Persuading Prudence

 

by Liz Cole

 

Breathless Press

Calgary, Alberta

www.breathlesspress.com

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or

persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Persuading Prudence

Copyright© 2011 Liz Cole

ISBN: 978-1-926930-36-7

Cover Artist: Victoria Miller

Editor: Denise Lewis

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in reviews.

Breathless Press

www.breathlesspress.com

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

 

Bath, England, 1834

 

 

“But, Amanda, we cannot let you travel all that way alone,” Lady Prudence Mayville insisted, attempting to persuade her best friend, and third cousin by marriage, not to leave.

Amanda Bradley, Viscountess Broadshire, sighed dramatically. “Honestly, Pru, I am a married woman of seven years. I have Amy to accompany me.” She waved a hand in the direction of her burly lady’s maid. “I see no reason that you and Kolton should cut your trip short because I must leave.”

Staying the rest of the week, not to mention the additional two day ride back to London, alone with Amanda’s oldest brother, the Earl of Ravensbrook, was something Prudence would really rather avoid.

“You know very well that Kolton only came to escort us to one or two events. He wouldn’t mind leaving earlier than planned in the least,” Prudence argued.

Amanda rolled her eyes. “That is not true. He mentioned only yesterday that our trip had proved to be quite a nice diversion from the bustle of London. I am sure a few more days wouldn’t bother him at all.”

Prudence frowned. Perhaps Amanda was right. He had appeared to be content to escort the two of them on their various sojourns about Bath in the last few weeks, and had only ventured out a handful of nights to pursue his own interests.

Be that as it may, Prudence would rather not have to spend nearly a week in his company without Amanda as a buffer. She couldn’t possibly go that length of time without making a ninny of herself like an adolescent girl with her first crush. Having essentially grown up in the Stanville household since the age of six, Prudence was no more immune to the current earl’s allure than the rest of the female population.

To put it simply, Kolton Stanville was an Adonis.

Prudence had yet to meet a woman who was unaffected by his strength of presence. The man fairly dripped charm and sensuality. The truly amazing thing however, was that, for the most part, he achieved this feat without effort. But Lord help the woman he did make an effort to charm with the mischievous sparkle in those chocolate-brown eyes and that brilliant, heart-stopping smile of his—young or old, she never stood a chance. Not that Prudence had to worry about the earl having an interest in a dowdy spinster like herself. At the grand age of six-and-twenty, Prudence had given up all thoughts of marriage anyway. This, however, was not the point.

“That doesn’t change the fact that you shouldn’t travel back to London without an escort.”

“Oh don’t be silly, Pru. As I said, I’ll have Amy; and I will take one of the footmen with me. You worry far too much. You wouldn’t want to leave Kolton to his own devices, now would you? Who knows what sort of scandalous behavior he might partake of if he doesn’t have you to watch over?”

Prudence gave an unladylike snort. “Kolton is four-and-thirty and more than capable of taking care of himself. Besides, if I do not accompany you, I would be left to ride unchaperoned with Kolton, and that would be most improper.”

Amanda burst into a fit of giggles. “Pru, you have lived with the Stanvilles for twenty years!” she reminded Prudence when she regained her composure. “We grew up together, for pity’s sake. You are part of the family. No one would think twice about you and Kolton traveling together.”

Prudence heaved an inward sigh. Apparently there would be no way of convincing Amanda that Prudence should abandon their stay in Bath and accompany her back to London. It was ridiculous really, there were only three days left before they were due to return to London anyhow, but she gave it one last attempt.

“But poor little Cecil! I am sure that after all the pain and stress he has gone through, breaking his arm and all, he would appreciate having an extra shoulder to cry on.”

“Yes, my poor little dear.” Amanda sighed. “I am worried about him. Six years old and already a broken bone. His father didn’t start such recklessness until he was at least ten. I can only hope this teaches the little devil that monkeys are meant to swing from trees and such is not the case with little boys. But he doesn’t need to learn injury breeds special attention, or he will be banging himself up more than he normally does.”

“But, Amanda—”

“No, no. Now I mean it, Pru. I would feel simply dreadful if you left with me. You have been looking forward to this excursion for the last six months, and I won’t have you miss one day of it—do you understand? Not one day.” Without another word Amanda turned to her maid and motioned for the woman to grab her travel bag.

Prudence rushed to give her cousin a quick hug and kiss goodbye before accompanying her down to the hotel lobby to see her off.

 

 

Sleep eluded Prudence. The late summer weather had turned beastly hot. Even with both windows open, the equally hot breeze did little to ease her discomfort, which did not bode well for the two day trip back to London the next day.

Prudence rolled over and sat up with an irritated huff. She was tempted to remove her sweaty nightgown and toss it aside.

Why shouldn’t she? Prudence thought rebelliously.

It was a scandalous idea, but who would know? Amy wasn’t around to wake her up in the morning, why not indulge herself?

Deciding to be wicked for once, Prudence removed the offending garment and tossed it to the floor, feeling deliciously wanton. She draped the light bed sheet over her nakedness and settled down to sleep.

 

 

A loud crash startled Prudence from a deep sleep. She lay still, a bit disoriented. Was someone in her room?

Her heart raced as a range of colorful curses echoed across the room. She turned toward the sound and muffled a shocked gasp. A man stood in front of the closed door to her room, his form lit only by the weak illumination of a single candle. He was hopping unsteadily on one foot and grumbling as he held the other protectively in his hand. Prudence bit back a startled cry. It was not just any man, but Kolton, the object of her heated dreams.

What was he doing in her room?

“Bloody nush—nushun—pain in the arsh, tables.”

He had been drinking, that much was obvious. If he was far enough in his cups, he could have easily miscalculated and entered her room by mistake. Until now, there had been no need to lock her door since they had the entire four-bedroom suite to themselves.

Should she say something? She opened her mouth to advise him of his error when she remembered she lay naked in bed with only a thin sheet protecting her modesty. In horror, she realized that her nightgown was too far away to snatch discretely and throw over her head. What was she to do?

Prudence sent up a silent prayer of thanks that candle wasn’t bright. She was pretty sure she was completely concealed in shadow. But what if he brought it closer? He would no doubt realize she lay scandalously disrobed in bed. He would be understandably shocked and she would be mortified.

Perhaps he would realize that he was in the wrong room without her having to say anything and go in search of his own? None of his things were here; he would have to realize his mistake when he went in search of his nightshirt, surely.

Prudence lay quietly, her heart hammering in her chest. Indecision ate at her and she sent a desperate prayer heavenward that he would discover his mistake and leave. But, as the clock on the bedside table continued to tick away the seconds, Kolton showed no sign of recognizing his error. Unfortunately, all the rooms in the suite were similar in design and furnishings, so the likelihood of him realizing his mistake right away was slim.

He shrugged out of his coat and tossed it over a nearby chair. With alarming speed—especially given his inebriated condition—his cravat, vest, and shirt joined the coat

Prudence bit her lip as she took in the magnificent picture he presented. Not only did his face possess strong chiseled features, but so did his body. His broad shoulders tapered down to a trim waist. His arms were heavily muscled, as was his chest, his back too, she discovered as he turned and removed his trousers. As they dropped to the floor, she was afforded with a breathtaking view of his tight buttocks and strong thighs. He turned and blew out the candle. To her surprise and embarrassment, Prudence felt a twinge of disappointment at not having the opportunity to see the rest of him while at the same time realizing to her dismay, that he’d forgone the use of a nightshirt.

The covers rustled, snapping Prudence back to awareness. She quickly shimmied over to the other side of the bed as close to the edge as she could get as the mattress dipped and he slid under the covers with a deep sigh of satisfaction.

Now what would she do? The bed was large, but not so big as to keep him from discovering her if he rolled over. The only thing she could think to do was lay as still as possible and hope to slip out unnoticed as soon as he fell asleep.

 

 

Chapter Two

 

 

Prudence waited for what seemed like hours before Kolton began to snore softly. Cautiously, she lifted the covers and prepared to climb out of bed.

He stirred. Prudence froze, almost afraid to breathe. He mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over, flinging his arm across her waist. She remained unmoving, relaxing only marginally when his snoring soon continued.

Again, she attempted to slide out of bed, but he grunted something intelligible and pulled her against him, her back to his front. Prudence panicked. She tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but he tightened his hold and snuggled his face into the crook of her neck.

“Mmm. You smell good,” he mumbled sleepily and ran his tongue up the side of her neck, stopping to nibble at her ear.

Prudence felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. As she fought to breathe, Kolton’s hand slid up and cupped her breast. She drew a sharp breath as his thumb stroked her nipple, which hardened immediately at his touch, sending shockwaves of warmth rippling through her body, coalescing in a tight knot in her lower abdomen.

She had to stop him. But if she did, he would realize who she was—and she was pretty sure he didn’t at the moment. Perhaps he thought she was his mistress. If that were the case, she didn’t want him to realize his mistake and face the horrible embarrassment that would result.

Prudence gasped when he rolled her over and climbed atop her, his hard, lean length pressing down on her. Her body instantly responded, arousal licking her insides. Her pulse raced impossibly faster, her breathing coming in soft pants. Her nipples hardened embarrassingly further at the feel his smooth chest rubbing against them.

“No, Kolton, wait—” she whispered urgently, only to be silenced by his mouth pressing down upon hers.

Prudence had never been kissed, much less with such fervor, and especially not by Kolton. His mouth devoured hers and his tongue pushed insistently at her lips until they parted allowing him to plunge between them.

Her mind blanked to all but the feel of his naked flesh pressing against hers and his breath-stealing kiss. She responded, mimicking the movements of his lips and tangled her tongue with his.

He groaned. Wrapping his arms around her, he slid his hands down her back and grabbed her bottom. He pulled her tight against him and ground his hips against her.

“Are you wet for me, luv? Ready for me to thrust my cock into your tight little cunny?” he whispered in her ear as one hand reached around and pushed between her thighs.

Prudence drew a sharp breath. She needed to stop him—stop what was happening, but at six-and-twenty, with unremarkable looks further lessening her chances of ever leading a man to seek her out, her chances of experiencing lovemaking were practically non-existent. Not to mention it was Kolton who was making love to her. How many nights had she lain awake dreaming of him doing this very thing; his body pressed to hers, whispering naughty things while stroking her body? He had no idea he was making love to her—Prudence—and not some nameless women he had brought home for the night. Why not accept what he was offering and have something special to look back on when she was old and alone?

Yes, she decided, an opportunity like this would never come her way again. She wrapped her arms around his waist and parted her legs at the gentle nudge of his knee between them.

“Mmm, yes. Open for me, luv,” he crooned, positioning himself between her thighs.

He slid his cock against her moist lips, making the ache at her center grow to a throbbing burn. “Oh, God, Kolton, make it stop. Make the aching stop,” she begged.

“Mmm. You smell delicious, and feel so good,” he whispered. “Do you feel how hard you make me? Yes, I’ll make it better, so much better, for both of us.” He captured her lips and thrust into her.

His groan of pleasure drowned out her brief cry of pain. She pulled back, pushing at his shoulders. “Stop, Kolton. Stop, stop, stop!”

“What is it, luv? Am I hurting you?”

Though Prudence had no experience with lovemaking, she had heard the whispers of other ladies discussing the act when they were unaware of her presence. Prudence knew she couldn’t admit he was indeed hurting her, such an admission would be as good as announcing her virginity. She thought quickly. Partial truth might get her out of this situation.

“I-It’s just that you are so big. I need a moment to get used to your size,” she improvised.

He chuckled. “You are good for a man’s vanity.” He flexed his hips and she felt him throb inside her.

“Oh, my. That...that feels good.”

“Glad to hear it.”

He slid slowly in and out of her. The pain had eased, and as it did, a new kind of pleasure took over. She groaned and moved her hips experimentally in slow circles as he continued his steady thrusts.

“Ahh, sweetheart, you know how to drive a man crazy,” he growled as he increased his pace.

She moved with him, matching his rhythm. Soon, their coupling turned frenzied. Pressure build inside her, her heart soared and she could barely catch her breath. Tortured whimpers escaped her and her arms slid up his back to clench his shoulders.

“Yes,” he hissed, “come for me, luv. I want you to milk me dry. Come. Come for me now!”

As if obeying his command, her body shattered into a million pieces. The tight knot in her lower belly burst apart and contractions of pleasure clutched her womb. She buried her head in the crook of his neck and screamed his name.

“Ah. Oh, God, I’m going to come!” he choked and began pumping wildly into her, sending her to an even higher level of ecstasy.

Giving a hoarse shout, he threw back his head. His thrusting grew slow and deep and Prudence felt the wetness increase between her legs as he filled her with his seed.

A minute later he withdrew and flopped down next to her with a satisfied sigh, and within moments was asleep again.

 

 

Chapter Three

 

 

Prudence lay wide awake, reliving every detail of her first, and most likely only, foray into lovemaking. She wanted to remember every moment and store it away for times in her marriageless future when she could pull out the memory and live it again and again in her mind.

As dawn approached, her thoughts changed. How was she going to keep this from turning into a royal mess? As carefully as possible—and successfully this time—Prudence slid out of bed. Quietly and quickly, she washed away the stickiness between her legs in the semi darkness and dressed, checking every few moments to make sure Kolton didn’t awaken.

He had been drunk—but had he been drunk enough not to remember? She could pretend it never happened...or, she could tell him she was too embarrassed to say anything when he stumbled into her room and had slipped away to another chamber to sleep when he snuffed out the light. Yes, that was a good plan.

Feeling much better now that she had formulated a plausible story, she packed the last of her things into her valise for their return trip that day, checking to make sure she had everything, before she left the room.

She placed her bag with the trunks packed the night before, and read for an hour before going down to breakfast.

 

***

 

Kolton awoke with a headache. It served him right, he told himself, he never should have let Travers talk him into drinking and cards on his last night in Bath. But the viscount could talk a rabid dog into giving up a bone when he wanted to get his way.

The pain in his head wasn’t so bad considering the amount of drink in which he’d indulged the night before. He lay for a moment going over the previous night’s events. He had won more than he had lost at cards—which was a surprise, considering he was deeper in his cups than he would normally allow—and had been smart enough to quit while he still had a sizeable amount of coin to his benefit. However, the fact he didn’t remember returning to his room or getting into bed bothered him a bit. He rarely imbibed to that degree, anything could have happened to him in that state. He could have been set upon by footpads, woken in a strange woman’s bed and ended up with the pox—no, he was relieved to be lucky on that score.

He stretched and took mental inventory of his body. Other than the pounding in his head and the taste of a dry woolen sock in his mouth, he felt relaxed and surprisingly well rested.

It was probably time to get up and ready himself to leave, Kolton thought lazily. He wasn’t looking forward to the long ride home to his house in London, but at least he didn’t have to deal with Amanda’s constant chatter and not so subtle hints about changing his unmarried state. His life was fine just the way it was at the moment. He wasn’t opposed to marriage at this point in his life per se; he just hadn’t found a woman he felt an overwhelming desire to wed.

Yes, he definitely would not miss Amanda’s tendency to go on and on about the blissful state of matrimony and parenthood, nor would he miss her other favorite topics of conversation: fashion and the latest bits of juicy gossip.

At least Pru would make a decent companion for the ride home. She didn’t run off at the mouth like most women. Pru was amiable and conducted herself with quiet poise. She would probably read most of the ride and share pleasant, non-irritating, conversation with him. He didn’t normally spend time with her, though he had escorted her to balls and functions regularly during her one and only season. After that one exposure to the marriage mart, she’d refused to waste her time being a wallflower when she could be enjoying a good book. She’d told his stepmother just that when the poor woman tried to convince Pru to have a second season.

