Page 3 of Married to the Lord

“He reminded me a little of Henry. They are the same age.” Augusta frowned. “At least I think they are. It has been so long since I’ve seen the man, it is hard to say.”

Joanna gave her a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure he shall set a date soon.”

“I am losing hope of that ever happening.” Augusta straightened. “But in the meantime, I’m determined to spend my time more wisely. All this sitting around the edge of the ballroom is becoming tiresome indeed.”

Joanna chuckled. “That sounds rather like a vow.”

“Perhaps it is.” Augusta tilted her head.

To do lots of things was not in her nature. To talk with people, to dance, to explore all the various things in the world had always seemed so strange to her. She was much more comfortable spending time with just a few people and doing gentle things, such as walking or riding her horses. Solitary pursuits mostly. But those solitary pursuits had only reminded her of her unmarried status. Maybe it was time to change things.

“Perhaps,” Joanna suggested, “you should show your fiancé what he is missing.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, Augusta weighed the words. He was not missing much at the moment but could she possibly change? Become one of those vivacious creatures that every man wanted and every woman envied? It seemed almost impossible and, yet, she could not help but want to try.

“I suppose I could…be a bit more fashionable.” August shrugged. “Mama would not object to new gowns at all.”

Chloe narrowed her gaze at her. “You are thinking of powdering and primping yourself?”

“I know it sounds silly—”

“Not all,” Chloe interrupted. “I think it is a fine idea. Far better than sitting around and waiting for that—” She paused and smiled. “For Henry to return.”

“I could try to be more confident. Force myself to do more things.”

“I can certainly help you and, of course, offer my aid as an escort.” Joanna grinned. “We could be seen at all the right places to ensure word of how wonderful you are reaches Henry.”

Augusta blinked. The plan began to take root in her mind. Somehow, she was going to pull herself away from being a wallflower and show Henry exactly who she was without him. With the help of these two women, it might very well work.

The smile that began to break across her face froze when her gaze landed on a dark-haired man pushing his way across the ballroom with a determined look on his face. Her heart gave a little jolt. What was he doing here? He rarely attended events like this.

His gaze latched onto hers. Her throat tightened. She stood swiftly, turning so that she nearly knocked into one of the chairs, then twisted the other way and bashed into Chloe’s legs.

“Oh, forgive me. I must…” She could not finish the sentence. Not when he was looming upon her. She moved past Chloe with haste, aware of her calling her name. The room became a blur as she dashed past dancers and doors until she barreled through one and shut it behind her. Pressing her back against the cool wood, she took a deep breath and glanced around at the darkened confines of the empty room. How silly she was but she could not face him.

It was too humiliating.

She could not fathom what Henry’s brother might want with her; nor did she want to find out.

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