Page 37 of The Wallflower's Choice
She flushed hot but did not look away, her eagerness seeming to surprise him, given the way that his eyebrows lifted. Then, he smiled and, after a moment, nodded.
“That is good. Then I shall speak to Lord Kingshill.”
Prudence looked up at him again, her smile beginning to lift the corners of her mouth.
“You will?”
“Of course I shall.” Lord Childers laughed and lifted his shoulders in a small shrug. “I am sure that he will have no difficulty in agreeing to it all. He does not truly want to marry anyway, I am afraid!”
Wincing, Prudence shook her head.
“I am grateful to know the truth.”
“I am sorry for what I said, and the part I had to play in deceiving you there,” he told her, his voice holding a tenderness which she had never heard before. “I was wrong of me, and I ought never to have done it.”
“It is forgotten.” A sudden thought came to her, reminding her of her own past and whether or not she ought to tell him the truth about her foolishness, though she quickly dismissed the thought. It had no bearing on this present moment and, after all, he had done a good deal more than that, she was sure! “You will speak to him soon?”
“Just as soon as I am able.” Lord Childers then took her hand and, lifting it, pressed it to his lips. The kiss that he placed upon it was light but sent a heat racing down her arm and into her heart, making her tremble. “I would stay and speak to you a little longer, Lady Prudence, but I think that for your reputation’s sake, I should take my leave.” Releasing her hand, he bowed respectfully. “I do hope to speak to you again later today.”
“I hope so too.” Prudence smiled, watching him take his leave of her, pressing one hand lightly against her stomach to calm herself just a little. Even in how he had taken his leave of her, sherealized, he had shown himself to be a gentleman. He had not taken advantage of her, had not sought to kiss her or wrap her in his arms – even though, were she truthful, Prudence would have given in a little too easily had he tried to do such a thing! He had been respectful, considerate, and appropriate and even that was a joy to her heart.
“I should return home,” Prudence told herself, turning and, rather reluctantly, making her way back toward the edge of the park.
She glanced over her shoulder as though she hoped that he had found the separation from her too great to bear and wanted instead to see her again, but there was nothing but grass and trees to catch her eye. With a small, soft smile, Prudence made her way back to the house, feeling a great deal of happiness for the first time that Season.
Chapter Sixteen
What is this that I am feeling?Frowning to himself as he entered the ballroom, James considered the present emotions swirling through his chest. There was not the anticipation of finding some beautiful young lady who he might pull into his arms, nor was there the hope of drinking the finest brandy and earning himself a nice pile of winnings. And yet, all the same, he felt… happy. Indeed, there was a joy within his heart that he could not quite explain, and he found himself at a loss as to why he could feel so much delight when he was going to indulge in none of what would otherwise have been his favorite pastimes.
His eyes flickered around the room as he walked, finding himself unwilling to stop and talk to anyone, though many greeted him. Yes, he nodded and smiled but he did not stop to talk, trying to understand this new state of both mind and heart. Was it simply because of Lady Prudence? Could his happiness really come from the connection between them which, through one simple yet honest conversation, had blossomed into something he had never experienced before?
A smile caught the edge of his lips, and he held his head a little higher, feeling himself thrilled at this new realization.At the same time, another thought came into his mind and his shoulders immediately dropped. He was, after all, still a rogue with a dreadful reputation, and why, then, should someone like him deserve a beautiful creature such as Lady Prudence? Surely there should be consequences for a fellow like him, the consequences being that he would never find someone who truly cared for him.
Though she has not admitted to such a thing as yet,James reminded himself, still frowning.However, I was certain that I saw something in her eyes and heard something in her voice which hinted at the same sort of feeling within my own heart.
That made him smile again, his heart quickening at the thought of seeing Lady Prudence again. He would not say anything to anyone as regards his intention to court her, not as yet, for there was still a conversation to have with Lord Kingshill. That, however, could be done tonight and, as he had said to Lady Prudence, he did not think there would be any difficulty there. Lord Kingshill could easily find another young lady to marry and produce the required heir though, this time, James was determined to have nothing to do with it. He had been dishonest once and he was not about to be so again. Not when he realized the injury that could be caused by it.
Besides which,he mused, his hands behind his back now as he walked,I am sure that Lord Kingshill will be able to find someone who is more than suitable for him and, mayhap, someone who is just like him in character. Someone who has no interest in sharing their life with him, someone who would rather keep him at arm’s length. Yes, there certainly must besomeyoung lady like that!
“Childers, good evening.”
James turned as a heavy hand settled on his shoulder.
“Kingshill!” he exclaimed, a broad smile on his face. “I was just thinking of you.”
His friend lifted an eyebrow.
“All good, I promise.”
“That is good.” Lord Kingshill lifted his half-filled brandy glass. “This is exceptional brandy, I must say.”
James rolled his eyes.
“The ball has not even properly begun, and you are half in your cups already!”
“But it is suchfinebrandy!”
With a laugh, James slapped his friend hard on the back, then tilted his head.
