This struck Kolton as a bit overly dramatic. “I find it difficult to believe you will suffer socially if I marry. I am sorry you feel that way but, the fact is, I am marrying Lady Prudence.”

A scowl marred her lovely brow, her lips forming a thin line, her tears apparently forgotten. Kolton steeled himself for a scathing retort, but her expression suddenly changed; the frown disappeared, her shoulders dropping in defeat. “I understand,” she said with a martyred sigh. “But, tell me what made you decide to marry now? And Lady Prudence of all people? I never thought she was someone you would ever consider suitable.”

Kolton gave Lady Whenton an arched look. “Suitable? Why wouldn’t I consider Lady Prudence suitable?” He kept his tone carefully neutral, but his former lover appeared not to notice the sudden chill that entered his voice.

“Well,” Lady Whenton clasped her hands behind her back, subtly—or not so subtly, in his opinion—showing off the slim figure he had once found quite arousing. “You have to admit that she is not your usual type.”

This pricked Kolton more than a little. No, he’d never looked twice at Pru, as a potential lover or a potential wife. The fact others possibly viewed her the same way made him angry at his own lack of substance as well as theirs.

Though he felt his blood begin to boil, he kept his face a mask of pleasant inquiry. “My usual type? And what might that be?”

“You know.” She waived a hand in a helpless gesture.

“Beautiful, intriguing, perhaps possessing a body men would salivate over, and women envy? She is all that and more,” he informed her in a tone which dared her to contradict him.

Helena’s eyes widened, her expression clearly indicating she thought he’d gone mad.

“I-I suppose I should offer my congratulations.” She looked at him through lowered lashes, her lips forming a small, disappointed pout that made her appear both angelic and subtly alluring. It was a look that had gotten Helena her way on more than one occasion. It stirred nothing in him now but annoyance at her obvious attempt at manipulation. “Would it be asking too much for one last kiss goodbye?” She asked, stepping closer and placing her hands against his chest as she tilted her head back expectantly.

What did she hope to gain by such a thing? Did she want to lure him into bed? Think she could change his mind? If that was what she was hoping for, she would be sadly disappointed.

Kolton clasped her wrists and set her away from him. “I am afraid it would. I am engaged; and I intend to be faithful, both before and after my marriage,” he replied firmly.

Lady Whenton stared at him, her expression conveying an equal measure of disbelief and shock, her pale skin reddening perceptibly.

Kolton pulled out his watch and looked at the time, eager to be on his way. “I should be going; I have several appointments this afternoon which I am afraid I cannot miss.”

“Of course,” she replied distractedly. “Let me show you out.”

“No need, my lady, I know the way.”

 

 

Chapter Twelve

 

 

The light scratching on her door at midnight was not a total surprise to Prudence; she’d half expected Kolton to seek her out after the way his smoldering eyes had caressed her throughout dinner.

She got out of bed, placing the book she had been reading aside, and padded to the door, opening it enough for Kolton to slip in before closing it silently behind him.

“You really shouldn’t be here,” Prudence chastened him softly, though secretly thrilled he was.

“You honestly expect me to possess the self-restraint required to stay away from you, my dear?” he replied seriously as he crossed the room and set a small box on her nightstand.

“I am afraid you must for the time being, my lord,” she informed him with more than a little regret. “What have you there?” she asked, motioning toward her nightstand.

“We can discuss that later,” he replied with a frown. “Why must I restrain myself ‘for the time being’ as you suggest?”

“I am not pregnant. But I would prefer not have to present ‘tangible proof’ as you have requested in the past.”

Her explanation was blunt, and it was clear the information disappointed him. It disappointed her as well, but her overall relief at not being pregnant far outweighed any frustration over being denied the chance to make love with Kolton.

“I see,” he said, his eyes running longingly over her body. “Well, I suppose that settles that.”

Prudence couldn’t help but smile at his downcast expression. “I am sorry, Kolton,” she said sincerely. “I admit I, too, am a bit disappointed, but can I not be of some help with your state of frustration?” She closed the short distance between them and slid her arm around him. Moving her other hand inside his dressing gown, she and grasped his half erect member. The thought of bringing him to climax was an arousing thought. She would enjoy it, even if she couldn’t be pleasured in return. Kolton sucked in his breath as she wrapped her fingers around his growing erection and stroked it suggestively.

“I wouldn’t dream of taking my pleasure without offering the same in return,” he replied huskily.

“It would give me great pleasure, my lord, to take you in my mouth and watch you come for me.”

He groaned. The look of tortured lust on his face sending a spike of excitement through her lower belly.

“Wouldn’t you like me to pleasure you that way, Kolton? I believe you would,” she said seductively as she squeezed his now fully engorged penis.

“Yes,” he hissed, “I would like that very much.”

Smiling at her easy victory, she gave his shoulder a little push and he sat himself on the bed.

 

***

 

Kolton felt a twinge of guilt at not being able to return the favor she offered. But, he vowed to himself, he would reciprocate ten-fold when he was able.

“I thought we had more time before nature interrupted our lovemaking.”

Pru blushed charmingly at his question. Ironic really, he thought smiling to himself, as she was currently lowering herself between his spread thighs.

“I am sometimes early,” she replied shyly. She looked away; obviously uncomfortable with discussing such an intimate topic.

“How would you like me to start?” she asked, changing the subject.

Kolton closed his eyes with a groan as she parted his robe and used both hands to stroke both his cock and the heavy sacs hanging below. He opened his eyes and sent her a heated look. “I want you to part your gown and bare your breasts while you take me into your mouth.”

Without hesitation she unlaced the front of her nightgown, baring her breathtaking mounds to his eager gaze. She smiled seductively and reached for him once again, leaning close and giving his shaft a long, slow lick.

His breathing matched his racing heartbeat as he watched her. “Wait,” he said sliding back on the bed and propping himself up against the headboard with some pillows then reaching out his hand to her, urging her to join him.

She did and immediately went back to what she had been doing. She ran the flat of her tongue along his length, leaving no part except his tip untouched. It felt delicious, but he was eager for her to draw him into her mouth. He groaned and flexed his hips, hoping she would understand what he sought.

She didn’t take him into her mouth, but moved to lap at the head, her pink tongue tracing the circumference and darting out to poke at the little slit at the top. He growled in frustration and slid his hands under her arms, dragging her toward him so he could ravage her mouth. Her lips parted at once and his tongue took immediate advantage, plunging between them into her sweet warmth. She responded eagerly, her tongue dueling with his before they broke apart, both breathless.

“You are driving me insane,” he growled. “Take me in your mouth before I expire from your sweet torture.”

She smiled alluringly. “As you wish, my lord,” she replied saucily and slid down his body, letting her breasts rub along his chest, slowing as they reached his cock. She brushed a nipple down its length before positioning herself again between his legs.

 

***

 

Prudence watched Kolton’s face, wanting to see his reaction to her wanton behavior. She was not disappointed with what she saw. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flared, and his eyes burned with molten heat as he watched her. A wave of purely feminine power washed over her. This stunningly handsome man was on the edge of control because of her. Her. Prudence. She wanted to hear him moan with pleasure and call out her name when he reached his release, taste his essence just as he had tasted hers.

She cradled his heavy sacks in one hand, massaging them gently as she took his hard arousal in the other, placed a hot, wet kiss on the tip, and trailed her tongue along the underside.

He groaned and bucked his hips. “God, Pru! Stop torturing me,” he panted, gripping the bed sheets so tight she would not have been surprised to hear them tear any moment.

She wanted to see how far she could push him, but decided to wait for another time. Placing another hot kiss on the head of his cock, she tightened her lips, sucking strongly as she took him into her mouth.

A strangled sound came from his throat and his legs trembled. She glanced at his face. He’d thrown back his head, his eyes tightly shut as he gritted his teeth, his chest rising and falling rapidly with his labored breathing.

Prudence felt more aroused than she ever imagined she could be without Kolton’s touch. She wanted more: to bring him more pleasure than he’d ever known, the thought exciting her beyond measure. She took more of his length into her mouth until she felt him hit the back of her throat and swallowed reflexively. His hips gave a sudden jerk and he let loose a guttural moan.

That was what she wanted.

She began pumping his shaft with her hand, coordinating her movements with her mouth as she glided his cock in and out of her mouth. She felt his body stiffen and instinctively knew he was close. She stopped, not ready to let him finish just yet.

 

***

 

“Good God, Pru,” he cried hoarsely, “don’t stop, not now!” Kolton rocked his hips in a desperate attempt to reach the peak that was just out of reach. She released him, pressing down on his thighs with both hands, forcing him to still his movements.

“I’m not ready for you to finish yet,” she said breathlessly.

“By God, Pru, if you don’t finish this, woman’s flux or not, I will throw you on your back and take you!” he promised, with complete sincerity.

Her eyes flared with excitement, and she returned her attention to his straining member. He watched her take him in her mouth again, the hot, wet feel of her opening engulfing him. The brief delay had slowed his approaching orgasm and, as she worked him with her mouth and hands, he felt the pressure slowly build once again. He rocked his hips, adding the friction he needed to drive him straight to the edge where he hovered on the brink.

Pru moaned. The sound vibrated through his cock and hurled him over the edge. His body jerked uncontrollably, a choked sound burst from his throat as he came with unparalleled force. She moaned again and squeezed his balls lightly as she increased the suction, her head bobbing up and down while she pumped his shaft vigorously. He gave a strangled cry of untold pleasure. He’d never experienced such a sensation. It felt as if she was sucking his seed strait out of his sacks, his release jetting out of him with incredible strength.

As the wracking spasms of climax eased to softer ripples of pleasure, he collapsed back on the bed gasping for breath. Pru released him with a pop, crawled up beside him, and snuggled against his side, resting her head on his chest.

