Page 70 of Indecent
“She was, surprisingly. She hated giving me up, but her husband insisted. Indeed, she’s terrified of him finding out about me. I don’t know what kind of relationship we can possibly have, but I’m glad to know that she loved me. That shelovesme.”
He grinned. “I’m so happy for you.”
“She also insisted I keep the ring and said she’d handle things with Lucien.”
He angled himself toward her slightly, prompting her to do the same to him. “Lucien came to see me yesterday. That’s why I sent you the note.”
“What did he want?” Prudence suddenly felt uneasy. Well, more uneasy than she’d been feeling, which was a goodly amount of late.
“He came to inform me that he has been dispatched on an errand by his aunt—to obtain a dowry for the woman I’m to marry. Lucien didn’t know who that was, only that she is his cousin.”
Prudence’s breath stalled as she stared at Bennet. Lady Peterborough was sending Lucien to see Warfield? Why hadn’t she said so? When she’d indicated she would handle Lucien, Prudence never imagined that would include involving him in her problems. While they might be family, they weren’t really. Because of her illegitimacy, their ties had to remain secret. She hadn’t even considered acknowledging to him or to Cassandra that they were related, despite the fact that it would eat her up inside. “Lucien doesn’t know I’m his cousin?”
Bennet shook his head. “He did ask me for the woman’s identity, but I told him it wasn’t my secret to tell.” He paused, drawing a breath. “Pru, why are you seeking a dowry? We haven’t ever discussed marriage.” He kept his voice low and glanced around to ensure there was no one nearby. Confusion marred his features, of course, since this had to be rather shocking.
She turned her head so that she wasn’t looking at him except from the corner of her eye. “No, we haven’t discussed it.”
“Are you trying to solve my money problems?” he asked. “While I appreciate that, I can’t accept it. I know you don’t want to marry. The fact is, I’ve made an arrangement, just yesterday, to marry a widow, Mrs. Merryfield.”
She jerked her head back to face him and only barely kept her jaw from dropping. He was betrothed? She oughtn’t be shocked or upset. He’d been clear from the moment he’d kidnapped her that he needed to marry for money as soon as possible. She’d known this was coming. That didn’t make it any easier since she wanted him most desperately. Yes, shewantedto marry him. If he would have her.
Despite clenching her jaw, she managed to say, “I see. I hope you’ll be very happy together.”
Was she really not going to tell him there might be baby?Mightwas the word that gave her pause. She was going to all this trouble to get a dowry—or Lucien was—but what if there wasn’t really a baby? But if she waited to be absolutely certain, it would be too late.
Furthermore, therewasn’ta dowry yet. What if Lucien wasn’t successful? Would she expect Bennet to marry her if there was no dowry and only the probability of a baby? It was far too much to ask.
“I was just trying to help you,” she said, her throat dry. “I’m glad you’ve found a happy solution.”
Bennet frowned, lines creasing his brow. “This isn’t about happiness. Mrs. Merryfield has the funds I require, and she likes the idea of being a viscountess.”
“Then you are both getting what you want,” Prudence said, trying to sound supportive.
“I’m getting what Ineed.” His voice was a low rasp. “Not what I want.” His eyes fixed on her. The desire burning in their depths was unmistakable.
Perhaps shecouldtell him…
“There you are, Prudence,” Kat said, bustling toward them, her drawing paper and board tucked under her arm.
Prudence rose hurriedly. “You’re finished already?”
“No, but I’ll have to come back another day. I just can’t get the drawing to come out right.” Kat sounded frustrated. And distracted. She didn’t even make eye contact with Bennet, who’d risen from the bench.
“Lord Glastonbury happened to stroll into the museum and was kind enough to visit with me,” Prudence explained.
Bennet bowed to Kat. “Good afternoon, Miss Shaughnessy. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” He turned to Prudence and took her hand. “I’m delighted to have been able to spend time with you, Miss Lancaster.”
He sounded so earnest, and his touch reached straight into her soul, effortlessly reminding her of their time at Riverview. How could such a period be so fleeting and yet so wonderfully memorable?
“Likewise, my lord.” She gave him a brief curtsey, then withdrew her hand before her entire body tried to sway toward him. That she would never kiss him again—worse, that Mrs. Merryfield would do so for the rest of their days—made her want to rage.
Instead, she pivoted and left the museum with Kat, at a loss for what to do. The dowry was no longer necessary, unless she wanted to trap some unsuspecting man and pretend the child that she was probably carrying was his. But she would never do that, not even to save her child from the stain of illegitimacy. Better to escape to America or the continent and reinvent herself as a widow.
Her back prickled as if Bennet was staring at her. Perhaps he was. She wouldn’t turn to look. She had to keep moving forward.
Musicales were not something Bennet particularly enjoyed. However, when one’s invitations all but dried up, one went to a musicale to which one was invited. Particularly when one’s betrothed—how he suddenly disliked that word—sent a note ensuring you would be there.
As he walked upstairs to the drawing room, he indulged the memory of when Prudence was his betrothed. It hadn’t been real, but it had felt wonderfully genuine.
