Page 99 of Indecent
“I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll try.” He narrowed his eyes at Bennet. “I’m trusting you one last time, Glastonbury. You botch this, and I won’t just expel you from the Phoenix Club.”
“If I fail, you won’t have to.” Bennet didn’t know how he would recover from it. “Do you have any idea where this information originated? Only a few people knew the truth.”
Lucien looked pained. “I’ve been over it a hundred times with Con, with Wex. It could be someone in Wex’s household, but so far, he doesn’t have any leads. His butler is on the case.”
“If you find out, I want to know who it is.” Bennet waited for Lucien to nod his assent before continuing, “I’ve been worried about Prudence’s mother. Is Lady Peterborough all right?”
Surprise flickered in Lucien’s gaze. “That’s kind of you to ask. My father has intervened. She’s staying with him for the time being.”
Bennet was glad to hear it. “Good.” He turned to go, but Lucien stopped him.
“If you don’t make things right with Prudence, Con and I will make sure that you do.”
Looking back over his shoulder, Bennet held the other man’s stare. “If I don’t make things right with my wife, there’s nothing that you or Aldington or anyone could do that would be worse than how I’ll have to live the rest of my life.”
Evie Renshaw had come through again. She’d saved the day for so many people in so many ways, and tonight was no different. When the need for a brilliant ball gown that would dazzle the entire ton became dire, Evie had calmly delivered. Tonight, she had proven that she was unparalleled when it came to fashion and connections. It was entirely because of her that Prudence looked as though she not only belonged in Society but that she reigned supreme.
The red gown had been only partially constructed when Evie had gone to see one of her favorite modistes. She’d brought the woman to the Wexfords’ where the modiste had measured Prudence then finished the gown with the help of Christina’s maid.
Christina and Cassandra had gone shopping for shoes and gloves, and they’d somehow procured a pair of ruby combs for Prudence’s hair, which Christina’s maid had dressed in the most elegant style Prudence had ever worn. There was also a ruby necklace and matching earrings. The jewelry felt heavy on her, and Prudence found herself longing for an apron and Mrs. Logan’s kitchen.
When she walked into the Tildens’ house flanked by her mother and her uncle, Prudence held her head high and prayed she looked like a viscountess. Lord and Lady Tilden had greeted them quite pleasantly, but instead of a genuine warmth, there was surprise. Whether it was due to Prudence having the nerve to come or the fact that she was accompanied by the Duke of Evesham would remain a mystery.
In the ballroom, they took up a position somewhat near the dancing. Cassandra moved to Prudence’s side and leaned close. “You are absolutely stunning. People are seeing you looking splendid in that gown and those jewels.”
Prudence touched the ruby necklace at her throat. “They’re gaping at me wondering why I am here. If they’re noticing my attire or accessories, it’s to question how I managed to swindle all of you into outfitting me like this.” Prudence had never felt more exposed or vulnerable. She was desperate to leave. “How long must we stay?”
They’d kept their conversation very quiet so that only the two of them could hear. That didn’t mean Christina hadn’t noticed. She moved closer. “Don’t look so stricken, Prudence. Hold your head high and behave as if there is nowhere else you should be.”
The duke approached her. “We should dance, Lady Glastonbury.”
It wasn’t an invitation. Not that she would have refused him.
She put her hand on his arm, and he escorted her to the dance floor as the next set was about to begin.
“I don’t dance often anymore,” he said brusquely. “But this is important for my sister, so I will do my best.”
“I have rarely danced, Your Grace.” She prayed she wouldn’t embarrass him.
“Don’t ‘Your Grace’ me. We are social equals now, so you would call me Duke. However, you are my niece, so you will call me Uncle Evesham.”
They took their position in the square, and it was all Prudence could do not to panic. The music started, and she managed to get on well enough, recalling the steps, mostly from watching Fiona’s lessons when she’d first come to town and then helping her practice on occasion.
When she and the duke were near each other, he said, “As I said, I don’t do this often. Lucien will come and replace me soon, and I will circuit the ballroom extolling your grace and virtue.”
Virtue.Prudence nearly tripped.
“Thank you…Uncle Evesham.” Her uncle was a bleeding duke.
For whatever reason, this new situation, newlifebegan to finally take hold of her. Even if she hadn’t been the daughter of a viscount and a countess and the granddaughter of a duke, she was aviscountess. She was Lady Glastonbury, and she absolutely belonged here, whether she wanted it or not.
The dance ended, and Lucien came to take his father’s place. Before departing the dance floor, the duke leaned close and bussed her cheek. “You are my sister’s daughter. You carry our blood. That’s all that matters.”
He didn’t look at her as he turned and strode away. She watched him go with overwhelming gratitude and affection.
Lucien took her hand as the music began. “You look as if you’re slightly more cheerful,” he observed with a smile.
“Surprisingly so.” She never would have imagined it.
