A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman

Author:Jess Heileman
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-07-27T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“L eave?” Mrs. Brundage asked. “For what purpose?”

I watched intently as Augustus released a heavy breath, his gaze returning to the letter in hand. “Owen has uncovered evidence that could potentially affect the Setons’ case.”

“What evidence?” Ruth’s voice was subdued.

Augustus tilted his head to one side, hesitation evident in his features. “If I discover there is something to tell you, I will.”

Ruth bit at her lip. “But only if it is good news.”

“Of course.”

She gave a small nod, appearing relieved by Augustus’s agreement.

“When do you leave?” I asked, attempting to conceal the disappointment in my voice.

“I’m afraid I cannot delay. Owen expects the hearing will take place within the next fortnight, and all evidence must be compiled before it begins.”

Now it was my turn to offer a timid nod in lieu of a response, trying to convince myself it was for the good of both of us that he was leaving. I needed to fortify my defenses in his absence.

Augustus glanced around at our solemn expressions. “Come now, it should only take a matter of days.”

I forced out a smile for his sake. “We ladies have much to occupy our time, don’t we?” Ruth and Sarah nodded in unison, and I looked back to Augustus. “Though I may need Mr. Treynor to assist me with a lesson or two in your absence.”

Augustus’s lips lifted into a glorious smile, just as I’d hoped. “I must insist you hold off on those lessons requiring the aid of a gentleman until my return.”

Ruth and Sarah laughed, but I gave a small lift of my chin. “Then you’d best be on your way so that you may return before I am forced to press on without you.”

“You wouldn’t.”

I lifted a brow.

“Very well.” Augustus stepped in front of me and took hold of my unbandaged hand. He paused. “Do wait for me, Bella.” I was certain he spoke of more than the lessons.

My heart pattered about recklessly, and though I tried to keep myself from agreeing, my attempt was halfhearted at best. “I will.”

He lifted my hand and placed his lips to my knuckles. So tender was the gesture, I dropped my gaze for fear he, or one of our onlookers, would glimpse the undeniable pleasure that coursed through me because of it. When he released my hand, I clasped it in my other, waiting for my self-control to return. When I finally looked up, he had just kissed his mother’s cheek.

He offered me one last adoring smile. “Take care, all of you.”

“You also,” I said, and he disappeared through the open door.

The room fell silent, and we listened to his muffled footsteps retreat down the carpeted corridor. A strange desire to go after him flooded over me, but I disregarded it. What good would it do either of us?

“I still cannot believe you and Augustus nearly kissed,” Ruth chirped, acknowledging the very topic I most wished to avoid in his absence.

Mrs. Brundage pressed her lips together. I wondered if she meant to say something, but then she took a step backward.

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