Page 4 of The Wallflower's Choice
Prudence hesitated. She wanted to suggest that it was a little bold to ask such a question when they were only just introducedbut, given that she herself had asked such a thing, it was not as though she could.
“Society has decided that I am to be a wallflower,” she said eventually, not giving any further explanation than that. “My parents are encouraging me to step forward as it is a new Season now since they decided that I am to be pushed back in such a way, but I have not yet found the confidence to do such a thing.”
Miss Rockwell nodded, turning to look out across the room rather than holding Prudence’s gaze.
“It can be difficult,” she agreed, softly, “but I would encourage you to step out. If you have the opportunity, why should you not?”
Prudence pulled her mouth to one side.
“I am afraid of what they will do,” she said, finding her heart filled with a desire to unburden herself. If she told Miss Rockwell the truth, then she could decide whether or not she wanted to linger in Prudence’s company. And if she did not, then Prudence would be left alone again, just as she had anticipated. “You see, Miss Rockwell, I was discovered in a room with a gentleman. This gentleman was in his cups and… well, I was present with him. It did not end in matrimony for various reasons, but society has not taken well to such a thing.”
Miss Rockwell turned her head and looked back at Prudence steadily for some moments. Prudence’s stomach twisted this way and that, heat beginning to spread up her spine and into her shoulders, her heart beginning to quicken furiously. What would Miss Rockwell say to such a thing? Was she going to bid Prudence good evening and step away? Prudence could not blame her if she did. There was enough of the truth there to keep all of thetonfrom her.
“Lady Prudence.” Miss Rockwell smiled, her expression gentling. “You need not think that I will remove myself from your company because of any past experiences or situations youmight have suffered. I can see that you might be in need of a friend which, I must admit, is something that I am also seeking.” With a small tilt of her head, she shrugged her shoulders lightly. “What say you, Lady Prudence? Might you be willing to be my friend this Season?”
Prudence blinked, tears beginning to build behind her eyes as her throat tightened. This young lady had no knowledge of Prudence’s past, had no real understanding of who she was, yet she was willing to step into a friendship with her, should Prudence be willing. Part of her wanted to confess everything to Miss Rockwell, to tell her all that she had done and how much of a fool she had been, but the other part of her held that back. Miss Rockwell had only just stated that she did not care about the past and therefore, Prudence was not going to torment herself with such things either.
“That is an offer I could not even think to refuse,” Prudence answered, seeing how the broad smile spread right across Miss Rockwell’s face. “Thank you, Miss Rockwell. I feel a good deal better already, knowing that I now have company!”
“As do I.” Miss Rockwell let out a small, contented sigh and then came to stand beside Prudence, looking out at the ballroom. “This has turned out to be a rather pleasing evening after all!”
Prudence nodded, the tension within her frame beginning to untwist and fade away for what was the first time since she had set foot into the ballroom.
“Yes, Miss Rockwell,” she agreed, smiling. “It certainly has been.”
Chapter Two
“You are too much in your cups to dance!”
James laughed and rolled his eyes.
“I certainly am not!” He stood tall, not swaying an inch. “I may have imbibed a little too much at the ball yesterday evening, but I am quite determined not to be so overcome again.”
His friend narrowed his eyes at him, though there was still a playful lilt about his mouth.
“I am sure that I saw you with a glass of brandy only a few minutes ago.”
“Mayhap you did, but I set it down,” James told him, seeing his friend grin. “I certainly didnotthrow it back!”
This had them both laughing aloud, each knowing full well that James would never have done such a foolish thing as to leave a glass of brandy unattended! That was what the Season was for, was it not? It was a chance to do just as he pleased, to eat, to drink, and to make as much merriment as he could. He had enjoyed many a Season thus far and yet, still, he had not grown tired of it.
“I am still not certain that you should dance,” Lord Kingshill stated, folding his arms across his chest though he continued togrin all the same. “There are too many young ladies present who could find themselves injured by your foolishness! And you have a reputation to think of.”
James snorted.
“Ah yes, mypristinereputation which I must keep hold of,” he answered, making Lord Kingshill laugh. “Come now, you know as well as I that I have no intention of worrying about such things this Season.”
“Nor next year, no doubt,” Lord Kingshill chuckled. “When the time comes for us both to find a bride, I am not certain that either of us will be able to do so! Our reputations will be so terribly damaged that even the wallflowers will reject us!”
Considering this for a moment, James shrugged.
“I have no concerns. When I offer my hand to some young lady, I have no doubt that she will accept. The same could be said for you, for you have just as high a title as I, though I have a good deal more coin than you.”
Lord Kingshill’s eyes flared.
“Is that so?” he asked, shoving James backward, making him laugh. “I think you are a little too bold – or mayhap a little too prideful – there, my friend.”
Knowing Lord Kingshill was only mocking, James did not take offense.
