Page 69 of A Well-Trained Lady

Ruth stiffened at my side, and I grasped her hand in mine.

“The purpose for my trip to Bath was to search for evidence that could support the claim.”

Mrs. Brundage’s eyes flitted to Ruth. “And did you find any proof of it?”

Augustus nodded. “I believe so. I sent Owen everything I had, and I suppose he’ll decide what it is worth.”

Ruth gripped my hand tighter. “What evidence did you find?”

“Besides obtaining testimonies from your father’s man of business, servants—including his valet—and a few individuals who knew him well, I found your father’s appointment book that contained engagements scheduled well beyond his death. His financial accounts showed nothing out of the ordinary, and there was a partially finished letter I discovered written to that very same man of business. He made mention of his desire to learn more regarding a speculation he thought would perform well in the coming years. Then he requested the man report back within one week. It was dated the day of his death.”

Ruth’s face scrunched up for an instant before a small smile emerged. “It does seem odd for a man to continue planning his future if he is set on ending it.”

“Precisely,” Augustus said with a nod, and he looked at me. “A sane man intent on such a horrific crime would have altered his behavior, at least in part.”

I stilled, realizing it was me that he was quoting.

He looked around at the others. “It was Bella’s idea. I wrote to Owen about it, and he set out immediately to see what he could find. It seems there were a few people who already held similar beliefs, and we now have a good deal of evidence to support it.”

“Then who killed Aunt Susan and her husband?” Sarah’s voice was tainted with worry, and I did not blame her. I had grown up with thinking the Setons’ perpetrator had not been caught, and it had affected me for years. I stopped venturing out in the woods entirely, and despite Mother’s constant badgering, I always hurried down darkened hallways with far too much haste.

Augustus reached toward Sarah, and she placed her hand in his. “We don’t know who killed them. And we may never know. But whoever did this has likely fled long ago.”

Despite his assurances, a chill ran down my back.

“Augustus is right,” Mrs. Brundage said, clasping her hands tightly before her. “We shall consider the findings to be good news. But can the initial ruling be overturned?”

Augustus tilted his head from side to side. “In theory, the Court of Chancery holds all jurisdiction over matters of equity—the Keeper of the King’s Conscience, they are called. I suppose we shall see how just and understanding that conscience turns out to be.”

My thoughts were racing. “And if they do overturn the initial ruling, then everything would be returned to Ruth?”

Augustus nodded. “My uncle’s estate was not entailed. Therefore Ruth, his only surviving child, was left the whole of it in his will.”

Without a moment’s thought I wrapped my arms around Ruth, causing her laugh to trill through the drawing room. “I thought a lady was not supposed to hug,” she said as I held her tight.

“But friends are, and I am first and foremost your friend.”

Chapter Seventeen

Ruth glanced out the carriage window. “It is a most pleasant day, is it not?”

“It is a touch warm to be honest.” I ran my hand up the back of my neck, swiping at the perspiration beginning to accumulate, though I wasn’t certain if it was from the heat or my growing trepidation concerning Augustus. At least Miss Whitmore and I had been spared from being crammed onto one bench as Sarah, Ruth, and Mrs. Brundage now were.

Ruth glanced over at me. “Oh, but that is what will make the day so perfect. The warmer it is, the better it will be for drying off our skirts. I can attest that the hour-long ride home is hardly ideal if you are both drenched and sandy.”

I looked at Miss Whitmore who sat beside me. “And do you plan to go wading in the sea also?”

She withheld a smile, but her lips twitched at the corners. “I’m not yet certain. But I typically do enjoy at least getting my feet wet.”

I nodded, glancing out the window and wondering if I would be the only one, besides Mrs. Brundage, to forego the experience.

“Bella has never been to the sea,” Ruth said to Miss Whitmore, my odd behavior apparently requiring some sort of explanation.

As though she spoke it into existence, the carriage veered, and a silver glimmer in the distance caught my eye. “There it is.” I took in the great vastness of the water that stretched to the horizon and beyond.

Sarah leaned forward in her seat, attempting to catch a glimpse of it out Ruth’s window.

Ruth sighed dramatically. “Is it not the most wonderful sight in the whole world?”