Page 68 of A Well-Trained Lady

“Tomorrow,” Ruth said, looking beyond thrilled as he exited the door behind them. She hurried to my side and took hold of my arm. “You are a genius, Bella. I once again did everything precisely as you taught me, and I’m quite certain Mr. Treynor’s affection for me is beginning to reflect my own for him. Men are quite simple to please, aren’t they?”

I covered a rogue smile with my hand.

“I believe there wasn’t one thing in that comment I found agreeable,” Augustus said, with a pointed glance.

Ruth jutted out her lower lip. “You simply don’t like the idea of me falling in love.”

“That is not true.” Augustus placed a hand on her shoulder. “I simply do not want you to give your heart prematurely. You should know the person you are to marry long enough that you can be certain they are genuine—that they are the person they proclaim to be.”

I knew he spoke of Ruth’s father, but for some reason I felt a small prick at his declaration.

“And how long does it take to discover if someone has a sincere character?” Ruth asked.

Augustus rubbed his chin, his expression distant. “How long have I known Bella?”

Ruth’s mouth parted. “I would be firmly on the shelf if I were to wait as long as that.”

Augustus shrugged, making Ruth gasp, but I reached out and took hold of her hand. “Augustus is only teasing you.” I sent him a pointed glance to make certain he would leave it there. “Though there is wisdom in what he says, he will be thrilled when you make a suitable match. Won’t you, Augustus?”

He looked hesitant. “Just do not give your whole heart until I have judged the suitability of your suitor. Agreed?”

Ruth beamed up at him. “Agreed.”

“There, now. What a lovely compromise.” I paused, questioning whether Augustus was in an amiable enough mood to discuss Ruth’s coming out.

He smiled at me.

“Augustus,” I said, offering my most saccharine smile, “seeing as Ruth was never given a coming out dinner or ball, I thought it appropriate for you to consider holding an event in her honor. It isn’t as though she has been out in Society very long, and it seems the perfect reward for all of her hard work in becoming a lady.”

Ruth leaned forward in anticipation, though not a sound escaped her lips.

I pretended to remove some imaginary lint from his jacket with a few brief swipes, allowing my hand to linger. “You need not give an answer yet, as you will need to speak to your mother about it, and in such a way that does not make her feel neglectful, for many parents do not make a fuss about a lady’s coming out, let alone an aunt.”

Augustus considered Ruth a moment. “Mother and I had actually discussed it previously, but I regret such matters have fallen by the wayside between our mourning period for Father and the hearing on the Seton estate. But perhaps it is time we consider it again.”

Ruth bounded toward him, her arms wrapping around his waist. “Thank you! I can hardly believe I shall be having a ball in my honor!”

I offered Augustus an apologetic smile. “It seems as though it shall be a ball.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Why am I not surprised?”

Ruth moved to me, clasping my hand in hers. “Do say you will return for it, Bella.”

“I should like that very much, if I am able.”

Ruth squealed, apparently taking my response as confirmation.

“What is all this joyous ruckus about?” Mrs. Brundage asked, stepping through the doorway with Sarah just behind her. “I wait for Branson to fetch Sarah, and you are already sharing news without me?”

Augustus returned her playful grin. “No, Mother. But I may have just agreed to hold a ball in Ruth’s honor, if you are not opposed, of course.”

Mrs. Brundage clasped her hands in delight. “And when is this ball to take place?”

“Perhaps after the probate hearing in the instance we may have more than one reason to celebrate?”

Mrs. Brundage drew closer, the amusement in her features replaced by curiosity. “What do you mean, dear?”

Augustus exhaled, glancing at Ruth. “There is evidence that the coroner’s court was wrong in their initial ruling. Uncle Thomas’s death may not have been self-murder after all.”