Page 78 of A Well-Trained Lady

Without a word, I led her to my room where Leah was hurrying to gather the last few items to place in my trunks.

“You have not finished yet?” Mother asked Leah, glancing around the small room with distaste.

“I just have, my lady.” Leah kept her eyes on the floor.

“Then I shall inform the servants to retrieve the trunks straightaway.” She paused, appraising my dress with disgust. “And do help Arabella change into something suitable. She looks dreadfully ridiculous in such a state.”

Leah curtsied her acknowledgment.

When Mother had walked from the room, I glanced around at the friendly room, wishing it was not time to leave it.

“Miss?” Leah knelt beside my trunk.

“Forgive me. I did not hear your question.”

“Which dress would you prefer? A traveling or a day dress?”

“My blue travelling dress if it’s accessible.”

Leah rummaged through the trunk, pulling out the chosen dress, as well as some necessary underthings, before rising and moving toward me. Though she kept her gaze down, the redness of one of her cheeks caught my eye.

“Whatever has happened, Leah?”

She lifted a hand to cover the red mark. “It is nothing, miss.”

My stomach knotted. “Did my mother do that?”

Leah’s silence confirmed it.

My throat went dry, knowing the fault was mine. “I am so sorry,” I whispered.

Leah drew in a shuddered breath. “Let me help you change.”

As she moved to lay the garments on the bed, I caught sight of my dreadfully ridiculous state in the vanity mirror. Augustus had just assured me that I looked beautiful just as I was, but my tangled, wind-blown hair and sun-bitten face were testament to what Mother had said. Augustus was not in love with me, but with the lady he thought me to be—a lady I scarcely recognized in my reflection.

* * *

With a fresh gown and a bonnet to cover my hastily arranged coiffure, I made my way downstairs to join the others. My heart nearly faltered as I stood outside the threshold of the drawing room, but with one last fortifying breath, I found the courage to step through on trembling legs.

The room fell silent as I walked in, but I did not let my gaze waver from Mother’s. “I am ready.”

“Are you truly leaving then?” Ruth asked, rising to her feet.

“Yes.” It was no easy feat concealing my utter disappointment as I took in her sorrow-filled face. “But I shall write to you very soon.”

Ruth gave a pout, and her gaze flickered behind me. “But what of Augustus and—” Mrs. Brundage placed a cautioning hand on Ruth’s shoulder, and to my great relief, Ruth held her tongue.

“Yes,” I said, sending a forced smile to where Augustus stood watching me with narrowed eyes, his arms crossed over his chest. “I should like to bid … Mr. Brundage farewell also.” Sensing Lord Thorton watching us, I dipped into a small curtsy. “Thank you for everything, sir.”

Augustus gave a subtle shake of his head as his only response, and I quickly turned from him, unable to bear the disenchantment in his eyes. Had I only kept my distance, I could have prevented his pain and my own. Such a fool I was. At least now Augustus would not become trapped in a marriage where he would soon grow to despise me.

“Well, then.” Lady Thorton rose to her feet. “Let us be on our way.” She paused briefly before Mrs. Brundage, her face void of emotion. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Mrs. Brundage gave a nod of acknowledgment. “It was our pleasure.”

Filling the spot Lady Thorton had just left, Mother looked to Mrs. Brundage. “And thank you for taking care of Arabella when the Leavitts were no longer able to host her.”

Mrs. Brundage’s brow wrinkled, and she looked to Lady Thorton who waited impatiently by the drawing room door. “Of course.” Her words came hesitantly. “We were pleased to have her here.”