Page 57 of A Well-Trained Lady

He studied their interaction for a moment. “He does seem susceptible to such flattery, doesn’t he?”

With Augustus’s acknowledgment, I could not refuse a smile.

He shook his head and looked back to me. “Weren’t you supposed to be the one with that focused look of fascination Ruth is now donning?”

“Sometimes one learns by watching, other times by doing.”

“Well, the whole thing will end soon if he takes one more step toward her. They are more than close enough to carry on a conversation.”

I laughed, craning my neck up to look at him. “Hypocrite.”

The warmth of his nearness penetrated into my skin, causing it to prickle. “I suppose you do have a point. But again, I would argue that we are an exception to the rule … being the old friends that we are.”

I lifted a brow. “And yet it seems I am not the only exception to the rule.” My gaze flickered to Miss Whitmore who spoke with Mrs. Brundage and her mother on the settee. “There are apparently others privileged enough to be treated as an old friend.”

He tilted his head to the side, his lips curving upward.

Before he could offer a retort on my jealous nature a second time, I gave a small pout. “You are absolutely tiresome. Do you know that?”

“You make it sound as though that is a bad thing.”

My lips parted in exasperation. “It is fortunate for you that I am no longer an impressionable young lady.”

“And why is that?”

I ignored the trembling within me. “For it is no easy thing for such a woman to discover a man’s attentions are not exclusive to her alone.”

His eyes searched mine, his smile fading. “I suppose it is like a man discovering that a woman’s affections are promised elsewhere entirely.”

The air around me grew thick, but I did not look away. I could not appear weak. I could not be that young lady I had just claimed I was not. “Then let us be glad we are friends and nothing more.”

His countenance fell. “Shall we see if the others are ready for that game of cards?”

I followed him back to where Ruth and Mr. Treynor were still happily chatting.

“Forgive me,” Mr. Treynor said as we approached, shooting Ruth an apologetic smile. “I fear I have rattled on far too long.”

“There is no need to ask forgiveness, Mr. Treynor.” Ruth fluttered her lashes at him, causing Augustus to avert his eyes in exasperation. “It was I who desired your rattling.”

He smiled, his gaze resting on Ruth a moment longer.

“Yet I am suddenly most eager to begin our game of Lanterloo.” Augustus took hold of Ruth’s arm and placed it in the crook of his elbow.

Mr. Treynor swallowed, eagerly shifting away from Augustus. “Cousin,” he called to Miss Whitmore. “Do you care to join us for cards?”

“Absolutely.” Miss Whitmore whispered something to her mother and Mrs. Brundage, causing them to laugh, and started toward us. Her dark hair glistened in the firelight, and I couldn’t help but notice her graceful beauty, despite my attempts to overlook it.

She flashed me a kind smile that somehow only made me feel defeated. “Are we playing three card Loo or five?”

I glanced toward the fire. “Perhaps a game of whist would be preferred?”

Ruth scrunched her nose. “But whist is only for four players, and there are five of us.”

I gave her a small smile, refusing to look at Augustus. “I fear I have a headache coming on and should sit this hand out.” And all the subsequent hands.

Ruth’s face filled with concern. “Should we return to Fairhaven so you can rest?”

I had no intention of thwarting Ruth’s continued success with Mr. Treynor. “No. It is only a minor one. I shall go sit near your aunt and Mrs. Whitmore for a time but will join you later if I feel up to it.” Ruth gave a small pout, and I placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “Do not make a fuss, my dear friend. I shall be right over there, watching.”