A Well-Trained Lady (Seasons of Change Book 4)
Page 31
“That is an improvement to looking well enough, I suppose.”
Ruth leaned forward and whispered to Mrs. Brundage, and Mrs. Brundage nodded. Her eyes were dancing as she sent me a meaningful glance. It was time.
“Now I have a surprise for you,” Ruth said, looking at Augustus.
He appeared completely perplexed by the notion. “And what is that?”
“Sarah,” Ruth called. “Come in!”
Sarah took a hesitant step into the room wearing a beautiful white ball gown, her hair set in a lovely coiffure with loose curls positioned around her face.
“What is this about?” Augustus asked, his brows set low.
“She is also having her coming out tonight,” Ruth said matter-of-factly. “We decided not to tell you until the last minute—which is now.”
Augustus stared at his sister for a time, then lowered his gaze to me. “Did you know of this?”
I attempted an air of innocence. “As though I would go behind your back and help plan such a thing.”
“You did, and you didn’t tell me.” He shook his head, his jaw slackening in offense, though a slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth betrayed him.
I pinned him with an overdone pout. “Would you have allowed it if I had?”
His eyes widened. “No. Absolutely not. She cannot come out into Society yet, she’s still far too young.”
“She absolutely can,” Mrs. Brundage said, beckoning Sarah to her. “She underwent the same training as Ruth, she is old enough, and Ruth wishes with all her heart to have the two of them share their coming out.”
Ruth linked her arm with Sarah. “It will bring me so much comfort to know she is there with me.”
Augustus was still gawking at his sister, who did not shy away from the attention as she once would have done. “This is absolute madness. She is but a chi—”
I put a hand on his arm, giving a subtle shake of my head to silence him.
His shoulders lowered in defeat, and he released a heavy breath.
“You look exquisite, Sarah,” I said, smiling at her. “And I believe you are ready to take on the world.” I glanced at Ruth. “You both are.”
Augustus pointed a finger at them, attempting to appear stern. “If a gentleman so much as looks at either of you wrong, I shall revoke his invitation immediately and physically see him from our home—just so you are both aware.”
Taking that as apparent permission, Ruth and Sarah embraced, giggling in utter delight.
“What is all the fuss?” Our small group turned to find Owen and Candace walking into the room through the open door when Owen’s gaze landed on Sarah. “Why is Sarah dressed for the ball?”
“They all decided she would have her come out with Ruth tonight,” Augustus said. “Without telling me. And apparently you either.”
Owen’s gaze turned to his mother. “You cannot be serious. She is but a child.”
“She is seventeen,” Candace said with a smile. “The same age I was when I entered Society. Besides, she has been trained, and it is Ruth’s dearest wish that they could come out together.”
Augustus’s lips parted, and he pointed his finger again. “Those are the exact same reasons Mother gave, Candace. Did all five of you conspire against us?”
Owen glanced at Candace, dumbfounded. “You knew of this?”
She lifted her chin. “Of course I did.” Candace fixed him with a pointed stare. “And I don’t think you need even ask why I didn’t mention it to you. You have made it quite obvious.”
Augustus and Owen shared a sympathetic glance. “Owen, you can help me keep an eye on the gentlemen.”
Owen took in Sarah and Ruth. “This is going to be a long night.”
Victory was ours!
After greeting Ruth, Sarah, and Mrs. Brundage, Candace came to my side and linked arms with me. “That went better than expected.”
“Thank heavens, considering we included both Ruth’s and Sarah’s names on our invitations.”
Candace smiled, glancing over at Owen. “I have news.”
“What is that?”
“It seems Mother is not nearly as dissatisfied with my choice to marry Owen as she is at living in that large house all alone. We shall be moving into Safford Park with her at the end of the month. She also said that she has already left it to us in her will.”
I took hold of Candace’s hand that rested in the crease of my elbow. “Oh, how wonderful. Now I shall have to think of my next wish, for they all seem to be coming true as of late.”
She pulled me a few steps away from the others. “Perhaps you might consider giving our child a playmate as your next wish.”
My eyes widened, and I glanced down at her stomach before I could stop myself. “You’re with child?”
She drew closer. “Yes. But I wish all the attention to be on Ruth and Sarah tonight, so we will not announce it yet.”
My heart warmed. “I am so happy for you both. You shall make wonderful parents.”
“What are the two of you whispering about this time?” Augustus asked, pausing his conversation with Owen.
I smiled at him. “You shall come to know in time.”
“Time? Oh, look at the time,” Mrs. Brundage interjected suddenly, scooting Ruth and Sarah to the door. “Our guests will begin arriving any minute. Come on, everyone downstairs.” We all moved to the door, but Mrs. Brundage stopped in the doorway. “Oh, Bella, dear. I forgot to mention that your father arrived and said he would be down as soon as he was cleaned up.”
“Wonderful, thank you for telling me.”
