Page 4 of My Blind Duke
“If you wish, I could accompany you–”
“There is no need. Please enjoy the rest of your evening,” she smiled hurriedly as she turned away.
It was clear that the party was going out of control and although she was nervous about being in the papers again, she did not wish to spoil the fun of her guests.
Quickly, she moved further from them, sighing in relief when she found her mother a little away, admiring the duet.
“I should probably stop them, but who am I to ruin their fun?” Prudence sighed as she stood next to Johanna, wishing she could get another drink to loosen up the nerves bundling up beneath her skin. “What if word of it goes out? The papers will be all over me once again.”
Taking the opportunity, Johanna turned to her daughter with a worried expression. “I do so wish that you would stop worrying so much, my dearest. Take a look around this fine room. You are the Duchess of Pemberly. All of your guests are having a fine evening. There is nothing for you to concern yourself with. Your friends were right, they may never find an heir to replace the duke.”
“But there is always a chance that they will. Not to mention that half of London thinks that I murdered my husband. I have heard the whispers, Mama, even from the ladies who call themselves my friends. What is to become of me when an heir does eventually come forward?” Prudence searched her mother’s face for an answer, noting the lines around her eyes and mouth.
In every way possible, Prudence resembled her mother with bright green eyes and fine features. It used to grant her some form of comfort, seeing an older form of herself that hadsurvived numerous trials and tribulations. But now, she could not seem to find that same reprieve, especially in the face of her own problems.
“Listen to me, Prudence. My entire life, I have lived obeying my husband, following all the rules, enduring all kinds of humiliation. I cannot stand by and see you do the same for an heir that probably does not even exist!”
“I know, Mama, but–”
“No buts. Speaking of men, did I not see a young gentleman flirting with you earlier? What was his name, Lord Musgrove? I think he is about to ask you to dance. Why do you not enjoy yourself a little, even if it is just for this evening?” Her mother placed her hands on Prudence’s shoulders and turned her around, making her face the crowd.
Lord Musgrove – the man who had offered to go on a walk with her earlier – came striding toward her, offering his hand in a cheeky manner that intended to exude charm.
“It cannot hurt,” her mother whispered in her ear before giving her shoulders a gentle push.
I suppose it cannot.
Prudence decided to enjoy the moment of respite as she placed her gloved hand in that of the Viscount and allowed herself to be pulled into the middle of the room.
The Viscount guided her onto the floor and winked before spinning her under his arm and eliciting a round of applause from her guests who cheered them on before returning to their various engagements.
Her heart lifted slightly as she began to enjoy the moment, allowing her worries to be swept away by the melody of the music.
The Viscount spun her in again and lowered his voice into a seductive whisper. “I hope you will not think it too forward of me, Your Grace, but it has been a long time since I have seen a woman as beautiful as you. A man could get lost in the brilliance of your emerald eyes.” His smile grew larger as his gaze wandered over her bosom.
His arm around her tightened slightly, and she fought back a shiver of discomfort.
“Thank you, Lord Musgrove. That is very kind of you to say.” She forced up a smile.
“You know, Your Grace, I have nothing but the deepest respect for you and your independence. But I know enough to know that women are creatures of… desire, just like any man. I am not asking for your hand in marriage. I would not think of taking away the life you love so dearly. However, if you wish, you will find my company is capable of bringing you immense pleasure.” He lingered beside her cheek for a moment before pulling back and winking.
Prudence lost her smile then, shocked and repulsed at the audacious offer the man was making.
What is he implying?
“Excuse me? I do not think–”
Prudence felt her words fall away as a gasp broke past her lips instead, shocked to momentary stillness as the Viscount’s hand began to move down her back. She knew where it was going, and what he was trying to do, and was relieved when it stopped just above her buttocks.
He leaned in close once more and whispered, “Rumor has it that your late husband never consummated the marriage. I would love to be the one to do the honors.”
He lowered his gaze to her bosom again, eyes hungry as his tongue darted out to wet his lower lip.
Prudence allowed her mouth to open ever slightly as he pulled her against his body, leaving little to no room for interpretation as the swelling in his breeches pressed against her thigh.
She tried to pull back immediately, a fiery reproach on the tip of her tongue “How dare you–”
“Your Grace!” A shriek suddenly brought the party to a stop, making Prudence jump as she backed away from the Viscount.