It took what seemed like hours to get his breathing under control and his heart rate close to normal, before he could speak. “Pru, that was...that was...my God, I can’t even find words to describe how good that was.”

“So, I pleased you?” she asked shyly raising her head to look at him.

Kolton crossed his eyes a moment and blinked in reply. Pru giggled and ducked her head. “Darling, that act has never brought me such pleasure. I lay before you, a man with as much strength as a newborn babe, and could not be more satisfied with the condition.”

Her head shot up in surprise. “Never?”

“Never,” he affirmed. “I only regret that I could not return the favor.”

She lowered her eyes; her cheeks suddenly pink with...what—embarrassment?

“You have no cause to feel regret, my lord.”

Kolton frowned. “Why is that, my sweet?”

She shot him an embarrassed look, the pink in her cheeks growing darker. It took a moment, but it suddenly dawned on him what she might be suggesting.

“You are not saying that you climaxed as well?” he asked in disbelief. At her slight nod, Kolton felt a surge of undeniable male pride. He pulled her close and kissed her soundly, tasting himself on her lips and not caring a whit. “Sweet bloody hell, Pru, you are without equal, with more value and desirability than a priceless gem. I am never letting you go, so don’t ever entertain the notion of leaving me.”

“That is quite a compliment. I have never been compared to anything so favorably, and ever so passionately,” she replied with a look of wonder.

“I meant every word, love. Every word.”

 

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

 

“Oh, my lady,” Prudence’s maid, Harriet, gushed after helping Prudence into her ball gown and fastening the row of tiny silk buttons down the back, “that gown makes you look like a princess, it does.”

Prudence smiled. “You have been saying things like that with every new gown I put on, Harriet.”

“Mayhap that’s because it’s true,” her maid responded smartly. “The dresses you wear now are so fetching. The color of this one makes you positively glow.”

The gown was made of a dusty rose, lightweight silk, elaborately embroidered in a shimmering thread of the same color. The look was finished off with matching elbow length gloves. It was one of the seemingly endless streams of clothing that arrived daily over the past week, a week filled with a whirlwind of fittings and planning for this evening’s ball held in honor of Prudence and Kolton’s engagement.

True to her word, Amanda insisted Prudence be completely involved in the planning. Prudence didn’t know where her cousin found the energy to prepare such an extravagant event on such short notice, but Amanda appeared to love the challenge.

“It seems just a bit too revealing, don’t you think?” Prudence tugged at the bodice and pulled the puffed sleeves up onto her shoulders.

“Now stop that nonsense,” Harriet tisked, brushing Prudence’s hands away and tugging the full, gigot sleeves back into place, baring Prudence’s shoulders as the style intended. “You look perfectly respectable,” Harriet added adjusting the full skirts so they lay perfectly. “I’m not having people think I don’t know how to dress the future countess properly.”

Prudence was instantly contrite. Harriet was excited by Prudence’s new look and took great pains to make sure everything—from the style of Prudence’s hair which was pulled up in the back and allowed an artful array of curls to tumble down past her shoulders, to the slippers on her feet—were perfect. “You have done a marvelous job, Harriet.”

“Thank you, my lady. Oh my, I almost forgot—where is my brain tonight—his lordship requested to see you in the drawing room before the four of you left for the ball.”

Victoria and Victor would be accompanying them tonight. Whatever could Kolton wish to discuss that he needed to meet with her privately? Did he have another ‘little box’ to give her? They hadn’t yet had the opportunity to use the contents of the last one.

Prudence looked herself over one final time. She wore her pearl and garnet earbobs along with the matching necklace. She was still uncomfortable with the amount of cleavage on display, but resisted the urge to tug at the neckline again. She had to admit, though, the color and cut of the tight-waisted gown with its voluminous skirts was quite flattering, or rather it showed off her curves, which would undoubtedly please Kolton.

Prudence sighed. “Well, since I am ready a few minutes early, I believe now would be a good time to see what it is Lord Ravensbrook wishes to discuss.”

 

***

 

Kolton paced the drawing room floor. He hoped he didn’t muddle this up. If she arrived within the next few minutes, there would be plenty of time before they left so he wouldn’t have to rush.

Prudence appeared moments later. Kolton ceased his pacing and stared at the stunning picture she presented. The color of her gown was perfect. It was a deep enough shade to complement her dark tresses, yet light enough to enhance the creamy perfection of her skin. And, on that topic, there was more of it showing than usual. Kolton didn’t know whether to be pleased or dismayed at the number of men who would, no doubt, be ogling her bosom. Perhaps he should ask if she had a shawl, which would complement the dress. . .

“You wished to speak with me?”

Kolton jerked his attention back to the matter at hand. “Yes.” He led her over to the settee. “Please, sit.” When she did, he reached into his pocket and knelt in front of her.

 

***

 

Another little box, Prudence thought with an inward smile. What scandalous item could this one contain?

When she’d asked him about the first one before he left her that night, he had opened it to reveal another, smaller box. Inside the smaller box—to her confusion at the time—contained a small sponge and a vile of vinegar. Kolton explained soaking the sponge with the vinegar and inserting it just so inside her would prevent conception. Prudence wasn’t sure how this would work effectively, but Kolton seemed convinced of its reliability, so she took his word for it and put it away in her nightstand for future use.

Kolton cleared his throat. “I have yet to do this properly,” he began, opening the box to reveal a beautiful betrothal ring. It was a large pearl – her favorite gem – flanked by diamonds and smaller, seed pearls, set in gold. It was the most beautiful thing Prudence had ever seen.

“I know when we entered into our engagement, you were less than happy at the idea of becoming my wife, and I hope the idea now holds more appeal. Nevertheless, I want to make you a promise now,” he said, his expression serious. “I will do all I can to make you happy. I understand your reluctance to take such a serious step, but once I recognized circumstances called for us to become man and wife, I realized we didn’t really know each other. And the more I took the time to know the real Prudence, the more I came to discover how well we complement each other.”

“Pru,” he said removing the ring from its blue velvet box and taking her hand in his. “Will you do me the honor of sharing your life with me, of becoming my wife and being my closest friend and companion? Will you marry me?” He didn’t put the ring on her finger as if awaiting her response.

Prudence was overcome with emotion. She hadn’t given a betrothal ring a thought, but obviously Kolton had. Whether he had gone to the trouble of finding out that she loved pearls or not, the fact he’d bought her this exquisite ring and had obviously taken the time and consideration into how he would ask her, she was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. He’d gone out of his way to make their engagement official with the most romantic of proposals. If she didn’t know he was attempting to make this moment special for her, she would think his sweet words were a declaration of love. But this was not the case, she reminded herself with a twinge of regret.

Realizing that he was waiting expectantly for her reply, she nodded her head and gave him a trembling smile. “Yes, Kolton, I will marry you. Of course, I have already agreed, but I doubt any woman could refuse such a romantic proposal in any case,” she jested.

Her reply earned her a smile from her betrothed. He slipped the ring onto her finger and stood. Sweeping her into his arms, he kissed her soundly. As it did each time their lips met, passion ignited and their embrace grew heated.

“Please tell me I will be able to visit your room tonight and spend my time performing each and every fantasy I have entertained this past week,” he murmured against her lips.

Prudence smiled. How he could be so completely adorable while suggesting such things she hadn’t a clue, but it was one of the things she was coming to love about him. “My goodness,” she said, pulling back in his arms and fixing a look of feigned shock on her face. “Each and every fantasy? You make it sound as if all the time you spend out of bed is spent thinking about what to do in mine.”

Kolton’s eyes twinkled dangerously, a grin spreading across his face. “Sweetheart, I not only spend a large part of my time out of bed thinking of you, naked, in every position a body can assume while coupling, but the entirety of the time in bed as well.”

“But surely you must take time to sleep?”

“Yes. And dream as well.”

Prudence choked back a laugh. “Oh.”

“Oh, indeed.”

 

***

 

Most of the guests had arrived by the time their carriage pulled in front of Broadshire House. Kolton thought his stepmother’s demand they wait in order to make a grand entrance instead of joining the receiving line a bit overly dramatic, but suspected his sister was well aware of Victoria’s plan and, in fact, it may indeed have been Amanda who originated the idea. It would be just like her to suggest this type of theatrics.

“It looks like quite a crush. There are still carriages dropping off guests,” Victor commented from his seat across from Kolton, as he peeked out the window.

The countess leaned forward in the seat next to her youngest stepson and looked over his shoulder. “Oh, dear. I did so want to be the last to arrive.”

“Now, Mother,” Kolton admonished with a smile, “you know as well as I everyone wishes to hold that honor. Be glad we’re still early enough; most of the guests are most likely only slightly in their cups.”

“Well, I for one am not looking forward to avoiding the inescapable Miss Abernathy,” Victor grumbled.

“Victor, do be nice,” Victoria chastened. “Lenora Abernathy is a perfectly…er…lovely young lady.”

“Yes, she is lovely,” Kolton’s brother agreed, “but why she has decided to set her sights on me is beyond my comprehension. I have never given the overbearing little chit—pardon, I have never given the lovely young lady,” he corrected himself after noting the disapproving look shot his way by Victoria, “any encouragement. I have been only passing polite and bordering on rude in my attempts to avoid her.”

“Oh, Victor, the girl is young . . .”

Kolton turned his attention to his fiancée seated next to him. She had not uttered one word the entire ride. He moved a little closer to her. “How are you doing, my dear? Not nervous, I hope. You look ravishing. I fear I shall have to attend you quite closely tonight, else men both attached and single will attempt to win you away from me,” he murmured in her ear.

Pru gave a start and looked at him with wide, anxious eyes. “You jest,” she whispered back. “It is more likely that every man will be wondering what has gotten into you, asking a dowdy spinster to marry you.”

