Page 14 of The Wallflower's Choice
Silently reminding himself that he was doing all of this to make certain that both he and Lord Kingshill could return to their full and free enjoyment of society, James smiled a little tightly.
“Indeed. I assure you that, the moment I see the young lady, I shall make the introduction.”
“That would be good. I thank you.”
Much to James’ relief, Lord Kingshill then began to talk at length about another subject – namely the upcoming evening of cards and gambling at Lord Dickson’s townhouse – and left James again to his own thoughts. Listening with only half an ear, he turned his head to the right and then to the left, taking in which other members of society were present, only for his gaze to fall upon the very person they had been speaking with.
Lady Prudence.
“Shall we turn around?”
The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself, frowning as he said them for, even to his own mind, they made very little sense.
“Turn back already?” Lord Kingshill chuckled and then, much to James’ relief – though he did not know where such relief came from – turned about so that he might return along the path they had been walking. “And here I thought you were going to be walking through all of Hyde Park until the fashionable hour, hoping that there would be some young lady good enough to catch your eye!”
James snorted.
“I could have any young lady that I wished in my arms,” he said boldly, grinning as his friend spluttered with both indignation and laughter. “Now, let us consider this evening’s entertainment – and how we might be able to cheat just a little to gain a good deal more coin than ever before!”
At this, Lord Kingshill laughed aloud, but then immediately began to discuss what it was that he and James might do, and how they might play their particular hand of cards. James settled into the conversation though, much to his irritation, hecould not help but glance over his shoulder and take one more look at Lady Prudence.
There she is.
“Lady Prudence, good evening.” Without having had any sort of intention to walk towards Lady Prudence, James found his feet moving towards her of their own accord. He bowed, waiting for her to bob a curtsey but she did not do anything of the sort. Instead, she simply looked at him, her eyes a trifle narrowed, and her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “I have not yet introduced you to Lord Kingshill, I know,” James continued, sighing heavily. “I shall.”
“It has been a sennight since we first danced and you found out that I was not ruined,” she said, one eyebrow lifting. “And yet you still have not introduced me to Lord Kingshill. I am beginning to wonder if this is something that you have told me for reasons of your own, a situation that is entirely of your own making with, no doubt, a dark and selfish end in mind.”
James shook his head, then put one hand on his heart.
“I assure you, I have every intention of introducing you to this gentleman. It is only that I have not yet had the opportunity to do so. Society always demands so much of us, as you know, and–”
“You need not tell me that you and Lord Kingshill are a good deal more popular than I, Lord Childers.” She looked away, her shoulders dropping and a heaviness seeming to come into her frame. “I am already well aware of that.”
Something like sympathy crept into James’ heart though he fought hard to rid himself of it.
“I am glad that you understand.” Those words did not seem to have any sort of effect upon Lady Prudence. She did not turn to look at him, did not make any sort of remark but, as James watched, the droop of her shoulders became a little more pronounced, and her head lowered just a fraction more. Guilt tore through him. “I did not mean to injure you.” Coming closer to her, James found himself stumbling over his words, seeing the pain that now drew itself across her expression as she finally lifted her eyes to his, only to pull them away again. “It must be rather difficult being a wallflower, I am sure.”
Her smile was barely there.
“It can be.”
“I – I am sorry for that.” He found himself speaking truthfully, his heart feeling a good deal of compassion for what she now expressed. “I have never once thought about what it must be like to be a wallflower.”
Slowly, Lady Prudence dragged her gaze to his for the second time, a slight sheen in her eyes.
“It can be rather lonely, I will admit. Though,” she continued, blinking quickly and then standing tall, “that does not mean that I should accept all offers of company.”
A slight sting whipped across his cheek at her words, but James accepted it, nonetheless. Hewasa scoundrel and could well understand why she would not be agreeable to his company, especially with the warning from her mother.
“I do not mean any harm to you,” he said, wondering if she would trust his words even a little. “After all, if I am trying to betrothe you to my friend, do you really think that I would treat you with any sort of disrespect?”
Lady Prudence looked at him for a long moment, only for her lips to quirk at the edges, her eyes burning with a sudden mirth.
“I do not know, Lord Childers. Just how much of a rogue are you?”
This made James laugh, his heart lifting suddenly, filling with a sense of happiness that he had not felt in a long time. Lady Prudence was tenacious, yes, and she was hesitant and uncertain of him, but now, it seemed, there was also a little good humor within her heart.
“I may not have the very best of reputations, Lady Prudence, but I can assure you that I would never betray my friend.” He inclined his head just a little, a smile still lingering on his lips. “Therefore, I can promise you that I shall always treat you with respect and consideration.”
