Page 80 of A Well-Trained Lady

Lady Thorton looked to her son, who shook his head. “I don’t believe so.”

“It was all quite tragic, really. The Setons, Ruth’s parents, died in Mr. Seton’s bedchamber. The Coroner’s Court ruled it a murder and self-murder at the hand of Ruth’s father.”

“Oh, heavens,” Lady Thorton whispered, lifting a hand to cover her mouth. “Poor dear.”

I looked to Lady Thorton, hoping I had correctly discerned her feelings on the matter. “It was dreadful what happened. And I’m certain you can imagine what it could do to their daughter’s reputation. But my parents realized it was no fault of Ruth’s, so they have allowed us to maintain our relationship all these years.” I glanced back at Mother, reaching out to take hold of her hand in a false display of sincerity. “I feel so blessed to have a mother like her.”

Mother straightened, her hand clenching into a fist beneath mine. “It is I who is grateful for such an obedient daughter.”

Lady Thorton gave a thoughtful nod. “Why did you not tell us as much earlier, Lady Godwin?”

I placed my hand back in my lap. “Oh, she is far too modest to tout her own praises.”

Lady Thorton lifted her chin decisively. “Well, I think it is very noble of you, Lady Godwin.” Her gaze met mine. “And I do hope absconding with you like that has in no way jeopardized your relationship. We would have been more cautious had we known the particulars.”

Well aware I had accomplished my goal, I forced a smile to my unwilling lips. “I thank you for your sentiment, and I shall write to Ruth and ensure all is well. But she is the kindest person I know and will likely not think twice about it.” I glanced at Lord Thorton, but he watched me with such unwavering consideration that I looked to his mother again. “I do hope you know how sorry I am for this debacle. Especially when you have so much to do to prepare for your other guests.”

Lady Thorton hesitated only a moment before her posture relaxed slightly. “Well, it is done, so let us not speak of it further.”

Mother and I nodded our understanding.

“Oh, I have also received word that your friend, Lady Beatrice Hancock and her companion will be joining us after all.”

“Miss Marianne Browning?”

Lady Thorton gave a small lift of her shoulders. “I believe that was her name.”

“I shall be glad to see them.” And in part, it was the truth. The haunting look of disenchantment in Augustus’s eyes pierced me each time my thoughts returned to him, and I longed for something to distract me from the pain, to help me forget what anguish I had caused him. Perhaps Lady Beatrice and Miss Browning would help me rebuild some semblance of what my life had been before going to Fairhaven.

Chapter Nineteen

I pulled at the needle on my embroidery, my thoughts miles away at Fairhaven.

“Miss Godwin.”

When I lifted my gaze, Lady Beatrice was wearing an exasperated expression. “What is it?”

Lady Beatrice shook her head. “Did you not hear a thing I said?”

I dropped my needlework to my lap. “Forgive me. I was lost in thought.”

Lady Beatrice and Miss Browning shared a knowing glance before Lady Beatrice placed a stiff hand atop mine. “You have not been yourself since our arrival. What is the matter?”

“Nothing at all.”

Lady Beatrice scanned my masked expression and removed her hand. “I had asked you if you had noticed that Miss Hutchison wore that same day dress not two days past?”

I glanced over at Miss Hutchison who sat contentedly reading on her own, her light pink day dress hardly familiar to me. “She appears content with her appearance and likely does not care much for our opinion.”

Lady Beatrice nodded, as though my declaration had somehow proven her point. She lowered her voice even more. “I heard her mother speaking to some of the other ladies. Apparently, Miss Hutchison’s incessant reading has become quite the problem as she will speak about nothing but books.”

I released a slow breath. “And yet I can’t help but think such conversation is likely more stimulating than most.”

Lady Beatrice’s eyes flickered toward her, not at all affected by my declaration. “Well, she shall never find a husband with such untoward behavior. No man wants a wife that reads.”

I glanced down at my embroidery, attempting to conceal my irritation. “That is quite the generalization.”

“Name a man you know who would prefer it.”