I stood to bid him goodnight at the very same moment he stepped in front of me to offer his farewell. Our bodies collided, but before I could be offset by the impact, Augustus steadied me. “Pardon me, Miss Godwin.” He took a step back, my skin prickling from the absence of his warmth.
I stood there dumbly, unable to move.
“Goodnight,” he said, reaching for my hand. I placed it in his, and he lifted it to his handsome lips before lowering it again and moving to his mother. “Do not stand on my account,” he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. He bid Sarah and Ruth goodnight in a similar manner and walked from the room.
Ruth tilted her head to the side and appraised me. “Are you going to bed also, Bella?”
Suddenly aware I was still standing, I took a seat again. “Not just yet.”
Ruth and Sarah exchanged a meaningful glance, and I looked to the safety of the flames.
“For all his teasing ways,” Mrs. Brundage said, interrupting the silence, “he is the best man I know. Well, he and Owen, of course.”
Unwilling to discuss the qualities she believed her son possessed in my current state of malleability, I decided to change the topic of conversation. “He must take after his father then, for I have heard your late husband was a superior gentleman as well.”
Mrs. Brundage’s eyes grew wet. “Yes. He was that and more.”
With only a little encouragement, Mrs. Brundage began to speak of Augustus’s father. Her memories of him were filled with light and laughter, and I genuinely enjoyed myself as she spoke.
“My parents did not want me to marry Henry.” Mrs. Brundage stared into the dancing flames. “They said he was beneath me, but I knew better. No matter how much they reasoned that I could find contentment in another marriage situation, I knew that there was not a better option.” Her gaze settled on me. “There are people, Miss Godwin, that will make your life richer and more beautiful by being in it. Henry did that for me. Every morning, I woke grateful that I had chosen him.”
“And what of your parents? Did they ever offer their blessing?”
“No, and for that I am sorry.” She glanced at Ruth and Sarah. “Well, Miss Godwin, I believe you have heard quite enough for the evening. It is nearly eleven, and it seems I have already managed to put one person to sleep.”
I looked to the opposite end of the settee where Sarah slumbered on the armrest. “Poor dear,” I said, standing.
“You and Ruth go on ahead. I shall see to Sarah.”
“Goodnight, Aunt Marina,” Ruth said, kissing Mrs. Brundage on the cheek.
“Goodnight, my dear girl.” There was such affection in Mrs. Brundage’s endearment that I could not help but wonder what it would be like to be so warmly regarded. “Sleep well, Miss Godwin.”
“Thank you.” I offered a brief curtsy before retrieving two candles off the side table. I handed one to Ruth and clasped my arm through hers, eager to finally have her alone.
As we ascended the stairs, I glanced over at her. “You were quiet tonight.”
“I take great pleasure in listening to my aunt speak of Uncle Henry. It is almost like he is still with us when the warmth of her words flows through me.”
“She does have an ability of making you feel as though you were somehow a part of it all.”
“Yes. It was one of my uncle’s favorite things about her. I can still recall the look of utter satisfaction on his face as he watched her tell stories.”
The thought endeared me to the man. “They seem to have both made a fortunate match.”
Ruth tightened her grip on me. “Indeed!”
“Speaking of matches, have you yet placed your affections on a gentleman?”
“Oh, no.” Ruth shook her head as we reached the top of the stairs. “I’m not acquainted with many gentlemen.”
“But you are out in Society, are you not?”
“Yes, but I’ve only been to a handful of gatherings and one ball—Lord and Lady Brimhall’s ball—where I saw you, of course.”
I nodded, debating how to best transition to the topic I’d been yearning to speak with her about.
“Besides,” she said, as we made our way down the corridor, “I wouldn’t even know how to conduct myself if I did fancy someone.”
She had handed me the perfect lead. “I do,” I said, a tad too eagerly.
Ruth giggled. “Well of course you do. Augustus told me you had gentlemen lining up to court you.”
