Page 92 of A Well-Trained Lady

Papa

How strange that those two lines could have prevented so much heartache had they been read in time. But they hadn’t. And now all that was left for me was an inescapable sorrow. Crumpling up the letter, I threw it into the darkness then wrapped my arms tightly about myself, refusing to let my thoughts focus on anything but the emptiness around me.

Chapter Twenty-One

“Have I been keeping you awake at nights?”

I glanced at Ruth, her pleased expression taking in the garden around us. “Not at all.” In truth, Ruth’s even breaths and the warmth of her next to me had proven just the thing to lull me to sleep the past several nights, somehow staving off the nightmares I’d had since leaving Fairhaven.

“I’m glad to hear it. But you must tell me if it gets burdensome, and I’ll …” She paused. “I was going to say I’ll sleep in my own room, but I believe I would prefer the chaise lounge near your hearth to being alone.”

I smiled at her ridiculousness, the thought of having her with me bringing me more comfort than I cared to admit. “There will be no need for that. You are always welcome with me.”

Ruth tilted her head, appraising me. “I’ve hardly seen you smile since we arrived. At least not a real authentic smile like that.” She flicked her chin toward me. “What has been on your mind?”

“Why did Augustus agree to come to Branbury?” I blurted the question before I had time to consider the possible implications.

Ruth shrugged. “We received Lord Thorton’s invitation a few days after you left. Augustus was set on declining at first, but with a little persuasion from Aunt Marina, Sarah, and me, he changed his mind.”

“But why?”

Ruth studied me without answering, then she dropped her gaze to her hands. “Are you unhappy we came?”

“No. Of course not.” I touched her arm, and she lifted her head. “I could not be more thrilled that you are here.” I paused, dropping my hand to my side. “It just seems odd that Augustus would come. Especially considering he has avoided me since our first conversation days ago. I know we hardly see the gentlemen during the days, but when we come together in the evenings, after dinner, he makes no point to seek me out.”

“Do you wish him to?”

“No, of course not. In truth, I don’t know what I wish.” A sigh slipped from my lips. “Forgive me. I should not have mentioned it.”

“Bella, I hope I do not upset you by asking, but why did you tell Lady Beatrice the evening of my arrival that Augustus would soon offer for Miss Whitmore? I have thought of it countless times these past few days, but I cannot figure out why you …”

“Why I lied?”

Ruth bit at her lip, offering a timid nod.

“It’s complicated.” The moment the excuse slipped from me, I realized I had given Ruth the very excuse Mother always gave me. It would not do. “I lied because I was trying to protect Augustus from the cunning designs of Lady Beatrice. An upcoming engagement was the first thing that came to my mind, and I said it.”

“But Lady Beatrice does not seem cunning. Erroneous at times, but not full of guile.”

“She allows you to see what she wants you to see. She is a spiteful creature, and I will not have her play with your cousin’s emotions, even if I must lie to keep her from doing so.”

Ruth gave a small huff. “I suppose I can see why you felt inclined to say such a thing.”

We continued on, the buzzing of insects and the calls of birds filling the silence.

“There is to be a ball next Friday,” I said, desperate to counter the melancholy I’d caused.

Ruth cheered. “Truly?”

I pulled a vibrant green leaf off a bush we were passing, twirling the stem between my thumb and index finger. “Yes.”

Suddenly Ruth stopped, a look of panic on her face. “But you never taught me to dance.”

I paused, facing her. “You said you knew some dances.”

“Simple country dances. Surely those are not what will be performed at this ball.”

I took in the worry tainting her lovely face, then lifted on to my toes, scanning the top of the hedges to ensure no one else sought refuge in the garden. “Come.” I took hold of her hand and led her to a decent-sized alcove off the garden path.