He did agree with his stepmother about one thing. Pru didn’t even try to make an impression. She wore drab colors, dresses that made her look dowdy and chubby, and pulled her hair back tightly in a severe chignon at the back of her head. And those spectacles! It wasn’t as if she needed them for anything other than reading, but she never took them off just the same. It was easy for society’s eligible bachelors to skip over her in favor of one of the prettier maidens looking for husbands. Pru, it seemed, was destined to remain on the shelf.

Kolton threw back the covers and got out of bed. He needed to relieve his bladder in the worst way. When he was done filling the chamber pot, he noticed dried blood on his member. Bloody hell! What happened last night?

He moved to the washstand, poured some water into the washbasin, and quickly cleaned himself off. He was relieved to find no injury. But, if there was no injury, how did that explain the blood? It obviously wasn’t his . . .

He quickly finished washing and threw on his trousers from the evening before. Where was his shaving kit? Rupert would not have packed it before Kolton was finished dressing. His valet was nothing if not predictable in his routine. Just the same, it wouldn’t be much trouble to retrieve it from his traveling bag.

If he could find it.

His bag was nowhere to be found. Damn! Had the universe decided to pick today to play nasty with him?

Perhaps it was by the door to the suite along with the trunks.

Kolton retrieved the shirt he’d worn the evening before and tossed it on as he left his room. As he expected them to be, both his and Pru’s trunks were packed and ready by the door. Her valise was there, but his was not.

Completely confused, and more than a little irritated by this point, Kolton returned to his bedroom and froze mid stomp.

The bed was made, his clothes laid out, his valise sat open on the bed, and his shaving kit was where he usually kept it on the washstand.

Was he going mad?

He closed his eyes, praying that when he opened them there would be a logical explanation for everything.

Warily, he opened one eye, and slammed it shut. He squeezed his lids tighter together then opened them. Nothing had changed.

This was totally ridiculous. Where was Rupert?

He stalked back out into the main room and looked around. Pru’s door was open. He looked inside. She wasn’t there but...

Bloody hell!

 

***

 

Kolton was pacing his room when Rupert arrived with coffee. Kolton immediately stopped pacing, sat, and gratefully accepted a cup from his valet.

“Shall I shave you this morning, my lord?” the man asked crisply. Rupert’s unusually curt tone momentarily caught Kolton’s attention.

“Yes. Yes, Rupert, that will be fine,” he answered distractedly. “I will have my morning coffee then you may proceed.”

“Very good sir,” the valet replied, still sounding a bit stiff.

They had grown up together at Kolton’s family estate, Rupert taking the position as Kolton’s valet when they were both barely men. Because of their long friendship, Kolton didn’t mind Rupert’s tendency to speak his mind on occasion when the other man deemed it necessary. But rarely had Kolton been presented with Rupert’s displeasure and today, of all days, Kolton did not feel up to dragging the source of Rupert’s disapproval from him.

Good god, could he have really bedded Prudence? The evidence was there; he’d awakened in her bed with blood on his member and, upon further investigation, he’d found blood on the mattress. When he tried to remember the previous night, he could only make out fuzzy flashes of a woman’s moans and a supple body beneath him.

No, Kolton, wait . . .

No, stop! . . .

He vaguely recalled hearing those words. They repeated over and over in his head. Had she tried to stop him? He hadn’t forced her had he? The thought made him nauseous. He’d never forced a woman. But, if his tangled memories were correct, the truth was painfully clear; she had tried to stop him.

Why had he done it? He had been drinking...had he even known it was Prudence he was bedding? He fought to recall more of their encounter. No, he hadn’t realized he was with Prudence; he would have halted at once if he’d suspected it was her in bed with him.

He must have thought she was Helena; the lovely, talented, and widowed Lady Whenton whom he was bedding back in London. No, there was no mistaking the wonderfully inviting curves he recalled beneath him with the shapely, yet slender, Helena. But, then again, he wouldn’t have associated the luscious body he recalled with its slim waist, full, firm breasts, and softly rounded hips with the somewhat plump and nondescript Prudence he knew either.

Oh, God, did she know he thought she was another woman? How utterly demeaning for her. And thoroughly disgraceful of him.

He had never thought of Pru in such an unseemly manner. He had always put her in the ‘sister’ category as far as women went. She had been only six when her parents died and she came to live with her second cousin, his stepmother, Victoria. Eight years her senior, he had spent little time with the shy youngster in the few short weeks after she arrived and he had gone off to school.

She had grown into a quiet, gangly girl when he’d returned from Oxford, but he remembered noticing the unusual blue-green color of her eyes and thinking that she would grow into a lovely young woman some day. A few months later, she’d left London to attend the same prestigious girls’ school that Amanda had attended. She had come home only for holidays and to attend his father’s funeral. On that occasion, she had stayed with the family for a few weeks, but Kolton remembered little of that painful time.

When Pru finished school and returned home for her come out, he hadn’t recognized her. She had looked nothing like the pretty young woman he’d imagined she would grow into. Instead, she’d looked much as she did now—frumpy.

Prudence always seemed to melt into the background, as if preferring to study the world instead of being part of it. People had overlooked Pru in favor of prettier, more vivacious young women, and sadly, so had he. He realized he’d never taken the time to know her as a person. She had always just been Pru; reserved and unassuming, more likely to be found with her nose in a book than discussing fashion or sharing gossip. He knew nothing of her interests, dreams of the future—he didn’t even know her favorite color.

And, now, to have taken her virginity in such a way, possibly without her consent, made him realize she deserved much more than an apology from him. Although, now that he thought about their encounter, he did vaguely remember giving her some pleasure. As a matter of fact, he distinctly recalled being aroused by her moans of pleasure, his own orgasm brought on by her cry of completion.

Placing his cup on the table next to his chair, Kolton motioned that he was ready for his shave. Rupert had him prepared and lathered in no time.

“So, my lord, what do you intend to do about Lady Prudence?” Rupert asked casually as he placed the razor against Kolton’s throat and slowly began his first upward sweep of the blade.

Kolton barely kept himself from jumping out of his seat and getting his throat slit in the process. “Pardon?” Did he actually just squeak? He cleared his throat. “What was that, Rupert?” There, that sounded better, much more aloof, and hopefully not as guilty as he felt.

“Lady Prudence,” Rupert repeated, wiping off the blade with exaggerated care before continuing his chore. “What are your intentions toward her now that you have...changed her circumstances, shall we say?”

“Changed her circumstances? Get that bloody thing away from me before you succeed in decapitating me,” Kolton grumbled, slapping away the hand holding the razor to his throat. “What? ‘No less than I deserve’? Stop mumbling man and come straight out with it. I should have known there was an ulterior motive behind your offer of a shave when you know I usually see to the task myself.”

“Had an overwhelming desire to be close to you with a sharp instrument this morning, sir,” Rupert confessed without remorse.

“And what does that mean?” Kolton snapped angrily as he snatched the razor from the unrepentant valet’s hand and proceeded to finish the job himself.

“It means, my lord, that I never thought I would see the day when you would take advantage of a young lady, especially a sweet creature such as Lady Prudence.”

Kolton wiped the last traces of soap from his face and flopped back down in his chair with a heavy sigh. He didn’t question how the man knew what had happened. Rupert had an uncanny knack of finding things out—whether one wanted him to or not. “Neither did I, Rupert. Neither did I.”

“So, what were you thinking, bedding her?” Rupert asked indignantly.

Kolton straightened and looked down his nose at his insolent employee. “I need not explain myself to you; do not presume to be impertinent with me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, my lord,” came Rupert’s tart reply. “If nothing else, my lord, I know my place.”

Kolton cursed under his breath. “I’m sorry. This situation has me more than a bit rattled.”

“I should say so.”

The steam went out of Kolton. He sagged back in the chair, closing his eyes with a weary sigh, and pinched the bridge of his nose between his forefinger and thumb. “In utter truth, Rupert, I have no idea how this happened. I can pretty much assume I know what happened, but not how it came about.”

“I don’t understand, my lord, are you saying you didn’t mean to bed her?” The look on his valet’s face clearly indicated he found that bit of information incredible. “Are you trying to say it was some sort of accident? ‘Sorry m’lady, it just slipped.’” he quipped.

“This is no joke, Rupert. No, damn it, I didn’t mean to bed her! It’s no bloody excuse, I know, but I was too far gone from drink last night, and I believe I mistook Pru’s room for mine.”

“And Lady Prudence for a common trollop?” Rupert added unhelpfully.

“As horrid as it sounds, that is about the truth of the matter, I’m afraid.”

“Bloody, hell! Pardon me, my lord.”

“No, Rupert, that was precisely my choice of words this morning when I realized what must have—did—happen last night.”

“I hope you didn’t share your sentiments with the lady, my lord. I mean, reacting in such a way with a woman you have just bedded is about the worst—”

“No, no,” Kolton interrupted, “she was gone when I woke this morning. I have no idea how she feels or what she thinks of what happened.”

“Well then,” Rupert said helping him into his coat, “that brings us back to my original question. What do you intend to do?”

“The only thing I can do,” Kolton sighed. “Marry her.”

 

 

Chapter Four

 

 

Prudence finished her breakfast and attempted to appear absorbed in the book she had open in front of her. As she began reading the same page for the fourth time, she glanced surreptitiously around the lobby as she waited for Kolton to arrive and they could be underway. When she saw no sign of him, she turned her attention back to her book.

“Ready to leave, Pru?”

Startled by the deep, satiny voice that trickled over her nerve endings like warm honey, Prudence glanced up to find the object of her thoughts standing directly in front of her. How had she not notice him approach? He looked none the worse for wear she noted, her gaze finding no sign of ill effect from the evening before as it flitted over his face. It surprised her a little, considering his night of drinking and... Well, other activities.

No. She was not going to think about last night! She would surely blush furiously, and he would no doubt notice and wonder at it. If she was going to brazen her way through this and stick to her plan, she couldn’t give herself away so easily.

“Quite ready.” She smiled pleasantly at him. “And you, my lord? Have you eaten?”

The earl studied her curiously for a moment, an almost imperceptible frown wrinkling his brow before it disappeared, and his expression was once again one of polite interest.

Oh no! Did he remember? If he did...? She pushed the thought away. He didn’t. If anything, he was most likely, and understandably, curious as to how he ended up in her room this morning. He may assume the worst, but was, hopefully, unable to recall the details. She had worked out a good plan. If he had any concerns about what had happened between them last night, she was prepared to put them to rest.

Stick to the plan, Prudence, and everything will be fine.

“Actually, yes, I dined in my room,” he replied, the thoughtful expression returning for a moment. Prudence fought to keep from showing any sign of how nervous she truly was. “Well,” he said clapping his hands together and giving a robust sigh. “We should be on our way then.” Though his expression and stance were nonchalant, something in his eyes gave Prudence the unsettling impression that he was not as lighthearted as he seemed.

As he took her hand and helped her to her feet, Prudence repeated silently to herself: last night never happened...Last night never happened. However, the litany did little to dampen the heat growing inside her at the light touch of her gloved hand in his.

As they walked from the building, he placed his hand possessively on her lower back, and steered her toward the waiting coach. She couldn’t stop the flush that flew to her cheeks at the warmth of his hand. It seeped through the layers of clothing separating them, bringing back with startling clarity the memory of how the same hand had caressed her so intimately only a few short hours before. She carefully kept her expression neutral as he helped her into the vehicle.

 

***

 

Pru was behaving as if nothing was out of the ordinary, and it took Kolton completely off guard. They shared some small talk, commented on the weather, how the heat of the last few days had finally passed, and their hope that this respite would prove to make their trip back to London comfortable.

When a lull came in conversation, Pru picked up her book. Excusing herself to read for a bit, she settled into her seat and began to read as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Kolton sat back in his seat. Stretching out his legs in front of him and crossing his ankles, he considered how to proceed.

“You have been reading the same page for a good thirty minutes, my dear,” He stated when he could stand to wait no longer.

“Oh! I thought you had fallen asleep. You have been so quiet,” she replied with a poor attempt at merriment.

“Pru, we need to discuss what happened last night.”

Her shoulders sagged and she sighed deeply. “Really, Kolton, I completely understand why you would be disturbed at mistaking my room for yours, especially in the state you were in, but no harm was done.”

Kolton lifted a brow and narrowed his eyes. “Really? No harm done? How do you come to that conclusion?”

“Well, you know. Oh, perhaps you don’t recall,” she added with a small frown. “Once I realized you had perhaps imbibed more than you should, rather than make an issue and direct you back to your own room, I simply slipped out and spent the rest of the night in Amanda’s. So really, as I said, no harm was done.” She finished her story with a smile.

“I see,” he said rubbing his chin. “Well, that is a perfectly good explanation for how I came to be in your bed this morning.”

“Well, yes. It is, after all, how you got there.”

Yes, being drunk was how he got there, but as to the rest? Not bloody likely.

“Mmm, yes. But it does not explain—” he paused for dramatic effect as he looked her straight in the eye, “—the blood I found on the sheets. Do you also have an explanation for that?”

She blinked a couple of times, then her cheeks flamed, her eyes growing round and glassy. Apparently, when she concocted her fool story, she hadn’t considered explaining away the evidence of the loss of her maidenhead. Kolton was interested to see what excuse she would come up with. Just as he expected, a quick look of triumph flashed in her eyes before she lowered them to her clasped hands and voiced the only logical excuse she could use.

“Kolton!” she admonished in a believably embarrassed tone. “There are some things that are simply not suitable for discussion in mixed company.” He thought the added bit of squirming uncomfortably in her seat was a nice touch. “I apologize profusely for leaving you there with the bed in such a state. Yes, I surely should have spoken up and made you leave the room.”

“Oh, leave off, Pru. I know what happened, what really happened, last night, and it was not your woman’s flow left on the sheets.”

This got her attention, and an outraged gasp to boot. “Just what, exactly, are you suggesting, my lord?”

“What I am suggesting, you little prevaricator, is that the blood was from the breaching of your maidenhead. If it had not been for the fact I found your virgin’s blood on my member as well, your story might have been plausible. But since I did, and it is not, I believe we should stop this nonsense and discuss the future.”

Her face grew cherry red at his frank words. The mask of indignation melted away and she slumped in her seat.

She straightened suddenly, and met his eyes with a startled look. “F-Future? I expect nothing from you. As far as I am concerned, n-nothing happened. We can forget the whole thing and go on as if last night never occurred.”

She looked, and sounded, panicked. Kolton frowned. Was the idea of a future as his wife so off-putting she would be upset at the prospect? Or, perhaps she thought he would not be a man and step up to his responsibilities? Well, if that was what she imagined, he would set her straight in the matter.

“Pru,” he said gently, leaning forward and taking her hand between his own, “forgetting may not be an option, or have you neglected to consider that you might be carrying my child?”

Pru inhaled sharply; her hand flew from between his and rested on her stomach.

“I see you haven’t,” he remarked dryly. Reclaiming her hand, he looked into her eyes. “Pru, I cannot find the words to express how deeply I regret my behavior. Being inebriated is no excuse for what I did to you. But I will make it right. We will marry right away and—”

“No.”

“Pardon? Did you just say ‘no’?”

“That is exactly what I said,” she stated calmly. “I am not pregnant, and I will not marry you.”

Kolton fell back in his seat incredulous. Not marry him? He was an earl! And one, he might add, with a high social standing, an impressive fortune, and powerful friends! Was she daft? He’d been fighting off title-seeking, money hungry women, and marriage minded mammas for years—and she says no when he finally breaks down and proposes?

Kolton successfully swallowed an indignant retort. Pru was understandably confused and upset, he reminded himself. The situation they now found themselves in was entirely unexpected. She was simply reacting out of worry for her future. Though, how she found refusing to marry him comforting was beyond his comprehension.

“I’m sorry, Pru, but I fail to see why you would turn down my offer.”

“Correct me if I am mistaken, my lord, but you don’t really wish to marry me, do you. Or should I assume this proposal stems from some suspiciously sudden, newfound affection for me? No, no,” she raised a staying hand when he opened his mouth to answer. “If the events of last night had never transpired, would you would be proposing right now? Come now, Kolton, be honest. You wouldn’t be.”

“If I am to be honest, as you have requested; then, no, I wouldn’t be proposing marriage to you. In truth, I haven’t had the urge to propose to any woman up ‘til now.”

“That is most likely because every woman outside your family is more than willing to toss up her skirts at the tiniest bit of encouragement from you, and therefore offer little challenge for you.” she replied dryly then blushed furiously.

So, his Prudence had a feisty side. How intriguing.

“Be that as it may,” he rejoined, barely suppressing an amused smile, “the situation is what it is. I have no assurance you have not conceived, and I will not take the chance of a child of mine being born a bastard. Or can you provide tangible proof that what I found on the sheets was due to your woman’s time?”

Pru’s color deepened, if that were possible. She shook her head.

“Well then,” he said confidently, “the matter is settled. I will obtain a special license upon our return. We will make the arrangements and be married right away.”

Pru paled, but her face grew militant, her lips compressing in a thin line. “I will not be forced—indeed bullied—into marriage!”

Kolton’s brows drew together in confusion. “Bullied? Whereas it is true the situation necessitates, or forces as you suggest, we marry in all haste, I am certainly not in the habit of bullying women. And I am not trying to bully you now. I am only trying to be reasonable.”

“Reasonable?” she huffed. “You are being high handed and giving me no choice in the matter!”

“What other choice is there, Pru?” he asked, motioning with his hand in an exasperated gesture.

“Well,” she said sitting back, tapping her chin thoughtfully with one slender finger. “If I were expecting, I could retire to France before I begin to increase noticeably. Somewhere in the countryside—a small cottage, perhaps—where no one knows me and I can claim to be newly widowed. And,” she continued, her eyes brightening as she warmed to the idea, “I can send letters back claiming to have befriended a young lady in an ‘unfavorable’ position. I can say that, before she passed in childbirth, the young woman begged me to raise her child and I agreed.” She finished her story with a note of satisfaction ringing in her voice.

Kolton stared at her a moment, his jaw sagging a bit. “In as long as I have known you, dear Prudence, I would never have suspected it.”

“Suspected what?” she asked distractedly, caught up in contemplation.

“That you, of all people, would be capable of concocting such a speedy, not to mention plausible, lie. Nor would I have suspected how easy it seems to be for you to voice it. I give you credit for possessing such a quick mind, my dear, though it unsettles me a bit.”

That remark made her bristle. She straightened her shoulders and glared at him. “While I appreciate, and thank you for realizing there is more occupying my head than air, I must make it clear that I do not normally take it upon myself to lie, my lord. I don’t like to lie in fact. Not when the truth is far easier to remember. However, I believe the situation in which we now find ourselves calls for some prevarication.”

“Some prevarication? The only kernel of truth in your entire story is that you will travel to France,” he pointed out. “This is beyond ridiculous, Pru. I will not sit back and pretend the child is not mine, it is not reasonable, or fair, of you to suggest otherwise.”

“I do not want to marry you simply because we...um...well, you know. I might not even be with child, Kolton. And to marry without proof that I am is ridiculous.”

Her argument was logical in its own distorted way, but for reasons even he couldn’t understand, he was determined to marry her. “Our marrying would not be as bad as you seem to believe. I think we could get on quite well together.”

“Yes,” she sighed in a martyred fashion, turning her head to stare out the window. “I suppose we could if I were willing, that is, to accept your mistresses, which I do not believe I am.”

He hadn’t thought about that. He realized how little he actually knew about the inner workings of her mind. She wanted more than a paper marriage. Her pride was understandably engaged now.

Could he stay faithful? He’d never imagined marrying a woman he couldn’t remain faithful to. After all, he owed Pru that much after what he had done to her. But he hadn’t considered the marriage bed when he started on this course. From what little he remembered of the previous evening, he didn’t recall being disappointed. Should he make a promise he was not absolutely positive at this point he could keep?

“Pru, I—”

“No,” she said, turning her attention from the passing scenery back to him. “There are just too many reasons why I cannot accept your more than generous proposal. I’m sorry, Kolton, but I will not change my mind on this.”

 

 

Chapter Five

 

 

Prudence stood firm with her decision, and nothing Kolton said changed her mind. He’d finally dropped the subject, but she was sure he hadn’t given up the fight. His silence and brooding expression confirmed as much.

Ignoring his dark scowl, Prudence settled back to rest. She awoke when they stopped to change horses. Kolton exited the carriage, but Prudence chose to stay behind and think without the earl’s commanding presence to distract her.

What would marriage to Kolton be like? She had no prospects, after all. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad...

No.

He didn’t really want to marry her; he was just being a gentleman and owning up to his responsibility. But, surely, if she wasn’t with child he wouldn’t be pressing the issue, would he? And that was the whole of the problem, she concluded.

He wasn’t, if truth be told, attracted to her. It could have been any woman in his bed last night and he wouldn’t have known the difference. He’d been sotted for goodness sake! She couldn’t marry a man who only wanted to do the right thing. Prudence knew it was likely impossible for her at this point, but she wanted a marriage based on more than duty. She had witnessed firsthand what that type of marriage could be like, and she wanted none of it.

Prudence sat in the carriage for some time after the fresh horses were ready, trying to think of arguments that might make him see reason. As the minutes lengthened to more than a half hour, she became restless. He was taking an unusually long time to return. What was taking him so long?

She was just about to go in search of him when the door opened and Kolton entered with a bundle under his arm, a bottle of wine, and two glasses.

“I procured lunch,” he announced with charming smile. “It is simple fare, only cold meats, bread, and cheese, but I think it will be satisfying enough until we stop for dinner.”

For a man who was not about to get his way, Kolton was looking entirely too pleased with himself, she thought suspiciously. “Thank you, my lord. You seem in brighter spirits.”

He knocked on the ceiling of the coach, and the conveyance rocked as they started off. “I am not one prone to staying disgruntled for long. I have been told I possess a fairly cheerful nature, as a matter of fact.”

“Yes, you do, my lord. But you are also a man who rarely accepts defeat either,” she added, studying his face.

His lighthearted expression didn’t change. “That may be true, but I am done butting heads with you. I have decided to put the matter aside for now. We still have a long ride ahead of us and there is no use squabbling the rest of the day away.”

Prudence agreed. She wasn’t going to change her mind. So she was more than happy to let the matter rest than continue to argue with the stubborn man.

 

***

 

It was getting dark by the time the carriage stopped for dinner; and Prudence was happy for the chance to get out and stretch her legs.

She looked around as the earl handed her down, confusion tugging at her brow. They had not stopped at an Inn, as she had expected, but a large cottage she didn’t recognize situated in a small clearing in the woods.

“Do you like it?” he asked brightly, motioning toward the two story stone building in front of them. The area surrounding the cottage wasn’t elaborately landscaped, but then again, nestled in the woods as it was, such an ostentatious display would have taken away from its homey simplicity.

“I-It is lovely, my lord, but why are we here?”

“This,” he said with confidence, sending a lump of foreboding to settle in the pit of Prudence’s stomach as he led her to the door, “is one of my hunting cabins. It’s secluded and quiet. Perfectly suited, in fact, to the task of giving us privacy in which to come to an agreement concerning our present situation.”

Agreement? How could they agree when their arguments were polar opposites? How would they possibly compromise on how to proceed—they would marry or they would not, there were no half measures. At least, none that she knew of. That being the case, the only logical conclusion one could draw was that Kolton didn’t plan to compromise at all, but attempt to change her mind altogether. Though his confidence in his ability to sway her rankled Prudence; it also worried her as to what, exactly, he had in mind to accomplish this great feat.

“B-But won’t we be missed?” The fact they would be, made her feel a little more self assured. “Everyone at home is expecting us tomorrow and will surely become concerned when we don’t return.” She crossed her arms over chest, feeling smug.

“I have taken care of that little problem already,” he replied casually. Opening the door, he ushered her into the entryway.

He couldn’t have, she thought confidently before she recalled their lengthy stop earlier and his improved disposition. Cold fingers of unease crept up her spine. “Have you now,” she replied sarcastically. “Would your efficiency be the reason you took so long returning when we stopped for lunch?”

With a casual air, Prudence looked about curiously. The interior of the cottage reflected the same comfortable simplicity. No blatant display of wealth, but tastefully furnished yet with an air of understated elegance.

“Yes. I sent word ahead letting the family know that since you were enjoying your stay so much, I decided to postpone our departure for a few more days.”

Prudence turned from the doorway of what she assumed served as both study and library and raised a superlative brow. “It seems I am not the only one who is quick at fabrication,” she noted dryly. “But what of the staff? Surely they will find it odd that we are residing here without chaperone.”

“I have addressed that issue as well.”

Of course he had.

“Since I do not keep a regular staff on the premises, I arranged for a local woman to collect our laundry and leave our meals for us in the kitchen each morning. And, I made sure the woman be appraised of the fact I had arranged for the cabin to be available for newlywed friends of mine who required privacy.”

“Well, my lord, you seem to have thought of everything.” She didn’t try to hide her churlish tone.

“I try to be thorough. Now,” he said ignoring her rancor and motioning toward the stairs, “I had our things sent on ahead and unpacked. Rupert has undoubtedly prepared your room and laid out a change of clothes for you. It is at the end of the hall on the left. After you freshen up, feel free to join me in the kitchen. To get there, you take this hall to the end and turn right; it is the last door straight ahead. Since it is just the two of us, I thought we might eat informally, if that is acceptable to you?”

“I have no objection to eating informally, my lord,” she replied, gritting her teeth, seething at his insolence. Did he actually believe he would change her mind by kidnapping her and browbeating her for who knew how many days? If he did, he had a surprise in store for him.

“Good. Then I will see you shortly.”

 

***

 

Kolton sat comfortably in the small kitchen as though men of his status did so every day of the week. He sipped a glass of wine while he waited for Prudence to make an appearance.

She entered the room in a simple gown of rich aqua blue that complemented her coloring, but the loose cut and lack of adornments did little else to enhance her appearance. Kolton stood respectfully, pulled out a chair, and seated her at the table.

“We will be serving ourselves, my lady, as Rupert insisted on making sure all the rooms were cleaned and aired,” he said conversationally, offering her some hot turtle soup. “Personally, I believe he thinks serving dinner beneath him. Ever the snob is Rupert.”

His attempt at humor earned a small, reluctant smile. Pleased by this, he continued on in the same vein, succeeding in coaxing a laugh or two out of her before the meal was done and Prudence excused herself and headed up to bed.

Kolton was encouraged by how easy and relaxed he felt in Pru’s company. It boded well for their future together—and they would have one, he had not changed his mind, just his tactics. He wondered, with a bit of apprehension and, surprisingly, a small amount of anticipation, how she would react when he put his plan into motion.

 

 

Chapter Six

 

 

Kolton knocked briefly before he entered the bedchamber and closed the door behind him. Pru was standing next to the bed in her night rail and robe, wearing a surprised expression, her mouth forming a small ‘o’.

The lamp on the bedside table caressed her features with its warm glow. Apparently, she had not finished preparing for bed – or at least he hoped not. Her hair was still pulled back in its usual severe style and the spectacles he had begun to despise, propped on her nose. Did she sleep that way? He wouldn’t put it past her at this point.

“Why are you in my room, Kolton, I did not bid you leave to enter,” she demanded in an irritated tone, pulling her robe closed defensively over her breasts.

“I have no need of permission to enter my own room, my dear,” he replied, watching her reaction intently. She didn’t appear pleased to see him, but he’d do his best to persuade her to be more receptive.

She inhaled sharply, her eyes rounding, confusion eclipsing her annoyance. “Your room?”

“Yes, my room.”

“But-but...then why were my things been put here?”

“I have come to a decision.” He turned and locked the door. Placing the key in the pocket of his robe, he took a calming breath before turning back to her. He liked Pru, but he’d never seriously considered bedding her before. Would his body cooperate?

“And what might this decision be, my lord?” she asked warily, crossing her arms under her breasts, drawing his attention to the generously rounded mounds.

“Well, as you have refused my repeated offers of marriage,” he said, dragging his eyes back to her face, “it seems my only recourse is to take the decision entirely out of your hands.”

Why had he not noticed how nicely shaped and full her breasts were until now?

“What?” she sputtered angrily her hands flying to her hips, one brow raised threateningly. “And how, may I ask, do you plan to do that?” Regaining her composure, she tightened the sash of her robe, inadvertently revealing her tiny waist and lushly rounded hips.

When had she developed such delectable figure? And why hide it under such unflattering gowns? What else he might discover about Lady Prudence Mayville if he dug deep enough?

Kolton smiled confidently as he approached her. “I intend to do it the old fashioned way, by swiving you until you are enceinte. The way I see it, taking the ‘if’ out of the equation, is usually persuasive in matters such as these. Although,” he said, tapping a finger to his chin with an air of contemplation, “I believe it’s a tactic normally employed by women determined to force men to the altar. It is a tried and true method, however, and quite enjoyable—and unerringly effective in most cases. “

She crossed her arms and glared at him. “You cannot seriously think that I believe you would do such a thing. You couldn’t possibly entertain the notion I would agree to such a suggestion.”

Kolton didn’t consider himself a vain man, but the fact that she showed not even the tiniest spark of interest pricked his pride a bit.

“What did you think?” she continued. “That I would fall at your feet in gratitude? ‘Oh, yes, my lord,’” she cooed in a breathless voice, clasping her hands to her heart as if overwhelmed with joy. “‘You honor me with your intentions. Please, ignore any desire I may have to wed a man who seeks to marry me—not out of duty but—because he simply wants me for his wife. Oh, how foolish I have been! Please, my lord, make passionate love to me.’” She ended her speech with a coquettish flutter of her lashes.

He gaped at her, speechless; her outrageous performance catching him completely off guard.

She dropped her besotted facade and crossed her arms over her chest. “You cannot be serious,” she concluded lifting a brow insolently while tapping her foot as she stood glaring at him.

Kolton snapped his jaw shut, barely able to contain his laughter. Who would have guessed Prudence had such a quixotic sense of humor? What else would he discover about her in the next fifty years? If this was any indication, he would certainly never grow bored.

“Well,” he said scratching the back of his head. “That was quite the performance.”

“Yes, and is as close as you will ever get to me agreeing to such a farce,” she sniffed disgustedly.

Even with that hideous hairstyle and those dreadful spectacles, she is adorable in her indignation. The thought shocked him; ‘adorable’ was never a word he would have previously used to describe Prudence.

“Believe what you will, dearest Pru, but that is exactly what I plan to accomplish with this ‘farce’, as you so sweetly put it.” He closed the space between them and grabbed her wrist. “Beginning tonight.”

“You would force me?” Her voice raised a notch as she attempted to tug free of his grasp. “I cannot believe you would stoop to such vile behavior!”

No, Kolton, wait...Stop, stop, stop! . . .

Kolton shoved aside the hazy memory of her whispered words the night before and concentrated on the night ahead of him. “Please, correct me if I am wrong,” he replied, his voice calm and soft as he studied her face closely, “but, to my knowledge, I have never had to force any woman into my bed.”

Pru blushed furiously and lowered her eyes, but did not argue the truth of his statement, to which he was profoundly relieved. “Well?” he urged to solidify his point. A slight shake of her head was his answer. “That being the case, my dear, I do not intend to start with you.”

He released her wrist and drew her into his arms, molding her reluctant body to his. Her breasts were generously full and firm as they pressed against his chest. Sex with this dowdy spinster wouldn’t involve convincing his cock he wanted her, if the unexpected spear of arousal that pierced him, causing his member to rise enthusiastically, was any indication.

Pru raised her head, her ocean blue eyes shooting sparks of indignation. “Why, you pompous, bloody ass—”

He captured her mouth with his, promptly bringing her tirade to an end. Taking the back of her head in his hand, he held her in place while he ravaged her lips. She balled her hands into fists and beat at his shoulders. He ignored her struggles, which soon ceased altogether as she began to respond, her hands unclenching and sliding around his neck, her lips parting, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

As Kolton explored the sweetness of her mouth, he let his hands wander over her body. He was pleased to find he had not imagined her lush curves. Her waist was tiny and her hips generously shaped. He cupped her nicely rounded bottom and pulled her against his erection, swallowing her moan of pleasure.

Reaching up, he removed her spectacles and tossed them aside then proceeded to remove the pins from her hair. It sprang free of its tight confines, falling down her back to settle at her waist.

When he broke their kiss and looked down at her, Kolton was stunned by the vision of beauty he held in his arms. “My God, Pru, you’re breathtaking!”

How had he never noticed the woman behind the hideous spectacles and the unflattering hairstyle? Kolton was ashamed to admit he’d never once tried.

Her eyes were a darker shade of sea blue than he remembered, and framed by incredibly long, dark lashes. Her nose was pert and strait above perfectly shaped full lips, which were moist from his kisses. Her hair, released from its constricted style, tumbled in ebony waves down her back, and framed her passion flushed face becomingly; softening the otherwise severe features the rest of the world was allowed to see.

She blinked a couple of times, as if awakening from deep slumber. As she came out of her lustful daze, the deep blue-green of her eyes changed to a lighter shade that was more of an ocean green.

Her body tensed and her expression soured. “You do not have to try to seduce me with words, my lord,” she stated coldly. “It is more than obvious they were not needed to gain my acquiescence. False compliments do nothing to gain my favor.”

Kolton frowned. “I do not give false compliments, nor do I need to do so. Look at yourself, Pru.” He turned her to face the full-length mirror standing in the corner, and gently guided her to stand in front of it. “You’re beautiful.”

Prudence snorted indelicately. “My hair is too dark, my breasts and hips are too large, and I am short. What is ‘breathtaking’ about that might I inquire?”

It was Kolton’s turn to snort. He stood behind her and looked at her in the mirror. “Your hair is glorious,” he stated, gathering a section and draping it over her shoulder. “The color only enhances your flawless ivory skin. And look at this wave that falls over your forehead,” he said tucking a lock behind her ear, “and these gorgeous curling ones that shine like still water on a bright, summer’s day. It is a crime to have kept this hidden all this time.”

Prudence met his eyes in the mirror and looked away shyly, a becoming blush washing over her features. “I-I have always liked my hair, I must confess. But dark hair is not at all in fashion.”

“Hair like this never goes out of fashion, pet. And as to your figure,” he slid his arms around her waist, slowly bringing his hands up to cup her breasts, ignoring her gasp of shock, brushing away her attempt to stop him, “your breasts are indeed larger than most, but I assure you, my dear, no man with anything in working order between their legs would even think to complain about such a thing.” He chuckled softly at her shocked expression.

“Now, your hips,” he said conversationally as he slid his hands down her sides, pausing at her waist, emphasizing the topic of conversation, “they are perfect. No, no, no,” he insisted as she began to protest. “They are in perfect proportion with your breasts, and coupled with your small waist, you have a perfect hourglass figure.”

“Really?” She seemed to want to believe him, but still looked doubtful.

“Really, Pru. Have I ever lied to you?”

“Well, not to my knowledge. So I would have to say no. But I am still short,” she added with a defiant lift of her chin.

“You are the perfect height,” he assured her, resting his chin atop her head. “I would not want you any taller, you’re just right.”

Prudence sighed. “Well, if nothing else, you have succeeded in making me feel beautiful.”

“Good,” he said, untying the sash of her robe and sliding it off her shoulders. “Now, I believe we were about to make love.”

“No, Kolton,” she objected, grabbing the front of her robe before it could slither to the floor, and pulling the material together over her breasts. “I don’t want to have intimate relations with you as a means to an end. I don’t want to marry you out of obligation, and I don’t want that from you either.”

“Trust me, Pru,” he said in a husky voice as he slid his arms around her, pressing his stiff arousal against her bottom and nibbling at her neck. “Making love to you ceased being a means to an end the moment I took your luscious body in my arms.”

She was ready to abandon her resistance. He could tell by the way her body trembled and the unconscious tilt of her head granting him better access to her neck. He massaged her stomach just above her nether curls with one hand, while the other went to the ties holding the front of her nightgown closed and tugged them loose. He was met with no resistance when he slid the gown and robe off her shoulders and down her arms, letting the material drop to pool on the floor at her feet.

“Mmm, you’re perfect, sweetheart,” he whispered against her ear as he ran his hands over her body while he studied her nakedness in the mirror.

Her eyelids drooped, her eyes glazing over with passion as he slowly caressed her. She turned toward him, and he noticed the color of her eyes had again deepened to that mysterious aqua color. The color of her passion, he thought with satisfaction.

She surprised him by untying his robe, slipping it off his shoulders, and pressing her bare skin against his.

Kolton groaned.

He wrapped his arms around her and took her mouth in a possessive kiss, relieved that he did not have to worry about scaring her with his passion. Though he did not intend to misuse her, she was no frightened virgin; she knew what was to come.

Without taking his lips from hers, he picked her up and carried her to the bed where he laid her down and settled his length atop her.

Prudence pulled back. “Kolton, I don’t want to marry because-”

He placed a finger to her lips. “Shh. Later, Pru, we can discuss it later.” He took her mouth again with his, swallowing her moan of defeat. She wrapped her arms around him, responding enthusiastically to his kiss.

When she parted her legs and slid one up his thigh to wrap around his flank, he gave a deep-throated growl of approval and thrust his tongue into her mouth in parody of how he intended to thrust his throbbing cock deep in her tight, wet passage.

She sucked on his tongue and undulated her hips, grinding her hot core against his rigid staff. A wave of pure lust surged through him and drove all the blood in his body to his throbbing arousal. “Bloody hell, I want you,” he groaned, moving against her and sliding his erection between her slick folds.

“Yes, Kolton, now,” she begged breathlessly.

“No, not yet, love,” he replied, burying his face in hair and breathing deeply of her scent. Spicy apple assailed his senses, reminding him of crisp October nights spent sipping hot-spiced cider. “God, you smell good,” he groaned. “I want to taste you before I ride between your legs.” He took her mouth hungrily then moved to her breasts.

“Beautiful,” he murmured as he cupped the firm mounds and lowered his head to take one of their pebbled peeks between his lips.

Prudence cried out and arched her back, begging without words for him to take more. He complied, opening his mouth wide and taking in as much of her breast as possible. Drawing at it strongly, he flicked the nipple with his tongue and teased its mate with the thumb of his other hand.

“Yes! Oh yes, Kolton,” she hissed.

A sudden rush of moist desire drench his cock as he slid it against her and turned his attention to her other breast. The evidence of her passion made him impatient to sample the bounty offered between her thighs. He slid one hand down between her legs, running his fingers through her drenched curls, and slipped one digit between her plump folds.

“Oh, please, Kolton, I want you inside me,” she gasped and lifted her hips, trying to force his finger into her.

“No,” he said abruptly, and moved down her body. Widening her thighs, he draped them over his shoulders and slid his hands under her. Lifting her to his mouth, he gave her slit one long lick.

Her hips jerked. “Kolton! What are you do—...Oh, sweet Lord, don’t stop. Don’t stop!”

Kolton chuckled softly and claimed her nether lips much like he had her mouth, plunging his tongue deep into her honeyed depths. Gripping her hips, he played havoc with her aroused flesh, alternating between lapping at her with the flat of his tongue and fluttering it over clit while pausing now and again to drink her juices and slide his tongue deep inside her as she writhed and moaned.

He lifted his eyes to study her face as he flicked his tongue over her sensitized nub. Her body convulsed. She screamed his name, tossing her head back and forth on the pillow, clutching the bed linens at her sides in a death grip.

Kolton felt like the most powerful man in England—if not the world—as he watched her race toward orgasm. Her body was bathed in a soft glow of moisture as she gasped a great lungful of air, her breasts jiggling enticingly with the rapid rise and fall if her chest.

His balls ached and his cock throbbed, reminding him it was being horribly neglected. He rocked his hips against the mattress in an impossible attempt to ease its frustration. Eager now to drive her to her peak, he sucked her clit into his mouth and drew at it strongly while brushing it lightly with his teeth and fluttering his tongue over the hardened nub.

Her reaction was immediate. Her body tensed and she threw back her head, letting lose a hoarse shout of release.

Kolton shifted immediately, abandoning his carnal kiss. He rose above her and stabbed his rigid staff to the hilt inside her.

“Ah, bloody hell, you’re so tight!” he hissed, pulling almost completely out and plunging deeply into her again. Her muscles gripped him harder as another orgasm tore through her body, squeezing his cock tighter than he thought humanly possible.

“Harder!” she cried, burying her face against his shoulder and sinking her teeth into his skin, her nails digging into the flesh of his rhythmically clenching buttocks as she gripped them and pulled him against her.

Pain and pleasure mixed, ripping from him a feral growl. Something inside him snapped and he lost complete control. “Yes!” he snarled.

All conscious thought evaporated, his sole focus centered upon slamming his cock into her as hard and fast as possible. The blood rushing in his ears deafened him to all but the sound of their bodies slapping a fast, wet rhythm.

The bed creaked and moaned as he pummeled her without mercy, her passionate cries of pleasure inflaming him impossibly further. His eyes teared with the intensity of overwhelming pleasure that seized him, and he buried his face in her hair as he fought to hold back his release and prolong the feeling.

“Kolton! Oh, God, Kolton,” she cried digging her heels into the mattress and thrusting her hips madly against him as her inner muscles contracted almost painfully around him.

He threw back his head and shouted her name as his balls drew tight and his orgasm hit with blinding intensity. He wouldn’t have been surprised if his balls imploded, so strong was his release. He gripped her shoulders from behind, pulling her down to meet each of his forward thrusts, driving himself harder into her as his seed shot from his cock in forceful streams deep into her welcoming passage.

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

She was a shameless hussy.

At this very moment, a naked Earl of Ravensbrook was collapsed atop her, his cheek pressed to hers, his breathing startlingly harsh and hot as it burst from between his lips and fanned her neck. His member was still inside her, his seed slowly trickling out of her to the bed sheets beneath them.

And she’d never felt more satisfied.

Did that make her a harlot? No, she decided, she had not encouraged him to make love to her—just the opposite, in fact. But she had enjoyed it. God, had she enjoyed it. He was sober and in full possession of his faculties. He had truly wanted her this time, not some other woman.

So, what did it mean? Was he as passionate as he’d been with her with every woman he was intimate with? He hadn’t reacted as strongly with her the first time but, then again, he’d been muddled with drink. . .

He mumbled something about crushing her and rolled to his side pulling her with him. As she snuggled against his side, he stroked her hair tenderly and Prudence wondered if she was dreaming. Kolton couldn’t really want her like that...could he? He’d never looked at her in any way she would ever describe as desirable. In fact, she sometimes thought he didn’t notice her much at all. If it weren’t for the pleasant ache between her legs and the feel of his hard body against hers, she would say that what had just happened was part of some elaborate fantasy her mind had dreamt up.

Prudence had to admit that she liked being the center of Kolton’s attention very much – even if he could be a tad overbearing. She snickered to herself. A tad? Dragging her off to the wilderness to seduce her into accepting his proposal was more than a tad in her opinion.

Kolton’s light snoring indicated that he had fallen asleep. Raising her head from where it rested against his shoulder, Prudence gazed at his face. Relaxed while he slumbered, he looked vulnerable, more like a young boy than a carefree man of the world. His hair was mussed, a stray lock falling over his forehead adding a bit of mischief to his appearance.

Prudence was unprepared for the warmth of affection that filled her chest. She moved away from him and lay on her back. She couldn’t fall in love with him any more than she could marry him. To do so would bring her nothing but heartache. He didn’t love her, he probably never would. No, probably made it sound like there was hope for a life to which she was never destined to have. She didn’t understand why Kolton was pursuing her like he was. She doubted their first time in Bath had created a child. So why wasn’t he relieved when she turned down his proposal? Why did he insist on trapping himself in a loveless marriage when she had given him a perfectly good plan of escape? And why did the fact that he was so determined to marry her make her heart flutter despite knowing marriage between them could be disastrous?

Her eyelids grew heavy as she pondered the situation. As sleep wove its silky web around her, one thought drifted through her mind: all that had occurred tonight, the passion, the pleasure, stemmed from the night before and the one and only wantonly reckless act she had ever committed – tossing caution, and her nightgown, aside and deciding to sleep naked in her bed.

 

 

Prudence lay in a lush, green field. A hot breeze tickled her neck and brushed lightly over her naked body.

Naked?

Since when did she loll about in the grass, much less unclothed? Prudence lifted her lids and attempted to focus her bleary eyes to study her surroundings. A lamp burned softly beside the bed in a room that in no way resembled her bedroom in London. From what she could tell, the room was much bigger, but that was about all she could make out with the heavy drapes blocking the morning light.

Warm breath caressed her neck and she turned her head to stare into a set of rich brown eyes framed by the kind of dark, thick lashes most women would sell their sweet old, grey-haired granny to possess.

“Hello there, my sleeping beauty,” said the deep masculine voice belonging to owner of those wickedly handsome eyes.

“Kolton?” she whispered, her voice still raspy from sleep.

Kolton propped himself on his elbow next to her. “Yes, love. Did you know you look like an angel when you sleep?” Prudence pulled a face and he chuckled. “Yes, it sounds cliché, but it is true. It is almost impossible to believe you are the same passionate creature I held in my arms but a few hours ago.”

“You are trying to seduce me with words again to sweet-talk me into marrying you,” she stated flatly.

“Ah, if it were only that easy, my dear Pru; but, alas, it is not, and I will not even try. Unless, that is, it’s working; in which case, I might reconsider.” He waggled his brows at her, his eyes twinkled, his lips parted in one of his well practiced, heart melting smiles.

Oooh! He didn’t play fair. “No, I agree. It would be too easy for you if I did, and I wouldn’t believe you in any case.”

His eyes rounded in mock horror and he placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me, my lady.” His face took on a more serious, dissecting expression. “You really don’t realize how beautiful you are, do you, Pru?”

Prudence gave an unladylike snort. “If that were truly the case, I would not have remained a wallflower my entire season and the seven years since. Why do you insist that I am attractive when we both know I am not?”

“And why do you insist on hiding your beauty behind drab dresses, a hideous hairstyle, and spectacles?”

“I don’t hide,” she sputtered. “Loose dresses hide my less than favorable curves, my hairstyle is easy to care for, and if I do not wear my spectacles I can never remember where I left them last.” Well it was mostly true, but she didn’t want to dig deeper into the implications of the thought.

“Your dresses only serve to make you appear fat, your serviceable hairstyle makes your features look harsh, and you could find a way to keep track of your spectacles if you truly desired. No,” he said, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, “you are hiding from something. It makes me curious to know why.”

“I believe, my lord, that curiosity is known to have killed the cat,” she quipped primly. “I have nothing to hide, or to hide from.”

“Yes, and cats have nine lives. Satisfying their curiosity always brings them back. The fact is, whether intentional or not, you have been doing your best to play down how attractive you are and I, for one, believe you should stop.”

“Another dictate for me to follow blindly, my lord?” she challenged.

“No, just common sense, m’dear. After all, how many sane people take a rose and bury it in the sand? An intelligent person would put it on display for all to admire.” He cupped her chin, brushing her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb.

“Hmph. More pretty words,” she grumbled.

He sighed. “I see it is going to be my job to convince you of the truth. I believe,” he continued, flashing another devastating smile, the mischievous twinkle back in his eye, “I will start with showing you how desirable you are.” He lowered his head and claimed her lips with his.

Prudence wanted to push him away – she really did – but, as she seemed to do every time he kissed her, she melted into a puddle of liquid desire the moment his lips touched hers. She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his, drinking in the sensation of his naked flesh against hers.

Kolton slid his arms around her and pulled her tightly against him. He tilted his head and deepened the kiss while pressing his stiff erection against her belly.

“Can you deny I want you?” he demanded softly, moving his hips against her suggestively as his mouth left hers to nibble at her neck.

“Well, it would be difficult to deny you obviously want sex,” she stated dryly.

“Damn it, Pru,” he ground out, looking her in the eye with an annoyed expression. “I want you. Do you think I could be this hard with so little effort if I were not attracted to you?”

Prudence looked at him and blinked. “I don’t know. Could you?”

 

***

 

The woman was going to drive him to an early grave! “No, I couldn’t. Well,” he amended rolling his eyes skyward, “I might be able to force some kind of response if I really worked at it, but I don’t imagine it would be easy.”

“Oh.”

“And I wouldn’t wake you up to initiate an intimate encounter, that’s for certain.”

“Oh,” she repeated apparently at a loss for words for once.

“Now, where was I? Oh, yes, right here.” He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to her neck once again, licking and nibbling at her flesh.

“Oh my. That feels nice, Kolton,” she gasped.

“Mmm, yes, it does,” he drawled, grinding his erection against her soft belly. He rolled onto his back, taking her with him, and situated her so her legs straddled his hips.

Sweet Lord, she is magnificent!

With her hair in rioting waves cascading over her shoulders and down her back, her face languid and flushed with desire, Prudence was sex personified. Kolton’s eyes devoured the picture she presented; her breasts heavy and full, nipples boldly peeking through her magnificent mane, her legs parted, giving a tantalizing glimpse of her moist center as her beautiful bottom rested on his upper thighs.

The situation felt unreal, as if this woman atop him were not really Prudence, but a goddess who had taken her place. How could he have known her, lived in the same house with her for so many years, and never caught the faintest glimpse of the vivacious creature living beneath the drab façade she’d erected?

Perhaps he sensed it the other night when he’d stumbled into her room and climbed into her bed. Maybe fate decided he should discover, not just her beauty, but the other qualities he found so attractive: such as her humor, her sometimes sarcastic wit, her poise, and intelligence, only when he was ready to appreciate them.

Her first season, he had been six-and-twenty, reckless and selfish as hell. There was no way he could have valued more than her beauty. But now, at four-and-thirty, as a more mature, discerning, and knowledgeable man of society and what it had to offer, he knew Prudence was a rare find. She knew how to speak her mind, and she was creative and smart. She would make a perfect match for him, a continued source of challenge that would keep him on his toes.

She ran a soft hand down his smooth chest, tracing the hills and valleys of muscle she found there. “You have a strange look on your face, my lord. What is brewing in that wicked mind of yours?”

“Strange look?” he said lifting a brow. “What kind of strange look?”

“The same look you wear when cook serves your favorite desert: dreamy and excited at the same time,” she replied tracing his navel with her fingertip.

“I was just imagining waking every morning with you beside me, having your body near me.”

Prudence gave a weary sigh. “Kolton, I have told you—”

“Atop me, beneath me, on your knees in front of me, bent over the bed as I take you from behind,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken.

“Lord Ravensbrook!” she all but shouted in indignant surprise.

“What? You don’t like the idea? How disappointing.”

“It is not that I...that is, the idea has its...Oh, bother! I still have not agreed to marry you and you insist on planning our future together,” she huffed crossing her arms over her chest.

“Oh, now, don’t hide those beautiful breasts of yours,” he insisted tugging her arms away and eliciting an unladylike grunt of disgust from the woman destined to be his future wife.

He hissed in a breath as her arms fell away and her hand brushed his arousal.

“Did I hurt you?” Her disgruntled expression gave way immediately to concern.

“Oh no, love, just the opposite, in fact.” To prove his point, he took her hand and groaned as he placed it on his cock and encouraged her to caress him.

Her eyes grew wide as she stared down at his member. “My goodness,” she breathed tracing the head and trailing her fingers over the now throbbing length. “I have never felt skin so soft.” She wrapped her fingers around him, not quite able to touch her middle finger to her thumb. “I cannot think how this was able to fit inside me without splitting me in two.”

“Nature provides for a great many things. Ah, yes, that’s good. Keep stroking it just like that.” He closed his eyes and ran his hands up and down her thighs with appreciation.

“You like it when I touch you with my hand?” she asked coyly.

He cracked open one eye and studied her a moment before closing it again. “With your hand, your mouth, your cun—”

“My mouth?” she exclaimed in shock. “Women do that?”

He lifted his head and looked at her. He crossed his eyes briefly then grinned devilishly. She giggled, a sound he’d never heard from her before. It was soft and feminine and wave of tenderness swelled in his chest, catching him off guard.

“Did you not enjoy it yourself when I used my mouth between your legs?” he reminded her. “Or was it so unexceptional that you have forgotten?”

Prudence’s face flushed crimson. “No, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Shocking perhaps, but pleasurable all the same?” he teased.

“I believe you know the answer to that, so I will not encourage your vanity.”

“You do not have to pleasure me in that manner, if the idea displeases you.” He fervently hoped it did not.

“But, you would enjoy it if I did?” she asked uncertainly.

His cock leapt with hope. “I believe I would enjoy having you explore that avenue of lovemaking, yes.” He crossed his hands behind his head casually and studied her reaction.

A curious frown puckered her brows as she shifted down so she could better access him. She cradled his arousal in both hands and, oh so slowly, lowered her head. Kolton closed his eyes as her hot breath tickled his cock, his balls tightening in anticipation.

 

***

 

Prudence took the time to study the part of the earl’s body that had brought her so much pleasure. She thought it odd looking if she were to be completely honest. It was long, thick, and hard with a curiously spongy, mushroom shaped tip. She lowered her head and ran her tongue along the pronounced veins rippling its length and heard Kolton give a sharp intake of breath. Emboldened, she ran the flat of her tongue up his staff. He tasted different than she expected, both salty and musky. She lapped at him, covering the entirety of his organ, leaving only his tip unexplored, before she placed a wet kiss at the top.

He groaned loudly. She looked up to see him watching her, his eyes fiery with lust, his expression tight as his jaw clenched repeatedly. She pulled back, embarrassment burning her cheeks. Did the fact she enjoyed exploring him with her hands and mouth make her a shameless wanton? Perhaps, but he had seemed to be enjoying her ministrations. Had she done something wrong or did his expression mean he liked what she was doing?

“Am I doing it correctly?”

Kolton let out a gust of air and laughed breathlessly. “You certainly are not doing anything wrong,” he replied hoarsely.

“Perhaps you could tell me what you would like that I might please you further?” she asked hesitantly.

He propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes glowing with desire. “You could take it into your mouth,” he suggested, his voice far from steady.

“Then what should I do?” The thought was exciting, but she didn’t want to do anything wrong and spoil what he was obviously enjoying.

“Do anything you want,” he replied quickly, nearly tripping over his words. “I only ask that you be careful with your teeth. That is a very sensitive part of a man’s body.”

“O-Oh, of course,” she stammered and felt heat suffuse her face.

She lowered her head and took the tip into her mouth, swirling her tongue over its surface. She traced the slit she found there and noticed a slightly bitter, salty taste. It wasn’t bad: as a matter of fact she liked it, and it made her wonder what she tasted like to him.

Kolton let out another deep groan as she took more of him in her mouth and sucked lightly. She glanced up. His head was thrown back and his face was awash with an expression she could only classify as ecstasy. Prudence felt a sudden surge of excitement, which sent an instant spike of heat knifing through her belly to pool hotly between her legs. She was in control; she had the power to make his breathing come faster and it was she that made him groan with pleasure. The notion gave her a heady feeling and excited her beyond measure.

She paused a moment, eliciting a disappointed sigh from him, and wrapped her hand around his length. She began to stroke him before she took the head back into her mouth and suckled strongly.

 

***

 

Kolton gave a strangled moan and reached out, pulling her hair over one shoulder, enabling him to see her as she took more and more of him into her mouth while she continued the movement of her hand. Her inexperience only heightened his excitement. He placed his hand on her head and showed her how to move it up and down in time with her stroking. She picked up the rhythm quickly. He removed his hand and propped himself up again on his elbows.

She continued suckling his staff, pausing now and then to run her tongue along the underside of the head. It didn’t take long for his heart to begin racing and his breathing to grow short and ragged.

His balls drew close to his body, and he felt his approaching orgasm coming quickly. “You need to stop now, sweetheart,” he said, placing a staying hand on her head.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked timidly.

When she looked up at him, her wide eyes both innocent and a bit fearful, her hand still clutching his cock, hair falling in tumbling disarray over one shoulder, Kolton thought he might disgrace himself right then.

“No, love,” he reassured her. “It is just that I am close, and I do not wish to finish in your mouth. I would much rather be inside you.”

“Oh,” she said, releasing him and moving to lie beside him.

“No,” he said grabbing her around the waist before she could lie down, and moved her so she once again straddled his hips. “I want to watch you while we make love. I want to see your glorious body move against mine and perhaps suckle your breasts while you stroke me with your wonderfully tight passage.”

Prudence’s eyes grew round, and for a moment he thought he might have said too much and frightened her. She was self-conscious about her body, he knew, but he was telling the truth when he told her over and over she was beautiful.

He positioned her over his cock relieved, and exceedingly aroused, when she took hold of his member and guided it into her. She sank down, engulfing his shaft in her wet heat, and moaned with pleasure.

“Yes.” Kolton’s eyes rolled back in his head. His lids drifted shut and he fell back against the pillows with a huge sigh.

“Mmm. You feel so good, Kolton,” she said and began rolling her hips experimentally, her inner muscles rippling around his cock.

His breathing increased with the pace of her undulating hips. He gripped her around the waist and guided her up and down on his shaft as she continued moving in little circles with each stroke. The sensation was exquisite.

Suddenly she stopped and began grinding herself against him, whimpering as she rocked her hips faster and faster. Kolton lay still, pushing against her to increase the friction she was seeking.

She threw back her head, hair flying about her shoulders like an ebony cloud, her whimpers giving way to sharp cries of abandonment and pleasure. He’d never seen a more wondrous sight – her face flushed with desire, lips swollen from sucking his cock, her full breasts jiggling with her movements, and the fiercely arousing view of their joined bodies.

Lust gripped him tightly as he watched their coupling, his release threatening to overwhelm him. Kolton fought the urge to flip her over and slam into her with all his strength. He wanted to watch her as she climaxed.

“Let go, Pru. Come for me. Come for me now!” he growled.

She cried out and arched her back, her hips moving at a frantic pace. Her inner muscles rippled and spasmed as she lost herself in pleasure.

“Yes! Oh, God, yes, Pru!” he bellowed as he held her still and pummeled her from below, his orgasm crashing over him with blinding force.

 

***

 

Another earth-shattering wave of pleasure engulfed Prudence; she raised her head and watched Kolton reach his peak. His body bowed, the tendons on his neck standing out, his muscles straining with effort. His eyes widened, an expression of astonishment flashing across his face before a look of painful pleasure captured his features, and he threw back his head, shouting her name.

They lay together in the aftermath, drained but satisfied, waiting for their harsh breathing and rapid pulses to return to normal. Prudence lay sprawled atop his chest, listening to the pounding of his heart.

He raised his hand brushed back the wild mass of hair covering her face and gently stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.

“Marry me, Pru.”

Prudence stiffened. Did he have to ruin this moment by bringing reality crashing back?

She rolled off of him and covered herself with the rumpled sheet. “I thought I made myself clear on that topic.”

“You certainly did, when you spent the night in my arms, and just now, when you fell apart atop me,” he replied, rolling to his side to face her with a determined expression on his handsome face.

Oooh, it would be so easy to give in to his determined desire to be wed. But she had seen what forced marriages did to all those involved. She wouldn’t put herself through the hell her parents had lived.

He mother had wanted to make a real marriage with Prudence’s father. Prudence had heard them argue about it—it was one of her earliest recollections. But their last evening together her father went too far. Prudence was six at the time and playing in the study behind her father’s desk when the two entered.

 

 

“James, please. You’ve never given us a chance,” her mother pleaded in a tearful voice,

“Evelyn. I don’t want to do this again,” her father replied wearily. Prudence heard the sound of glass tinkling. Papa was drinking again. The fights were always the worst when Papa drank.

“Why, James? Just tell me why you refuse to make our marriage work.”

“I don’t want to discuss this again! Damn it, Evelyn, don’t force me to be cruel.”

“Cruel? How can you say you are not cruel, when I know you have taken up with another woman? I am your wife! Why do you go to her bed and not mine?”

“Our marriage was arranged; it was never a love match, Evelyn. Why can you not accept this and make a life for yourself? Why do you insist upon trying to make it into something it will never be?”

Prudence hugged her dolly tight. Papa was getting angry and that always meant he would make Mama cry. She didn’t want Mama to cry again. She would lock herself in her room and not come out for days.

“It could work, James, I know it could. If you would only get rid of that harpy and –”

“Harpy! She is no harpy; she is a gently bred lady. You will not speak of her like that in front of me, or at all for that matter!” he bellowed.

“I will speak of a woman who ruins my marriage any way I please. I am your wife! The mother of your children, I deserve better.”

“Children? We have only one child, lest you forget. You have failed to give me a male heir. In fact, you will never do so. The doctor was clear that there would be no more children after the last miscarriage.”

Prudence heard her mother gasp. “Are you saying that because I cannot bear you another child, that I am no longer worthy of your attention in bed?” her mother choked. “That this tramp can please you, whereas I cannot?”

“You will not talk about her that way; don’t make me warn you again.”

“A woman who would sleep with another’s husband is not a tramp?” she spat. “Please, James, spare me your misplaced honor where she is concerned. You were happy to warm my bed once. What has changed? What makes her so much better than your wife?”

“You want the truth, Evelyn? Fine, here is the truth. I have never been attracted to you. Your hair is too dark, your breasts are disgustingly large; your waist is small, I will grant you that, but it only emphasizes your big hips.”

Prudence peeked around the corner of the desk at her mother. Prudence had always thought her mother beautiful, but then again, she’d had few opportunities to compare her mother to other women.

“The only reason I entered your bed was to beget an heir,” her father continued, “and you couldn’t even give me that! Now you want me to give up a woman I do find attractive to be with a woman who excites me not at all? I think I have had enough of this farce of a marriage.”

Mama was sobbing harder than Prudence had ever heard her do so before. With a mournful cry, her mother turned and ran from the room. A moment later, Prudence heard a door slam, and her father let out a deep sigh. He sat heavily in a nearby chair.

“Damn it, Evelyn. I didn’t want it to go that far,” he said softly.

Her mother hadn’t run to her room, as Prudence had thought; instead, she had rushed out the front door on the coldest winter night on record. A search party had been dispatched, but had to be called off due to the blinding storm that night. Her mother’s body had been found early the next morning near the road leading to town.

 

 

Prudence shook off the memory of the dark night, which had changed her life so dramatically. It still haunted her, especially when she looked in the mirror. She shared her father’s unusual changing shade of blue-green eyes and slight up-tilt at the corners, but other than that she was the perfect image of her mother. The woman her father found so unattractive, so useless.

And now, twenty years after her mother’s death, she too faced marrying a man who didn’t really want her. Oh, he said he found her attractive – even beautiful – but that would change as soon as they went out in society and he was able to compare her to the truly beautiful women it hosted.

“Why do you fight the idea so, Pru?” he asked earnestly, reaching out to trace her jaw with his fingertips.

“I am not cut out to be a countess,” she admitted, shoving the past back into the neat little box where it belonged. “I am not beautiful and vivacious, nor am I socially inclined. I would make a horrible wife, and you would come to resent having to marry me. I-I don’t think I could live with that.”

Kolton blanched, his face registering shock. “I don’t know which untruth to address first,” he said slowly.

“But it is the truth. There is no use ignoring it, or trying to sugarcoat it,” she replied with a resigned sigh.

“Damn it, Pru!” he growled. Kolton climbed out of bed and began pacing, heedless of his nakedness. “Where did you get the idea I would resent you? My God, you make yourself purposely unattractive and hide yourself away. You don’t even make an attempt to socialize,” he stated with a frustrated waive of his hand. “Yes, this bothers me, not because I think you are lacking in any way, but because I have had the chance to see glimmers of the real Prudence. The Prudence who is smart, who has a delightful sense of humor, whose giggles are enchanting, and yes is, whether she wants to see it or not, beautiful.” He stopped and turned to face her. “If you would only be yourself, throw off the chrysalis, and spread your wings, you would see there are others – many others – who would see you just as I do.”

Prudence rolled her eyes. “Even if I did agree to ‘spread my wings’ as you so poetically put it, I would not have to marry you to accomplish such a tremendous feat,” she pointed out.

“No, you wouldn’t,” he agreed, “but we have coupled more than once, pet, and that only increases the chances of conception.” Pru’s eyes grew wide and Kolton gave a weary sigh before he sat on the bed next to her and took her hand in his. “Pru, I truly don’t want to scare you into marrying me, but you need to seriously consider the fact you might be with child.”

He reached up with his other hand and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the gesture so gentle, his expression so tender, it made Prudence’s heart ache with longing, wanting so much to believe him.

Kolton cupped her cheek and brought his face level with hers, staring into her eyes, his own urging her to trust him. “It’s clear you don’t believe I am truly attracted to you, and I am not sure why. But, my dear, I assure you I am,” he said, his voice thick with sincerity. “I honestly think we could make a good marriage if we try. Please don’t fight what we both know is the right thing to do. Marry me, Pru, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you never regret your decision.”

But he would make her regret her decision, she thought sadly.

The first time he turned to another woman—and he would eventually, she had no doubt—it would break her heart. But what if there was a child to consider? Could she bear to let it grow up fatherless? Or go off to France to have it, as she had suggested the day before, and let everyone believe it was an orphan? To never acknowledge it as her own? Giving away Kolton’s baby was not an option; she couldn’t part with any child of hers, much less a child conceived with the man she loved.

Loved?

Her mind balked at the thought. No, she told herself firmly, she wasn’t in love with him. Not yet. But she was afraid she was coming dangerously close.

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

 

Kolton paced the drawing room. Pru had asked for some time alone to think. It was progress at least. She hadn’t refused him outright this time. Either way, he wouldn’t give up on his decision to force the butterfly to emerge and show its wondrous colors—even if he had to drag her to the dressmaker kicking and screaming.

He smiled at the picture of him strolling into the dress shop with Prudence scandalously flung over one shoulder, sputtering and beating at his back. He liked the idea of Pru losing her cool mask and letting her spirit show. He enjoyed the fact that she didn’t agree witlessly with every word out of his mouth, or simper and fawn over him as so many of society’s miss’ did. This new Prudence he’d discovered was a constant surprise, and a powerfully intriguing, sensual woman.

Yes, he thought with a decisive nod, she would be a good addition to his life.

It seemed like hours before she finally entered the study and closed the door. She wore a blue morning dress that complemented her coloring but, as with all her clothing, was loose and did nothing for her figure. That aside, she had softened her appearance by pulling her hair back in a loose bun, allowing a few tendrils to hang free and frame her face. She had also dispensed with wearing her spectacles, which pleased him immensely. If he could only improve her taste in clothes, she would be ravishing indeed.

 

***

 

Prudence had come to a decision. But was it the right one? She had her doubts.

Kolton stood looking contemplatively out of the window as if the weight of the world resided upon his shoulders. Prudence took the opportunity to study him. Sunlight showered him with its rays, brining to brilliant life the hints of gold in his rich brown hair that framed his strong features. She would classify his face as square if it weren’t for the length of his clean-shaven face with its broad forehead. High cheekbones added to his aristocratic air; his chin, which he often rubbed when pondering something important, was too rounded to be considered pointed and sported just a hint of a cleft. His nose was straight, but for the slight widening toward the end that gave him a look of boyishness, his lips full and sensual. But those eyes of his! They were what had made Prudence melt. Their rich, chocolate brown, sometimes soulful depths, which, more often than not, twinkled with mischief and a passion for life, and unerringly drew not only her, but every woman he met.

She was fourteen when she had first seen him—really seen him—as a man. He was back from traveling the continent after graduating Oxford. At two-and-twenty, he made a striking figure of a man, at least in Prudence’s adolescent opinion. He was suave and elegant, yet undeniably male. He had greeted the young, self-conscious Prudence with a gallant bow, and not even a twitch of his lips gave any indication he noticed her clumsy attempt at a curtsey as he took her hand and kissed the air above it. It was the first time a man had treated her as the young lady into which she was quickly maturing, and she was touched by his thoughtfulness.

Now, after years of admiring him from afar, an opportunity she had never thought would be hers was being offered—marrying him. Would she accept, or turn her back? Prudence had allowed herself the occasional fantasy of a life with the Earl of Ravensbrook, but rarely since she left the schoolroom had she indulged in frivolity. She’d known dreaming about a future with him was just that—a dream. So she’d packed her girlhood fantasies away along with her hopes of attracting a husband when she had realized her body had betrayed her and blossomed into a mirror image of her mother’s. If her father had not died of consumption but a few months after her mother, he surely would have been as disgusted with Prudence’s rounded curves as he had with her mother’s. He would have likely settled a large dowry on her and sold her off to the first eligible man available, happy to have her off his hands.

Prudence had resigned herself to remaining unmarried long ago. She’d almost convinced herself spinsterhood was better than living under a husband’s thumb. However, fate possessed an ironic sense of humor and had chosen to intervene, dropping a difficult decision squarely in her lap. Could she marry Kolton without the hope that he might love her? Would his professed attraction to her wane and, when it did, could she live with knowing he warmed the bed of a mistress, possibly more than one?

This is what bothered her most. She didn’t want to be the kind of desperate creature her mother had been in her marriage: stripped of pride, clinging to a man who could not stand the thought of sharing her bed. Prudence refused to sink to that level of self-depreciation, begging for love from a man who didn’t want her, perhaps even grown to resent her. But, if she could keep from loving Kolton, refuse to let her attraction to him become something deeper, perhaps it could work. At least she prayed so. They had the potential to be friends. She enjoyed his company and, from what time they spent together out of bed, she thought he might have come to enjoy hers as well.

Kolton turned as she closed the door quietly behind her. She almost missed the brief flash of nervousness he masked behind an expression of mild curiosity as he approached her.

His lips formed a welcoming smile, the sight making her knees turn to jelly, and motioned for her to sit. She declined with a slight shake of her head and moved to the place by the window he had just vacated. She looked out over the small clearing between the house and the forest, while she organized her thoughts.

 

***

 

“Pru?” Kolton prompted, glad the apprehension churning his insides did not show in his voice.

Pru turned and faced him, her hands clasped calmly at her waist. “I won’t keep you wondering, my lord,” she began, her eyes not quite meeting his. “I have thought your proposal over quite seriously, and I have but a few questions I would like to ask first, if I may?”

He felt the hairs prickle at the back of his neck, a sense of unease adding to his already anxious state. Despite his determination to persuade, and seduce, her into accepting him, he was nervous.

When the rush of challenge she presented eased a bit, he’d begun pacing the room, realizing just how big a step he was forcing them both to take. Both their lives would change drastically. He would have a wife to answer to and she, in turn, would be dependent upon him. What would she expect from him? He couldn’t offer her love at this point. Who knew if he ever could? He did care for her to some degree. But would it be enough?

“Of course.” He cleared his throat against the thickness, which had suddenly taken it over. “You may ask anything, and I will answer whatever you wish to know truthfully.”

Pru straightened, if possible for her already rigid posture. “I am glad,” she replied in a no-nonsense tone, “because I believe being truthful with each other from this point forward is both necessary and important.”

“I will do all within my power to always be honest with you, Pru.”

She lifted her eyes and met his steadily. “Even if you fear I will not like what you have to say?”

 

***

 

Kolton thought this over for a moment. “I would never want to cause you pain or undue stress, but I will do my utmost to uphold my promise to you. And I am promising, Pru, to always tell you the truth.” He meant it. He believed that dishonesty would make a marriage between them miserable, and he did not want that.

His answer seemed to please her and she relaxed a bit. “Thank you.”

“What is it you wish to ask me?” Would he be prepared to answer as honestly as he had just promised? He hoped so.

“First, I would like to know what to expect if I should decide to marry you. Are we to live apart? Do you expect to return to your life in London after I produce the required heir?”

Kolton hadn’t really thought that far ahead. He should have, of course, but he’d been too wrapped up in gaining her acceptance to contemplate the matter.

He motioned for her to sit and this time she took a seat on the settee. Settling himself next to her, he took her hand in his and studied her expression. It was withdrawn, but he could tell his answer was important to her.

“To be completely honest, Pru, I’ll admit I haven’t thought about our living arrangements. So far, I have been focused solely on obtaining your agreement to marry me.” He frowned thoughtfully as he pondered his feelings in the matter. “Have you any preference?”

“I do not want my feelings on the matter to sway you in your answer. I want to know, honestly, what you want from a marriage,” she replied, the hint of a smile entering her eyes at his obvious attempt to stall.

He rubbed his chin absently. “Well, I always believed I would share a mutual accord with the woman I married,” he began, “and attraction is important as well. I have never really contemplated how we would live but, since I do want to have a successful marriage and not one of the indifferent arrangements so prevalent amongst society, I believe that one’s spouse should be a companion, not simply convenient for procreation purposes.”

Pru nodded, but her neutral expression didn’t indicate whether what he said met with her approval or not.

“I believe I would want to keep my wife with me, if at all possible, wherever we live. I see no need to live separate lives, especially after we have children. It is my opinion that having both parents involved in a child’s life is important. It gives them a sense of stability and self assurance that many of the ton’s marriages do not provide for their progeny.” It may not be what the ton viewed as traditional thinking, but his own parents’ lack of convention had proved a close family to be a successful and loving one.

“I agree,” she replied softly. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders before asking her next question. “And fidelity? What of that? Do you intend to keep a mistress as so many men seem to do? And, if so, would you be discrete?”

“I have never been one to flaunt my intimate associations publicly,” he said after a short pause, “but I want to take my marriage vows seriously, and I’d hoped you know me well enough to believe me capable of honoring them.”

His father had believed a great deal in the sacred institution of matrimony. Married twice, he had been deeply in love both times. Up until his death five years ago, he had been strictly faithful to Victoria, and Kolton believed it had been the same with his mother. While Kolton had recently been uncertain on the topic where Pru was concerned, he no longer had any doubts: he would not need to seek out another woman to satisfy him in bed. He didn’t think, however, she would appreciate his first thought on the matter, so he kept that information to himself.

“I see,” she said quietly searching his face and apparently finding his answer acceptable.

“Was there anything else you wished to know?”

“Actually, I do have one more thing to ask.” She lowered her gaze to her hands, primly folding them in her lap before taking another deep breath and meeting his eyes steadily once more. “It is about children.”

“Do you not want children?” he asked surprised at the thought.

“No, no, it is not that. It is just … well, my mother was unable to give my father his heir, and it caused a large...rift between them. I can give you no assurance I will be able to provide you with a son.”

“Hmm. I see.” He sat back and rubbed his chin again thoughtfully. “I did plan on children, you might be carrying my heir as we speak,” he reminded her with a wink. Pru raised a brow, indicating she did not consider this a topic to take lightly.

He cleared his throat and assumed a serious expression once again. “While I would be disappointed, of course, I would not need to be concerned about the Ravensbrook line. I have Victor, and whatever children he may produce, to carry on the family name should anything happen to me.” His brother was four years his junior and still sowing his oats, but Kolton had no intention of handing over the reigns anytime soon.

“And if I had only daughters?” she pushed. “Would you be disappointed?”

Kolton shook his head. What an odd thing to be discussing, it wasn’t as if either of them could decide the sex of their child, much less blame the other. “I would only be disappointed if I were not allowed to spoil them rotten.” He sent a wicked smile Pru’s way. “But if it is important to you, I can think of nothing more pleasurable than trying again and again, if that is your wish of course.”

Pru blushed and looked away. “You are incorrigible,” she murmured, but he saw the corners of her mouth twitch as she suppressed a smile.

“Have I answered all your questions to your satisfaction, my dear? Are you finally ready to end my torment and share your answer?” Her questions made him feel confident she would capitulate, but he was surprised at how much he wanted to hear the words themselves come from her mouth.

Prudence stood and paced a moment or two in front of the settee, before she turned to face him with an air of resolve. “Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, my lord, I will marry you,” she replied with more confidence then she actually felt. Oh, his answers were all the right ones, but...Prudence shoved aside her doubts. This was Kolton for heaven’s sake. She’d spent every season for the last eight years in the same London home with him. She knew he was an honest man—overly popular with the ladies, perhaps, but still, an honest man. If he gave her his word, she knew he would do everything he could to keep it.

The earl produced a dazzling smile and took her in his arms. “You won’t regret this Pru,” he told her, placing a soft kiss on her temple. “I promise to do everything within my power to make sure of it.”

Prudence was temporarily struck dumb. Being this close to him sent her heart racing and heat pouring through her body. She managed a slight nod and gave him her best smile. Trust. She needed to trust him. He was a good man and she did believe he would try to make her happy. But what of him? He certainly seemed happy with her in bed, but would it be enough to sustain a marriage? Could she make him happy?

Prudence felt suddenly quite selfish. She’d been so busy thinking about her own doubts and fears she hadn’t considered the sacrifice Kolton was making. It wasn’t only her future that was at stake. It was time for her to stop wallowing in her own insecurities and start focusing on learning more about her future husband’s needs as well.

Kolton hadn’t realized he had been holding his breath until she said the words. She had agreed, and he was surprised at how pleased he was. He pulled her closer, the feel of her soft curves pressed against him sparked that oh-so-familiar tingling in his loins. They would return to the London house soon and, when they did, being with her intimately would carry with it the constant fear of discovery. Kolton wanted to take advantage of what time they had left in this private setting, and now was the perfect time to start.

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

 

Kolton released her and strode to the door. Turning the key in the lock, he retraced steps, the heated look in his eyes leaving Prudence no doubt as to his intentions.

“K-Kolton, it is the middle of the day,” she stammered, secretly thrilled at his boldness and the way his eyes devoured her.

“I was not aware there was a proper time of day to kiss one’s betrothed,” he replied with a gleam in his eye.

“You don’t need to lock the door to do that, Kolton. To do so suggests you have more in mind than a simple kiss.” She retreated a step, stopping when the back of her legs bumped up against the settee.

“Ah, already you have come to read me well, my dear,” he replied with a predatory grin. “Perhaps the thought of lovemaking in the middle of the day is scandalous to some, but I suspect that, to them, making love is a chore, be it day or night. What do you think, my sweet? Do you find making love with me a chore?” He stepped closer, ran a finger down her cheek, and cupped her chin, caressing her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb.

Prudence swallowed hard. She could feel his body heat even through the layers of clothing separating them. His manly scent embraced her and scattered her thoughts to the four winds. She moistened her lips, her tongue lightly brushing his thumb. His eyes flared and darkened with desire as they focused on her mouth.

“N-No,” she replied while attempting to gather her wits to form a coherent answer. “I would never call making love with you a chore but, Kolton, surely you don’t mean to-to, you know,” she widened her eyes meaningfully at him, “here in the study?”

He chuckled, the sound filled with passionate promise. “Yes, I do. I find the thought thrilling, don’t you?”

“I-I’m not sure-” she started to answer before Kolton’s mouth eclipsed her reply.

He wrapped his arm around her, his free hand sliding behind her head, holding it in place as he tilted his head and placed a hot, open-mouthed kiss on her lips. Prudence moaned and pressed her body against him, opening her mouth to receive his plundering assault.

He moved both hands to grip her bottom and pull her against his prominent erection, thrusting his hips against her, leaving no doubt—had she any by this point—of his desire to take her.

“I want you, Pru, now, I don’t want to wait,” he breathed, kissing his way to her ear and nibbling gently on the lobe. “I don’t think I have ever wanted a woman like this. How is it that you can make me as hard as stone just holding you?”

“We shouldn’t,” she whispered, but knew the words lacked conviction. She wanted him to make love to her just as badly. She was thrilled he wanted her just as much – if not more so – unwilling to wait the time it would take to reach their room.

“You’re right, we shouldn’t,” he agreed as he unfastened her dress and eased it along with the straps of her shift off her shoulders, exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze.

He eased her down on the settee and proceeded to remove his jacket and vest before he tore off his cravat and unbuttoned his shirt and trousers while staring at her nakedness worshipfully. He then stretched out on top of her, pressing his bared chest against her, and took her mouth in another heated kiss.

Reaching down, he pulled her skirt up to her waist and pushed his hand between her thighs to finger her through the slit in her drawers. Prudence gasped and parted her legs further, opening herself to him without reservation. Kolton made a gruff sound of approval deep in his throat and cupped her breast with his free hand, moving down to capture its erect bud between his lips as he buried a finger deep inside her.

Prudence immediately came apart, writhing and calling out his name breathlessly as a sudden, unexpected wave of pleasure crested and tossed her over the edge into ecstasy.

“My God, Pru, you are so responsive. So passionate! Do you know what that does to me, how it excites me?” Kolton panted staring into her eyes, his expression dark with desire as he shoved his pants out of the way, exposing his throbbing manhood, and moved between her legs.

He pushed into her and groaned, closing his eyes as he seated himself completely. She kept her eyes open, watching his expression. His brows drew together, his face contorting with pleasure, as he began to move. Slowly, he advanced and withdrew, drawing out their pleasure. Prudence wrapped her arms around him and moved in a counter rhythm, feeling every delicious inch of his hard staff as he drove himself deep within her.

This time the pressure inside her began to build slowly, increasing with each thrust of his hips. He opened his eyes, his expression hot, yet surprisingly vulnerable, his breathing ragged. Prudence felt an instant connection with him, as if his soul reached out and melded with hers. With a strangled cry, she wrapped her legs around his waist and moved her hips wildly against him.

He threw back his head with a growling shout of pleasure and thrust faster. Prudence felt the beginning of her climax approach with blinding speed and was soon arching against him, crying out incoherently. He stiffened and thrust spasmodically against her as his release poured out of him.

 

***

 

He was in trouble.

Kolton realized this fact moments later as the fog of lust started lifting and his senses returned. He’d never experienced anything like this before. He wanted to hold her so tight their bodies merged into one being. Like he’d felt when they made love moments ago. He didn’t want to lose the sensation of actually being part of her. The feeling was addictive—and frightening.

Since the morning he woke in her bed, Prudence jumbled his wits. She inspired so many different emotions that he didn’t know up from down. No other woman had affected him as she did—and she did it without even trying. What did it all mean? Was it simply lust like he had never known before, or was it the beginning of something more?

He wouldn’t mind being in love with his spouse, even hoped to love the woman he married some day. If that was what was happening, he wouldn’t fight it.

But what did she feel for him?

She had adamantly refused his suit, and he’d practically had to force her to accept him – well not sexually, he reminded himself with a grin, she seemed to respond very enthusiastically in that area. But now that he thought about it, when she’d refused him, she had never mentioned love. He would have thought it would have been amongst her excuses, but it wasn’t.

He lifted his upper body, balancing his weight on his forearms and looked down at her. He smiled. Her hair was a mess, but her flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips made her disarray exceedingly attractive.

Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at him, a lazy, wholly satisfied smile of a woman well loved. It took his breath away.

“That was quite a kiss you gave me to seal our betrothal, my lord.”

Kolton gave her a lust-filled smile. “Ah, yes. If all kisses were that satisfying, I fear our lips would never part.”

Prudence frowned in mock contemplation. “If that were the case, would we not die of starvation? Or exhaustion?”

“Good point.” He heaved himself off her and buttoned his trousers as she sat up and righted her dress. He sat back down on the settee and pulled her onto his lap.

“We should discuss where we go from here,” he remarked casually as he fastened the back of her gown. “I was thinking we should leave at sunrise tomorrow so we can arrive before the dinner hour.”

“That seems sensible,” she replied. “What of announcing our engagement?”

“Well, that depends on a few things.”

“And what might they be?” she asked, turning to him with a questioning expression.

“First of all, how soon will you know if you are with child?” If she were, it might make avoiding gossip tricky.

Prudence dropped her eyes and blushed prettily. “I should know sometime next week. Why?”

“I was thinking of putting the announcement in the paper in a few days. But as to the wedding, if you are not expecting, we could set a date that may serve to stave off gossip.”

“But if I am not with child—”

“That makes no difference,” he stated firmly. “You have already accepted my proposal, and the announcement will be posted well before we know either way. You gave your word and I expect you to keep it.”

“Y-Yes, of course I will keep my word. I just wanted to point out that you still have the opportunity to change your mind if it is what you wish.”

“I will not change my mind,” he sighed. “I wish you would accept that fact. I want to marry you, you stubborn woman.”

“You do?” Her eyes grew round as she gaped at him.

“Yes, I do,” he replied casually. “As I said, I think we make a fine couple.”

“You do?”

“You are repeating yourself, my dear.” He chuckled and gave her a quick squeeze. “And, again, yes I do. I would hope we might grow some lasting affection between us as time passes.”

“O-Oh,” she stammered.

The slight frown on her face gave Kolton pause. “The idea causes you concern?”

“Yes, I mean, no. It is good to share a fondness with one’s spouse.” Her expression cleared and she gave him a weak smile.

“And love? What of that?” he ventured.

“I am not looking for love,” she said squaring her shoulders. “This was never to be a love match and I think it best not to raise expectations which may never be realized.”

Her response surprised him. He didn’t expect her to love him right away, but he’d hoped her feelings would eventually lead in that direction. He gave her what he hoped was a companionable smile. “Of course, m’dear, one day at a time and all that,” he replied airily, ignoring the disappointment her words brought him.

She nodded her head and gave him an overly bright smile. “Yes, one day at a time.”

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

 

“How much longer do you think it will be before we reach London?”

Kolton stretched out his legs casually in front of him, crossing his ankles. “Are you anxious to be home and share our news with the family, my sweet?” he asked with an amused expression.

“Did you want to let the family know right away? Amanda will be at her own house with Cecil and his father. Surely you want both Amanda and Christopher there when we break the news?” Prudence pointed out.

“I want the family to know immediately,” he stated firmly, studying her in such a way that Prudence felt as if he were able to see right through her clothes to what lay beneath.

“And when do you plan to appease their curiosity, my lord? Will you make them wait until after dinner, or will you announce it before the meal?” It didn’t really matter to Prudence, either way she would have a million questions to answer from their surprised relatives.

“I thought perhaps when we gather before dinner,” he replied. “Would you agree?”

“Whatever you wish is fine with me,” she answered, her gaze drawn to the window and the passing scenery that was quickly fading as dusk approached.

“I thought I would answer the bulk of the questions our news is sure to bring,” he graciously offered. “I think suggesting our time alone aided in our discovery of how well we got on together that I thought marriage between us might suit, and I proposed.”

“So I am to be presented as the desperate spinster who gratefully accepted?” she asked, unable to disguise her distaste at the idea.

“Well, I had not considered you would be perceived in such a light,” he replied rubbing his chin with a thoughtful expression. “Perhaps I could say you were hesitant at first, but I persisted and just before we returned, you finally consented to be my wife? Would you be more comfortable with that?”

Prudence thought this over for a few moments. “I believe I could live with that version,” she agreed with a slight nod.

 

***

 

The two arrived well before the dinner hour, and Kolton sent word to his sister and her husband requesting they join the rest of the family to dine with them as he had promised. Then they each retired to their respective rooms to wash and dress for dinner.

Prudence couldn’t wait to take a nice long bath and wash away the dust from the day’s travel, the fact that it gave her time alone, away from the earl’s heated looks, was simply an added benefit, she told herself.

Her maid was waiting when she entered her room. “Your bath is waiting for you,” Harriet informed her and stepped forward to help Prudence undress.

“Oh, thank you, you are an angel. If you would, Harriet, in my smaller trunk is the new soap I picked up while I was away. I would like to have it for my bath.”

“Yes, my lady. I will bring them to you right away.”

 

***

 

Prudence lingered in the tub after Harriet rinsed her hair and went to set out her clothes for the evening. Prudence worked up a lather and ran the sponge over her body, enjoying the smell of the scented soap she had purchased while shopping with Amanda in the marketplace in Bath. It smelled of spiced apple as did the cream she found to go with it. Kolton had commented several times how much he admired the scent, and Prudence made a mental note to send for more in the future.

She washed her legs and, as she ran the sponge over her inner thighs, she remembered Kolton’s hands caressing her, his mouth pressed against her in the most intimate of kisses. Her breasts began to tingle, her womb contracting with arousal. She snatched her hand away and concentrated on quickly finishing her bath. There was nothing productive in thinking about such intimacies. It would be weeks, in all likelihood, before they would share a bed again. Working herself to a desperate state of sexual tension would make the separation unbearable.

Finished, she stepped out of the bath, toweled herself off, and went about rubbing the cream into her skin. She was pleased with her purchase; it made her skin silky soft—yet another thing Kolton had commented approvingly upon. Donning her robe, she opened the door to her bathing chamber and entered her room where Harriet had her clothes laid out. She changed into her shift and sat before her dressing table so her maid could brush her hair.

When the tangles were freed and her hair only slightly damp, Harriet went about putting up her hair in her usual, severe style. Prudence stopped her. “I believe I would like to try something different tonight,” she informed the startled woman. “Perhaps something softer, more becoming.” Something Kolton would admire.

“Really, my lady?” her maid exclaimed excitedly. “I have always wanted to style it in upsweep with curls atop and some framing your face.”

“That sounds marvelous,” she replied, curious to see what the finished product would look like.

When her maid was done, Prudence gazed at her reflection. She didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. The effect was startling. Her features looked less pinched, her appearance much younger.

“You look wonderful, my lady,” Harriet gushed, obviously pleased with her work.

“Thank you.” Prudence blushed, not used to such effusive compliments. “I think I will wear the emerald taffeta gown tonight.”

“Th-The emerald taffeta? The one you hate?”

The gown in question was one Amanda and Victoria had talked her into last season. Prudence hated the thing because it didn’t hide her curves and, up until now, hung unworn in the back of her closet.

“Yes, that would be the one,” she replied, a smile twitching the corners of her lips at her maid’s astonishment. “I thought I would see if I liked it better with my new hairstyle.” The rich emerald green gown fit her perfectly. It had small puffed sleeves accented with white silk rosettes and fell just shy of the edge of her shoulders. The neckline also trimmed with white rosettes, dropped to a deep ‘v’, showing much of her rounded breasts without being too daring. The bodice was form fitting and emphasized her small waist where it met the full skirt which fell to her feet and whose hem was decorated with more silk rosettes. Overall, it was a simple gown, but it did extraordinary things for Prudence.

“Oh, my lady,” Harriet breathed in awe. “You look...I can’t describe how beautiful you look.”

Prudence felt horribly exposed in the gown without loose layers to hide behind, every curve was on display. Pushing aside her self-consciousness, she squared her shoulders. If his lordship didn’t like it, it would serve him right.

“Thank you Harriet. I believe I am all set.”

 

***

 

“Is this what Kolton was so cryptic about in his note inviting us to dinner?” Amanda quipped as Prudence entered the hall moments after her cousin and her husband arrived. “You look absolutely stunning! I just knew that dress would suit you.”

“Prudence?” Lord Broadshire exclaimed before Prudence could open her mouth. “By God, you look ravishing.” With a dramatic flourish, the viscount took her hand on which he placed a lingering kiss.

“Christopher! You are an incorrigible flirt. Stop panting after my cousin and escort us to the study,” Amanda admonished with a good-natured laugh.

“As if any woman could replace my wife in my affections. Although,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “I have to say; your cousin appears to be giving you a run for your money this evening, darling.”

“Oh, you rat!” Amanda swatted her husband’s shoulder before taking his arm.

“My goodness,” Prudence declared with overstated astonishment, “if I thought I would cause a row between the two of you, I would have worn one of my oldest gowns.”

“Don’t you dare!” ordered Amanda.

“I quite agree with my wife,” Lord Broadshire said with a smile.

Prudence followed them into the study, a bit overwhelmed at their effusive praise. The Countess and her two stepsons were already in attendance gathered at the opposite end of the room and conversing amongst themselves when the small group entered. All conversation stopped abruptly as Prudence swept through the doorway. She stopped short when she noticed three pairs of stunned eyes focused on her.

 

***

 

The earl had never seen a more spectacular sight—well, not clothed at any rate, he amended—than the image of Pru silhouetted in the doorway. The dress she wore fit her perfectly, accentuating her alluring curves, the neckline giving a tantalizing glimpse of her full, rounded breasts. The color brought out the green in her eyes. Coupled with her dark hair and fair complexion, she virtually glowed with refinement and beauty. He had all he could do to keep himself from dashing across the room shouting “Mine!” and dragging her up to his bed.

“Though I sympathize with your reaction, gentlemen, you should close your mouths lest you attract flies,” Lord Broadshire quipped with a knowing grin.

Kolton shut his jaw with a click and shook himself out of his lustful daze. He tore his eyes away from the vision in the doorway and glanced at his younger brother. Victor was staring unblinkingly at Prudence, as if she had cast a spell over him as well, his mouth still hanging open. Kolton frowned and nudged him none too gently in the side.

“Oh, Prudence,” his stepmother, Victoria, exclaimed. “That’s the dress, isn’t it? The one you had made then refused to wear for us?” She crossed the room to Pru’s side and took her arm, leading her farther into the room. “Well, what do you think of our dear Prudence, boys?”