I went rigid. “Did he, now?”
“Oh, yes. He also mentioned that you had received more offers of marriage than any woman he has ever heard of.”
My chest tightened at the thought of Augustus relaying such a thing to Ruth. Heaven knew what she must think of me, and him also. “Yes. Well, matrimony is not a decision to be taken lightly, as you well know.” The moment the words slipped from my mouth I wished them back. “Forgive me, Ruth.” I halted us. “I did not intend—”
“Of course you meant no harm.” Ruth sounded as though she needed to reassure me and not the other way around. “It is hardly a secret that my parents did not maintain a happy marriage.”
No. That secret was mine. “Regardless, I should not have mentioned it so casually.”
“It is already forgotten.”
We were nearing Ruth’s door, and I could not let another opportunity pass. “I believe we got quite off course from what I was hoping to discuss.”
Ruth quirked her head to the side.
It seemed I would never get it out without simply stating it. “I was going to offer to train you … if you desired it.”
“Train me?” Ruth asked, echoing my insensitive wording.
“Not so much train, as”—my mind raced to think of a more pleasant description—“instruct you on being a proper lady.” I paused. “Not that you are not a proper lady already, as you clearly are, I simply thought it could be beneficial …” This entire conversation had gone amiss, and I stopped myself before I made a bigger mess of it all.
“Training sounds wonderful.” Ruth’s eyes danced in the flickering light, filling me with relief. “But are you certain you wish to spend your time at such a task? I am quite aware of the effort it will take.”
“And what else would I do for the next three weeks?”
Ruth’s lips parted, as though she intended to say something, before she closed them again. “I suppose if you truly don’t mind.”
“We will begin first thing after your ride tomorrow.”
Ruth squealed in delight, and I repressed my correction, knowing a fresh start would be beneficial to us both. “I shall see you in the morning, then.”
I turned toward my room, but Ruth clasped my hand in hers. “I am so glad you came to Fairhaven.” She moved close to place a kiss upon my cheek.
“As am I,” I whispered, surprised that the declaration didn’t feel false.
Chapter Eight
I picked at the toast from my breakfast tray as Leah finished pinning my hair into place.
“You rose early, miss.”
I stifled a yawn. “I have promised to aid Ruth in becoming a proper lady, and we will begin this very morning. I shall require your help.”
Leah gave a brief nod, sifting through the box of my jewelry. She selected a simple pearl necklace and placed it around my neck. “And how might I assist you?”
“Ruth will need her hair pinned in a more flattering style. Her forehead is far too wide for the arranged curls that are currently fashionable. A higher coiffure would be more pleasing, I believe, but I leave that to your discretion.”
“That would suit her well.”
A vigorous knock echoed through the room, and I waited for Leah to answer the door.
“Good morning.” Ruth smiled at Leah and bounced into the room. “I was so excited to begin my training, I could hardly sleep. Augi teased me tirelessly about taking a longer ride this morning, but in the end, he made certain we were back early.”
I spun toward her in my chair, cursing my o
versight. “You told your cousin of our plans?”
She nodded, her expression turning hesitant when I did not mirror her excitement. “Was I not to do that?”
I took a calming breath. “It is no matter. I suppose I may require help along the way. But perhaps refrain from telling others.”
Ruth bit her lip sheepishly. “Outside of my family?”
Evidently, she had already told the others. “Yes … of course.” Had I known Ruth would so carelessly mention our plans, I would have first spoken with Mrs. Brundage to ensure she did not think I offered such a thing because of her negligence. I’d simply have to make the point to do so soon.
“Agreed.” Ruth offered a resolute nod. “Where shall we begin?”
I stood and ushered her into the chair where I had just been sitting. “With the simplest thing to change—your appearance. Leah will style your hair.”
“But I have already had it styled.” Ruth reached up to touch the ringlet curls piled around her face.
