“Nonsense,” James interjected. “Cassie told me you single-handedly arranged all the flowers in the ballroom. And that you climbed a ladder to hang the garlands in the hallway when the footman refused on account of vertigo.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “A woman of many talents, clearly.”
“I’m afraid Lady Cassandra exaggerated,” Augusta said, but the corner of her mouth twitched. “The footman’s vertigo was entirely genuine. And I’ve had considerable practice with ladders. The vicarage where I lived had very high bookshelves.”
“Ah, yes,” James said. “Miss Norton’s mysterious past. You’ve been remarkably tight-lipped about your previous employment. One might almost think you have something to hide.” His tone was light, but Hudson caught the careful watchfulness in his eyes.
Augusta’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Not at all,” she said. “Merely a natural reluctance to bore you with the details of agoverness’s curriculum vitae. I assure you, it contains nothing of interest.”
“On the contrary,” James said, leaning closer. “I find everything about you fascinating.”
Hudson’s hand tightened on his champagne glass. “James,” he said, his voice carefully level. “I believe Lady Follett is attempting to attract your attention. Near the orchestra.”
James glanced over his shoulder, then back at Hudson, one eyebrow raised. “Is she? How remarkable. I hadn’t noticed.” He turned to Augusta with a bow that was just this side of excessive. “Miss Norton, I trust that you are enjoying the evening?”
“Indeed,” she said. “Though Lady Cassandra has been on her feet for nearly three hours. I should take her upstairs soon.”
“Not yet,” Cassie protested. “It’s still early. And I’m not the least bit tired. See?” She demonstrated by hopping from one foot to the other with enough energy to make her curls bounce. “I could dance all night.”
“I’m sure you could,” Augusta said.
James leaned forward with a smile, his gaze on Cassie. “I am more interested in knowing about that cake you have been boasting about.”
Cassie beamed at him. “I’ll show you,” she announced grandly and took his proffered arm eagerly.
They watched as James led her through the crowd, her blonde curls bobbing beside his taller figure. When they had disappeared from view, Hudson turned toward Augusta.
“Would you care for more refreshments, Miss Norton? The next set won’t begin for a moment, and the refreshments table is less crowded.”
Augusta hesitated, looking around. “I… am not certain.”
“No one will remark on it,” Hudson assured her, lowering his voice. “We’ll stand at a respectable distance. You’re my sister’s governess; of course I have matters to discuss with you.”
She bowed her head. “Very well,” she murmured.
They moved quickly, pouring glasses of lemonade once they reached the refreshments table. She stood close enough that he felt the warmth of her sleeve against his coat. He handed her a glass and let his gaze linger on the gentle curve of her fingers around the stem.
They drank in silence for a breath, listening to the swelling notes from across the room. Then Hudson ventured, “May I ask what it is that troubles you? You seem… distant this evening.”
Augusta’s hand was trembling ever so slightly. She took a steadying sip and set her glass down. “I just… I suppose I am not quite used to the lavishness of all of this,” she mumbled.
A lie, he realized almost instantly.
He studied her profile, the soft furrow between her eyebrows, the way she averted her gaze.
“I believe you fear recognition,” he said, his voice low enough so that only she could hear.
Her breath caught. “Yes,” she admitted after a moment’s struggle. “Each time someone looks at me, I’m certain they know who I once was. I fear that they’ll reveal me to the room. That you’ll be humiliated. That Cassie will be tarnished by my disgrace.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “I cannot quell that fear.”
“It’s not selfish,” Hudson assured her, his voice firmer. He reached out and covered her hand with his own, only for a second. “It’s human. But here, with me, you are safe. No one will harm you or drag you back into the past.” His words came out charged with an emotion he had not meant to display.
She looked up, meeting his eyes at last. Her dark lashes trembled. “You cannot promise that,” she whispered.
“I can,” he said, stepping closer so that the scent of her hair drifted to him. “And I do. Believe me.”
Just then, the music died down, and James and Cassie appeared at the edge of the crowd, having finished their cake. Cassie curtsied to Hudson before skipping toward the table, while James paused a pace behind her and flashed Augusta a rakish grin.
“Miss Norton,” he drawled, brushing a stray lock from her face, “allow me to remark once more that you are positively glowing tonight.”
Augusta’s face reddened. “I… thank you,” she returned quite gracefully.
