Page 24 of Married to the Lord

“He is n—” Augusta stopped herself. She was done dashing to his defense.

Chloe topped up their cups from the teapot in the center of the table. “Does anyone else know of this kiss?”

Augusta looked to Joanna.

“She knew before me?” Chloe shook her head and pouted. “How unfair.”

“Chloe—”

“I am jesting.” Chloe gave Augusta a little nudge with her elbow. “Though I hope you planned to tell me eventually.”

Augusta dropped two sugars into her tea and added milk, stirring it for far too long and watching the tawny liquid swirl about the cup. “I am deeply ashamed.”

Chloe arched a red eyebrow. “Henryshould be deeply ashamed for neglecting you for so long.”

“I know you think I am silly for waiting for so long. But none of this matters anymore. Not Miles, not these rumors, not the...kiss. Henry is returning home soon.”

“I do not think you are silly.” Chloe shook her head vigorously. “You are just a more patient and dutiful woman than I am. Those are not bad traits.”

“Precisely,” Joanna agreed.

“But you do not think I should marry him?”

“I did not say that. Did I say that, Joanna?” Chloe asked.

“I know that is what you are thinking. I know it is what a lot of people are thinking.” She turned her attention back to her untouched cup of tea.

“We will always support your decisions, Augusta,” Joanna assured her. “You know that. If marrying Henry upon his return makes you happy, then you should do that.”

“That is if he still wants to marry me,” Augusta muttered.

“He would not break off the engagement and ruin you, I am sure. His brother would not allow it for one,” Joanna stated firmly.

Augusta suspected Joanna was right. Miles would never let anything bad happen to her. Why could she not have turned Henry down and...well...nothing, she supposed. Miles was determined Henry should return and marry her. That had to mean any feelings for her had long passed—if there were any feelings at all.

“With any luck, once you marry Henry, these rumors shall fade,” Joanna said. “Though I would be careful not to be seen alone with Miles again.”

Chloe grinned. “And no more kissing.”

Augusta tried to smile at the teasing but it felt forced. Especially when all she could think of was kissing Miles again.

“Let us talk on more pleasant things,” Augusta suggested. “How are your wedding plans coming along?”

Chloe made a face. “Mama is trying to make it the biggest event in all of Christendom, I think.” She smiled. “Though, Brook is rather excellent at managing her I’ve found. I trust he will keep it the small affair we have hoped for.”

“Soon, you shall be planning yours, Augusta,” Joanna said. “Perhaps Chloe will be able to help.”

“I hardly know what I am doing with my own. I’m leaving it entirely in the hands of others. I fear I would be useless!”

Augusta gave a weak smile but struggled to pay attention to the rest of the conversation. It could very well not be long until she was planning her own wedding. But did she even want to? It would solve many problems—both families would be happy about the connection and she would be looked after with no concerns for her lack of inheritance. Even Miles seemed pleased his brother was returning.

Had this news come even a mere six months ago, she might have been delirious but things had changed.Shehad changed. The time passed and her small increase in confidence—and the kiss from Miles—made her feel like she was almost an entirely different person.

They finished their tea and headed out toward the carriage, which was waiting by the fountain on the outskirts of town.

“Are you worried?” Joanna asked, as they walked along the cobbled road toward the waiting vehicle.

“About the wedding?”

---