Page 54 of A Well-Trained Lady

“Leah is the one you should thank, not me.”

Ruth spun toward Leah, moving to her side so quickly Leah had no time to prepare for the force of her embrace. “I know I’m not supposed to hug people, with me becoming a distinguished lady and all, but I cannot help myself. I am so full of gratitude.”

“You are welcome.” Leah was most unsuccessful at hiding her delight, and I too found myself mirroring her expression. “But they were Miss Godwin’s trimmings I used.”

As Ruth faced me, I waved a dismissive hand. “It is nothing.”

“For you.” Ruth clasped her hands in front of her chest. “But for me it means the world.”

“Then I’m glad for it.”

Ruth walked back over to the bed. “I wonder which I shall wear tonight to the Whitmores’.”

“The Whitmores’?”

“Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you in my excitement at seeing the dresses.” Ruth picked up a pink one with a newly added lace overlay on the bodice, holding it to her body and swaying back and forth. “Mother saw the Whitmores at the haberdashers today. Apparently, they requested we dine with them this evening at Safford Park.”

“How delightful your families are so close that the Whitmores needn’t offer adequate notice.” I offered a heavy smile, hoping I had a few more in me for the night ahead. I was already exhausted after my visit with Mr. Leavitt.

Ruth returned the pink dress and reached for another, holding it up to her again and resuming her sway. “Which is your favorite? I honestly can’t decide. I look at one, and I am certain that is it, then another catches my eye. I suppose it is kind of like the roses.”

“Yes. Do not declare yourself prematurely.” I scanned the dresses again. “Though I am partial to the—”

“The white one,” Ruth said with a laugh, following my line of sight. “Refined but still breathtaking.”

I shot her a disapproving look, though I could not hide my amusement. “You were eaves-dropping on my conversation with Augustus?”

She beamed back at me, returning the dress to the bed. “It was hardly eavesdropping when you were aware I was standing the next path over.”

I shook my head in disbelief.

Ruth paused, her face still alight. “May I not relish in the two of you being together again? Especially after Augustus spent years insisting it would never be so, that you were gone from our lives forever?” She clasped my hands in hers. “I never lost hope though. Well, in seeing you again, that is.” She paused. “I suppose not everything can be just as I imagined it.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

Ruth bit at her lip. “Do not be vexed at me for saying such a thing, but my only disappointment came in hearing you were nearly engaged to Lord Thorton. You see, I had maintained a silly hope that after all those years apart, you and Augi would find one another again and fall in love. Though he’s never said as much, it is obvious he has always fancied you, and I had thought …” Her lips jutted out into a perfect pout. “Well, it does not matter what I thought, such a hopeless romantic that I am.”

“We are at least all together again.” I forced my gaze from her, allowing it to drift over the dresses again. “As lovely as these dresses are, I believe you are in need of a gown for full-dress. Perhaps we could commission one in an ivory silk? I daresay that would suit you well.”

“That sounds lovely!” I was relieved to see how willingly Ruth had moved on from her irksome comment, until her smile faltered. “But I hate to ask Augustus to see to such an expense.” Ruth paused. “Are you aware of my situation? That I have no money of my own?”

I sent Leah a knowing glance, and she quickly excused herself.

“Augustus told me,” I said, moving to Ruth’s side and placing my arm around her. “And I’m so very sorry for all the loss you’ve had. But you must realize that you are not a burden, Ruth. I have seen it in Augustus’s eyes. You are as dear to him as a sister, and surely you would not believe he would deny Sarah such a request.”

“I suppose not.”

“But he cannot know what you require if you do not tell him.” When Ruth’s countenance did not alter, I leaned in closer. “I will talk to him, if you wish.”

The smile returned to her lips.

“Considering you never had a proper coming out, I might even convince him to hold a gathering in your honor—after you’ve completed your training, of course.”

Ruth squealed in delight, twirling toward me and wrapping me in an embrace. For once, I fully welcomed it.

* * *

Ruth gave a pout as we made our way back to the drawing room of Safford Park. “I do wish Sarah would have been allowed to join us. Chicken and mushroom vol-au-vents is one of her favorite dishes.”