Page 27 of The Wallflower's Choice
“You would berate your friend?”
“I would.” Lord Childers offered her the smallest of smiles, though his gaze remained steady. “This was my doing, Lady Prudence, and I am determined that you should not suffer because of it. As I have said, I will give up all of my considerations and entertainments. You may find this difficult to believe, which I well understand given the fact that I am a gentleman with a dreadful reputation, but this is the only thing that I desire to do.”
Not quite certain what to say, Prudence took a moment, her mouth going dry at the intensity of his gaze. All that she had felt before began to return to her heart with a swiftness that told her she had never really been free of it. She wanted to cry out in frustration, wanted to exclaim aloud that she was nothing but a fool but instead, she simply nodded.
“I would very much like to believe you, Lord Childers.”
“I shall prove myself to you, Lady Prudence.” Without warning, Lord Childers reached out and took her hand, bending over it before she had time to react. His breath ran hot on her skin, her whole body suddenly tingling with a strange awareness and a growing desire which she instantly tried to douse. “From this moment on, I am devoted to you.”
Was it just her own mind, or did he take a little too long to release her hand? Prudence licked her lips, looking away as she fought to find words, her heart quickening in her chest, her skin burning.
“I – I thank you, Lord Childers.”
“And now I shall take my leave of you, and go in search of Lord Kingshill,” Lord Childers continued, looking away from her. “I must make certain that this announcement, if it is to be made, will be done properly. Do excuse me.”
With a flash of a smile in her direction, Lord Childers hurried away at once, clearly determined to do just as he had said. Prudence watched after him, her heart already betraying her all over again.
Chapter Twelve
“What is this?”
“I must speak with you. Now.”
James found himself frowning as he grabbed his friend’s arm and tugged him away from the four ladies he had been speaking with. It was not that there was any sort of surprise in seeing his friend behave so, only that he found himself to be a little frustrated even though there was no legitimate reason for him to be so.
“Whatever is the matter?”
Lord Kingshill waved one hand vaguely, his eyes a little hooded and, inwardly, James felt himself groan.
“You are not in your cups, are you?”
Lord Kingshill scowled.
“What does it matter if I am?”
“I thought you were to make an announcement this evening. I thought you were to tell thetonabout your betrothal.”
“And I am.”
“In this state?”
His friend narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening.
“Why does my behavior matter to you?”
It was not a question that James could answer. It was not one that hewantedto answer, but all the same, it was required of him.
“I care… I care about your standing in society as a soon-to-be married man,” he said, a little lamely. “You do not want to embarrass yourself, or the lady in question, now, do you?”
It was not a particularly good excuse but, after a moment, his friend appeared to accept it. This might well have been from his own slightly inebriated state but, all the same, James was relieved.
“I suppose I can understand that.” Lord Kingshill sighed and shook his head. “Very well, I shall take no more brandy for a short time and thereafter, make the announcement. Does that satisfy you?”
“It does.”
“Good.”
Lord Kingshill immediately turned around and made to go back towards the group of four young ladies, but James caught his arm, a sudden rush of concern pushing through him.