Kolton bit back a bark of hardy laughter. Dowdy? She may indeed, at the age of six-and-twenty, be considered on the shelf, but unattractive? Not after tonight. “My dear, I believe you are fishing for compliments, so I will happily indulge you. You, my sweet Prudence, will outshine every woman in the room. Your figure will make men drool and ladies green with envy. You are a rarity with your dark hair and flawless creamy complexion, and I do not understand why you continue to view yourself as anything less than attractive.”

“Perhaps it is you who needs spectacles. But I will not argue with you tonight. I am anxious to get this over with and return home. I dislike crowds. I am only attending because Amanda insisted on throwing this ball for us.”

“Hmm. Or, perhaps,” he purred, “your desire to return home has more to do with a different form of...entertainment?”

Pru gave a soft gasp. “You are incorrigible!” she hissed, but Kolton was heartened to see he had succeeded in coaxing a small smile out of her.

Their coach pulled up and stopped at the front entrance. The four alighted and made their way into the house

 

 

Chapter Fourteen

 

 

The ball was a veritable crush. It looked as if every person on the guest list, and perhaps some who weren’t, decided to show up. That in its self was unusual, due to the fact the Season had ended weeks ago and the majority of the people in attendance had left town for their country estates. Amanda must be ecstatic over her success tonight. It was rare for a ball held off Season to draw so many people.

A hush fell over the room as she and Kolton descended the stairs. Prudence tensed. She hated being the center of attention. She could well imagine what everyone was thinking; ‘Why would the Earl choose to marry that woman? A spinster of all things! He could do a thousand times better.’ They would disparage her dress, her hair, her rank.

On and on it would go all evening while they greeted her and congratulated her with their false smiles. She’d seen the same thing over and over in society when sought after bachelors were taken off the market. Prudence didn’t want to face the other women’s scrutinizing assessment, their desire to find and point out to anyone who would care to hear, each fault she possessed; whether it be large, small, or even imagined. They envied her position, and it made them vicious.

Kolton must have sensed her distress, for he placed his hand over hers and gave it an encouraging squeeze. She tore her gaze away from the still silent room and turned to her fiancé. The brilliant, besotted smile he sent her way made her pulse flutter. Kolton planned to present their betrothal as a love match, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit of a fraud. But that didn’t mean she was immune to his charm when he turned on her in full force. She gave him a dazzling smile in return.

 

***

 

The room erupted in conversation, many of the women’s heads together, gossiping no doubt, behind their fans, Kolton observed with amusement. The men, however, were the ones he eyed with interest. Some openly gaped, while others donned their social masks of polite disinterest. But Kolton wasn’t fooled. While their expressions were cordial, their eyes, traveling greedily over his fiancée’s ripe figure, gave silent testament to their less than ‘polite’ thoughts.

“Lady Prudence, Lord Ravensbrook, I am so glad you are here,” Lady Broadshire exclaimed, rushing to greet them.

“Really, Amanda, everyone knows you are my sister,” Kolton remarked. “There is no reason to be so formal.”

Amanda ignored him and took Pru’s hands in hers. “Oh, Pru, you look wonderful! That dress, your hair – what is this?” She held up Pru’s hand and studied the ring adorning Pru’s third finger.

“It is a betrothal ring as I am sure you well know,” Kolton answered with a wry smile. Leave it to Amanda to be sure everyone took note of that particular piece of Pru’s jewelry.

“It’s magnificent,” his sister gushed. “Where ever did you find such a perfect piece? Pearls are Pru’s favorite you know.”

He hadn’t known, but he wasn’t about to say so and allow the eager ears straining around them that bit of knowledge. “Quite right. I commissioned it a few weeks back after stopping at a number of jewelers and not finding what I wanted.” Which was true. It had been his first order of business after sending off their betrothal announcement.

“I knew there was a romantic hidden beneath that rakish veneer of yours,” Amanda remarked with a swat to his arm.

“Ah, dear sister, you have found me out.” He retrieved Pru’s hand and threaded it through the crook of his arm. “But I am afraid my romantic side lay dormant until a certain woman coaxed it out of hiding.” He smiled down at Pru, chuckling when she lowered her lashes, her face turning pink.

“Really, Kolton, you do go on so,” Pru admonished, sending him a look clearly stating she thought he was layering it on rather thick.

“Oh, enjoy it Pru,” Amanda waived away Pru’s comment with one elegant hand. “Once the newness of the relationship winds down, the love remains the same, but the effusive attention, not to mention the flattery, comes less frequently.”

“Never say so! I am a lucky man and I know it. I plan to remind Pru of that fact every day for the rest of our lives,” Kolton said in a voice loud enough to be heard by those undoubtedly eavesdropping nearby.

“Glad to hear it, dear brother. Don’t forget to remind him of that statement quite often, Pru. Especially if he is cross with you.”

Kolton snorted good-naturedly.

“Oooh, that sounds like a handy idea,” Pru replied with a mischievous smile.

Amanda took Kolton’s other arm, nodding to the head server awaiting her signal to pass out the champagne, and guided them through the crowd. Smiling and stopping briefly to share a word or two with some of the guests, she led them toward her husband who awaited them on a platform set up in front of the musicians.

“Christopher plans to make the official announcement of your engagement. You and Pru are to lead the guests in the first waltz of the evening,” his sister informed him as she urged them to join the Viscount on the platform.

Pru groaned softly beside him. Kolton placed his hand over hers and lowered his head to speak quietly in her ear. “Don’t fret, my dear. This part will be over relatively quickly, and then I will have the pleasure of taking you in my arms – though not as I wish to, but I will be sure to make up for that later – and twirl my lovely bride-to-be about the dance floor.”

Pru raised her eyes to his and pursed her lips in annoyance, which Kolton found absolutely adorable. “Is that all you ever think about?”

“In the last seven days, yes. It seems, where you are concerned, abstinence preys on my sanity,” he replied, sending her a lust-starved look and waggling his brows suggestively.

Annoyance left her face and she stifled a giggle behind delicate gloved fingers. Turning her head, she smiled at him, the twinkle of amusement in her aqua eyes making Kolton’s heart skip a beat. “You, my lord, are an uncontrollable flirt. Don’t depend on that lecherous charm of yours to always get you out of trouble,” she warned with a failed attempt at seriousness.

God, he loved the paradox that was Prudence. She was a bit of everything: quiet, but outspoken; passionate, yet shy; funny at times while withdrawn at others. He didn’t always know what side she would show him next, and it was something he found intriguing as well as extremely attractive.

Viscount Broadshire raised his glass. “May I have everyone’s attention, please?” Kolton’s brother-in-law bellowed over the noise of the crowd. “Your attention, please,” he repeated as the crowd began to quiet. “As most of you I am sure know, tonight’s celebration is in honor of two people whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years. I have also the dubious honor of being related to one of them.” He winked at Kolton, eliciting a round of chuckles from the men in the room. Kolton sent him a rueful grin and cleared his throat meaningfully. The last thing Kolton needed was Christopher reminding Pru of his popularity with the ladies; she was insecure enough as it was.

“Be that as it may,” the viscount continued. “The rascal I call brother-in-law has found himself the perfect woman —with the exception of my dear wife that is,” he added, placing a hand over his heart in an exaggerated gesture of affection toward his spouse, before looking back at Pru with a heavy sigh. “Lucky devil, wouldn’t you all agree? He must be, because he asked her to marry him and she said yes!” he announced with bright smile as he turned back to the assembled crowd. “Please raise your glasses and join me in a toast. To Lord Ravensbrook and Lady Prudence Mayville, may your marriage bring you all the happiness life together has to offer, and may fate look kindly upon you in the years to come.”

A chorus of hear-hears followed the toast, and Kolton and Prudence each took a sip of their champagne. “Now, without further ado,” the viscount announced, “the guests of honor will lead us all in the first waltz of the evening.”

 

***

 

Kolton took Prudence’s hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. While they had danced infrequently in the past, this was the first time he would take her in his arms publically since they’d become intimate. Prudence fought the blush that threatened to burn her cheeks at the thought of their bodies entwined in a carnal embrace while they took their positions and waited for the orchestra to begin the first notes of the waltz.

Prudence could feel every eye in the room studying and assessing her as if she were a curiosity at a carnival. She was relieved when the music started and Kolton swept her expertly about the dance floor.

“You look as if someone has kicked your puppy, Pru. Can you not summon a smile for your future husband?”

“I don’t have a puppy.” Prudence raised her eyes from his cravat pin where they had been focused for the last several moments and offered a weak smile.

“Was that a joke, my dear? And a smile! But it is not at all good enough. Needs to be brighter, more admiring. A man has his pride, you know.” He drew her a bit closer and brought his mouth to her ear. “I am the envy of every man here. Look at how their eyes stray to you even as they dance with the other beautiful women in the room.” His deep sultry voice washed over her, making her shiver despite the wave of heat growing inside her. “Those women cannot hold a candle to your allure. You radiate a mixture of sensuality and poise very few men fail to notice.”

She looked around casually and realized Kolton was correct. Some of the looks she was receiving from the male population were blatantly obvious while others were more discreet, but all of them held approval. The women in the room were another story, however.

A skitter of excitement trickled up her spine. Prudence had never been the source of envy from any woman. The sense of power it instilled was thrilling. She felt desirable, and it must have showed in the smile of pure happiness she sent to her betrothed. He gave a sharp intake of breath and she was rewarded with the most dazzling smile she’d had yet to see from him in return. Prudence realized at that moment she had more than passed into dangerous territory. The Earl of Ravensbrook had captured her heart. She would be lying to herself if she denied it any longer.

The ballroom suddenly seemed to close in on her. The overpowering scent of the array of perfumes in the air coupled with the occasional unwashed body, overwhelmed her, and felt as though it sucked the air out of the room.

“Pru? Pru, are you feeling all right?” Kolton asked his voice thick with concern. “You look pale all of a sudden.”

