Page 88 of A Well-Trained Lady

I gave a subtle shake of my head, willing her to hold her tongue. “She speaks of my previous offers, that is all.”

Ruth glanced between us. “I simply don’t believe a person should be refused because they lack a title or a fortune.”

Lady Beatrice smirked, but Miss Browning sent her an understanding look. “And yet it is the way of things.”

“Miss Seton.” Mother stepped to my side. “The gentlemen have finished taking their port. Come with me, and I shall make introductions.”

“Very well.”

I gave a farewell nod to Lady Beatrice and Miss Browning and stepped to join them.

Mother held out a hand to stop me. “You may stay here.”

“But I’m certain Ruth will be more at ease if I join you.”

“And I’m certain you have a task of your own to see to.”

I did not move, unsure if I wished to defy Mother for such a trivial thing as introductions.

Mother’s pointed look softened when it shifted to Ruth. “Come, dear. I shall return you to Arabella the moment we are through.”

Ruth obediently released my arm, sending me an apologetic glance as Mother led her forward without me. Instead of dwelling on my dismissal, I searched the men flowing into the drawing room, looking for Augustus’s sandy-brown hair and handsome smile.

But no. He could not matter. Instead I set my focus on Lord Thorton who had stopped to speak with his mother. I felt nothing when I looked at him, yet that is exactly what I required. And I was more certain of that now than ever. The disenchantment I’d seen in Augustus’s eyes during our last two interactions was enough to haunt me for a lifetime, but to contemplate facing it every day for the rest of my life was too much to bear. No. A marriage of convenience to Lord Thorton was my only option.

“How is it Miss Seton and her cousin came to be here at Branbury?” Lady Beatrice asked, following Ruth with her eyes.

I looked toward Ruth to find Augustus at her side, and Mother looking less than pleased with his intrusion on the introductions. He didn’t seem to care. I turned away before my amusement could show. “Lord Thorton invited them.”

“But for what purpose?”

I shrugged, unwilling to speak my conjecture.

Lady Beatrice scanned her friend’s thoughtful expression. “What is it, Marianne?”

Miss Browning hesitated. “I feel as though I know the name Seton, but I can’t seem to place it. You said she was your neighbor in Bath, Miss Godwin?”

I nodded slowly, contemplating whether I should confess Ruth’s past before Miss Browning recalled it on her own. “Her parents died about eight years ago. It was quite a tragic situation.”

Miss Browning’s eyes widened with horror at the realization. “Those were Miss Seton’s parents?”

Lady Beatrice looked from Miss Browning’s shocked expression to me. “What happened?”

I made certain Ruth and Augustus were still across the room from us. “The court determined that Mr. Seton killed his wife and then killed himself.” Lady Beatrice lifted a hand to her mouth as I hastened on. “But there is recent evidence to suggest it was not so.”

The two ladies shared a look of misgiving.

“The case will soon be heard at the Court of the Chancery, and it is very likely the initial decision will be overturned.”

“What is it that has you ladies so enthralled?” Lord Thorton asked, stepping to my side with Mr. Green and Mr. Oliver in his wake.

Lady Beatrice pulled out her fan, giving it a soft flick of her wrist. “We were discussing Miss Seton.”

“And what of Miss Seton?” Lord Thorton stepped closer to me, giving space for his friends.

“I was explaining a bit of her past and the hardships she has endured.”

Lord Thorton’s consideration landed on Ruth who was offering Lord Hancock an awkward curtsy under Mother’s vigilant eye. “For such a tragic past, she sure has a lot of spirit.”