Page 15 of The Wallflower's Choice
Lady Prudence’s smile grew and, much to James’ relief, she nodded.
“Very well, Lord Childers,” she said, quietly. “Though you must soon introduce me to this friend of yours so that I know for certain that your words are true.”
“I shall do so as soon as I am able,” he promised, astonished to find that even though he spoke those words, the reluctance within him grew to such an extent that he could barely stomach the thought of bringing Lady Prudence to Lord Kingshill.
“Might I ask you something else?”
He nodded.
“Of course. I should be glad to answer any questions you have and indeed, would encourage you to ask them of me.”
She bit her lip and then looked away.
“I do not mean any insult, but you have said that Lord Kingshill wishes to marry quickly. It also seems that he has not had any opportunity to find a suitable match of his own, which I cannot understand, given his title and standing.”
James hesitated, his stomach knotting. He did not dare say too much about Lord Kingshill’s reputation, for fear that it would push her away from the idea.
“He is eager to wed because there is a requirement for him to produce an heir,” he said, rather bluntly. “A prolongedcourtship, followed by betrothal and then, some time thereafter, the marriage, would all take a little too long, to his mind.” He shrugged. “Most young ladies of thetonwish to be courted. They desire very much to revel in the attentions of whichever gentleman pursues them, and Lord Kingshill has no time for such things.” Catching the blossoming heat in the lady’s face, James shrugged and looked away. “I am sure that you understand.”
“I do, yes.”
Her response was so faint that James was not certain he had heard it. What he had just told her had been nothing more than a lie, but it had hidden Lord Kingshill’s reputation from her, at least. Trying to douse the quickly igniting guilt within him, James cleared his throat and then gestured to the space beside where she was standing.
“Now, might I join you for a few more minutes? I am sure that, after a few more conversations, you will find me less terrifying and more trustworthy.”
She laughed at this, her whole expression altering, light shining in her eyes – and James’ breath hitched. It was the first time that he had ever seen her laugh and, as she did so, James almost felt the lingering tension between them fade.
It was both wonderful and disconcerting in equal measure.
“Shall we dance, Lady Prudence?”
Quite where such words had come from, James did not know, but the desire within him to have her back in his arms was so great that it could not be denied. Lady Prudence’s eyes widened, and she looked over his shoulder to where the other guests were already gathering.
“It is the waltz, Lord Childers.”
“And you can dance the waltz, can you not?”
She looked at him, blinked, and then frowned.
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Then what is to stop us?” He held out his hand to her. “Shall we?”
It took her a moment to respond but, when she did, the smile that spread across her face was so beautiful, it took James’ breath away for a moment.
“How very kind of you, Lord Childers,” she answered, softly. “I should very much like to dance the waltz with you.”
“As should I with you,” James murmured, before turning to lead her out to the floor.
Chapter Seven
“What a pleasant day it is for a walk, Lady Prudence!”
“Indeed.” Prudence glanced at Lord Childers then looked at her mother, who was gazing back at Lord Childers with clear dislike in her expression. They had come upon each other quite by accident and yet, seeing him again so soon after they had danced the waltz together the previous evening made her heart quicken in a most disconcerting way. “It is not yet the fashionable hour and I thought to take a short walk before thetonarrives.”
“A capital idea! I have always thought that the fashionable hour can get a trifle too busy,” Lord Childers answered, though he smiled at Lady Lymington rather than Prudence. “I thought to walk this way. Might you wish – might she be permitted – to join me, Lady Lymington?”
Prudence’s heart quickened but she quietened it just as hastily as she could. She was not about to start losing her good sense over one gentleman! That would make very little sense, especially since she was supposedly soon to be wed to his friend.
