Page 73 of A Well-Trained Lady

Augustus’s laugh vibrated through me. “Now I am to be blamed for Bella’s offense? Where is the loyalty?”

“It is here,” Ruth said, batting water toward us.

Following her example, everyone joined in, tossing water in our direction. Only Mrs. Brundage made her way to shore, laughing from the safety of the beach.

Augustus released me, moving between me and the others as he struck the water with such force it flew about wildly.

Laughter again danced through the air, and I remained close to Augustus, allowing his large frame to block most of the water being flung in our direction.

By the time we were too exhausted to carry on, and more sodden than any of us could have foreseen, we made our way toward the blanket laid upon the sand. The ladies sat, spreading our skirts and tucking in our feet, while the gentlemen stood nearby.

I lifted my hand to my hair, not surprised to find my coiffure askew and several pieces dislodged completely. I set about removing the pins until my dampened curls hung loose around me.

I felt Augustus’s gaze upon me, and despite my better judgment, I met it. His eyes were as warm as the sun, and my skin tingled under the heat of them. I took in his sandy-colored hair, also a mess from the water and the breeze, before allowing myself the briefest glance at his dampened shirtsleeves clinging to his skin. A most pleasing physique displayed beneath the thin layer.

When I returned my consideration to his handsome face, he lifted a brow. This time, I simply smiled and shrugged off my wayward appraisal, making him chuckle.

“What is past that bend?” Miss Whitmore asked, stealing our attention.

She looked further down the beach, where the shoreline seemed to curve inward and disappear.

“Likely more beach,” Augustus said, squinting in the bright light.

Miss Whitmore stood. “I think I should like to find out.” She looked about our party. “Would anyone care to join me?”

“I’m too exhausted.” Ruth gave an apologetic pout, leaning on her elbows in a most unladylike position.

“How about you, Augustus?”

My eyes darted to Augustus’s profile, my chest constricting at the thought of them wandering off together.

He sent her a knowing smile that only served to heighten my vexation. “I would very much appreciate that.”

To my shock, Miss Whitmore looked to me, appraising the shock I could not hide. “Miss Godwin, would you care to join us also?”

Though I longed to jump to my feet and make certain the two of them did not venture off alone together, what right did I have to claim him? Particularly when he seemed eager to go along. “I believe I’m too wet to venture anywhere at the moment.”

Miss Whitmore’s eyes flickered to Augustus, before she moved in front of me and offered an insistent hand. “There is nothing better for drying off one’s skirts than walking.”

I lowered my brow, completely astonished by her determination. Did she not want to get Augustus alone?

“Do come along, Bella.” Augustus’s voice was imploring, as was his inviting smile.

Looking back to Miss Whitmore’s hand still outstretched toward me, I took hold of it, and she aided me to my feet.

“Sarah,” she said, glancing to our side, “why don’t you join us also?”

Sarah rose to her feet without hesitation.

“We shall not be gone long,” Miss Whitmore said to Mrs. Brundage. “And I shall help you set out the picnic upon our return.”

Mrs. Brundage glanced between the four of us. “Very well. But do not venture too far.”

“Don’t forget your bonnet,” Ruth said, leaning forward to retrieve it from the spot on the blanket where I’d set it.

I glanced up at the blue sky above us, the slight breeze moving through my dampened locks. “It’s too fine a day for a bonnet.”

Her lips parted, but I turned to join the others before she could correct me.