Page 19 of Married to the Lord

She and Joanna strolled around the room while Chloe accompanied Brook, who had met some old friends. Joanna laid a hand on Augusta’s arms. “I knew of Mr. Jenkins reputation but this crowd is quite the insalubrious one.”

“I fear you are right.”

“Well, at least we can say we have seen the house and attended the party. Surely Henry will hear of this and you can consider it another success in your plan to show him what he is missing.”

Augusta grimaced. “It sounds so frivolous and silly when you say it like that.”

“Not silly,” said Joanna, sinking onto a spare chaise longue that sat beneath one of the open windows. A fresh breeze washed over Augusta’s bare neck and shoulders as she sank next to her friend onto the plush velvet. It made her itch to be outside, riding horses, and/or walking. Anything other than being here.

She glanced around at the guests. All were dressed fashionably and appeared to be having a riot of a time. This was not her. Oh Lord, this was really not her. What had she been thinking?

“Augusta, as a woman, one must do whatever she can to secure her future. You should have no shame in wishing to prove to Henry that he cannot just leave you here all alone. Any man should be lucky to have you.” Joanna’s lips tilted. “You have already proven yourself attractive to other men.”

“Do not say it.”

“Miles could not resist you, could he, after all.” Joanna’s smile turned mischievous. “Imagine what Henry would think if he knew.”

“If he knew, he would never return and I would be ruined forever,” Augusta said glumly.

“All I am saying is that you are an excellent catch and I am glad Miles recognized it, even if he is not the man for you.”

“I’m not sure what Miles recognized.” Augusta tweaked the seams of her gloves until they were perfectly straight.

Joanna gave her a little nudge. “That he cannot resist you.”

“I doubt it was that. Miles is far too....well…far too something for me. And we both vowed to put that moment from our mind so I would be grateful if you do not bring it up again.”

Joanna sighed dramatically. “A widow has to find entertainment somewhere. Is it wrong for me to enjoy that my friend is finally getting the attention she deserves?”

“I am beginning to feel utterly foolish about the whole matter. Especially now M—”

“Especially now Miles is paying you attention.”

“Well, I certainly did not expect anything so...so messy to happen.”

“Let us forget the matter, as you said, and concentrate on our plans to ensure you have some fun while waiting for the useless Henry.”

“He is not useless, he is just...” Augusta let her shoulders droop. “He is just busy, that is all,” she said softly.

Of course, the words sounded ridiculous. For so long she had been defending Henry, pretending there was good reason for him being gone for so long. After all, he was a good man. Everyone who met Henry said as much. He was about the nicest man she had ever known and she had known him all his life and it made sense that they should be together and…well there were so many reasons, it was hard to name them all.

Not to mention she had waited this long.

“I see those gentlemen appear interested in you, Augusta. I think it is the new hairstyle. It is quite becoming against your features.”

Augusta could not deny that the softer look that her maid had created for her today brought out her lips and accentuated her long neck. She had almost felt like her hair no longer swallowed her whole once she was dressed and made up for the day. It was a lot of work, however, and she was not at all certain she could keep up these habits forever.

She glanced over at the men in question who were gathered near the empty fireplace. She recalled two of them from the garden party but could not for the life of her remember their names. Unfortunately, seeing Miles had just about erased any useful information all together from that day.

Swallowing, she nodded. “I suppose we should appear interested.”

“Yes, let’s. The taller one is quite handsome.” Joanna looked at them boldly, her smile inviting. Augusta attempted to do the same.

Joanna glanced at her. “Perhaps I should do the inviting. You just look out of the window and appear disinterested.”

“I thought I was meant to look interested.”

“Well, some men like disinterest. It presents a challenge.”

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