Page 58 of Indecent
“Not at all, your lordship. I’m not looking for another position.”
“I didn’t think you were.” Which was perhaps short-sighted and self-important of him. “But if you ever feel as though you must, I hope you won’t feel bad. I appreciate your honesty.”
“You’re a good lad,” she said softly. “I wouldn’t want to leave you. Is there anything else troubling you?”
Yes, very astute. “Nothing I’m at liberty to discuss. A friend is also going through a rough time. I’m trying to help.” Not that he was much use. All he could do was harass her to make a decision about an object that rightfully belonged to her. Lucien wasn’t owed it, but Bennet couldn’t explain that to him without exposing Prudence’s secret.
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Mrs. Hennings said with a smile.
“There is one thing. I’ve a note here that I’ll need delivered to George Street tomorrow morning. Can you get John to do it?” John worked in the Bloomsbury Square mews, and his mother was a friend of Mrs. Hennings. He sometimes helped with short tasks, including delivering the occasional letter for Bennet.
“He’ll be pleased to help. Just leave it on your desk, and I’ll make sure he takes it straightaway.” She turned and paused at the door. “Good night, your lordship.”
“Good night, Mrs. Hennings.”
Bennet finished the note and wrote down the address along with Prudence’s name. He wished he could deliver it in person, but that was impossible. What he wouldn’t give to go back to their simple time at Riverview. He closed his eyes and imagined, as he had so often, her in the kitchen and him in the stables or the yard. Both of them working to maintain their house and land, wherever and whatever it was.
But his life wasn’t that simple. Nor would it ever be.
Chapter13
Seated in the small sitting room she shared with Kat on the second floor of the Wexfords’ house, Prudence folded the letter from Bennet that had been delivered that morning. She was out of time. She wasn’t surprised, but that didn’t make it easier. How she wished she’d never given that ring to Bennet!
But shehadgiven him the ring, and Lucien had seen it. Now she knew the likely truth of her birth, and she couldn’t unknow it.
“Good morning, Prudence!” Cassandra sailed into the sitting room with a bright, almost giddy smile. “Where’s Kat?”
Prudence tried not to look at her oddly. It was so strange seeing her now, knowing they were probably cousins and certainly related in some way. She didn’t see much resemblance, but perhaps there was some slight similarity in the shape of their eyes. And in their smiles. “In the library.”
Cassandra sat down at the table with Prudence. “Of course she is. I should have known that already.” Clasping her hands in her lap, she looked intently at Prudence, still smiling. “Can you keep a secret?” She laughed. “What a silly question. You are the most secretive person I know. I’m still not sure where you go on Saturday mornings. Not that it’s any of my business. I’d thought you were visiting the man with whom you eloped, but since you are still absent on Saturday mornings and the elopement failed, I have to assume that was and is not the case.”
Sometimes Cassandra talked a great deal. Often, really. And since Prudence didn’t like to talk—at least not in her role as companion—she simply listened, usually with amusement. This morning, she was grateful for the distraction.
“What secret are you impatient to share?” Prudence asked, hoping to divert the conversation from herself. Especially since Cassandra’s secret didn’t concern her. Or did it? Suddenly, Prudence was petrified that Cassandra knew something about the ring or about her aunt probably being Prudence’s mother. Cold sweat dappled her nape.
“I probably shouldn’t say, but I can’t help myself. I am so happy! And I know you won’t tell anyone.” She looked toward the doorway, as if to confirm they were alone, which they were, then leaned forward. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “My sister-in-law, Sabrina, has confided in me that she’s expecting a child. Isn’t it wonderful? After all this time, she and Con will finally be parents. And I will be an aunt!”
Prudence’s spine bowed, and she relaxed against the chair. Of course Cassandra didn’t know anything about the ring or Lady Peterborough. “Thatiswonderful. I won’t say a word.”
“She’s known for some weeks now apparently. Her courses are very regular, so she knew right away when they failed to appear that she may be carrying. The physician confirmed it, but she and Con have kept it to themselves. I don’t blame them. They deserve to bask in their happiness together.”
Everything she said nestled into Prudence’s mind and grabbed hold. Prudence’s courses also came regularly. She suddenly realized she hadn’t had them in a long while. Too long. Her mind raced. She thought back… It had been before Riverview. Before…Bennet.
But he’d done what was necessary to prevent a child, so it couldn’t be possible. Could it? Since then, Prudence had read what she could find about sex and had seen mention of the method he’d employed.
Still, she was long overdue for her courses.
Panic spiraled through her until she felt she might be sick. Was that because she was upset or because she was also carrying a child?
Calm down, Pru. You don’t know if you’re carrying.
But it wasn’t as if she could see a doctor. Therewasone person she could talk to…
“They certainly deserve to be happy,” Prudence murmured. “I’ve just remembered something I need to tell Kat. Please excuse me.” She escaped the room on shaking legs.
As Prudence made her way down to the library, her hand flitted over her abdomen. She curled her fingers into her palm and jerked her arm to her side. She refused to believe it.
Kat was curled on the settee, her feet tucked beneath her while she read a book, turning the page as Prudence approached. “One second,” she said without lifting her head.
