Page 8 of Married to the Lord

“Prettier. More appealing. Not so blasted shy.”

Chloe made a face. “I am not certain I’m the best person to talk to about this. I have certainly never been accused of being pretty.”

“But you’re not exactly shy.” Joanna pointed out.

“I am hardly a beacon of confidence either.”

Augusta gestured to Joanna. “You are always stylish, Joanna. You understand fashion far better than I do.”

Joanna fingered her grey skirt. “Goodness, I miss fashion. At least maybe I should be able to indulge my interest in it with you.” She leaned forward. “That is what you want, is it not?”

Heat tinged her cheeks. “I sound silly, do I not?”

Joanna shook her head vigorously. “Not at all. I would hope that if I were you in your position, I would do the same.”

Chloe’s lips tilted. “Well, I do rather like the thought of proving everyone wrong though I am not certain I can help.”

Augusta opened her mouth to argue the matter then Chloe waved a hand.

“Nor do I wish to have any charms.” Chloe grinned. “It looks like far too much effort.”

“So, we shall dress you up and make you fashionable and show all exactly what Henry is missing. They can report back to him about how his fiancée is thriving without him.” Joanna clapped her hands together. “You know, this is just the sort of project that I need.”

Augusta released a long slow breath. Thank goodness the women didn’t think her foolish. It was a strange favor to ask of someone, she was sure of that. In truth, she hardly knew where to start and at least with Chloe and Joanna’s support she could be…different.

“Where…where do we start?” Augusta asked.

Joanna pursed her lips. “I do wish we had more time, but…” Joanna trailed her gaze up and down Augusta. “I may have some gowns that will fit you with a little tweaking.”

“I did not even think about how we might do this with such short notice.” Augusta nibbled on the end of a finger. “Perhaps this is impossible.”

Chloe shook her head. “Nothing is impossible,” she declared. “If I can manage to avoid dancing with a single man the entire Season, then you can do this.”

“Excellent. So it is decided.” Joanna took Augusta’s hand. “We will guide you through this, regardless of what may happen. A few new gowns, a touch of makeup, and I am certain there shall be many men falling over themselves to be in your company.”

Augusta squeezed Joanna’s fingers, wishing she could feel the same. Her plan might not work and it might very well make her a figure of ridicule. No wallflower had ever managed to transform herself into the darling of society, but now that Chloe and Joanna were aiding her, it did not seem to matter so much. Perhaps if she could just prove something to herself, it would make her feel all the more better about this awful Henry situation.

“And now is your time to start…” Joanna’s lips curved and she looked over Augusta’s shoulder.

Augusta twisted and followed her gaze, her heart dropping down to her toes. No. Why did he have to be here?

Tall, wide-shouldered and walking with a confident gait, Viscount Ashwick was one of those men who commanded attention from everyone when he walked into a room. Even when strolling through fields, she could not keep her gaze from following him. There were few men who made her feel small, but Miles was larger than most men and his dark eyes always made her feel as though he was looking deep into her soul.

He strode over and greeted all of them. “I am glad you are here, Gus. I was hoping to speak with you.”

“We can go back to the house if you wish.” She gestured toward home, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in her chest.

“I wish to speak with you alone. Without your parents watching over us.”

Her lips parted and she clamped her mouth shut and glanced around. “My father is not at home today but my mother is. You can say whatever it is that needs to be said in front of them. I do not mind.” She lifted her chin. “I am not scared.”

Mile scowled. “Why would you be scared?”

“I… I do not know.”

“May we take a quick walk?”

She glanced at her friends, and Joanna made a little shooing motion and mouthed ‘be brave’ to her. Nodding, she allowed Miles to lead the way along the edge of the stream, further into the fields.

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