Page 91 of A Well-Trained Lady

“Is that what that is?” Ruth held her candle up to the bronze circle, a small handle protruding from one side. “Silly me. I was looking for a bell pull in my room, not a lever.”

Retrieving another candle, I brought it to hers and waited for the wick to take light. My hand still shook, but the flickering light thankfully concealed it. “Did you enjoy your evening?” I asked, desperate to take my mind off my encounter with Mother.

“I suppose so. At least once my nerves settled a bit.”

“And what did you think of Mr. Green? He seemed to pay you a particular interest after your introduction.”

“Do you think?”

“Absolutely.”

Ruth gave a hesitant smile. “He is very handsome.”

“And he is the son of a baron. A second son, mind you, but he likely has many advantageous connections.”

“You would consider him a suitable match, then?”

I smiled, too aware of what a marriage to Mr. Green could do for Ruth’s reputation. The shelter it could provide her. Besides, Mr. Green was Lord Thorton’s oldest friend, so if an arrangement could be made between Ruth and him, she would surely remain a constant in my life. “It would do you no harm to determine for yourself if he was.”

Ruth tilted her head thoughtfully, her nose wrinkling. “But what of Mr. Treynor?”

“He is a good man. But he has not spoken for you, nor mentioned his intentions of doing so. Or am I mistaken?”

Ruth shook her head.

“Then why not allow Mr. Green a chance to win your approval? And by doing so, if you determine Mr. Treynor the superior choice, then you will be more certain in where to place your encouragements.”

Ruth bit at her lip absently. “I suppose you are right. I’m not even certain what Mr. Treynor’s feelings are toward me, though I had hoped they were similar to my own.”

I moved to the vanity and began removing my jewelry, withholding my assurance that a few more interactions with Mr. Treynor, and Ruth would very likely have an offer from him. Even still, if she could secure it, Mr. Green was the better match. For both of us. Then Ruth and I could always be together. “It is easier to discover if a man is left wanting when you compare him to another of high standing.”

Ruth followed me, her eyes on my darkened reflection. “Is that why you decided against Augustus when Lord Thorton arrived? Was Augi left wanting?”

“Of course not.” I faced her. “In truth, I’ve never met a man Augustus was inferior to.”

“But then why—”

“I am the daughter of a viscount.” I stated the fact as though it was the definitive reason. I couldn’t tell Ruth that I would have given it all up if I had not been shown my own inferiority. It was Augustus who was superior in every way. “I have a responsibility to my family.”

Ruth gave a small huff. “I know. It’s just you don’t look at Lord Thorton the way you look at Augustus.”

Another light knock sounded, and Leah stepped in, her eyes moving to Ruth.

“Ruth is going to sleep with me tonight.”

“Very well, miss.” Leah skimmed Ruth’s dress. “Should I fetch her nightclothes?”

I gave a vacant nod. “Yes.”

“Here. I shall go with you.” Ruth stepped to Leah’s side. “I know right where everything is, so I’ll make quick work of it. I simply did not wish to go alone.” Ruth stopped, and turned toward me, a folded missive in her outstretched hand. “Oh, and Augustus wished for me to give you this once we were alone. It arrived for you not long after you left for Branbury.”

It was not from Augustus, then. My brief excitement had faded before I had been able to reprimand myself for it. I took hold of the letter. “Thank you, Ruth.”

She smiled happily and linked her arm through Leah’s in an endearing, though utterly inappropriate, manner. The two figures disappeared through the threshold, Ruth’s hushed voice drifting through the open door. I drew near the candle, holding the sealed letter to the light. It only took me a moment to recognize the familiar seal, and I broke it open.

Arabella,

Change of plans. Remove to Branbury without delay.