Page 53 of A Well-Trained Lady

All I could manage was a thin-lipped smile before he stepped through the doorway.

* * *

I tossed Mother’s letters on the bed and stared at them. My stomach tightened at the evidence of my betrayal laid out before me. But what could I have done? The lie had been forced upon me by Papa. Yet, undoubtedly, I was the one who made the request to be free of Sandson Hall, and I had willingly complied when Papa offered me the choice. I was nearly as guilty as Papa was, and Mother would be livid to discover our deceit. For that purpose, I could not give Mother reason to suspect anything was amiss and risk leaving Fairhaven. With new resolve, I broke the seal on the first letter.

Arabella,

I hope this letter finds you well, and that the Leavitts are tolerable enough company that you have no regrets having complied with your father’s arrangement. Your Aunt Priscilla has mentioned your absence repeatedly and, in truth, our entire party is keenly aware of it. I do long to know how you are faring, so please write. And do not forget your promise.

My regards,

Mother

I broke the seal on the next, unfolding it, and skimming the contents. It was, not surprisingly, similar in both sentiments and instructions, the only addition being news that my cousin, Angelica, and her husband had joined them at Sandson. The knowledge of the possible massacre I had avoided at the hands of my scornful relatives made me more grateful for Papa’s intervention, despite his secrets and means for accomplishing it.

Before refolding the letter, the line before Mother’s signature captured my notice.

I do expect to have a letter awaiting me when I return to London early next week. Do not disappoint me.

All too aware that there was no way forward but to continue in the deceit, I sat at the writing desk and penned a letter to Mother describing my tolerable time at Mr. Leavitt’s. When I finished, I grabbed another sheet of paper to write Papa and demand a more thorough account of my being at Fairhaven. But it would not do to risk provoking him, nor did I trust Mother wouldn’t get her hands on it first, and without a drop of ink on it, I returned the paper to the stack.

A light tap sounded at the door just as I finished. “Who is there?”

“Leah, miss.”

I finished folding the letter. “Come in.”

Leah stuck her head in the door, looking rather pleased with herself.

“What is it?”

“I have finished altering a few of Miss Seton’s dresses. I thought you’d wish to approve them before they are returned to her wardrobe.”

I stood, quelling my excitement. “Bring them in.”

The door opened further, revealing several dresses already slung over Leah’s arm.

I gestured her to the bed. “You may set them there.”

She did so, laying each one out with care.

I leaned in to appraise the added trimmings and embellishments, as well as the more fashionable cuts she had managed to adjust on two of them. “You have quite a talent.”

Leah lowered her gaze. “Thank you, miss. Would you prefer I leave them here for Ruth to have a look, or should I return them to her wardrobe?”

I looked back at the dresses, still in awe of their subtle, yet noticeable, transformation. “Here is suitable. And, Leah …” I paused, uncertain why I suddenly wished to traverse the necessary gap between servant and mistress. “Perhaps you’d care to be present when Ruth is shown the dresses? Being that you are the one who should receive her gratitude.”

Leah’s eyes lifted, a tentative smile on her face. “Only if you are certain, miss?”

“I am.”

Chapter Fourteen

“Oh—look at them! They are so lovely!” Ruth’s gaze moved across the dresses, taking in every detail Leah had painstakingly added to improve them. “Look here, at the lace.” Ruth pointed at the newly added trimming on a violet day dress. “Did you ever think such an addition could so alter the entire appearance?”

I stepped forward, appraising the bodice and the sleeves. “It is stunning. And the handiwork is meticulously done.”

Ruth’s arms twitched at her side, as though they longed to reach out and take hold of me. “Thank you, Bella. A thousand times over. Thank you.”