“Come on,” she said again, guiding the others out ahead of her. As my bedchamber emptied, I took hold of Augustus’s hand, halting him.
He looked down at me. “What is it?”
“I believe I know my next wish.”
“Your next wish?” Augustus lowered his brow. “Whatever do you mean?”
I smiled, lifting on my toes to place a light kiss on his lips. “We must go down now. But do remind me to tell you later.”
THE END
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JESS HEILEMAN’S DEBUT NOVEL
Abigail: A Novel
THE “SEASONS OF CHANGE” SERIES
BOOK 1: The Road Through Rushbury
by Martha Keyes
BOOK 2: A Forgiving Heart
by Kasey Stockton
BOOK 3: The Last Eligible Bachelor
by Ashtyn Newbold
BOOK 4: A Well-Trained Lady
by Jess Heileman
BOOK 5: The Cottage by Coniston
by Deborah Hathaway
BOOK 6: A Haunting at Havenwood
by Sally Britton
BOOK 7: His Disinclined Bride
by Jennie Goutet
Acknowledgments
Where would I be without the countless people who helped and encouraged me along the way? I certainly wouldn’t be here—that’s for sure. This book was so much harder for me to write than my first, and it truly took a team of people to get me through it. So here’s my meager attempt to thank those who made publishing “A Well-Trained Lady” a reality.
First, I need to thank my husband. He is my sanity, my biggest support, and my best friend. He is always thrilled to read my work, edit what I
need him to, and handle all that goes by the wayside while I’m writing. I love him more each and every day.
My wonderful children are incredible. They not only are understanding of me as I pursue my dream of writing, but they support me, cheer for me, and love me through all the ups and downs. Despite not having read either of my books yet, they are very adamant about being my top fans.
My amazing parents, my wonderful in-laws, and my brothers and sisters—thank you. Thank you for supporting me in my dream and helping me wherever you are able. Thank you for taking the time to care about what I care about, and putting up with all my silliness and the demands on my time. Thank you to my extended family, which has been so supportive. My family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—is honestly the best group of cheerleaders, and I love them all!
My amazing friends, you are so often my strength and my joy. You are always there for me when I need you most, and I cherish each and every one of you. Thank you for always lifting and inspiring me.
The group of writer friends I have found in the community of authors is incredible. I don’t know how I published my first book without them. They are there to help and encourage me whenever I’m in need. There are so many of them, I wish I could name them all, but there are a few who have been vital in my success.
To my local writer friends: Celeste Cox, Kaleena Shreeve, and Amy Standage, I treasure the friendships we’ve made and our girls’ nights out. To my Hidden Springs friends—I love you all! It is an amazing thing to find more of “my people” in this vast world, and I’m thrilled I have.
My fellow admins of Sweet Regency Romance Fans: Sarah Adams, Sally Britton, Jennie Goutet, Deborah Hathaway, Martha Keyes, Ashtyn Newbold, Kasey Stockton, and Mindy Strunk I adore each of you! Thank you for allowing me into this group, and then keeping me once you got to know me. It is amazing to have friends whom you can rely on without fail.
Thank you to my critique partners: Emily Beeson, Martha Keyes, and Kasey Stockton. Every week I looked forward to our meeting, not just for your great feedback but to chat and laugh with you. You have been a constant support throughout this entire process and have taught me so much.
And a huge thank you to my beta readers that took something rough and made it resemble a book. Jennie Goutet, Deborah Hathaway, and Clarissa Kae your input was beyond helpful and insightful. I’m in awe at the knowledge you each have regarding what makes a good story and good writing, as well as your unique abilities that added so much depth to my story. Thank you.
Ashtyn Newbold, thank you for helping me design my cover. You have so many talents that I should really stop being surprised each time I learn of yet another thing you are capable of.
A huge thank you to Jenny Proctor, my editor, for the feedback and fixes you sent me. I was amazed at your ability to pinpoint the weak spots of my manuscript and for your knowledge of story and grammar. This book is so much better because of you!
I am so grateful for all the ARC readers who were willing to read my book and review it (also thank you to those who sent me errors along the way). I treasured each email I got from you. Huge hugs from me to each of you for your time and effort on my behalf!
Susan Kuechenberg, Angie McCain, Julie Carpenter, and Whitney Wright, thank you for your extreme care in catching so many of those pesky errors that have eluded me and countless others. You amaze me with your knowledge and your willingness to assist me.
And a special thanks to Elise Griffin for proofreading my book. I feel so much better sending “A Well-Trained Lady” into the world knowing your well-trained eyes were on it. It always amazes me how many things you catch in a manuscript I had thought to be fairly clean. Thank you!
Lastly, and above all, I want to thank God for the talents He has given me, His steadfast love, and His blessings when I need them most.
About the Author
In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. The storyline was solid: there was this pig that wore a wig—and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did.
Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades—and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories.
Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows.