Page 78 of Indecent
“I didn’t get the chance to tell him who I was. He threw me out, called me a pathetic beggar. Fortunately, I encountered Lucien on my way out—he’d gone to visit Warfield.”
“They are friends. Or were, anyway,” Cassandra clarified. “They fought together in Portugal, but it seems Warfield was quite damaged. Inside and out.”
Prudence recalled the scarred left side of his face, the cruel set of his lips, the coldness in his hazel eyes. His inside had matched his outside, beauty ruined so that he’d become a beast.
“I have to think Lucien will return empty-handed.” Prudence fidgeted with her dress again, unable to make herself stop. “If that happens, I don’t know how I can go through with marrying Bennet. As I said, I feel like a swindler for trapping him like this.”
“You’ve done no such thing! He was an equal partner in making this baby, and he has a responsibility. I won’t let him shirk it.” Her sherry-colored eyes narrowed with determination.
The butler coughed, startling them both. Prudence suffered a moment’s panic, wondering how long he’d been there.
“Lord Glastonbury is here to see Miss Lancaster,” he said. “He is waiting in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Bart,” Cassandra said. As he departed, she stood and looked down at Prudence. “Do you need help getting up?”
“Not yet,” Prudence replied drily. “I’m not even completely sure I’m with child, but all signs seem to point in that direction. I will feel terrible if I’m not. Bennet actually had an arrangement with a wealthy widow that he is breaking in order to marry me.”
“You must cease thinking you aren’t good enough for him. Or for any of us. You’re my cousin. I was already willing to defend you and advocate for you on any matter, but now it is imperative. We are family, Pru.” She squared her shoulders. “Now, let us go and meet your betrothed.”
Prudence stood and followed Cassandra from the sitting room. However, she nearly ran into her as Cassandra suddenly spun about. “We shall need a story to explain your sudden marriage to Glastonbury. We can’t tell everyone the truth of it, but my goodness, it makes a riveting tale.” Cassandra grinned. “So romantic.”
It wasn’t either. But she didn’t correct Cassandra. “I don’t have any brilliant ideas.”
“Let me think on it,” Cassandra said confidently. “I’ll come up with something.” She linked her arm with Prudence’s, and they walked downstairs to the drawing room on the first floor.
Bennet stood with his back to them, his hands clasped behind him. His wide shoulders perfectly fit his dark blue coat, and his buff breeches hugged the contours of his muscular legs. Prudence couldn’t deny the thrill that raced through her when she thought of the nights they would spend together.
Forever.
He turned, and the view was even better. His bright blond hair was styled carefully, an artful curl grazing his forehead, his square jaw twitching slightly as his lips spread into a slow, appreciative smile the moment his blue-green gaze settled on Prudence.
Cassandra strode forward and sent her fist into his belly, doubling him over with a grunt. “That’s for kidnapping my cousin, you brute. We’ll never speak of it again.” She turned to Prudence. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
Prudence smothered a smile. Bennet’s brows arched as he looked to Prudence.
“I told her everything,” she said to him. “It seemed necessary. Don’t worry, she’s not going to tell anyone, especially Wexford. I don’t wish to be a widow as soon as I’m wed.”
“That’s a relief,” he said, straightening. He smoothed his hand down his coat. “Has your husband been teaching you boxing, Lady Wexford? That was a well-placed blow. Quite powerful too.”
“Not at all. I’m a natural, apparently.” Cassandra gave him a smug smile, and Prudence nearly laughed again. She felt an absurd pride that this woman was her cousin. “You may as well call me Cassandra since we are to be related. When is this blissful occasion to happen?”
“In fact, I have just procured the special license and have secured the vicar for tomorrow morning.”
Prudence’s gut clenched. It was really happening, then.
“You should marry here,” Cassandra said, tapping her chin with her forefinger. “I will ensure you have a lavish breakfast. We’ll invite Fiona and Overton. Who else?” She looked to Prudence.
“My friend Ada Treadway—she works at the Phoenix Club. She’s the person I spend my Saturday mornings with.”
Cassandra’s eyes lit. “Aha! I assumed you spent those mornings with the man with whom you eloped.” She cast a scowl toward Bennet. She might not mention it again, but she wouldn’t soon let him forget his transgression. Prudence found it rather sweet, as if they really were like sisters.
“We should also invite Evie Renshaw.” Prudence wanted her to be there. “And probably Christina,” she added softly.
“Yes, she will want to see you wed—even if the world is only aware that you are my former companion. Do you mind if I invite Con and Sabrina?” Cassandra gave her a sincere look. “Do you plan to tell him you’re our cousin?”
“I hadn’t considered it.” Prudence had so much in her head. It was hard to think of everything. “Lucien doesn’t even know yet. He knows Bennet is marrying his cousin, but isn’t yet aware of who that is. Bennet refused to tell him. He said it wasn’t his secret to share.”
Cassandra looked at him with admiration. “Perhaps you aren’t a blackguard after all. For that and for marrying Prudence when you don’t know yet whether she’ll have a dowry or not. I’m so glad you’re doing right by my cousin.”
