Page 9 of A Well-Trained Lady

Guilt glinted in his eyes. “The invitation I was telling you of is to Fairhaven.”

“Fairhaven? You have begged an invitation for me to go to Fairhaven?” A slew of emotions coursed through me, but I had not the time nor the capability to sort through them.

“It seemed a feasible alternative after you and Miss Seton discussed your mutual desire to be reconnected at Lord and Lady Brimhall’s ball.”

My mouth hung open, and I could not convince it to shut. What would ever prompt Papa to do something so utterly insolent? What must Augustus think? Had he assumed I had been the instigator of the invitation? Augustus stood with a look of utter confusion on his face that confirmed my quandary. This would not do. I had to say something. “Mr. Brundage, I believe we owe you an apology. It is not Papa who typically sees to my social affairs, and I believe it is quite obvious he is unaware of the protocols.” I sent a corrective glance to Papa, who appeared to care little for my public correction. “It is one thing to beg an invitation from family or dear friends, but it is quite another to beg one from an old acquaintance.”

Augustus did not bat an eye at my affront. “Do not apologize. Though I admit I was … surprised to receive Lord Godwin’s missive, I assured him we would be willing to accommodate you.”

My heart dropped at Augustus’s lackluster assurance, and I rebuked it for betraying me so quickly. It was precisely the reminder I required. “I hate to disappoint anyone, but I’m not certain Fairhaven is the best situation for me at present.”

Ruth took my hand in hers. “Please don’t refuse us now. I am entirely set on it. Besides, we have already sent word of your coming to Aunt Marina and hired a larger post-chaise for our travels.” Her pleas tugged at the piece of my heart she still held.

“Ruth, I do want to be with you. I simply …” My voice faltered, and I was unable to finish under Augustus’s unwavering consideration.

Papa cleared his throat. “Well, Arabella, I fear you must make a choice.” He now used his politician’s voice. “I have business to attend to and shall soon be retiring my duty as chaperone. If you prefer to join your mother and Aunt Priscilla, I can have a coach hired within the hour.”

I glanced back at Augustus, and one side of his mouth lifted in an uncertain half-smile. Surely, Augustus’s company was preferable to the company I’d find at Sandson Hall. Or was it? After all the heartache I’d endured, I hardly felt certain.

“To Sandson, then?” Papa said, taking an impatient step forward.

Even the name grated at my soul. “No,” I said softly, holding his gaze. “If Mr. Brundage is certain he can tolerate me for a time, I will accept his invitation.”

Ruth’s squeal of delight forced my notice from Papa’s contented expression just in time to brace myself against the force of her arms wrapping around me. “You shall not regret it,” she said in a hardly distinguishable pitch. “It shall be exactly as it used to be.”

It could not be, but now was not the time to say such things. Allowing the unseemly gesture only as long as was necessary, I placed my hands upon her arms and pulled back as though I was admiring her. “I’m certain we shall have a grand time.”

“Now that it is decided, you’d best be on your way.” Papa stepped forward with a hand extended to Augustus. “It was good to see you again, Mr. Brundage. Please give our regards to your mother as well as our condolences to your entire family for their loss.”

Augustus gave Papa’s hand a firm shake. “I will. Thank you, my lord.”

I studied Papa’s profile. How did he know of the late Mr. Brundage’s passing? He was not there when Ruth had spoken of it at the ball. Could it be that Augustus had mentioned it in his reply to Papa’s missive?

Ruth’s waving hand pulled me back to the present. “Goodbye, Lord Godwin. I do believe I shall be forever indebted to you for allowing Bella to visit.” She glanced at me, a giddy grin upon her lips. “I still cannot believe it is true. Though we are standing here, in this very moment, I am waiting to wake and realize it was all a dream.”

Papa returned her smile, but it was tainted by sadness. “Well, I am pleased to oblige you this time.” With one last lingering glance, he moved to me. “Enjoy yourself, my darling,” he said before leaning in to place a kiss upon my cheek. He lingered by my ear, and I thought he wished to say something, but then he pulled away.

My eyes searched his, but whatever it was, he had already hidden it away. “Take care of yourself, Papa.”

“You also.” He gave one more hurried nod before walking from the room.

Drawing in a deep inhale, I looked to the others.

“Do not look so worried,” Ruth said, unable to conceal her excitement. “You shall love Fairhaven.”

I forced a shaky smile and stepped forward. “Shall we depart, then?”

“Oh yes, let’s do.” Ruth bounced toward the doorway at a quickened pace. She glanced over her shoulder in the threshold to make certain I was following her, and I took a few hurried steps to catch up.

When Ruth disappeared, Augustus cleared his throat behind me. “Bella.”

I stilled at my name on his lips. “You must not call me that, Mr. Brundage.” Hesitantly I turned toward him. “We are no longer children, and seeing as we have not retained our friendship the past several years, it would be most appropriate if we were to use formal address.”

The hurt that pulled at his expression pricked my conscience, but what else could he expect? It was the truth of it, and by no fault of mine.

“Forgive me, Miss Godwin,” he said, amending his error. “I simply want you to know that I was under the assumption you were aware of our invitation. I would not have presumed to come, otherwise.”

“I have no doubt of that,” I said, cynicism seeping into my voice, despite my best efforts.