Page 19 of The Wallflower's Choice
“I beg your pardon?”
James shrugged.
“I had no choice. But once I reassured her that you, despite being a rogue, have every desire to be wed and will reform yourself, she appeared a little more contented.”
“Reform?” Lord Kingshill scoffed at this at once, shaking his head furiously.
“You know very well that I will not reform myself. The very purpose of my seeking out a bride is simply so that I might then return to my rather enjoyable way of life, doing just as I please while, at the same time, ensuring that my responsibilities as the Marquess of Kingshill are met. That is why I must seek out someone such as Lady Prudence, someone who is willing to marry, but who alsomustmarry, so that she can have no complaint about me.”
James shook his head, a little concerned over what Lord Kingshill had just said.
“Lady Prudence is afraid that, should she betrothe herself to you, she will find herself wed to a scoundrel.”
“Well, to my mind, there is no real concern.” Lord Kingshill shrugged and then continued walking. “That is exactly my intention.”
“But if you say such a thing to the lady herself, then I can promise you that she will turn her back. You may not even become betrothed!”
“Then I will say nothing which might force such a thing,” Lord Kingshill stated, firmly. “Not until we are wed at least.”
James said nothing to this response, all too caught up in a great sense of despair – not for his friend, but for Lady Prudence. He did not want her to be in the very sort of marriage that she feared, did not want her to struggle with a husband who cared nothing for her and pursued every other young lady instead.
But I was the one who suggested it.
This new sense of determination, this desire to aid Lady Prudence so that she might gain all that she wanted, flung itself out from James’ heart and spread through him. He tried to speak, tried to tell his friend that he now should resolve to improve himself, and that he could no longer continue to pursue nothing more than pleasure and delight, but no words came to him. He could not say anything to Lord Kingshill now, not when hehimself had been the one to suggest the idea in the first place! All the same, however, all he could see was the sadness on Lady Prudence’s face, the fear lingering in her eyes. What was he to do? And why did he feel so strongly about it all?
“You are not listening to me.”
James looked at Lord Kingshill.
“Forgive me. I was too caught up in my own thoughts.”
“No doubt about the ladiesyouare pursuing at present,” Lord Kingshill chuckled, as he looked at James. “Is there anyone in particular?”
James said nothing for a moment, smiling and nodding as two young ladies, walking arm in arm, passed them.
“I shall not reveal them to you,” he said, after a moment, “for fear that you will–”
“Did you hear them speak?”
James frowned.
“The two young ladies?”
Lord Kingshill nodded, a sudden spark of excitement coming into his eyes.
“I could have sworn that one of them said, ‘Lady Prudence’.” He stopped suddenly, putting one hand out to stop James from continuing to walk. “Pray, tell me if she is nearby. Look! Many others are beginning to gather in the park. Is she present?”
A roar of uncertainty filled James’ heart, and he quickly shook his head.
“No, I do not think so.”
“Are you sure? You did not even look!”
A little unsure of why he was suddenly so reluctant to permit his friend to meet Lady Prudence, James swallowed hard, lifted his gaze, and looked about the park. His heart slammed into his chest as his eyes suddenly caught hers and he snatched in a breath, garnering a look of surprise from his friend.
“She is here, then?”
Trying to throw away his sudden, strong emotions, James gestured to Lady Prudence with a lift of his chin.
