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“I was surprised to see you by the water,” he said.

“It is shallow.”

“You still do not like water then.”

“No,” she admitted. “Not after…”

“Yes,” he said tightly.

When she had been younger, she had been swimming in the lake on the Charlecote estate and her legs had cramped. Unable to swim, she had nearly drowned and had it not been for Miles’s quick actions, she would have died. Now she could only regret her silly behavior that had put her in danger.

They strolled a little further along and Augusta fought for something to say. Be brave, Joanna had said, but how could she be around Miles? He had always seemed so worldly and wise and, at times, intimidating, even when she was younger.

“I was hoping to, uh, solve this situation.”

“Situation?” Her mouth dried. This was it then. This was the moment she found out she was ruined and her family would be heartbroken.

“With Henry.”

“I see.”

“I understand if you are rather tired of waiting for his return.”

“It has been some time,” she said hesitantly.

“I hope that you will…” He sighed. “That is…” He paused and turned to face her. “You still wish to marry him?”

“Oh…of-of course.” The response left her automatically. After all, what else was she to say?

“Good. Excellent. Well…” Miles rubbed a hand across his jaw. “Then, perhaps I can invite you and your family to dinner. Then we can…discuss things further.”

“Yes. Naturally. Of course.” She took a breath and forced herself to pause for a moment. “My parents would be delighted.”

He smiled, the creases appearing around his eyes. “But not you?”

“That is not what…”

“I am teasing, Gus.”

She rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the strange warmth that budded inside of her at the use of her childhood nickname. It had been many years since Miles had teased her and she should not like it but it rather reminded her of a time when life was much easier. She was not much looking forward to this dinner party, which she assumed was when he was to let her know Henry was breaking things off, but at least this might give her a chance to prove herself something more than a dull wallflower.