“Pru,” Victor said clearing his voice, the look of stunned disbelief still present on his face, “you look...that dress...your hair...I am at a loss for words.”

Pru blushed but lifted her chin. “Come now, Victor, ladling it on rather thick, don’t you think?”

“Not at all, my dear Prudence,” Kolton answered for his tongue-tied brother. “I have yet to see a lovelier sight,” he added, stepping forward and taking her hand for a brief kiss.

“So, is Pru’s transformation the reason you invited us all here tonight, brother?” Amanda demanded, curiosity bright in her eyes.

“Actually, no,” he said, turning Pru to face the assembled group. Draping his arm casually around her waist, he smiled softly down at her, willing her to smile back at him, and was rewarded with a tentative smile in return. “Pru and I have something we wanted to share with you.”

A collected gasp sounded from the group. Even pragmatic Lord Broadshire looked shocked.

“Kolton, are you about to say what I think you are?” Victoria squeaked.

“Well, if you are thinking that I have asked Prudence to marry me and she has accepted, you would be correct,” he replied with a broad smile.

“B-B-But you...but Pru . . .” Amanda babbled, unable to form a complete sentence.

“Yes, I agree with my stuttering sister,” Victor interrupted. “The two of you have never, that is, I mean, I have never noticed a particular attraction between the two of you.”

“What I believe my simple minded brother-in-law is trying to say is; congratulations,” the viscount interceded, stepping forward to shake Kolton’s hand and bow over Prudence’s.

This seemed to shake the others out of their shock-induced stupor. Amanda and the Countess stepped forward, embracing both Prudence and Kolton and offering their best wishes as well.

 

***

 

“So when is the happy event to take place?” Vincent inquired over dinner.

Prudence took a sip of her wine and let Kolton answer. “We haven’t set a date yet, but I thought I would post the announcement in the paper the day after tomorrow,” he replied waiving the footman away when he offered to refill his glass.

“Well, I suppose there is no rush,” the countess remarked, “but we must have some idea how long we will have to plan the most perfect of weddings for the two of you.”

“Oh, Victoria,” Prudence interjected anxiously. “I don’t want a lot of fuss, really and—”

“Oh, now, Pru.”

“I won’t hear of it!”

Amanda and Victoria chimed as one. With a sigh, Prudence realized ‘simple’ was not going to be on the agenda.

“Now, before you hens start planning for Pru to wear the crown jewels and scare her off entirely,” Kolton injected with an indulgent smile at his over-eager stepmother and sister, “I suggest you give us a week at least to decide.”

“Take as long as you like, dear brother,” Amanda said flashing Kolton a determined look. “We ladies will begin discussing the preparations immediately.”

“Oh, yes,” declared the countess. “We should visit the dressmakers on the morrow and have a completely new wardrobe and trousseau ordered right away. Oh, and there is the ball we must throw in honor of your betrothal.”

Prudence’s head began to swim as Lady Ravensbrook rang off the list of ‘must do right aways.’ She should have realized all the fuss expected in regards to the marriage of a high ranking peer, but the idea never occurred to her – especially since they may have to marry sooner than anyone present expected.

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

 

It wasn’t until after Amanda and Christopher said their goodbyes and returned home that Victor left for the evening and the countess retired for the night, leaving Prudence and Kolton alone in the study.

“I think the evening went well, wouldn’t you agree, my dear?” Kolton remarked stretching his legs out in front of him as he relaxed in an overstuffed chair, and sipped his brandy. He had been studying Pru for the last several minutes, wondering if she was interested in retiring for the evening alone or with him.

“It went much better than I expected, I must admit.” She stared into her glass of sherry as if it held the answers to all of life’s questions.

“Oh, how so?” he asked, just to make the conversation last.

“Well,” a slight frown creased her brow as she pursed her lips thoughtfully, “I didn’t expect them to be quite as...well, happy about the two of us marrying. Not that I expected them to hate the idea exactly.”

“Amanda cornered me after dinner and let me know she was completely in favor of our engagement.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. In fact, she told me she had long thought we would be a good match, but short of throwing us at each other, she had no idea of how to get us to notice one another in a romantic sense. And she said she was almost glad Cecil had his little accident because it forced us to spend some time together on a more personal level.”

“It certainly did.”

Kolton raised a sardonic brow at the note of sarcasm in her tone, but let the comment pass unchallenged. “Have I mentioned how lovely you look tonight, and how well I think that dress suits you?” He stood and took her hand, urging her to her feet.

Pru smiled wryly as she faced him. “I believe it came up quite spectacularly before dinner, if memory serves, my lord.”

“That it did.” Kolton chuckled, recalling Victor’s reaction. “I thought my brother was about to expire on the spot from shock.”

“Well, admittedly, he did appear shocked, but I think one foot in the grave is a bit of an exaggeration.”

“Perhaps,” Kolton conceded, “but I have never seen him in such a state.”

“You were not far better yourself, I must say,” she reminded him with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes.

“I will not argue the fact you took my breath away,” he said pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her, “but then, you’ve made quite the habit of that these last few days.”

“If I didn’t know better, Lord Ravensbrook, I would say you are attempting to seduce me with flowery praise.”

“Me?” he asked with false, wide-eyed innocence. “Why I would never– by the by, is it working?”

 

***

 

The combination of the child-like hopefulness in Kolton’s expression and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes melted Prudence’s resolve to keep him at arm’s length. She burst out laughing.

“You can be a dangerous man when you want to be, Lord Ravensbrook. I can see I will have to keep that in mind in the future,” she commented when her laughter subsided.

“I don’t know about that, my dear. I like to think of myself as charming.”

“You are at that, and that is what makes you dangerous with the ladies,” she replied primly.

Kolton grinned boyishly, making Prudence’s heart flutter. “I plan to be ‘dangerous’ with only one lady from now on,” he said with a wink, “so I am no longer a danger to society, I assure you, my sweet Prudence.”

“Hmph. As if your flirtatiousness is something that you can control. It comes as natural to you as breathing.”

“Hmm, you may be right,” he said with contrived concern, “but I intend to be wicked only with you.”

Prudence’s last thought before he lowered his lips to hers was that only time would prove whether he actually spoke the truth.

“Kolton,” she pleaded breathlessly a few moments later. “Someone might see.”

Kolton lifted his head from where he had been nibbling at her neck and looked toward the open door to the study. “Something that can be easily fixed,” he replied, striding to the door. He closed and locked it before retracing his steps and lifting Prudence in his arms.

“Kolton! What are you doing? Put me down.”

He ignored her, settling himself in one of the oversized chairs by the fireplace. He cuddled Prudence on his lap. “Now, where were we?”

“This is most improper. There are servants about and Victoria is upstairs,” she huffed indignantly, attempting to move off his lap. “Not to mention the fact we have tempted fate too many times already.”

He tightened his hold on her. “There are ways to find pleasure which do not include the physical act, my dear Prudence,” he suggested as he busied himself with kissing her neck.

Prudence shivered. “Oh?”

“Yes. Would you like me to show you?”

“I don’t know if that is such a good– oh my!” she exclaimed when he reached a sensitive spot which never failed to make her stomach flutter.

 

***

 

Kolton chuckled and concentrated on the area. “It is a good idea, Pru. It is either that, or I will go crazy with wanting you.” He slid his hand beneath her skirt and found her hot center. He knew of another way as well to prevent conception, one he had discovered one of his former mistresses used. He would have to go about procuring the necessary supplies on the morrow after he visited Helena to end their arrangement in person.

Prudence gasped and gave a soft moan when he slid his finger between her damp folds. She was already wet, and it excited him. Already, his cock was straining against his trousers uncomfortably.

“God, I want you, Pru,” he exclaimed hoarsely and lifted her to straddle his lap. He pushed her dress off her shoulders, exposing her breast and took one of her ripe nipples in his mouth. Prudence tilted her head back and moaned, running her fingers through his hair as he sucked hungrily at her breast while fumbling to open his pants and let his member spring free.

“No, Kolton, we can’t.” But her voice held little conviction as he rubbed the tip of his cock along her wet slit.

“Shh, trust me,” he murmured as he moved to take the nipple of her other breast into his mouth. He urged her to lower herself against him and showed her how to rub against him to stimulate them both without entering her.

“Oh my! Mmm. That feels so good,” she breathed.

“Being inside you would feel even better; but for now we’ll have to make do with this,” he told her as he released her nipple and took her lips in a hot, open-mouthed kiss.

He became drenched with her fluids as she moved faster against him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rocked his hips. His balls tightened. He didn’t know how long he could last. He’d been suffering a painfully rigid cock stand since he first saw her enter the room before dinner, and couldn’t keep his mind off of how good she’d feel wrapped around his staff since then.

 

***

 

Prudence was riding a wave of pleasure that threatened to crash against the shores of ecstasy any moment. “Kolton, oh Kolton I—oh God!” she cried as her climax took her.

“Yes, love, that’s it. Don’t hold back,” he panted, thrusting his hips faster.

Prudence looked down at his face as the ripples of her release began to ease. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as if he could see into her soul, before his own orgasm hit him. A look of wonder flashed across his features followed by heavy-lidded ecstasy. He growled her name, his eyes never leaving hers as she felt the rush of his hot seed between her legs.

He grabbed the back of her head and brought her lips down to his in a crushing kiss, his tongue plunging wildly into her mouth in time with his thrusting cock, and another climax seized her.

Pleasure soon receded into a pleasant afterglow and she collapsed against him, a strange sense of belonging as he held her securely against him enveloping her. If only she could believe he would always want her this way – never become like her father and tire of her. But she couldn’t trust he wouldn’t grow tired of her. If only things wouldn’t change; then she could be free to love him.

 

***

 

The next morning, Amanda arrived early and, along with Victoria, dragged Prudence out on an all day shopping spree. By the end of the day, Prudence’s feet ached and she was more exhausted than she could recall in recent memory.

“Perhaps tomorrow, we will decide on a gown for your wedding,” Amanda suggested after they returned home and made their way to the sitting room for tea.

Honestly, Prudence thought, did the woman ever tire of clothes shopping? Prudence had certainly had enough for the foreseeable future.

“I don’t even want to think about fabrics and lace and whether the neckline is too high or too low for at least a week,” Prudence complained collapsing in a most unladylike manner in a comfortable chair. Victoria and Amanda seemed as fresh and energetic as they had when they departed that morning, Prudence observed crossly.

Victoria eyed Prudence with sympathy. “I do suppose you are unaccustomed to the amount of activity we heaped on you today. In a day or two, we can see about acquiring some fashion plates to look over until you feel recovered enough to visit some more shops. In the meantime,” she continued, pouring Amanda and Prudence their tea and handing them their cups, “we can discuss the guest list – but not today,” she amended when Prudence crossed her eyes in exasperation. “I think we have gotten a fair start with ordering your new wardrobe.”

“Thank you, cousin.” Prudence sent the older woman a grateful smile. “I would appreciate the chance to relax for the remainder of the day.”

“Well, I for one would think you would be bubbling over with excitement and full of ideas for making everything perfect. I know I was when Christopher proposed,” Amanda remarked as she added sugar to her tea.

“Oh, hush your nonsense,” the countess admonished her stepdaughter, her tone devoid of real censure. “Every woman is different. Can’t you see the poor gel is exhausted?” She reached over and patted Prudence’s hand reassuringly. “I shudder to think what she’ll put a daughter of hers through when it comes time for her to marry. You would think she were planning her own wedding again the way she is carrying on so.”

Prudence chuckled at Amanda’s look of effrontery and abject denial. “Oh, let her get it out of her system. Besides, I am happy to have both of your help in planning my wedding. It would appear I am not cut out to organize such an extravagant event. I would be happy with a small church wedding and a handful of guests, but I understand as a future countess, I need to get used to such elaborate affairs.”

“Indeed,” agreed Victoria, “and I believe that first on the agenda should be your betrothal ball. Don’t worry,” she rushed to reassure Prudence. “Amanda and I will do most of the planning, but you should be heavily involved, you could do with the practice.”

“I agree completely,” Amanda chimed in.

“Then it is settled, tomorrow after breakfast, we will meet here and discuss the guest list and other details.”

“That sounds agreeable.” Prudence tried to sound more excited at the prospect than she truly felt at the moment. Changing the subject she said, “So, Amanda, how is poor Cecil doing?”

 

***

 

Kolton signaled for his carriage to stop a couple of blocks from Lady Whenton’s townhouse. It was time for him to end his affair with the pretty widow now that he was to be wed.

He exited the coach and ordered the driver to circle the block until he returned and made his way to Helena’s door. It opened immediately at his knock. The butler showed him into the sitting room.

Helena entered the room moments later. She looked fetching in her light blue morning gown, which matched her eyes to perfection, her blond curls piled atop her head artfully as she glided over to him, reaching out both hands for him to take.

“Kolton, my darling, it has been far too long since we were last together,” she cooed as he lifted one hand and bent over, kissing the air above it. “Did you enjoy your trip to Bath with your sister and your cousin?” Her voice didn’t reflect much interest, Kolton observed, as she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting her face for a kiss.

“I quite enjoyed myself, thank you for asking,” he replied taking hold of her wrists and stepping out of her embrace. “As a matter of fact, something has come up as a result that I wished to discuss with you.”

“We can talk later,” Helena pouted, stepping closer and attempting to wrap her arms around him again, frowning with impatience when he stayed her attempt once again.

“Helena, I came here to talk. Only talk,” he stated firmly setting her aside.

“Since when have you wanted only to talk when you visit me?” she chided, giving him a sultry wink.

True. Talking had never been one of their more active pursuits when they were alone together. His relationship with her suddenly seemed shallow on both their parts. Neither of them had taken the time to get to know each other except physically, which had suited him just fine in the past, but now struck him as a bit debauched.

“Since I have become an engaged man, my dear.” He lowered his voice, hoping to soften the shock his unexpected news would bring.

“What?” Helena stepped back and stared at him, her jaw dropping in astonishment. “Engaged?”

“Yes. To Lady Prudence,” he confirmed.

“To your cousin– ?”

“My stepmother’s second cousin, yes,” he corrected.

Helena’s shocked expression changed to one of relieved amusement. “Lord Ravensbrook, I believe you are having fun with me,” she said with a tinkling laugh. “Shame on you. I find your humor not at all favorable.”

“This is no joke, Helena. I am engaged to Lady Prudence.”

A spark of indignation flashed in her eyes, quickly masked by a look full of hurt. Kolton felt a prickle of unease at the quick turnabout of emotion she displayed, but quickly dismissed it. She was allowed to be upset. He had, after all, sprung this on her without warning.

“This is so sudden,” she replied in a tearful voice. “I thought we had an understanding. Why would you hurt me this way?”

“Understanding?” he said raising a surprised brow. Where had she gotten that idea?

“Yes. We have attended functions together. Everyone assumes we are courting, of course.”

If he had realized she had become emotionally invested in the relationship, he would have ended it months ago. He thought he’d made it quite clear he was not looking for marriage with her, and thought she felt the same. Helena was a beautiful woman and creative in bed, but other than enjoying their physical relationship, there was really nothing they shared in common.

“Helena, I am sorry if your friends have gotten the wrong impression,” he said gentling his voice. “Yes, we attended a few plays and have gone to the opera a time or two – even danced at various balls and parties, but marriage? I thought you understood in the beginning what I sought was not a life-long affair. You seemed comfortable with our arrangement then. I apologize if I somehow gave you the idea things had changed.”

“So you plan to ruin me by marrying someone else?” she asked tremulously, tears making their way down her face. “I never knew you could be so cold.”