Page 6 of The Wallflower's Choice
James shook his head.
“No, that is not what I mean. Why do you not find a wallflower?” He watched as the idea brought the light of understanding to Lord Kingshill’s face. “You see what I mean? There will be a reason behind each wallflower’s presence, of course, but so long as it is not entirely disagreeable, there is no reason not to pursue such a young lady. She will have no other gentlemen pursuing her, and will be very glad to accept you – as will her father, whoever he may be, I am sure.”
It was with relief that he watched Lord Kingshill begin to nod slowly, rubbing one hand over his chin.
“A wallflower,” Lord Kingshill mused aloud. “Yes, I see that such a young lady might be more than suitable for my requirements.”
“And would agree to it all very quickly,” James interjected. “You could find yourself betrothed by the end of the sennight, should you wish it!”
Lord Kingshill chuckled, flinging his hands out.
“Then what is it that we are waiting for? Come! Let us go in search of a wallflower at this very moment!”
With a chuckle, James followed his friend, relief surging through him. This conversation had been most unexpected, but James was sure that it would be resolved very quickly indeed. His friend would secure himself a betrothal, the wedding date would be set, and then both he and Lord Kingshill could enjoy the rest of the Season, just as they had always planned.
Chapter Three
Prudence let a slow smile spread across her face as she walked through the beautiful gardens of St James’ Park. Her father and mother were only a short distance ahead of her and, though she had walked with them both for a time, she had stepped back once her mother had begun wondering aloud about what sort of gentleman might be willing to evenconsiderPrudence’s hand.
That had been difficult to hear and, though her father had quietened the conversation quickly, it had been enough to set Prudence back from them both for a time. She was all too aware of just how difficult it would be to find her match. The problem with thetonwas that they had long memories, and a deep unwillingness to forgive - which meant that, no matter where she went or what she did, someone would recall who she was and what she had done. There would be a whisper about her, someone talking out of the corner of their mouth to another, and Prudence would feel that creeping sense of upset and mortification, shame beginning to bite down upon her heart again.
It had happened last evening when she had done her best to step out into society with her mother. The soiree had beensmall and intimate, and she had been pleased with the small smiles and the nods which she had been able to share with some of the other guests, but when she had tried to step into the conversation, she had caught the glances which had flicked between one lady and the next, leaving her in no doubt as to what they had been speaking about. No one had offered her any sort of conversation, no one had reached out to speak to her and she had simply stood there, silently. Her mother had continued the conversation for her. She had tried her best to bring Prudence into it, but none of the other guests had even the smallest bit of willingness to assist. They had ignored her and, in the end, Prudence had stepped back into the shadows and, despite her mother’s cajoling, had refused to come out again.
Little wonder that my mother feels such despair over me and my prospects.
With a small sigh, the smile on Prudence’s face crumpled as her heart dropped like a stone. She had no one to blame for this situation apart from herself, and though she felt as though she deserved every drop of censure, every disconcerting glance, the pain was heavy upon her.
“Lady Prudence!”
She turned her head, only to see someone waving at her from only a short distance away. Pausing, she smiled as Miss Rockwell hurried towards her, leaving someone behind her.
“Good afternoon, Miss Rockwell.” Prudence gestured to her mother and father. “We are out walking in the park, as you see.”
“As am I!” Miss Rockwell looked back over her shoulder. “My mother is coming after me now. Mayhap we should permit them to be introduced?”
Prudence nodded and, asking her parents to join them, quickly made the introductions. Miss Rockwell’s mother was a very pleasant lady, with a warm smile and a kindness about her which Prudence recognized at once. It seemed that MissRockwell possessed the same tenderheartedness as her mother and, for that, Prudence found herself grateful. Lord and Lady Lymington and Lady Drakewater soon fell into conversation and Prudence and Miss Rockwell turned aside, choosing to have their own conversation rather than linger with their parents.
“A very pleasant afternoon, is it not?” Miss Rockwell smiled as they wandered together, making sure not to stray too far from their parents. “I have had a letter from my betrothed, so to me, it feels as though the sunshine is a little brighter and the air a little warmer than before!”
“That is good.” Prudence looked at her friend. “And Lord Yates? How does he fare?”
The smile faded just a little from her friend’s face.
“He is contented that things are going as they should be, though I confess that I am still a little disappointed.”
“Oh?”
“He is not to come back to London,” Miss Rockwell sighed, looking away from Prudence. “I thought that he would return soon, but it seems that I am to be held back from him for a little longer.”
Prudence blinked in surprise at hearing the lady speaking with such obvious affection.
“You care for him, then?”
Miss Rockwell glanced up at her and then returned her gaze to the path.
“I know that it is most unusual for one to care for one’s betrothed, but yes, my heart is certainly tender towards him. I think him an excellent gentleman, with a very kind and considerate heart and thus, I could nothelpbut think well of him. Our letters have been very frequent and the words of affection within them have increased from both myself,andfrom him.” She smiled, her face coloring just a little. “It seems a little strange to say that letters have improved our connection,but they have! I did not think that my heart would ever feel such a sweetness towards any gentleman, but Lord Yates has brought that about in me, simply by who he is.” With a small, contented sigh, she tossed another glance to Prudence. “When it comes to making a match, I think a match where there is affection between husband and wife is the very best of marriages.”
Prudence said nothing for a few minutes, letting the silence drift between them, though there was no awkwardness about it. She had never given any thought to finding affection when it came to making a match and, even now, she could not say that it was something which she truly desired.
