A Well-Trained Lady (Seasons of Change Book 4)

by Jess Heileman

  His mother’s teasing smirk made Augustus laugh, and he promptly shook his head. “No, I shall spare the lot of you.”

  “Thank heavens.” Mrs. Brundage’s face beamed as she placed a welcoming kiss upon his cheek.

  As if permission had then been granted, we all stood to return to the drawing room.

  “Was your trip a success?” I asked when Augustus stepped next to me upon my exiting the room.

  “I believe so. Though I can’t yet be certain.”

  “And how did you find Bath?”

  He didn’t look the least bit surprised that I should have discovered his whereabouts. “I never thought I’d return to Blacksley.”

  “You were able to get inside despite it being shuttered up these past eight years?”

  “There remains an estate manager, and he thankfully remembered my aunt fondly. When I explained the situation, he didn’t hesitate to let me in.”

  I nodded, remembering the few times I had found the courage to go and sit outside that large, empty house over the years. I had never seen anyone about.

  “Visiting Blacksley with the knowledge of what my aunt had endured all those years was more difficult than I thought it would be.” He released a breath. “But each time I felt sunken in darkness, I would go out of doors and walk the woods toward Fellerton.” He looked down at me. “The memories of us would flood through me and buoy me up.”

  I took hold of his arm and leaned into him. “Though I am sorry for your hardship, I’m glad you were still able to find some joy there.”

  We neared the back of the settee in the drawing room, and I glanced to the doorway in time to see Miss Whitmore and her mother walk through it. Miss Whitmore offered a timid smile, though her mother looked rightly cross by Augustus’s notice having gone to me first. A familiar pang of guilt settled inside me. But I reminded myself it was not my fault Augustus had sought me out. And besides, I scarcely could control where my rogue heart was leading me lately. Countless times since Augustus and I had nearly shared that kiss, I had found my thoughts on him, pondering what a life with him would be like. Wondering if our love could endure.

  Augustus took a step closer, drawing my attention. “I missed you, Bella.”

  My breath hitched at his unashamed admission, but I could not hide my delight. “I am loath to admit it, but I may have missed you also.” His lips curved upwards, and to make it more pronounced, I placed a hand on his arm. When I removed it again, my fingers lingered on his for an extra moment, and, as I expected, his smile grew. “Though you must not allow such an admission to give you airs.”

  “And yet I plan to do exactly that.”

  Ruth bounced to our side, nearly bumping into me in her excitement.

  “What is it, Ruth?” I asked, too contented to hide my amusement.

  “Mr. Treynor is leaving us in two days’ time.”

  “That hardly seems a reason for such a state of delight,” I said.

  Ruth giggled. “Oh, but that is not why I am delighted. I was thinking we should go on our outing tomorrow so that Mr. Treynor could join us.” She looked at Augustus. “You did promise to take Bella to the sea.”

  I gave Augustus a pointed glance. “That is the truth of it.”

  He dropped his shoulders in mock defeat, and his gaze moved to the others. “What say you all to a trip to the coast tomorrow? If the weather is anything like it was today, it should prove to be ideal, indeed.”

  Miss Whitmore looked to her mother, giving a small nod of encouragement.

  Mrs. Whitmore’s consideration stayed on me an uncomfortable moment. “I fear I have obligations tomorrow. But, if you are going, Mrs. Brundage, I don’t see why Candace cannot accompany you. As to Mr. Treynor, he is under no obligation to me, and is therefore able to make his own choice on the matter.”

  “Count me in.” Mr. Treynor’s exuberant confirmation sent Ruth giggling in excitement, and Mrs. Whitmore’s eyes flicking toward the ceiling.

  Augustus’s regard shifted. “Mother?”

  Mrs. Brundage’s cheeks rounded with a smile. “Of course we should go. It has been far too long since our last outing to the seaside.”

  Ruth squealed, and I touched her hand as a gentle correction, though she hardly appeared repentant. “Forgive me. I fear I am a touch too excited.”

  “But only a touch.” I said, realizing my own eagerness was nearly comparable to hers, despite my ability to conceal it better.

