “It is not as though you are actually trying to obtain his affections.” Augustus’s brow furrowed, but Ruth didn’t take notice. “Though I would hate to see him disappointed.”

“I shall take a more friendly approach with him in order to prove my point. Flattery need not only be used for obtaining one’s affection.” Ruth gave a nod, but I took her hand in mine. “And, in the off-chance Mr. Treynor is inclined to think more of our conversation than I intend, I will simply mention Lord Thorton. That should keep him from anything more than a momentary disappointment.”

Augustus released a heavy breath. “Yes. Tell him of Lord Thorton. You would not want to give the poor bloke any false hopes.”

A knock sounded at the open drawing room door, and the butler stepped through.

“What is it, Branson?” Augustus asked the butler.

“A visitor has just arrived for Miss Godwin.”

“For me?” I asked, more than a little uneasy. For who should know I was at Fairhaven besides Papa?

Chapter Thirteen

Augustus’s gaze met mine before moving back to the butler. “Did the visitor give their name?”

“Yes. A Mr. Leavitt, sir.”

Disappointment pulsed through me, not at who the visitor was, but at the likely purpose for his visit. I sent Augustus an uncertain glance. “It was the Leavitts’ postponed invitation that allowed me here.”

Augustus gave a slow nod of understanding. “Do you believe he is ready to host you again?”

I shrugged, glancing at Ruth and Sarah, whose faces showed equal concern. “It is likely.”

Augustus crossed his arms. “And do you wish for us to leave so that you may speak with him in private?”

Uncertain what Mr. Leavitt would relay about my current situation, I nodded. “If it is not too much trouble.”

“Not at all.” Augustus exhaled, turning to Ruth and Sarah. “Let us go see if Cook has made any cakes for us to sample.”

Ruth stepped to my side. “I don’t mind staying.”

I touched her arm. “No. Go and enjoy a sweet.”