Page 94 of A Well-Trained Lady

“All of this,” he said, his eyes flicking to Branbury.

“Oh.” I swallowed my disappointment, too aware of the lie that must be said. “It is what I want.”

As we turned, his grip suddenly tightened on my waist in a way that made my body tremble with desire. “Then I am happy for you.”

I nearly missed a step. “You are happy for me?”

“Well, I am determined to be.” He released me to resume the forward position again. “I thought I was coming to Branbury to convince you to change your mind, to show you that I could provide you the greatest happiness.” We stepped forward, my legs threatening to give out under me with each movement. “But if you believe it is Lord Thorton that can provide it, then I will accept that. I only want your happiness. It is all I have ever wanted.”

My thoughts whirled as we faced one another again. I scanned his expression, so full of heartbreak. I could not take it. “I must go.”

We stopped, dropping our arms, but neither of us stepped away.

Augustus’s hand lifted to my face, and it was only then I realized that a tear had escaped onto my cheek.

He gave a small smile, his hand lingering on my neck. “Tell me what you want of me. Tell me, and I’ll do it.” His eyes moved between mine with such intensity I thought he might discover the answer on his own.

Attempting to find any bit of strength I could hold onto, my focus landed on Ruth just behind him. Her hopeful expression was precisely what I needed. If I could not lie for my own sake, I would lie for hers. I lifted my hand to cover his. “I want you to find happiness also.” I drew in a steadying breath. “But you deserve someone worthy of your love. Someone like Miss Whitmore.” His brow pulled low, but I stepped away, holding on to his hand until the last possible moment. “Forgive me.”

Without a glance behind, I lifted my skirts and hastened toward the house, tears now streaming down my face.

* * *

Mr. Green and Ruth stood observing a hand of cards being played at a nearby card table. He leaned in and whispered something to Ruth, and she lifted a hand to her mouth, laughing.

Lord Thorton leaned in close. “I believe my friend finds your friend very intriguing.”

I forced a smile to my lips. “I believe you are right. And I do not oppose it in the least.”

“But what do you say of her cousin? He looks far from thrilled by the notion.”

I followed Lord Thorton’s gaze to Augustus, whose unwavering focus on Mr. Green was thick with distrust.

“I believe his misgiving is not particularly Mr. Green himself, but his dislike of any man showing interest in Ruth.”

Lord Thorton laughed, causing Augustus’s glare to slide to us. “I shall not complain, not when he has proven himself impartial to my regard for you.”

I looked away, not wishing for Lord Thorton to perceive how distressing his comment had been. “Had you thought it would be otherwise?”

“I admit, I had. I saw so much life in you those brief moments at Fairhaven, but when we returned to Branbury the light seemed to dim.”

My gaze remained forward.

“That is why I invited Miss Seton and Mr. Brundage here. I needed to see the light again.” He paused. “And I needed to see which of them ignited it in you.”

I drew in a slow breath and looked at him. “And did you find what you hoped?”

“I believe so.” He studied me. “Unless you wish to inform me otherwise?”

I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak.

He smiled, that all-too-familiar glint in his eyes. “When does your father arrive again?”

My chest constricted. “Friday morning.”

“Very good. I am eager to speak with him.” Lord Thorton paused. “Do you care to play a hand with me?”

“I fear I will be a very ill partner tonight. I’m far too tired to think clearly.”