Page 81 of A Well-Trained Lady

I searched my thoughts. “Perhaps Mr. Morland.”

Lady Beatrice pursed her lips. “I suppose he may, but Mr. Morland is a ninny so he does not count. What are your thoughts, Marianne?” Lady Beatrice glanced back toward her friend, apparently needing a more accommodating opinion.

Miss Browning lifted her gaze readily. “My father nearly refused to teach us to read on the off chance we would become overly fond of it.”

Lady Beatrice nodded as though the admission had somehow proved her point. “It is lucky for me she holds no title, for I shall not find her seated near me at dinner. I cannot tolerate a bore.”

I could not sit by a moment longer and allow them to carry on so. Placing my sampler on the settee next to me, I glanced over at Miss Hutchison. “Pardon me.” Several ladies looked up from their stitching. “Miss Hutchison, is it?”

The young lady looked up from the pages of her book, an uncertain expression on her face. “It is.”

I smiled sweetly at her. “I was wondering if you would care to join us for a bit. We were just discussing how captivating your book appeared to be, and we hoped you would be willing to tell us about it.”

She looked slightly wary of the invitation. “I would be delighted to join you.” She stood and started toward us.

Lady Beatrice scowled at me, gesturing for Miss Browning to scoot so that Miss Hutchison could take the seat farthest from her on the settee.

I held out my hand for her book as she approached. “Evelina,” I read, examining the front cover before handing it back. “And you say it is good?”

She took the book from me, clasping it to her chest. “It is better than good.”

I gestured for her to take a seat. “Will you not tell us about it? I fear we are in desperate need of amusement.”

With only one hesitant glance toward Lady Beatrice, she began. Miss Hutchison spoke of a young heroine’s entrance into Society, Evelina’s innocent nature leading to constant ridicule as well as hilarious blunders. My thoughts returned to Ruth time and time again as she spoke, and I could not help but laugh and worry along with Miss Hutchison’s explanation.

“But what of Lord Orville?” Lady Beatrice asked, apparently forgetting her disinterest.

Miss Hutchison lifted her shoulders. “I haven’t read far enough to know.”

Miss Browning sighed dreamily. “You will tell us when you have finished, won’t you?”

“Of course I shall.” Miss Hutchison stood, looking down at me. “Thank you for inviting me to join you, Miss Godwin.”

The sincerity in her words warmed my heart, and I realized I felt more myself in this moment than I had felt in days. Though Mother would be vexed with my social blunder of associating with an outsider, I thought of Augustus. Perhaps he would have been proud of me for using my influence to lift another. Not that such a small act would budge the scale of wrongdoings. “Thank you for sharing the story with us, Miss Hutchison.”

Lady Beatrice released a thoughtful hum. “I suppose if all books were so entertaining as that one, I would not oppose reading so much.”

I could not hide my delight at my small success. “I’m certain Miss Hutchison could provide you with recommendations of equal caliber.”

Lady Beatrice lifted her chin. “Do you know when the gentlemen are set to return? I thought there was to be a picnic.”

“I believe the picnic is set for Thursday.”

Lady Beatrice released an overdone sigh. “May we at least go outside for a turn about the grounds? I feel so cooped up.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I stood. “That sounds ideal. Shall we?”

The fresh air engulfed me as we wandered out of doors. I closed my eyes, lifting my face to the sun.

“You don’t wish to freckle, do you?” Lady Beatrice watched me with an odd expression.

“If it means my skin can feel the warmth of a summer’s afternoon, I shouldn’t mind at all.”

Lady Beatrice secured her bonnet more tightly under her chin, as though my very suggestion might freckle her.

Lord Thorton’s booming laugh sent us turning. A group of more than a dozen gentlemen were walking toward us from the stables.

“Out for a stroll?” Lord Thorton deviated from the other gentlemen toward us.