Page 69 of Her Cursed Duke
“I wanted you to find someone who would provide you with the balance and safety I was fortunate to experience. And while it might not have been destined to be with the Duke, I am glad you at least let yourself see that it was possible. Don’t hate yourself or hate your time with him. Mistakes were made, but learning from those mistakes is much more valuable than stewing in regret. That’s why I never play poker with someone I beat three times.”
“Why… why three times?” Prudence questioned, confused.
“Let’s just say some people get petty to the point of doing whatever it takes to defeat an opponent after watching them take away some priceless family heirlooms… Some taunting might have been involved, but that is beside the point. I don’t want you to stay hurt and angry when you could do so much more. You have grown so much, Prudence. Even with the pain, you have changed, and I am so proud of you for braving the situations youfaced. That will never change, darling. So, wipe your tears and look forward to the future. All right?”
Prudence downed the rest of her tea and inhaled deeply. “I’m scared. What if I get hurt again? What if I can’t move past this?”
“You will. Because you are strong, I know you can overcome whatever comes your way. Do not worry, the missteps of a foolish man will not hold you back. And if you ever wish for me to skin him alive and hang him from a balcony, all you need to do is say the word.”
Prudence giggled a little. “Thank you, Grandmother. I think I would rather just move on and forget rather than hold it against him.” She thought of the distress he had been unable to hide from her completely, feeling betrayed when her heart sank, feeling sorry for him. “He has enough to deal with as it is.”
Martha shrugged. “The offer still stands, regardless.”
Prudence set her cup down and hugged her grandmother, holding onto her so tightly that Martha could feel her heartbeat. “I know you said you weren’t upset, but still… I’m sorry for deceiving you. And everyone else.”
“You deceived everyone else.Iwas fully aware that something was afoot from the start. Perhaps it is I who owes you an apology. I should have taken better care of you, just as you have taken care of me these past three years.”
“That’s not true, Grandmother. You take care of me plenty. If I couldn’t have known things would end this way, neither would you. You have nothing to be sorry for,” Prudence stated firmly.
“Neither do you. Let us simply move on from all this unpleasantness, all right?” Martha urged, patting her beloved granddaughter on the back.
“All right,” Prudence echoed, giving her grandmother one last squeeze before letting go.
The pain in her chest had turned into a dull ache, and she wanted nothing more than to move on from this incident, just as her grandmother had urged her to.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door, then it opened, and Agnes stepped into the room. “We’re all set,” she informed them, stepping closer to them and looking at her sister. “You seem better.”
“I feel better,” Prudence admitted softly.
“Ye of little faith. I told you I would handle it,” Martha scoffed.
“Sometimes, it feels as though every time you address me, it is a trap to lure me into some sort of fight, which I will inevitably lose and then have to give up all my possessions to you,” Agnes noted, staring at her grandmother, a little in awe and a little afraid.
“Don’t worry, dear, you have nothing I want—for now.” Martha smiled at her, and then she shifted her attention to Prudence. “Well, off you go. Do not cry again, or I might actually kill someone. Whether it is that foolish Duke or myself remains to be determined.”
Prudence held onto her, whispering, “I’ll visit as soon and as often as I can.”
“Don’t you dare,” Martha scolded with a laugh. “Live, Prudence. Be too busy to supervise my intake of muffins and weekly card games. I want you to dedicate your time and strength to yourself. That should be your priority.”
Prudence nodded with a little sniff. “I will. Please visit Lady Foresthill later and extend my regards. And tell her that I’m sorry.”
“I will tell her no such thing.” The Dowager Countess grinned and began to usher them out of the drawing room. “You need to leave to make it to London before nightfall. Hurry up and get out of my house.”
Agnes took her sister’s hand, squeezing lightly as she asked, “Are you ready?”
Prudence still had an unsettled feeling, a restlessness she was sure would sit with her for a long time. But she was determined to not let it consume her. “Yes, I am.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Are you absolutely certain?”
The physician nodded, far too patient for someone who had to repeat an answer to a question he had been asked more than five times. Although he understood Aiden’s worries, he thought that the fact that the Dowager Marchioness had regained consciousness would serve as enough proof.
“Yes, Your Grace. Lady Foresthill was merely fatigued and, with enough rest, will surely regain her strength in little to no time.”
Aiden nodded thoughtfully, then he raised his head to ask another question. However, he was cut off by his godmother, who beamed at the physician and told him, “Well, I am feeling much better, so you can leave. Thank you for attending to me so quickly, Dr. Felix.”
“The pleasure was mine, my lady. I wish you a speedy recovery.” The doctor bowed to them and then left the room.