“I—well, I feel...It is a bit stuffy in here. Perhaps some air would be a good idea.” Anything to keep the room from spinning. Was she going to faint? How many women actually fainted when they realized they had fallen in love? Certainly none she had ever heard of.

“Of course, love. Here, the terrace is just over there.” He led her through the open French doors and out into the blessedly cool breeze outside.

Love. He had called her ‘love.’ It was too much for Prudence to bear so quickly in the wake of realizing she had failed to protect her heart. She was being silly. ‘Love’ was a commonly enough used expression. She was simply overreacting.

Kolton led her to a bench a distance away from the doors and urged her to sit. “Are you unwell? Shall I call for the carriage and take you home?”

“Oh, no, I am feeling a little better now.” Which wasn’t completely a lie. The fresh air was helping to clear her head. Now all she needed was a little distance from Kolton so she could think. “Perhaps a glass of punch? I am a bit thirsty.”

“What was I thinking? Of course, my dear. With the heat bothering you, some refreshment would be in order.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it before hurrying back to the ballroom in search of the refreshment table.

Prudence took a deep breath of the night air, glad to have a moment alone. Kolton’s concern was touching, but his strong presence engulfed her, overwhelming her train of thought, and she needed to think rationally right now.

How could she have been foolish enough to think she could avoid falling in love with Kolton? He was passionate, charismatic, and by far the most attractive man in London. When she had agreed to the betrothal, she hadn’t counted on him turning his charm on her so thoroughly. That was bad enough, but his tenderness and concern, not to mention his romantic proposal were too much for her to resist.

Should she allow herself to trust him with her heart? Did she really have a choice? Kolton was equally as attractive as she remembered her father had been, but that is where the similarity ended. From what little Prudence remembered of her father, he had been distant and cool. He spent little time at home with her and her mother. Kolton, on the other hand, was warm and charming and, above all, honest.

Perhaps she could trust him not to turn on her as her father had her mother. Could she dare hope she and Kolton had something real growing between them?

Prudence was beginning to believe they might.

 

 

Chapter Fifteen

 

 

The rustling of skirts caught Prudence’s attention. She looked up to see a young woman of about nineteen or twenty pass through the doors and onto the terrace. She was quite pretty, with her abundance of light blonde hair artfully arranged atop her head and her slender figure.

Prudence cleared her throat softly. The young woman jumped and looked her way.

“Lady Prudence?” Even her voice was lovely, Prudence thought without rancor.

“I’m sorry, you seem to have me at a disadvantage,” Prudence replied rising from her seat. “Yes, I am Prudence Mayville, but I am afraid if we have been introduced, I do not recall the occasion.” Prudence gave the girl an apologetic smile.

“Oh, no,” the young lady reassured her shyly, “your memory is not at fault. Please forgive me. I am Lady Hope Kingsley. Perhaps you have met my father, the Duke of Stoneville?”

Prudence’s brows drew together in thought. Yes, she had met the duke and had the opportunity to converse with him on one or two occasions.

“Yes, I do know your father. He is a nice gentleman. I must confess, though, I didn’t know he had a daughter.”

Lady Hope smiled and Prudence noted a hint of sadness in the young woman’s expression. “Yes, well, I have spent most all of my life in the country. I only just arrived at the end of the season. I would have made my debut sooner, but my mother suffered a riding accident and passed away last year.”

“Oh, my dear girl, I am so sorry. I regret to say I didn’t know your mother, but I do know losing a parent can be incredibly painful.” Closing the short distance between them she placed her hand on the girl’s arm. Something about the young woman drew her. She liked her immediately without quite knowing why.

“Thank you, my lady, you are so kind.” She patted Prudence’s hand and took a deep breath, letting it out forcefully. “I was hoping to meet you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. To congratulate you on your betrothal to Lord Ravensbrook,” the young woman replied. “I have yet to meet him personally, but he is so dashing and seems completely enamored of you. You must feel like the happiest woman alive.”

Prudence smiled politely. Yes, he did seem enamored; he certainly played the part of love-struck fiancé well this evening. “Lord Ravensbrook is quite handsome,” Prudence confessed. “I admit his interest in me came as a bit of a surprise. I am afraid at times I shall awake and all this will have been a lovely dream.”

“I cannot imagine why he should not be interested in you, my lady,” the young woman replied, her brows drawing together in a thoughtful frown. “You are perhaps the most beautiful woman I have ever met. If one were to ask any man here tonight, they would surely agree.”

“Well, I don’t know if I would go that far, but I thank you for your praise of my person.”

“It is no kindness, I assure you,” Lady Hope replied with a smile. “It is simply the truth.” The young woman tilted her head and studied Prudence a moment. “You are not like many of the women I have met since I came to London. You seem genuinely kind and don’t put on airs or twitter and bat your lashes. I cannot stand how false everyone here appears.”

Prudence smothered a smile with her hand. “Discovered that already have you? Well, I can assure you, Lady Hope, there are a few decent people amongst the ton.”

“Mm, that may be so,” she conceded, a mischievous smile lighting up her face, “but weeding them out from the herd may prove to be a bit of a problem.”

Prudence chuckled softly. “Yes, that it can be.”

“I like you, Lady Prudence,” Lady Hope said with a wide smile. “Would it be too forward of me if I ask to call on you sometime soon?”

“I would like that,” Prudence replied sincerely. Lady Hope seemed the likeable sort, full of life and straight forward. Prudence didn’t have any real close friends outside of her family, and this young woman might prove to be an interesting companion.

Just then Kolton returned with a glass of punch. “Here you are, my dear. I am sorry it took me so long. Are you feeling better?”

“Thank you, my lord,” she replied taking the proffered glass. “And yes, I am feeling much better. The ballroom was a bit warm, and the fresh air has quite revived me. Oh, let me introduce you to the Duke of Stonewell’s daughter. Lady Hope, the Earl of Ravensbrook. Lord Ravensbrook, this is Lady Hope Kingsley.”

“Lady Hope, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Kolton said taking young woman’s hand and bowing over it politely.

Lady Hope curtsied. “The pleasure is mine, my lord. And may I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your engagement? Lady Prudence is quite charming, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to meet you both.”

“Thank you. And I would have to agree with you, my fiancée is quite charming.” He sent Prudence a heart-melting smile and took her hand in his.

“Well, I will leave you lovebirds to your own devices. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you both.” Lady Hope gave them a bright smile and disappeared back inside the crowded ballroom.

“A friend of yours?” Kolton asked lifting a curious brow.

Prudence took a sip of the blessedly cool punch. “We just met, actually. I like her though, quite a bit, in fact. She doesn’t seem at all like the usual young ladies one encounters.”

“Neither does she appear shy,” he commented dryly.

“No, she certainly doesn’t.”

 

***

 

“Have I told you, you look ravishing tonight?”

“No, Victor, I don’t believe you have,” Prudence replied with a warm smile for her soon to be brother-in-law as he partnered her later in a waltz. “Although, ‘ravishing’ is a bit of an overstatement.”

The evening had gone well. Kolton had rarely left her side as they made their way about the ballroom accepting the good wishes of the guests. Although some of the female members of the gathering were cool and assessing while others were curious, there were some who seemed almost genuine in their congratulations. The majority of the men gave her discretely appreciative looks while others ran their eyes over her, their gazes clearly revealing ungentlemanly thoughts. Those were the men who received the full measure of the earl’s chilling stare and suddenly found a pressing reason to depart. Prudence found the varied reactions both unsettling and amusing, and was surprised to realize she was actually enjoying the attention.

“Not an overstatement at all,” Victor argued, distracting Prudence from her musings. “I have always thought you were pretty.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “Such praise, one would think you were up to something.”

Victor chuckled good-naturedly, his jewel-green eyes sparkling with laughter. “One would think that, wouldn’t one? But no, I am telling the truth. I have long thought you and Kolton would be a good match. He needs a steadying influence, a purpose, and I think you are the type of woman to provide that. I also think he is the type of man who could encourage you out of that shell you insist upon hiding in, and it appears I was correct,” he said waggling his eyebrows flirtatiously. Prudence laughed at his antics. “I’ve never understood why you chose to hide your beauty for so long but, then again, why women do most of the things they do is beyond my meager ability to comprehend.”

“I could say the same of men,” she countered with a sweet smile.

“Touché,” he replied with an answering grin.

The dance soon ended and Victor returned her to her betrothed with an exaggerated bow and lingering kiss to her hand.

“Watch yourself, dear brother, or you will find yourself on the receiving end of my fist. I guarantee you won’t be using those lips for anything other than covering a lack of teeth,” Kolton assured him while keeping a pleasant smile fixed firmly in place.

Victor gave his brother a cheeky grin. “You sound jealous, brother,” he said with mock astonishment. “One would think you considered me – your devoted sibling – likely to steal away with the most charming woman in the room. Who, as it happens, is betrothed to you and not myself, might I remind you.”

“Don’t tease him so, you rascal,” Prudence admonished Victor, swatting him lightly on the arm with her fan.

Kolton’s brother lifted his hands in a supplicating gesture and retreated a step. “Now, now, can I help it if he has suddenly lost his sense of humor? Lighten up, old man. With a beauty like Pru, you are going to have to resign yourself to the fact men of all ages will be falling all over themselves to catch her eye, married or not. Just remember they haven’t a chance, it is you she has chosen. After all, she will be going home with you at the end of the night. No need to let the green-eyed monster make an appearance.”

Prudence blushed. “Please, do stop your outrageous chatter,” she said, raising her fan threateningly toward him.

“I know when I’m not wanted. I’ll just occupy myself in the card room and leave you two to stare adoringly into each other’s eyes,” he said with a wink before he turned and strode off.

Kolton shook his head resignedly. “Some day that silver tongue of his is not going to get him out of trouble so easily.”

“Now, Kolton,” she said with a placating smile. “He is simply trying to get a rise out of you. You know he thinks of me as nothing but a little sister. He is very happy for us.”

“Yes, I know. He enjoys raising my hackles. That is why I must occasionally indulge him with an appropriately provoked reaction.”

“You weren’t angry?”

Kolton took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. “No, I was not angry. A bit irritated at most, but not angry.”

“Good,” she said lightly squeezing his hand in return. “I am going to go freshen up. Perhaps I can prevail upon you to fetch me another glass of punch?”

“It would be my pleasure, my lady.” He brought her hand to his lips and gave her a slight bow before he headed off in the direction of the refreshment table.

Prudence located the retiring room and slipped behind the screen to take care of her most pressing of needs. She was in the process of setting herself to rights when a group of women entered with a rustling of skirts and conversation.

“…I have never met her, but she is very beautiful.”

“I suppose,” a second, older voice replied. “If one were interested in that type.”

Prudence stood silent, hoping the two would leave without noticing her.

The door opened again.

“What do you mean ‘that type’?” the first woman asked.

“Well, the dark, overly rounded kind,” the second voice replied. “It is disgraceful how the men gawk at her like she is some delicacy they are eager to gobble up. A woman like that is better suited to the roll of mistress. She certainly doesn’t look like a countess.”

Prudence stifled a gasp and frowned, her mouth hanging open in outrage.

“A countess?” a third voice Prudence recognized as Lady Hope enquired. “Are you referring to Lady Prudence?”

“Of course,” the second voice replied. “You must agree she is quite unacceptable for an earl. I hear that she is the daughter of a baron, you know. And the way she dresses! A woman her age should wear more modest clothing, but Lady Prudence flaunts herself like a bitch in heat.”

The other women gasped in response. “Aunt Helena!” the second woman cried in horror.

Prudence gritted her teeth, her hands fisting at her sides.

“What a nasty thing to say!” Lady Hope spat. “She is close to your age, and you have no problem ‘flaunting’ yourself. Why if that neckline were any lower, your breasts would be completely on display instead of simply threatening to tumble out of your bodice!”

“Well!” huffed the woman. “You impertinent little—”

“Don’t you take that outraged tone with me, you vicious hag. At least I have the courage to insult you to your face.”

Prudence bit back a snort of laughter. The girl had pluck.

“And who might you be, you insolent little gutter snipe? How dare you speak to me that way?”

“I am Lady Hope Kingsley.”

“Stoneville’s daughter?” The woman sounded shocked; understandable, considering she had just insulted the daughter of one of the most powerful men in England. “Well,” the woman replied in an icy tone, apparently deciding to brazen out the situation. “Your father has much to learn about raising a proper young lady, that much is evident!”

“I would say your parents were quite well versed in how to raise a cowardly, backstabbing shrew. And it shows. They must be so proud.”

“I do not have to stand here and listen to this!”

“I wish you wouldn’t. You are a tiresome woman; your departure would brighten the room quite nicely.”

The woman huffed and Prudence heard the door slam shut. She wanted to clap her hands and cheer for Lady Hope. Prudence would never have the nerve to stand up to such a woman.

“I must apologize for my aunt,” the younger woman who had remained behind said with a note of embarrassment. “I believe she had hopes of marrying the earl herself.”

“As would the majority of the unattached women in society, I would assume. Well, it is obviously a good thing for the earl she didn’t,” Lady Hope huffed. “No offense, but his life would have been miserable.”

Prudence nodded silently in agreement, and heard a soft giggle from the other side of the screen. “I quite agree. My aunt is not one of my favorite people, and I honestly do not share her assessment of Lady Prudence. It is nice to meet you Lady Hope. My name is Lady Constance Warring; my father is the Earl of Brookshire.”

Prudence decided it was safe to let presence be known. She wanted to thank Lady Hope for standing up for her, and she was curious to meet Lady Constance.

She cleared her throat pointedly and stepped out from behind the screen. She was met by two pair of wide eyes and two identical slack jaws.

“Lady Prudence,” they chorused, their voices filled with shocked horror.

Prudence smiled reassuringly. “I would like to thank you both for your flattering opinion of me. Lady Constance? It is nice to meet you.”

“I am so sorry you had to hear all that,” Lady Constance, a delicate young woman with honey-gold curls and light blue eyes apologized, her face going from pale to crimson.

“I’m not,” Prudence replied lifting a brow while pursing her lips with suppressed amusement. “It is always interesting to hear what people really think. It is a rare occurrence among the ton.”

Prudence turned to Lady Hope. She could see her more clearly now that there was sufficient light. Her hair was lighter than Prudence had first thought. So blonde in fact that it almost appeared white. She had a pixie face with wide eyes Prudence thought might be blue or possibly green, framed by dark lashes and brows a shade or two darker than her hair.

“Thank you for defending me so...diligently.”

Lady Hope raised her chin defiantly. “I hate it when people speak so nastily behind each other’s backs. You didn’t deserve to be talked about in such a way.”

“Yes,” Lady Constance agreed. “Please accept my most sincere apologies on behalf of my aunt, Lady Whenton. I am truly sorry.”

The girl looked genuinely miserable about what had happened. “It is over, all in the past. No need to dwell on it. I accept your apology. You have no control over what others say; I certainly do not hold you responsible.”

Prudence knew Lady Whenton in passing. The young widow was attractive, but vain in Prudence’s opinion. She did recall Kolton had joined the lady and some mutual friends on some outings, but to think Kolton would propose?

Perhaps they had been having an affair. The thought made her stomach roll. She knew Kolton hadn’t been a monk, but the idea of coming face to face with a woman she knew he had slept with made her nauseous.

 

Chapter Sixteen

 

 

“I fear I am growing too old to spend all night at these functions,” Victoria lamented as she waived her fan in front of her face. “They are crowded, always stiflingly hot, and the dancing wears me out.”

“We have stayed long enough. If you wish to leave, I am sure Pru and Victor wouldn’t mind leaving before the festivities end.” Kolton surveyed the crowd for his betrothed who was dancing with the Viscount of Trentmont. He was an old but harmless lecher whose eyes came to the level of Pru’s breasts, to which he was now conversing, as Pru appeared to be politely attempting not to notice. It was a good thing the man’s age had him one foot in the grave or Kolton would feel much more obliged to plant him a facer.

Kolton sighed. Marrying a woman of Prudence’s breathtaking countenance would have at least one drawback after all. But Victor had been right. Pru was a woman of good character. She was his, and he knew she wouldn’t stray. He should just sit back and enjoy the fact that so many other men wished they were in his shoes. As long as they didn’t step over the line, there was no reason to be bothered with jealousy.

“Oh, here comes Victor,” Victoria exclaimed as she caught sight of his brother headed their way. “I could ask him to escort me home if you and Pru would like to stay longer.”

“No, no, mother. If I don’t miss my guess, Pru has probably had quite enough excitement for one evening.”

“You are probably right. She does appear a bit wilted,” Victoria observed in a hushed voice as the aged viscount escorted Pru back toward them.

The viscount returned Pru to Kolton’s side, his eyes never leaving her ample bosom as he thanked her for the dance. When he departed, Pru turned to Kolton with a discrete roll of her eyes and a deep sigh.

Kolton leaned close to her ear. “Did your breasts enjoy their dance with the viscount?”

Pru muffled a chuckle with her hand and swatted him with her fan. “It is not funny, Kolton,” she chastened him with an expression which attempted to appear firm, but came up sadly lacking. “I swear, I was afraid I would have to retire after the dance to wipe the drool off the front of my dress,” she whispered back.

Kolton bit back a bark of laughter. Her sense of humor was one of the many things he admired about her. “I believed we have made a proper showing of ourselves if you would like to return home.”

“Sounds good to me,” Victor announced as he joined them. “I had some of the furniture I ordered delivered to my new townhouse just this morning and am looking forward to spending the rest of the evening in my new bed.”

“You needn’t move out, you know. The house here is more than large enough to accommodate the four of us,” Kolton reminded him.

“Quite right, you know, but there comes a time when a man needs to launch his own ship, so to speak.”

Kolton raised a wry brow. He had a pretty good idea what ‘ship’ his brother wanted to launch, and why his sibling was not anxious to readily have the rest of the family privy to which ports he chose to ‘dock’ it in.

“Yes, well,” Kolton said clearing his throat, “Just remember to visit your family on occasion.”

“Do not fret, dear brother. I intend to make it a point to be quite the nuisance when the spirit moves me.”

“Well, I, for one, will miss you terribly,” Pru informed him as the group headed for the door after they bid their hostess good evening.

“Ah, sweet cousin, you warm my heart,” Victor replied, placing his hand over his heart with exaggerated emotion.

Pru sighed and shook her head. “Honestly, Victor, I will need boots and a shovel if you don’t stop layering it on so thick.”

“I quite agree,” Victoria chimed in as their carriage pulled up.

Victor sighed dramatically as he handed his stepmother into the waiting coach. “You will miss my complimentary disposition when I am gone, just you wait and see.”

Kolton helped Pru enter the coach after Victoria. He then turned to his brother and gave him a hearty slap on the back. “That, brother, remains to be seen.”

 

***

 

Kolton finished the last of his scotch and set the empty glass aside. He’d dismissed Rupert an hour ago, and was now seated in his private sitting room waiting for enough time to pass so he could safely go to Pru.

It felt like forever since he’d held her in his arms. He couldn’t wait for the blasted wedding to be done with. He hated sneaking about his own house in order to be with the woman he loved.

Kolton shook his head. Loved? Did he love Pru?

There was really no sense in denying it. He did love her. When had it started? When she turned his first proposal down flat? Or had it been during their time in the cabin when he got his first glimpse of the real Pru, the beautiful woman with a quixotic sense of humor?

He’d never met a woman like her. She asked nothing from him. Didn’t care about money or title, and they could spend time together without the need to fill lulls in conversation with idle chatter. She didn’t toady to him, but stood her ground. Pru was passionate, beautiful, and made him feel...whole.

But what of her feelings for him? Did she love him? He thought she might be beginning to. He couldn’t say why he felt that way; it was just something he sensed. She said she wasn’t looking for love, but that didn’t me she couldn’t love him.

He drummed his fingers impatiently on the arm of the chair and looked at the clock on the mantle. He would give it another ten minutes . . .

The hell he would.

Kolton stood and strode purposely to the door.

 

 

Chapter Seventeen

 

 

Prudence put down the book she was reading when she heard the light knock on her door. She hadn’t been able to concentrate on it anyway. She couldn’t stop thinking about her feelings for Kolton and what to do about them.

He’d said that he wanted a real marriage with love, affection, trust, and fidelity. She wanted that as well, but could he provide it for her? Would it last? What if something happened to test that love?

She climbed out of bed and checked herself over briefly in the mirror. She’d been expecting him, even put on her best nightgown and brushed her hair until it shined. She had also prepared herself for their lovemaking with the contents of the little box.

Satisfied with what she saw in the mirror – or at least as satisfied as she could get – Prudence crossed the room and opened the door. Kolton entered without a word and shut the door behind him. He turned the key in the lock before taking her in his arms and kissing her senseless.

“I’ve missed you, Pru,” he said with a sigh as he loosened his hold and gazed down at her. There was something different about the way he looked at her. His eyes traveled intently over her features, his expression filled with desire, but there was something else there, something softer.

“You silly man,” she said with a smile, sliding her arms around his neck and running her fingers through his silky brown hair, “We were together but two hours ago.”

“Not like this,” he answered, nuzzling her neck. “Not as closely, and especially not with so little between us.” He flexed his hips, sliding his hard member against her belly, his robe providing little barrier between them. She shivered, her body responding at once as arousal licked at her womb, the apex of her thighs growing moist, drenched with desire.

“You know, we really shouldn’t do this, we are bound to be found out,” she reminded him without much conviction as she tilted her head to the side, giving him easier access to her neck.

“You are most assuredly correct,” he agreed, his lips traveling along her jaw. “But it appears I am not the most patient of men. Waiting weeks to be with you again is something which seems beyond my ability to endure.”

He took her mouth with his. Instead of the hungry, plundering kiss she expected, his lips were gentle and persuasive, as if she were something fragile and cherished he was afraid might shatter. Prudence felt a surge of emotion well up inside her, a sense of warmth that wanted to overflow and wrap Kolton in its embrace. She pressed her body against him, unable to get close enough as she poured all her love into her kiss.

Kolton gave a soft groan and deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping past her lips to stroke hers gently. His hands traveled over her back, reaching down to clasp her bottom and pull her against his flexing hips. Prudence’s heart rate accelerated and her breathing grew light and rapid.

Kolton pulled back panting. “I need you now Pru, all of you,” he said in a husky voice. Prudence looked into his eyes and was shocked by what she saw. It wasn’t the heated, hungry look she’d seen before. She struggled to put her finger on exactly what it was, something needy, almost desperate; something that pulled at her heart.

He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed where he laid her down and stripped her of her nightgown. He unbelted his robe, tossing it aside, and stretched his hard length atop her.

He groaned as he slid his arms around her and molded her body against him. “You feel so good. I don’t think I will ever be able to get enough of you,” he whispered before he lowered his head and kissed her deeply.

Little whimpers and sighs escaped her as he ran his hands and lips over her, making her blood boil as it raced through her veins and the area between her legs burn with need.

“Kolton, please,” she begged breathlessly when she could take no more.

“Yes, love, yes.” He parted her thighs, positioning himself at her entrance, and entered her in one long deep thrust.

He paused when he was fully seated inside her, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. “Oh, God, sweetheart, the feel of you…what you do to me…” He opened his eyes and gazed down at her with tender possessiveness as he began moving his hips, sliding his hard staff in and out of her, setting a slow deliberate pace.

Prudence wrapped her arms around him and matched his movements with her own, her eyes never leaving his. She couldn’t look away, his expression captivated her, made her heart race and sweet pleasure unfurl within her.

His hips moved faster, his brows furrowing, his expression turning urgent and raw. “God, Pru,” he rasped his voice heavy with emotion, “I love you.” He lowered his head and took her mouth in a hungry kiss.

Prudence’s eyes flew wide open.

Oh my God! He said he loved me.

The realization sent her spinning out of control. Her body suddenly was not her own, but his—she was his. Her climax seized her with a strength she’d never experienced before. She writhed and arched beneath him, grinding her hips against his as spasms of pleasure wracked her body.

 

***

 

Kolton groaned loudly, thrusting harder, his sacks heavy and tight with unspent passion. He crushed her to him, burying his face in her shoulder. “Pru. Oh, Pru,” he choked as every muscle stiffened and strained toward his own release. His control evaporated; his body no longer under his control. Pumping his cock madly in and out of her, he flew over the edge. Throwing back his head, he gave a choked cry. He dropped his head and kissed her with all the wild passion seizing every fiber of his being as his seed shot from him in forceful jets.

As the shudders of pleasure wracking his body slowly eased, Kolton collapsed. He kissed her over and over. He couldn’t stop, couldn’t get enough, couldn’t keep his hips from continuing to move against her. His chest felt full to bursting with a myriad of emotions; love, tenderness, protectiveness, joy.

His movements soon slowed to a stop and he raised himself to his elbows and gazed down into her face. Her eyes were wide, filled with wonder and surprise as she stared back at him.

He’d said it. Said he loved her. He had not really meant to tell her so soon, but hadn’t been able to help himself. How would she react?

“W-What? Did you say what I think you did, Kolton?”

Not with tears of joy and immediate confession of love in return, apparently. Not that he had really expected it, but it would have been nice.

Kolton brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear with an unsteady hand. “Yes.”

Pru pushed at his chest. He slid off her and propped himself on his side next to her. She sat up and pulled the blankets up, covering her breasts in a protective gesture before her lids lowered and she turned away from him.

Not the reaction I hoped for, he thought, fighting the urge to squirm nervously.

“You don’t have to—you know, say that—if you don’t really feel that way. I mean, things can be said in the heat of passion—”

“No, Pru,” he interrupted, deciding not to hide his feelings. This was the most important moment of his life, and he was not going to equivocate simply to protect himself. “I meant what I said.”

“Honestly, Kolton, you don’t have to try to make me feel better. I—”

Kolton sat up abruptly startling her into silence. He leaned forward and cupped her cheek, turning her head to face him, his eyes locking with hers. “Sweetheart, I am a grown man who knows his own mind. Yes, I did say it in the heat of the moment, but it is true nonetheless,” he stated tenderly as he dropped his hand and ran it along her arm. He kissed her shoulder. “I love you. I have never said those words before. I have never felt this way, Pru.”

She turned her head and looked over her shoulder at him, her aqua eyes wide as they roamed his face.

“Are you sure what you feel is not simply...not something i-in the moment . . .?”

Kolton wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest, and kissed her temple. He sighed. “I told you, sweetheart, I know my own mind. This is something rare and special. I love you. I adore your sense of humor, the way you put me in my place when I need it, your quick mind, and your passionate nature. When you walk through the doorway, the room suddenly seems brighter. Your laughter causes a flutter in my chest. I think of you constantly, and miss you like hell when we are apart. When I am with you, I feel...filled. Like something has been missing—you were missing.”

He hoped he hadn’t pushed too far. What would she think of such a declaration? It was nothing but the truth, but was she ready to hear it?

She lowered her eyes to her hands, which were fidgeting nervously in her lap. “I never expected...I don’t know what to say,” she said quietly.

“You could say you have some feelings for me as well? Perhaps a strong fondness?” he ventured.

She turned her head and looked up at him, her manner a bit hesitant. “No,” she replied softly.

Kolton’s heart plummeted.

“What I feel is more than just a strong fondness for you,” she confessed, her cheeks blossoming with color.

The constriction in his chest suddenly eased and he was the one smiling with joy. “You do? How much more?” He knew he sounded like a child hoping to get a bit of candy, but he didn’t care.

Pru smiled and turned her body to face him. “Very much more,” she confirmed. “I-I love you, too. How long have you known you care for me?”

“Love you,” he corrected. “I am not sure when it started exactly. But, I know it is real, Pru. And you?”

Pru ducked her head, avoiding his expectant gaze and looking for all the world like a child ready to confess her transgressions. “I think there is a part of me that has always been half in love with you. It’s just grown so much stronger over the years—especially so in the last few weeks. I have fought it, but tonight I realized there is nothing I can do to stop it.”

Kolton blinked. Fought it? Why? Especially these last few weeks? “You don’t want to love me? Is that what you are trying to say? Why? Didn’t I say in the beginning I hoped we would grow to love each other?”

“Yes,” she nodded, still not meeting his eyes. “But I didn’t really think it would happen. I didn’t want to fall in love with you only to find you couldn’t return my feelings.”

A logical fear, but what of now? “Do you still wish you didn’t have these feelings? Do you not believe I am sincere?”

She shrugged. “I want to, but I’m...I’m scared.”

He was scared, too. It was a bit frightening placing such a fragile thing as one’s heart in another’s hands.

He placed a finger under her chin, lifting it until she met his eyes. “I promise you I will do everything in my power never to cause you pain.”

Pru turned her head away and hugged her knees to her chest. She looked down at the coverlet a moment before she replied. “I am sure you believe what you say now, but what of months or years from now? No, you don’t understand, Kolton.” She raised her head, meeting his eyes with a sad, knowing look as she rushed to continue when he would have interrupted. “Feelings can change. They did with my parents.”

She never talked about her parents. He assumed, being so young when they died, she didn’t remember much of them. “Your parents’ feelings for each other changed? In what way?”

