Page 93 of A Well-Trained Lady

“What are we doing?” Ruth asked.

I untied my bonnet and tossed it to the side. “I am teaching you the waltz.”

Ruth’s eyes widened. “But how shall that work? We are both ladies.”

“How difficult can the gentleman’s part be?”

Ruth gave a shrug and removed her own bonnet.

“Stand here next to me on my right and face the same direction as me.” Without a word of complaint, Ruth stepped to my side, and I placed my right hand on her waist. “Put your hand over mine, and now extend your left hand so that I may take hold of it.” I inspected the stance. “Very good. This is the starting position. Now we will walk forward, both of us stepping with our outside foot first. But step slowly.” We stepped. “Now the other foot. Slow step. Good. And two more times.”

“That isn’t so hard.”

I smiled. “Now face me, lifting your left hand while it is still in mine, bringing it to the center just above us. Good. Your right hand will move to my waist, and my right will remain on yours.”

Ruth giggled. “I can see why some people believe the waltz to be improper. We are so very close. I’m certain when it is a gentleman I’m partnered with, I shall have a constant blush the entire set.”

“The dimly lit ballroom will allay the effect.” I thought through the next movements, attempting to recall the stepping order of the gentleman. “This is where it gets a touch more difficult. We are going to circle one another, you starting with your right, and me, I believe, with my left.” The gravel shifted beneath us, making the movement a touch clumsy. “Now step with your left and rotate on it.”

Ruth leaned too far to the side at the same moment that I mis-stepped. The laughter that erupted from us both did little to help us to right our error, and we nearly toppled. Ruth caught hold of my arm, balancing me. How good it felt to laugh again.

“What are the two of you up to?” I stilled at finding Augustus standing in the alcove’s opening, the corners of his mouth twitching as though refusing us his smile.

I straightened my posture. “I was just teaching Ruth the waltz.”

He quirked a brow. “And how was that going?”

Ruth covered her mouth, and I gave a small shrug. “Well enough.” I paused, waiting for him to fill the silence, but he didn’t. “Aren’t you supposed to be out fishing with the gentlemen?”

“I’ve had my fill and decided to return early.”

I glanced toward Branbury. “Did you come to the gardens by way of the house?”

Augustus shook his head. “I walked from the pond, so I came the back way into the gardens.”

My relief was instantaneous, knowing Mother could not be aware of his being here. I took in his solemn expression, and I longed to say something to bring a smile to his lips, but instead I looked at Ruth. “Now that your cousin is here, he can assist you.”

Ruth’s eyes lit with excitement, the dark chocolate color radiant in the daylight. “In truth, I believe it would be most helpful to see the two of you waltz.”

I shook my head. “That is hardly neces—”

Ruth placed her hands on her hips, sending me a pointed look. “You always say lessons are easier to recall if you can visualize them.”

Augustus’s expression was as hesitant as my own.

“Come you two.” Ruth urged me forward. “I simply must see it done.”

After a moment, Augustus gave a slow nod, acknowledging his willingness.

I drew in a breath, attempting to calm my racing heart that was plotting an uprising within me. “Very well.” I stepped to Augustus’s side, keeping my gaze forward. It was only a dance. Nothing more.

His hand moved to my waist, and though his touch was gentle, the penetrating warmth stirred memories within me, stealing my breath. Only a dance. I inhaled, placing my hand over his, before extending my other out. He took hold of it and effortlessly led me forward. When we had taken four steps, we rotated into one another, our hands lifted high between us. The warmth of his breath touched my cheek, making my heart stutter. I placed my hand on his waist and we began turning, each movement bringing our bodies closer together.

His intent gaze held traces of sadness that I could hardly endure, yet I could not look away. We transitioned into the stepping movement again, his touch lightening so it was hardly perceivable on my waist and hand. It made him feel disconnected from me, and I longed for things to be the way they had been when I had first arrived at Fairhaven. But there was too much unsaid between us, too many things to seek his forgiveness for, and I could neither find the words nor the courage.

“Bella.” His voice was quiet as we faced one another a second time. He drew in close. “I must know if this is what you truly want.”

My heart beat wildly, uncertain what he was referring to.