  “What time were we hoping to depart?” Miss Whitmore asked, joining me and Augustus as Ruth made her way back to an awaiting Mr. Treynor.

  Augustus’s gaze shifted between us. “Do either of you hold a preference?”

  I gave a small shake of my head in near unison to Miss Whitmore.

  Augustus glanced toward his mother, who was once again in conversation with Mrs. Whitmore. “What if we were to leave late morning? Say around ten? That way we will arrive before the warmest part of the day. We can bring a picnic for sustenance and depart from the shore with plenty of light left to avoid travelling home in the dark.”

  “Mr. Treynor and I will be here at quarter to ten,” Miss Whitmore said, taking a hesitant step away, her expression full of indecision.

  Augustus stepped toward Miss Whitmore. “Are you leaving?”

  She halted her retreat. “I thought to make a request of Mother to be on our way.” Her head tipped slightly to one side, her eyes on Augustus. “I know you wish to talk to your family about what you discovered in Bath, and I fear our presence is delaying that from happening.”

  “If it were only you …” Augustus’s voice trailed off.

  “But it is not, so I can wait until tomorrow for you to enlighten me.”

  “Of course. And, Candace”—Augustus gave an appreciative smile—“thank you.”

  My gaze followed Miss Whitmore as she rejoined her mother. “She is most considerate.”

  Augustus’s notice had already returned to me. “Yes, she is.”

  I tried not to feel disappointment at his confirmation, but the need for comparison was too deeply embedded in me, and I doubted if I would have done the same. Miss Whitmore seemed to be everything Augustus should love, and a part of me was astonished that he had not yet discovered it. Would he once I was married to Lord Thorton? My heart sank at the thought, and I secretly wished he would never see her as anything but a friend.

  “Farewell,” Miss Whitmore called from the doorway, her mother looking anything but pleased as she bid us a parting nod as well.

  Mr. Treynor stepped from Ruth’s side and waved as exuberantly as Ruth often did. “Tomorrow then.”

  “Tomorrow,” Ruth said, looking beyond thrilled as he exited the door behind them. She hurried to my side and took hold of my arm. “You are a genius, Bella. I once again did everything precisely as you taught me, and I’m quite certain Mr. Treynor’s affection for me is beginning to reflect my own for him. Men are quite simple to please, aren’t they?”

  I covered a rogue smile with my hand.

  “I believe there wasn’t one thing in that comment I found agreeable,” Augustus said, with a pointed glance.

  Ruth jutted out her lower lip. “You simply don’t like the idea of me falling in love.”

  “That is not true.” Augustus placed a hand on her shoulder. “I simply do not want you to give your heart prematurely. You should know the person you are to marry long enough that you can be certain they are genuine—that they are the person they proclaim to be.”

  I knew he spoke of Ruth’s father, but for some reason I felt a small prick at his declaration.

  “And how long does it take to discover if someone has a sincere character?” Ruth asked.

  Augustus rubbed his chin, his expression distant. “How long have I known Bella?”

  Ruth’s mouth parted. “I would be firmly on the shelf if I were to wait as long as that.”

  Augustus shrugged, making Ruth gasp, but I reached out and took hold of her hand. “Augustus is only teasing you.
” I sent him a pointed glance to make certain he would leave it there. “Though there is wisdom in what he says, he will be thrilled when you make a suitable match. Won’t you, Augustus?”

  He looked hesitant. “Just do not give your whole heart until I have judged the suitability of your suitor. Agreed?”

  Ruth beamed up at him. “Agreed.”

  “There, now. What a lovely compromise.” I paused, questioning whether Augustus was in an amiable enough mood to discuss Ruth’s coming out.

  He smiled at me.

  “Augustus,” I said, offering my most saccharine smile, “seeing as Ruth was never given a coming out dinner or ball, I thought it appropriate for you to consider holding an event in her honor. It isn’t as though she has been out in Society very long, and it seems the perfect reward for all of her hard work in becoming a lady.”