“I don’t really know for sure how they felt about one another when they first married. Though I know my mother loved my father very much, my father . . .”

“Yes?” He took her hand and squeezed it encouragingly.

“My father didn’t feel the same.” She lowered her head and studied their clasped hands. “They used to have terrible rows. My mother would cry and beg him to try to make their marriage more than one on paper.”

“And your father?”

She hesitated a moment before answering. “My father...my father would tell her quite directly it would never happen. He didn’t love her because she . . .”

“Because she what, sweetheart?” he urged softly.

Pru swallowed and went on in a wavering voice, “Because she was so repellant to him, because her figure was so...full—like mine—there was no way he could be attracted to her. He told her without attraction there was no hope for them. Ever.”

Suddenly he understood Pru’s low opinion of her body. If she resembled her mother, her father must have been either a lunatic or, he speculated grimly, a man who preferred an entirely different type of intimate partner. But that was neither here nor there. Only time and patience would convince her, he was sure.

“Pru, I suspect your father’s opinion of your mother was...unusual—especially if you resemble her, as you say you do. You saw the way the men looked at you tonight. I can tell you without a doubt in my mind that they found you far from unattractive.”

She looked up and met his eyes, hope shining in their aqua depths. “They did seem taken with me, didn’t they?” she agreed tentatively. “I thought perhaps it was because I looked so different. Do you think it was because they thought I was pretty?”

Kolton chuckled knowingly. “They thought you were more than pretty, I can guarantee it, my love.” He gave her a mock frown. “But don’t let it turn your pretty little head. You said you love me, remember. You are mine and I will not share your...attention.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Pru smiled. “As if any man could hold a candle to you, as you well know.”

“Because you love me?” he said giving her an exaggerated, hopeful look.

“Yes, because I love you. And, because you are considered one of London’s most handsome men.”

“I am rather good-looking, I must agree.”

“Oh, you wicked man!” She laughed and swatted him on the arm, the blankets slipping, revealing her lusciously full breasts on which he let his eyes linger appreciatively.

“Mmm, wicked.” He eased her back down on the mattress. “Let’s see how wicked I can be tonight,” he suggested, settling himself atop her while he took her breast in his hand and captured its rosy peak between his lips.

Pru sighed. “Yes, let’s.”

Kolton wondered if he would ever get enough of Pru. Her mind, her body, everything about her aroused him to a state he had never before reached. He caressed her body, glorying in her passionate response, drinking in her moans and sighs of escalating pleasure. His own excitement grew. His body writhed against her, the hard length of him greedy for the soft feel of her skin sliding against his.

She loved him. He yearned to hear those words fall from her lips once again. He pulled himself up on his forearms and gazed down at her lovely face, all he felt for her unguarded in his eyes. “Tell me, Pru.”

She didn’t need to ask him what he meant. “I love you, Kolton. I love you.”

Kolton’s heart swelled to all but bursting inside his chest. He closed his eyes against the overwhelming emotion that washed over him. He opened his eyes and smiled gently, caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers. Lowering his head, he kissed her. She ran her hands up his sides and around to his chest. His kiss grew more heated. Love-seared lust rose inside him, inflaming his need to possess her. He ground his hips against her, his straining arousal eager to plunge into her wet, velvet passage.

“Mmm. Kolton, please,” she moaned, spreading her legs, opening herself to him, welcoming him.

He buried himself inside her, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to be buried deeper. He pulled himself out, shushing her protests and urged her to roll over. Once he had her positioned on her hands and knees, he entered her again in one swift stroke. She gasped as he penetrated her more deeply than he ever had before.

“Yes, love; take me deep,” he rasped as she met his slow rhythm, rocking back against him, meeting each of his thrusts.

Her moans of pleasure spurred him on to a higher level of excitement. He gripped her hips with both hands and he drove himself into her, pulling her back to meet him, the muscles of his buttocks clenching as he sped his pace, pummeling her with his rigid staff.

Soon, the desire to feel her body pressed against him became too great and he wrapped his arms around her, never once breaking his rhythm as he snuggled her against him. He grasped her hips, urging her to ride him, then cupped her bouncing breasts as she complied.

He took one of her hands and directed it down between her legs, showing her how to add to her pleasure by stroking the erect nub between her nether lips. She didn’t recoil, but eagerly followed his instruction. He released her hand and brought his own to her breasts, lightly pinching and rolling her nipples between thumb and forefingers. Pru began to buck her hips against him, rising and lowering herself until their bodies met in a hard, wet, pounding beat.

Kolton sank his teeth lightly into the skin at the crook of her neck, sucking and licking her flesh. She cried out, her hips pumping a wild rhythm as she reached her peak and flew over the edge.

Her inner muscles contracted tightly around him, milking him, forcing him closer to release. His hands flew to her hips, holding them still while he thrust frantically in and out of her. “Yes, Pru. Oh, God, I love you!”

His climax ripped from his soul, the muscles in his abdomen clenching, his entire body wracked by spasms of pleasure as his seed jetted into her in an endless stream.

They collapsed, hearts pounding, their breathing coming in heaving pants. When his racing pulse began to slow, he slid off her and pulled her to him, giving her a long languid kiss.

He pulled back and cupped the back of her head. Making love with a woman had never been like this. So passionate. So deeply satisfying.

“I love you, Pru.” He said it without even thinking.

Tears gathered in her eyes, a soft smile gracing her lips. “That is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me.”

Kolton smiled. Her love made him feel like the most important man on earth. He knew, no matter what the future held in store for him, he would never be whole without the woman he held in his arms, and he vowed he would die before he would ever let her go.

 

 

Chapter Eighteen

 

 

“Lady Hope, what a pleasure it is to see you again so soon,” Prudence greeted Lady Hope with a smile as the young woman was shown in to the morning room two days later.

Lady Hope was a striking young woman, Prudence noted now that she saw her in the bright morning sun. She was a little taller than Prudence, and deceptively fragile looking. She had platinum locks, artfully arranged atop her head with a few stray tendrils framing her heart-shaped face with its pert nose and Cupid’s bow lips. Prudence sighed inwardly. What she wouldn’t give to have Lady Hope’s petite frame with her slim hips and breasts that weren’t overly large like her own.

“I apologize for calling at such an early hour,” Lady Hope replied, taking a seat. “I trust I have not caught you at a bad time. I had hoped to convince you to accompany me to Hatchards for some reading material and perhaps to Gunter’s for an ice? If you are not otherwise engaged, that is.”

“As it happens, I am free this morning.” Prudence was delighted at the prospect of an outing that didn’t involve choosing invitations or being poked by pins and discussing wedding matters. She hadn’t been to Gunter’s for an ice in ages, it would be a good respite from all the wedding plans, and she suspected Lady Hope would prove to be a refreshing companion. “I would be happy to accompany you.”

“How lovely,” Lady Hope exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up her entire face. “I was hoping you would agree.”

“Would you like me to ring for tea first?” Prudence offered, curious to get to know this interesting young woman better. Something about her drew Prudence; something which easily put her at ease when normally she would be more reserved.

“Oh, yes,” she replied removing her gloves and placing them in her lap. “Tea would be nice. And, please, call me Hope. Formality can be so tedious at times. I am hoping that we will become good friends. If I don’t miss my guess, we will get on well together. If you can tolerate my tendency to be brutally straight forward at times, that is.”

Prudence laughed. Lady Hope was certainly cheeky, but not in an off-putting manner, Prudence decided. “Brutally honest are you? Well, as long as your honesty is tempered with good sense, I believe I could tolerate it reasonably well. And do call me Pru. I agree. If we are to be friends, formality does seem a bit awkward, does it not?”

 

***

 

Over the next two weeks, Lady Hope was a frequent visitor, offering Prudence a much needed respite from Victoria and Amanda’s constant need to make Prudence’s eyes cross with all decisions to be made and things that still needed to be done before the wedding.

“Lady Hope Kingsley, my lady,” Arbuckle announced as Hope entered the room.

“Hope,” Prudence greeted her, happily setting aside the guest list she had been looking over and stood taking Hope’s hands. “What a pleasant surprise!”

“I apologize for arriving early yet again without notice, I hope you don’t mind.” Hope smiled and squeezed her hands.

Prudence sensed something was off. Hope’s smile seemed strained and the usual twinkle in her eye was absent.

“Nonsense,” Prudence dismissed Hope’s apology with a wave of her hand. “I am always happy to see you. Would you care for some tea, or are you here to whisk me away on another excursion?”

“Yes, tea would be nice,” Hope replied settling herself across from Prudence as the two took a seat.

Prudence rang for the maid and they chattered about trivial things until the refreshments arrived.

“Was there something in particular you wished to discuss?” Prudence inquired as she poured for both of them.

“Actually, there is,” Hope replied with a seriousness that caught Prudence off guard.

Prudence’s curiosity was piqued. “Something specific, I gather.”

“Yes.” Hope’s troubled gaze met Prudence’s. “I do not know where to begin. I...well, I have not been completely up front with you, Pru. You see I have wanted to speak with you on an important matter since shortly after my mother died a year ago.”

“I see,” Prudence replied keeping her tone light. “I am not sure I understand. You’ve wanted to speak with me for over a year? I have to admit, you have me curious now. What is it you wish to tell me? “

Hope set down her tea with shaking hands before clasping them in her lap. “I wish to discuss my father, and yours.”

“Our fathers?” Prudence asked, completely puzzled as to why Hope would want to discuss her father with her, much less Prudence’s father as well.

“Well, yes,” she said, absently wringing her hands in her lap. “But it is rather involved you see.”

“Yes, go on. You have me on tenterhooks,” Prudence replied leaning forward in her seat and setting her tea on the table as well.

“Well, you see, when I said my father and your father; I meant our father.”

