Page 58 of A Well-Trained Lady

Without another word, I walked toward the settee where the two women spoke in hushed voices. Not wishing to interrupt them, I continued on and took a seat near the fire. Several minutes later, Ruth’s giggle tempted my notice to the foursome seated about the card table. As my gaze skirted about their delighted expressions, it landed on Augustus, whose worried eyes met mine. I offered a quick nod and leaned into the wing-back chair, allowing the side of it to conceal me from his questioning stare.

Chapter Fifteen

Ruth dropped her needle-work to her lap. “I still cannot believe how easy it was to encourage Mr. Treynor along in conversation.” She shifted her smile to Sarah. “If only you had been there to witness it.”

Sarah poked the needle through her sampler. “I would have liked to have seen your success.”

The disappointment in her voice was evident, and I hated to hear it. “Perhaps we should go on a family outing with the Whitmores. That way you could join us.”

Sarah met my gaze. “To the seaside?”

“I don’t see why not, as long as your mother and Augustus are amenable.”

The ladies shared a smile.

Ruth leaned back, stretching out her legs. “I do hope it can be arranged before Mr. Treynor departs.”

I shimmied my needle up through the linen. “And when is that, exactly?”

Ruth pouted. “Sometime next week. He has already extended his stay a few days, but he must soon return home to help his father with some business.” She released an audible breath. “At least he promised to return for my coming out event, whenever that shall be.”

I lifted my eyes from my sampler. “When did he make such a promise?”

Ruth’s expression grew thoughtful. “I suppose it was not an actual promise, but the terms of a wager.”

“You were making bets with Mr. Treynor?” I could not keep the concern from my voice.

“I’m trying to remember exactly how it came to be.” She scrunched her nose. “For some reason, he mentioned that Mrs. Whitmore believes that Augustus intends to offer for Candace soon.” Ruth looked to both Sarah and me, apparently ensuring we found the notion as amusing as she did. “Apparently there is supposed to be a wedding by the end of summer.”

I looked down at my sampler again, attempting to convey disinterest. “And you do not believe such an event will take place?”

“No. Augustus and Candace are dear friends, nothing more.”

“And yet Mrs. Whitmore believes it a possibility?”

“Mr. Treynor said so. Then he insisted that the best of marriages are built on friendship. And though I agreed with him, I said they must also be built on love.” Ruth giggled. “You should have seen the shade of red his face turned when I mentioned the word.”

“And what is he to get if he wins?”

“Mr. Treynor only asked to ride Guinevere.” Ruth paused, her expression full of contrition. “In truth, I am attempting not to feel too guilty about the arrangement, considering I would have allowed him to ride Guinevere if he had just asked. But my solace is that I am not wrong, so it shan’t matter.”

I did not glance up. “You do sound quite confident in your opinion.”

“Because I am.”

I tied a knot in the thread before it grew too short to work with and grabbed the sewing shears. “And why is that?”

“Because he loves you, of course.”

My gaze moved to her so quickly that I clipped the tip of my forefinger with the shears. The pain was immediate. “Drat!” I cried, dropping my sampler.

I examined the damage, a trickle of blood trailing down my finger.

Ruth jumped to her feet, only to stand there motionless, the color draining from her face. “You are bleeding, Bella.”

“Do sit down, Ruth.” I stood. “It is only a small cut. If I can find something to wrap it with, I shall be right in no time.” I glanced around for anything that could work as a bandage, but there was nothing suitable. If only I’d had the foresight to bring down my entire sewing box and not just my sampler and one color of thread.

I appraised Ruth, who stood unmoved, her focus locked on the crimson liquid. She lifted a hand to her paling cheek. “I think I may faint … or perhaps be sick.”