Page 86 of A Well-Trained Lady

Chapter Twenty

“Bella!” I cringed inwardly and glanced toward the drawing room door as Ruth’s high-pitched tone drew the collective attention of the ladies. I had spent the first while after dinner keeping an attentive eye on the entrance in hopes of preventing this precise welcome, but when Ruth had not come, I had let down my guard, thinking she had likely opted to stay in her room for the night.

Ruth gave a foolish wave and hurried toward me, making me curse myself for not being more vigilant. “Oh, Bella. How I have missed you this past week.”

I reached out my hands to grasp hers, ensuring she would not wrap me in an embrace. “I can hardly believe you are here. I did not know the room in which you were staying, or I would have come to you earlier.”

“Oh, I wish you had. I’ve been ready for quite some time, but I wasn’t certain I would find the courage to come down on my own. Thankfully Leah had heard of my arrival and came to greet me. With a little persuasion, here I am.”

A smile touched my lips at hearing of Leah’s kindness. “And look how lovely your gown turned out.” I took a step back to appraise Ruth.

Ruth lifted her skirts with one hand, swishing her new gown from side to side. “I didn’t think it would be ready in time, but Augustus paid an additional sum to have them both finished before our departure. And I cannot wait for you to see how well the ball gown turned out. ”

I glanced around at the curious faces observing Ruth’s display, before noticing Mother’s glare. She flicked her head toward Lady Thorton, and I realized our oversight. “And have you greeted Lady Thorton yet?”

“No.” Ruth’s eyes widened. “I have erred already, haven’t I?”

I stepped to her side, and latched my arm through hers. “You were just excited to see me. Lady Thorton will understand that.”

Ruth’s body was rigid as I led her forward. “Oh, but I’m so nervous.”

Though my stomach clenched at our upcoming interaction, I could not let Ruth sense my hesitation. “There is no need to be nervous. Just remember what I taught you.”

Ruth’s elbow tightened around my arm. “I can’t remember a thing right now, let alone what you taught me.” She shook her head. “I’m destined to make a fool of myself. I just know it.”

As we approached the group where Lady Thorton and Mother stood, I lowered my voice. “Just don’t speak until spoken to, and try to curb your excitement.”

Ruth gave a quick bob of her head just as we stopped before Lady Thorton.

Lady Thorton gave a regal nod of acknowledgment. “Miss Seton. How delighted we are to have you at Branbury Court.” I pressed my hand against Ruth’s arm, reminding her not to speak until I was certain Lady Thorton was finished. “Did your aunt not join you?” she asked, glancing behind us.

Ruth shook her head. “No, my aunt does not care for house parties in the least, not even one in so grand a place as Branbury Court.”

I stifled a wince, wondering how Lady Thorton would take Ruth’s unintended slight.

Lady Thorton gave a hesitant nod. “And who has accompanied you as your chaperone? My son did not say.”

Ruth quirked her head and scrunched her nose. “Chaperone? I did not even think about such a thing, being as I’ve never had need of one before. I suppose Mrs. Whitmore might have been a chaperone of sorts while I was in London, but I never referred to her as that.”

Mother cleared her throat. “If you are without, I shall gladly accept the role.”

I studied Mother, trying to determine if her offer was given out of false charity or with a more calculated purpose in mind.

“Oh, that would be delightful. Thank you, Lady Godwin.” Ruth directed her wide smile at me. “How alike the two of you are.”

Mother’s gaze met mine, and her stone smile was evidence that she was as insulted by the compliment as I had been.

“It is the least I can do.” Mother reached a hand out toward Ruth, which Ruth eagerly accepted. “Arabella, go introduce Miss Seton to some of the other ladies, and I shall find you both for proper introductions when the gentlemen return.”

I nodded, inducing Ruth along with a gentle tug.

Ruth paused, dipping into a haphazard curtsy. “Thank you again for allowing me to Branbury, Lady Thorton. I am utterly thrilled to be here with Bella.”

Mother sent me a pointed look, and I pulled a touch harder, leading Ruth away from the amused whispers.

Ruth leaned in close as we made our way across the drawing room. “Are you vexed?”

I had spent the last fortnight advising Ruth against almost everything she had just done, but when I met her worried expression I could not say as much. “No. You did very well.” I paused. “Perhaps a touch exuberant, but do not fret, I believe it was just nerves.”