  Ruth leaned forward in anticipation, though not a sound escaped her lips.

  I pretended to remove some imaginary lint from his jacket with a few brief swipes, allowing my hand to linger. “You need not give an answer yet, as you will need to speak to your mother about it, and in such a way that does not make her feel neglectful, for many parents do not make a fuss about a lady’s coming out, let alone an aunt.”

  Augustus considered Ruth a moment. “Mother and I had actually discussed it previously, but I regret such matters have fallen by the wayside between our mourning period for Father and the hearing on the Seton estate. But perhaps it is time we consider it again.”

  Ruth bounded toward him, her arms wrapping around his waist. “Thank you! I can hardly believe I shall be having a ball in my honor!”

  I offered Augustus an apologetic smile. “It seems as though it shall be a ball.”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “Why am I not surprised?”

  Ruth moved to me, clasping my hand in hers. “Do say you will return for it, Bella.”

  “I should like that very much, if I am able.”

  Ruth squealed, apparently taking my response as confirmation.

  “What is all this joyous ruckus about?” Mrs. Brundage asked, stepping through the doorway with Sarah just behind her. “I wait for Branson to fetch Sarah, and you are already sharing news without me?”

  Augustus returned her playful grin. “No, Mother. But I may have just agreed to hold a ball in Ruth’s honor, if you are not opposed, of course.”

  Mrs. Brundage clasped her hands in delight. “And when is this ball to take place?”

  “Perhaps after the probate hearing in the instance we may have more than one reason to celebrate?”

  Mrs. Brundage drew closer, the amusement in her features replaced by curiosity. “What do you mean, dear?”

  Augustus exhaled, glancing at Ruth. “There is evidence that the coroner’s court was wrong in their initial ruling. Uncle Thomas’s death may not have been self-murder after all.”

  Ruth stiffened at my side, and I grasped her hand in mine.

  “The purpose for my trip to Bath was to search for evidence that could support the claim.”

  Mrs. Brundage’s eyes flitted to Ruth. “And did you find any proof of it?”

  Augustus nodded. “I believe so. I sent Owen everything I had, and I suppose he’ll decide what it is worth.”

  Ruth gripped my hand tighter. “What evidence did you find?”

  “Besides obtaining testimonies from your father’s man of business, servants—including his valet—and a few individuals who knew him well, I found your father’s appointment book that contained engagements scheduled well beyond his death. His financial accounts showed nothing out of the ordinary, and there was a partially finished letter I discovered written to that very same man of business. He made mention of his desire to learn more regarding a speculation he thought would perform well in the coming years. Then he requested the man report back within one week. It was dated the day of his death.”

  Ruth’s face scrunched up for an instant before a small smile emerged. “It does seem odd for a man to continue planning his future if he is set on ending it.”

  “Precisely,” Augustus said with a nod, and he looked at me. “A sane man intent on such a horrific crime would have altered his behavior, at least in part.”

  I stilled, realizing it was me that he was quoting.

  He looked around at the others. “It was Bella’s idea. I wrote to Owen about it, and he set out immediately to see what he could find. It seems there were a few people who already held similar beliefs, and we now have a good deal of evidence to support it.”

  “Then who killed Aunt Susan and her husband?” Sarah’s voice was tainted with worry, and I did not blame her. I had grown up with thinking the Setons’ perpetrator had not been caught, and it had affected me for years. I stopped venturing out in the woods entirely, and despite Mother’s constant badgering, I always hurried down darkened hallways with far too much haste.

  Augustus reached toward Sarah, and she placed her hand in his. “We don’t know who killed them. And we may never know. But whoever did this has likely fled long ago.”

  Despite his assurances, a chill ran down my back.

  “Augustus is right,” Mrs. Brundage said, clasping her hands tightly before her. “We shall consider the findings to be good news. But can the initial ruling be overturned?”

  Augustus tilted his head from side to side. “In theory, the Court of Chancery holds all jurisdiction over matters of equity—the Keeper of the King’s Conscience, they are called. I suppose we shall see how just and understanding that conscience turns out to be.”