I pushed my lips together, choosing how to word my reasons kindly. “I believe a different arrangement will more fully compliment the beautiful shape of your face.” I considered the ringlets set on each side of her forehead, affirming how it only served to widen her already heart-shaped face at the top. “We want to elongate your lovely features.”
Though I was certain she didn’t comprehend my explanation, Ruth nodded her agreement. Leah set to work, removing pins and loosening curls. When Ruth’s thick hair hung undone, Leah separated it down the middle, twisting both sides and bringing them, and the remaining hair, to the back. With another twist upward and a few pins to hold it in place, Leah had managed a lovely coiffure. Freeing a few curls around her face, Leah took a step back.
I gave a nod of approval. “Much improved.”
Ruth moved to look at her appearance, but I stopped her.
“Not yet. Wait until we have finished.” I opened my container of powdered carmine, and a touch of red powder floated through the air.
Ruth eyed the powder dubiously. “What is that?”
“Rouge.” I dabbed a small amount onto my fingers and added some hair powder to it. “The trick is applying just enough that it adds rose to your cheeks without appearing as though you are wearing anything at all.” I dusted my fingers and touched the apple of Ruth’s cheeks lightly. “And some on the lips for a touch of color.”
I surveyed the subtle change and was pleased with the effect. “As for your dress …” I paused, and shook my head with a sigh. “I wish I could say I have one that would fit you, but I believe anything of mine would drown you, both in the chest as well as the hips. We shall simply need to commission a few fashionable dresses for you to wear.”
“But I already own so many dresses. I’m certain they are sufficient.”
I scanned the unembellished day dress she wore. “Sufficient is not what we are trying to achieve.” I examined the neckline and sleeves, wondering what could be done to improve upon them. “Leah, grab my golden spencer, the one with the lace trimming. It has always been a little snug on me, and I daresay it will look splendid with Ruth’s coloring.” Leah moved to do my bidding, and I set my gaze back on Ruth. “As for your other gowns, Leah can attempt to update them as well. She is quite handy with a needle.”
Ruth’s eyes flew to Leah. “I would not wish to trouble her.”
“I assure you, it is no trouble.”
Leah returned to my side, and I took the spencer jacket from her, aiding Ruth in putting it on.
The final touch had been just the thing, and I spun Ruth toward the mirror, finally allowing her to see her improved reflection.
Ruth placed a hand over her chest, her lips parting in amazement. “How elegant I look.” She glanced at me over her shoulder. “I can hardly believe it. May we go down and surprise the others with my transformation?”
I moved to Ruth’s side. “We are not yet finished. It is one thing to appear a refined lady; it is quite another to become one.”
“Of course,” she said, gazing at her reflection again and smiling giddily. “What do I need to know?”
I pursed my lips, still unsure what lesson to teach first. “I don’t want to overwhelm you, so we will commence slowly.”
Ruth nodded, still observing herself in the looking glass.
“Let us begin by learning how to repress emotion.”
Ruth shot me a quizzical look.
“A trained lady does not giggle, squeal, speak loudly or excitedly, touch others without purpose—”
Ruth’s face filled with curious delight. “How does one touch someone with purpose?”
I gave a mischievous smirk. “That is a lesson for another time. For now, it is enough for you to know to keep a suitable distance from others. If an arm is offered to you, you may take it, but other than that, avoid all physical contact until I instruct you otherwise.”
Ruth gave a quick lift of her shoulders. “That seems easy enough.”
“That means no hugs.”
Ruth nodded her understanding.
“No enthusiastic or longing grasps of the arm.”
Ruth nodded again.
“And try to keep your excitement imperceptible.”
She beamed, nearly bouncing in her seat. “Shall we go down then?”
“Ruth!”
“Sorry. Imperceptible.” She drew her shoulders up and lowered them with a slow exhale. “Shall we walk down?” she asked again, this time imitating my tone.
“Well done.” I looked to Leah. “Be sure to assess Ruth’s gowns and see what can be done about them.”
Leah’s head lowered. “Of course, miss.”
