Page 95 of A Well-Trained Lady

Lord Thorton scanned the large room where six tables had been set up, most of the chairs already filled with guests playing cards. “As your friend has commandeered my typical partner, I shall convince Mother to play a hand with me. She always claims I neglect her when I’m selecting a partner despite knowing she is superior.” He chuckled. “If only that were the truth. But now seems as good a time as any to lose some money for the sake of appeasement.”

“Is it not amazing the things we will do to content our parents?”

Though I’d not meant the comment as a jest, Lord Thorton’s laughter trailed behind him as he crossed the large room.

He easily persuaded Lady Thorton to join him before aiming his smile at Mother. Mother gave an imploring nod to me, indicating she wished for me to join also. With no other option, I started toward them when, to my surprise, Lord Hancock neared the small group. I halted, waiting to see if I had been offered a windfall from Lady Beatrice’s father. To my great relief, she stepped in next to Lord Hancock and meandered to the table with the others where Lord Hancock pulled a chair out for her. With one last warning glare in my direction, Mother sat, her back to me.

“What do you know of Mr. Green?” Augustus asked, stepping near me.

My heart raced foolishly at his proximity, and I took a small step away to settle it. “He is a gentleman.” Augustus’s attention remained fixed on Ruth and Mr. Green as I continued. “As well as the second son of a baron.”

“And that’s it? You are encouraging Ruth toward Mr. Green based on those two facts alone?”

“Does it not say something about his character that Lord Thorton holds him as a close friend and has since childhood?”

“No. It does not. The only comfort I take in any of it is that Ruth has no fortune to tempt a second son of a baron.”

I swallowed and clasped my hands tightly in front of me, fixing my gaze back on Ruth and Mr. Green.

“Bella? What have you done?”

I could not look at him. “I mentioned that Ruth could inherit a small sum if the court case is overturned.”

“A small sum? How small did you say?”

I bit at the inside of my lip. “Perhaps I did exaggerate a bit, but I did it for Ruth.”

Augustus took a step toward me. “Please tell me you are jesting?”

I lifted my chin. “I don’t see the harm in it.”

“Do you not?” Augustus ran a hand through his hair. “Look at me, Bella.”

Tears welled in my eyes, and I shook my head.

“Unless you desire a scene, please look at me.”

Ever so slowly, I met his gaze, blinking back my tears.

“You had no right to do that—to tell them of the court case and Ruth’s lost inheritance. She may never get that back.”

“I simply wanted her to be accepted.” I glanced around the room to make certain we had not drawn anyone’s attention. “It was only a matter of time before everyone here discovered her past, and I thought it would be most beneficial—”

“For who, Bella? Was it most beneficial for Ruth or for you?”

Anger surged through me. “I would not have been forced to say such a thing had you declined Lord Thorton’s invitation like any reasonable man would have done. Surely you are just as much at fault as I am.”

“Do you hear yourself?” Augustus shook his head. “I feel I hardly know you.”

“This is me, Augustus.” A tear slipped down my cheek, and I swiped it away. “Do you now see why I could not marry you? You were made to believe I’m still the girl I once was, but I’m not.” My voice faltered. “I fooled you, and I fooled myself. It is better that you realized the truth before you were stuck in a marriage with someone you would certainly grow to despise.”

“Is that why you left Fairhaven?” Augustus’s expression softened, but I did not answer. “It’s not true you know. Not a word of it.”

“It is.” I lifted my shoulders and shook my head in defeat. “And I have no power to change it.”

“We always have the power to change.”

“No, we do not. I do not.”