  My thoughts were racing. “And if they do overturn the initial ruling, then everything would be returned to Ruth?”

  Augustus nodded. “My uncle’s estate was not entailed. Therefore Ruth, his only surviving child, was left the whole of it in his will.”

  Without a moment’s thought I wrapped my arms around Ruth, causing her laugh to trill through the drawing room. “I thought a lady was not supposed to hug,” she said as I held her tight.

  “But friends are, and I am first and foremost your friend.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ruth glanced out the carriage window. “It is a most pleasant day, is it not?”

  “It is a touch warm to be honest.” I ran my hand up the back of my neck, swiping at the perspiration beginning to accumulate, though I wasn’t certain if it was from the heat or my growing trepidation concerning Augustus. At least Miss Whitmore and I had been spared from being crammed onto one bench as Sarah, Ruth, and Mrs. Brundage now were.

  Ruth glanced over at me. “Oh, but that is what will make the day so perfect. The warmer it is, the better it will be for drying off our skirts. I can attest that the hour-long ride home is hardly ideal if you are both drenched and sandy.”

  I looked at Miss Whitmore who sat beside me. “And do you plan to go wading in the sea also?”

  She withheld a smile, but her lips twitched at the corners. “I’m not yet certain. But I typically do enjoy at least getting my feet wet.”

  I nodded, glancing out the window and wondering if I would be the only one, besides Mrs. Brundage, to forego the experience.

  “Bella has never been to the sea,” Ruth said to Miss Whitmore, my odd behavior apparently requiring some sort of explanation.

  As though she spoke it into existence, the carriage veered, and a silver glimmer in the distance caught my eye. “There it is.” I took in the great vastness of the water that stretched to the horizon and beyond.

  Sarah leaned forward in her seat, attempting to catch a glimpse of it out Ruth’s window.

  Ruth sighed dramatically. “Is it not the most wonderful sight in the whole world?”

  I glimpsed Augustus atop his steed a way off. “Nearly,” I said aloud, before I could stop myself.

  Ruth followed where my line of sight had just been. “Are you referring to Augustus being more wonderful to look at?”

  My face pinked, and I cursed my careless tongue. Surely I knew better. “Of course not,�
� I said, feigning innocence. “I only meant that it is difficult for anything to rival London in my eyes.” But when my gaze returned to the silver line on the horizon, I knew there were two places I now preferred over London—the sea and Fairhaven.

  Ruth filled the silence with her own comparison of London and the seaside until the carriage rolled to a stop.

  The door swung open to reveal Augustus with his beaver hat beneath one arm, his windblown hair making him appear even more handsome than I cared to notice. Instead, I focused on the slight breeze that made its way through the open door, carrying in a waft of salt air. I drew it in, certain I could never grow tired of such an invigorating scent.

  Augustus extended his hand to aid his mother from the carriage before offering it to Miss Whitmore. The way she smiled at him as she exited sent a rush of absurd jealousy through me, and I reminded myself, yet again, that Miss Whitmore’s affection was of no consequence to me. After Sarah and Ruth descended, Augustus held his hand out to me.

  I gripped it in mine, taking in the brilliant view as I stepped down next to him. A stretch of golden beach led right out into the sea. The others were already on their way to where the gentle waves crashed against the shore. “Look at that,” I said, still in awe. “To think I might have lived my whole life with only a vague notion of what I was missing.”

  Augustus’s eyes remained fixed on me. “I know precisely how you feel.”

  I laughed, refusing to take him in earnest. “Do you know what I think?” I took hold of his arm, pulling him forward.

  “What is that?”

  “It is most unfortunate that London Society is not agreeable to you, for I daresay you’d be quite a hit among the ladies with your constant flattery.”

  He squinted, looking out at the horizon. “Well, considering I only have a meager fortune and no title, I doubt I would find much success in Town.”

  The reminder of his situation made my stomach knot, but I waved it away as though such things didn’t truly matter. “You must not underestimate how enticing you are. You could readily persuade an heiress to fall in love with you.”