Page 59 of Her Cursed Duke
Beatrice leveled her friend with a disappointed look. “That sounds awfully similar to the thingsyoulike to do. I thought this was about the youngsters?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Martha sniffed, nodding toward Agnes. “Go on, Granddaughter, tell this busybody that you have prior engagements.”
Agnes glanced between them both, looking aghast at being involved in what anyone could see was a brewing argument. “Grandmother,” she began uncertainly. “We actually do not have any engagements for tonight. In fact, I think it would be lovely to attend this ball. Although Prudence has been here for a few years, she hasn’t gotten to attend any of the Earl’s balls, have you, Prudence?”
Agnes turned to her younger sister, whose first reaction was to glare at her as if asking why Agnes had to involve her in the matter.
“N-No… I have not. I suppose it would be nice to attend this one before we leave.”
Martha stared at them for a moment and then sighed with a shake of her head. “Betrayed by myownoffspring. This must be why they say there is no use in raising children. At the end of the day, all they’ll ever be are self-serving—”
“All of these dramatics over children who aren’t your offspring. Stop being ridiculous, Martha. If you do not wish to attend the Earl’s ball, you don’t have to.” Beatrice sighed in resignation.
“Oh? Well, if you insist. I suppose I could sit this one out. Leave the roaming around and aimless conversations over dull music to young people.” The Dowager Countess sighed as if she had been forced to stay behind.
“Thank you, my lady,” Prudence interjected quickly before things could take another unnecessary turn, “for securing us an invitation. We’re honored.”
“Don’t be, she was just looking for innocent souls to join her on her quest to survive an insufferable night,” Martha scoffed into her tea, frowning deeply when she noticed it had gone cold.
“Grandmother, please,” her granddaughters groaned.
“Prudence,” Beatrice called after shooting one last scathing look in the Dowager Countess’s direction. “Aiden will be in attendance, as well. I know you both haven’t spent time together since the fair, and that is because he’s been rather busy with his duties. I do hope he has kept in contact with you?”
At the mention of Aiden, Prudence felt a spark race through her body. She had been hoping that the Dowager Marchioness would bring him up, nearly drowning in how much she missed him. They hadn’t seen each other since that afternoon at the fair, but at least she could say that he had not left her completely on her own.
“He has. He sent me some wonderful flowers yesterday and explained that he had been greatly occupied as of late. I’m sorryfor keeping him away from his responsibilities for so long.” Prudence felt the need to apologize somehow.
“Nonsense. You have nothing to be sorry for. He’s only ever had his duties to tend on and that only left me with many concerns. Now he has you, a lovely lady to focus most of his energy and attention on. Seeing you both together greatly puts my mind at ease,” Beatrice assured kindly.
Prudence only nodded, ignoring how her heart clenched uncomfortably in her chest.
Two nights later, they were on their way to the Earl of Thornbury’s summer home, where the ball would take place, and Prudence couldn’t help but feel a little irritated.
She had longed to see Aiden for the past few days, but she couldn’t help but wish for something simpler and quieter, like a walk or a picnic. Prudence knew he did not like being outside, mingling with people, and after their last public spectacle, she felt overcome with the urge to shield him from everything and everyone.
Which was a notion that might not be well appreciated, given his reaction after that spectacle at the fair.
It had all become so difficult, keeping up this ruse while knowing fully well that it had an expiration date—a detail that clearly didn’t stop her heart from desiring him wholly.
It is almost over.We have only a few more days left. If I can get through them, then…
Prudence couldn’t finish the statement, couldn’t dare to dream of attaining what she wanted so badly. It was all she could think of. But as much as she would have preferred a different location and setting, she was still very eager to see him tonight.
“Oh, you’ve arrived! Wonderful.” The Dowager Marchioness approached them cheerily. “Come, let me introduce you to the host.”
Lord Thornbury made up for his short stature with his loud voice that boomed over the din in the ballroom. His thick beard almost covered his mouth, leaving many questioning if all the noise they heard came from him.
“Lady Foresthill!” He grinned boisterously. “How lovely of you to attend my last hurrah for the summer. I was starting to believe you’d grown bored of such events.”
“Me?” the Dowager Marchioness gasped in mock shock. “Never! You know I live for such lively atmospheres.”
Lord Thornbury chuckled pleasantly. “That is true. Are these friends of yours?”
Beatrice nodded and gestured to Prudence, Agnes and Silas.
“This is the Duke of Forestwood and his Duchess, along with her sister, Lady Prudence. The sisters are the granddaughters of the Dowager Countess of Lockheart, with whom I am very good friends.”
The Earl beamed at them excitedly and bowed to Silas and Agnes. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Graces, Lady Prudence. I did not expect to have such distinguished guests at my ball. Please be sure to enjoy yourselves to the fullest. What is mine is yours for the night.”
