Page 40 of Married to the Lord

Chapter Fifteen

Augusta kept her hands in her lap, watching the dancers swirl by. She crossed her eyes and uncrossed them but could find no joy in making everyone appear ludicrous. She wore her finest gown yet, a cream affair of silk overlaid with delicate lace. It had been cinched so tight she almost had breasts. Her hair had taken a good two hours to style. She almost missed the days when it was just pulled back tightly with a few curls around her face.

And what a waste of time all the preparation had been.

A minuet was announced and dancers hastened to get in line. All of Hampshire society and many more were here tonight. All here for the same reason—to celebrate her fiancé’s return.

She twined her fingers tightly together and kept her back straight, urging her muscles to keep her upright and for her expression to remain neutrally content. It was all she could do to resist dropping at the waist and pressing her face into her hands.

“I cannot believe I am in this position again,” she lamented to Joanna, who had remained steadfastly at her side all night. Chloe had also kept her company aside from the one dance with her fiancé

Her gaze strayed to Miles. He had remained away from her and she suspected it was these rumors that was forcing him to keep his distance though she had not heard anything more about them. Whatever he had done to find the culprit, apparently he’d put a stop to the chatter.

He met her gaze and she regretted she’d even looked his way. He cut a fine figure as usual, even if he remained at the edges of the ballroom, watching the dancers with a dark intensity. Every fiber of her longed to rush to his side and take comfort in his arms and it made her muscles ache to remain where she was—the neglected fiancée once more.

“I cannot believe he has not arrived yet,” Chloe muttered. “What is wrong with the man?”

Augusta gave a little shrug, feeling her chin wobble. There was fashionably late and there was this. Henry appeared to be showing no sign of attending. She frowned. He’d been so remorseful of what he had put her through, it was hard to fathom he would leave her here alone. No one had acknowledged his distinct absence to her but it was only a matter of time and she had little idea what she would say once it happened. What sort of a woman had no idea why her fiancé was not attending the ball thrown in his honor in his own house?

“Perhaps something has happened,” mused Joanna. “You said he had seemed very apologetic and genuine?”

Augusta nodded. “I really believed he regretted how he had treated me.”

“But to do it all over again.” Chloe folded her arms. “I should give him a piece of my mind.”

“I should give him more than that,” said Joanna, “but perhaps we should find out the truth of the matter first. Why do you not speak to his brother? He must have some knowledge of Henry’s whereabouts surely?”

Augusta shook her head vigorously. “I cannot.”

“Why not?” Joanna gave her a look. “Has something else happened between you?”

Augusta wanted to lie but she never had been any good at falsehoods. She lifted a shoulder. “He came to speak with me prior to Henry’s return. It was...well, it does not matter. He has made it clear he regrets his actions and with that gossip going around, I cannot possibly be seen to be sharing secrets with him.”

“Well, no one can say anything of me.” Joanna stood and cut a path through the throngs of people until she reached Miles’s side. They both glanced her way then talked in earnest. She saw Joanna lift her hands in what appeared to be dismay.

Augusta swallowed. Perhaps Henry had decided he’d been foolish to return and had vanished again. If so, she could break things off without fear of reprise. Though it still did not help her future. She would most certainly become a penniless spinster then.

Joanna leaned in and Miles bowed his head to speak to her over the noise of the orchestra. She envied Joanna then, being so close to Miles. If only she could speak to him without fear, if only she could...well, none of it mattered anyway. He had only ever shown great remorse over any interactions with her. There was no sense on dwelling on what would never be.

Joanna returned to join them and drew out her fan to waft it rapidly in front of her face. “I loathe the heat of these places.”

“You do look a little peaked,” Augusta pointed out.

“Well?” demanded Chloe. “What excuse does he have for his brother’s behavior?”

“No excuse. In fact, I think he is angrier at him than any of us.” Joanna snapped the fan shut. “He said his brother was here this morning and he had to head out but vowed he would be home in time for the ball. Lord Ashwick has little idea where he went.”

Augusta scowled. She never would expect Henry to lie to his brother. Despite Henry’s recent behavior, he and Miles had a great respect for one another. She recalled many a time when Henry would speak of his brother in only the kindest of terms. What could be so urgent that he needed to leave and stay away from a ball thrown for him?

“I doubt he has gone forever,” Joanna assured her.

Pursing her lips, Augusta blew out a breath. “Perhaps not. Either way, I feel foolish indeed for accepting him back into my life. Especially when I was making great progress in showing that I did not need him,”

“Well, you can still show him. There is no need for you to be a wallflower tonight.” Joanna tugged on her dance card. “I have seen several men glance longingly at you. There would be no shame in dancing to pass the time.”

“I suppose...”

“Oh, Mr. Henley, are you looking for a dance partner?” Joanna said to one of the gentlemen who had been stealing looks their way, though Augusta thought it was more in the direction of Joanna than her. “Miss Snow is looking to dance now. She was feeling a little delicate but do you not think a lively dance will help perk her up?”

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