I waited for Leah to open the door for us then led Ruth out of the room, eager to show off my new pupil.
“Remember, Ruth”—I directed a stern look in her direction as we neared the drawing room entrance—“a lady does not allow others to know how she is feeling without a purpose.”
Ruth bit back a smile and nodded.
I gave her one last appraisal. “You shall do wonderfully,” I whispered, leading her through to the drawing room.
Augustus noticed us first and rose from his chair by the fireplace. Mrs. Brundage and Sarah turned their heads from where they sat on the settee before following his example.
“How lovely you look, Ruth,” Augustus said when he had arrived at my side.
Ruth glanced at me, and I gave a nod of approval.
“Thank you, Augi. Bella had her maid style my hair, and she also let me borrow her spencer. Isn’t it beautiful?” She pulled at the lapels of the jacket and swayed from side to side, no longer able to suppress her grin. “When I first saw my reflect—”
I reached out gently and touched her hand.
“Oh yes,” she said, looking sufficiently contrite, before lifting her chin high into the air. “I thank you for your compliment.”
Mrs. Brundage stepped next to her son with an amused expression. “I must say the style is very becoming on you, Ruth. How grown up you look.”
Sarah released a small sigh. “I quite agree.”
“It is one thing to look the part of a fine lady,” Ruth said, appraising me before emulating my stance, “now Bella must teach me to act the part also.”
“Act the part? That seems an interesting yet fitting description.” Augustus smirked at me. “But I suppose if your desire is to learn to bat your eyelashes and become privy to the secret means of entrancing gentlemen, I can think of no finer tutor than Miss Godwin.”
Ruth clasped onto my arm. “It is! How I long to be admired like Bella.”
I pinned Augustus with a subtle glower. “Ruth, there is more to being a lady than simply being admired. But I suppose it is a difficult distinction to appreciate among the less cultivated of the sexes.”
Augustus chuckled at my retort.
“I think it’s a wonderful notion,” Mrs. Brundage said cheerily. “And it’s so very kind of you to offer your assistance.”
Guilt pric
ked me. “I hope you do not think me pretentious in offering such a thing. I assure you, I do not find Ruth lacking in any way.” It was a lie, but a necessary one. “I had simply thought it would be something enjoyable to pass the time, while allowing me to continue in my own development as well.”
Mrs. Brundage gave a kind smile. “I did not find your offer at all pretentious. It has been far too long since I’ve been a young lady in training, so your knowledge is much appreciated.”
I caught sight of Sarah’s rapt expression, but she quickly dropped her eyes to her hands when she noticed me watching her.
“You are welcome to join us also, Sarah.” The offer came without my needing to consider it. “If that is acceptable to you, Mrs. Brundage?”
Sarah’s hope-filled eyes lifted to her mother.
“I don’t see why not. She is seventeen and will have her own coming out soon enough.” Mrs. Brundage smiled at Sarah with encouragement. “Would you like to join Miss Godwin for lessons, Sarah?”
A beautiful flash of pink colored Sarah’s cheeks. “Yes. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Not in the least.” I clasped my hands in front of my chest, confident Sarah’s willingness meant she would soon grow to be at ease with me. “Shall we begin? Three weeks shall pass before we know it and there is much to cover before my departure.”
“Yes. You best get started. And unless I’m needed”—Mrs. Brundage looked to me, and I shook my head—“I shall be catching up on my correspondence.”
Pulling his eyes from his mother’s retreating figure, Augustus met my gaze. “I suppose I better get to work myself. I’d hate to keep you from your …” He waved his hand in small circles as though he was attempting to think of the correct word.
“Training,” Ruth interjected.
He pointed at her. “Precisely.”
“Well don’t go far, Mr. Brundage. I may require your assistance at some point.”
He appraised me a moment.
“There are several things of vital importance that will only be learned while interacting with a gentleman.”
A Well-Trained Lady (Seasons of Change Book 4) Page 8