 

***

 

Prudence paced her room, stopping periodically to stare at the two diaries and letter Hope had given her where she had dropped them on the bed. Did she want to read them? Did she want to see the truth in writing? What reason would the daughter of a powerful duke have to make such a claim other than what motives she suggested?

“I’m not looking for anything from you but friendship and the chance to get to know you,” Hope had said.

Prudence had often wished she could have had a sister. Some blood relation she could call her own. Oh, Amanda was like a sister to her, but it wasn’t quite the same as knowing she shared the same blood. Well...partially the same blood. Now, what was she to do with all this information?

Prudence sat down on the bed and reached over and retrieved the letter first. She was afraid to open it, afraid of what she would read, and how it would affect her. She stared at the yellowed parchment a few moments before she worked up the courage to open and read its contents.

My dearest Melinda,

Words cannot express how much I miss you. It has been hell seeing you with your husband and knowing that you will never be truly mine. But if I must resign myself to snatching only brief moments of bliss in your arms, I can be content with that if the only other option open to me is to never hold you again…

 

***

 

It was from Baron Montlief, Prudence’s father. It was obviously a love letter to Hope’s mother, her father’s lover. The one Prudence’s parents fought over that dreadful night. The night her mother died.

Prudence scanned the rest of the letter.

 

 

I do not cherish the thought of returning to Evelyn’s constant pleas for us to try to make our marriage work. I simply cannot love her the way she needs me to. Evelyn knows I have a lover, I am afraid I have not hidden that fact well, and it is getting harder and harder to take her constant tears and jealousy. Sometimes I am afraid that she will push me into saying something that I shall regret...

 

 

Prudence read the letter several times. It explained so much. The constant fighting between her parents, why her father claimed he was never attracted to her mother, and why he had been so cruel the night she died.

How difficult it must have been for both her parents. Her mother in love with a man who already loved another, knowing the man she loved was unfaithful and most likely would remain that way.

Prudence hated what her father did to her mother, but what choice did he have but to marry a woman he didn’t truly love? It was an arranged match. Did they even know each other when they took their vows? Prudence knew how aristocratic marriages worked: a spouse was chosen by wealth and or social standing, not by love. Some couples were lucky enough to grow to care for one another, but more often than not, once an heir was produced, the two sought out lovers to fill their more intimate needs. Rarely was there a love match between people who married in society.

Though Prudence didn’t approve of and in fact resented her father’s behavior, on some level she could understand how love could make one weak.

But what of Hope’s mother, Lady Stoneville? Did she feel the same way about Prudence’s father or was the woman simply a bored wife looking for a diversion?

Prudence picked up the first diary and began to read.

 

 

Chapter Nineteen

 

 

I do not know what the future will bring. I have not yet told James that I carry his child. He would surely want us to run away now that Evelyn has passed away, but I could not bear to leave my little boy behind, nor could I deny him his father by taking him with me. Adam loves Rafe and, though my heart belongs to another, I care for Adam too much to do such a heartless thing as denying him the right to watch his son grow into a man.

Should I tell James? Tell him that our love has created a precious life? I will cherish this child, a part of James that I can keep for myself. But what will he have? A child that he can never claim? A son or daughter that he will watch another man raise? I don’t know if I could bear the thought of what that would do to him.

 

 

Prudence turned the page to the next entry.

 

 

He is dead! James is dead! I did not know he was ill until it was too late. Consumption the doctors say, a simple cold that infected his lungs and never abated. I should have been there, I should have told him about the baby. Maybe knowing would have made him fight harder, to watch it grow. . .

 

 

Prudence closed the diary, gathered the other along with the letter, and locked them in her writing desk.

She’d skimmed through the first diary. It was written by Hope’s mother, beginning just before her entry into society and ending shortly after her marriage to Adam Kingsley, the future Duke of Stoneville, the man who believed himself to be Hope’s father.

According to what was written, Hope’s mother, Melinda, and Prudence’s father, James, had fallen deeply in love almost immediately. James had attempted to court Melinda, but her parents had bigger game in their sights. The future Duke of Stoneville had expressed an interest in Melinda, and therefore a mere baron would never do for their daughter.

Melinda had no choice in the matter. Before she knew what was happening, marriage documents had been signed by her parents, a settlement reached and an announcement published. She couldn’t back out, though she entertained the notion of running away and eloping with James. But in the end, she had gone through with the marriage.

Hope’s mother had tried to make the best of things. She tried to love the duke, but silently yearned for the man who was forever out of her reach. And, though she knew she had no right, she was heartbroken when he wed another woman.

From what Prudence could put together from the two diaries—written several years apart—it appeared that the affair between Hope’s mother and Prudence’s father started in London, shortly after Prudence was born, and lasted until her father died a little over six years later.

Prudence didn’t know how to feel. They were victims of circumstance. But their love left disappointment and death in their wake. Prudence’s mother couldn’t live with her pain and died alone in the icy cold of that long ago winter’s night.

Prudence recalled the nights when her mother would read her stories and played tea party with her. How would it have been if things had been different?

There was no sense in pondering ‘what if’s’, the past could not be changed, but the future was still unwritten.

 

 

For several days, Prudence thought hard about the situation. She had a sister. A sister who wanted to know her. And despite the fact that Prudence’s father had led Hope’s mother to betray the duke, the man Hope loved and believed was her father, Hope wanted a relationship with her.

Had Prudence been in the same position, she didn’t know if she would have had the strength to seek out Hope. Would she be betraying her mother’s memory if she became close with her sister? Her mother and father were gone, dead for the last twenty years, but Prudence was alive and alone. Oh, Victoria and the rest of her family had welcomed her into their lives as one of them, but she hadn’t been one of them really. Part of her, she acknowledged, had always felt like an outsider with her nose pressed against the glass, watching, but never truly belonging. Prudence was surprised she hadn’t realized it until now.

She was glad Hope had sought her out. It was time to put the past behind her where it belonged. She had a younger sister who wanted to be part of her life; did the rest truly matter? They would never be able to openly claim their true relationship; Hope had wanted to spare her father the scandal and pain of revealing the truth. But they could be close friends, something Prudence could not deny she wanted desperately.

 

***

 

“Lady Hope Kingsley to see you my Lady,” Arbuckle announced as Prudence sat in the large sitting room of Ravensbrook’s London home.

“Please see her in.” Prudence had made her decision in the early morning hours and sent a note after breakfast requesting Hope to call on her today.

She stood, clasping her shaking hands in front of her as Arbuckle showed her sister in. “Lady Hope, I am glad that you were able to make it on such short notice,” she said with a tentative smile.

“Thank you for inviting me,” the young woman replied formally, studying Prudence’s countenance as if trying to read what Prudence was thinking. She looked wary, but held herself proud and erect. Prudence envied her spirit.

“I thought we might take a turn about the gardens. It is such a lovely day. We should take advantage of it while the weather holds.” It would also afford them some needed privacy.

“Thank you. A walk in your gardens would be nice,” Hope agreed, straightening her posture and giving Prudence a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Prudence led the way, opening the French doors of the other side of the room, and the two stepped out onto the terrace, which ran the length of the house. They made their way in silence until they were well out of range of anyone who might overhear their conversation.

“I was pleased to receive your note this morning. I wasn’t sure if you would feel comfortable with seeing me,” Hope said, breaking the silence.

Prudence studied the young woman’s profile. If she was nervous, she didn’t show it. Her face was the picture of calm, her stride relaxed and steady.

Prudence stopped under a large oak tree and turned to her sister. “To be honest, Hope, I didn’t know what I would feel seeing you again.”

Hope turned to face her; her chin lifted a notch, but she remained composed. “I am glad you decided to contact me.”

“Please have a seat,” Prudence offered, gesturing to a bench situated a few steps away. Hope took a seat and Prudence settled herself next to her. “I am sorry that I have not contacted you sooner,” Prudence began, studying her hands clasped primly in her lap.

“Oh, I understand,” Hope was quick to assure her. “My news must have come as quite a shock.”

“That it was,” Prudence agreed. “I read over the things you gave me.”

Hope turned sharply to face her. “And? What are your feelings?”

Prudence sighed, giving a weary shake of her head. “I think the whole thing very sad.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” Prudence lifted her head and looked into the other woman’s eyes, eyes so much like her own. “Both of our parents suffered dreadfully as a result of something none of them could seem to control.”

Hope’s gaze remained on Prudence’s face. “Then you do not hate me for what my mother did? Of what it did to your family? Your mother?”

Prudence shrugged. “I would like to think that I possess more character than those who would condemn an innocent child for their parents’ actions.”

“So does this mean that you would like to try to be...to have some sort of friendship?” Hope asked hesitantly.

“It means,” Prudence replied, her eyes never leaving Hope’s, “that I would like to get to know my sister. And, if a close bond should be what becomes of that, I would welcome it.”

Hope’s stiff posture relaxed, her relief palatable. “Oh, Pru! I prayed you would feel that way, but I never dared hope.” She flung her arms around Prudence, giving her a tight hug. Startled, Prudence hesitated a moment before returning her sister’s enthusiastic embrace.

 

 

Chapter Twenty

 

 

“That dress couldn’t be more perfect, Pru. Lord Ravensbrook will surely be overcome the moment he sees you in it,” Hope said. She sat sketching in Prudence’s bedroom while the seamstress made a few final adjustments to Prudence’s wedding dress.

The gown was made of a lightweight ivory silk with embroidered silver flowers accented by tiny seed pearls. It had large gigot sleeves and fit her tightly around the bust and waist, the full skirt billowing about her as it fell to the floor. It wasn’t adorned with frilly lace and bows, but was simple in design, something Prudence had insisted upon. The overall effect was one of quiet elegance. Prudence felt like a princess as she gazed at herself in the mirror.

“Thank you, Hope. I must say that I am quite pleased with the result.”

“You should be,” her sister remarked as she leaned in to her sketchpad, a frown drawing at her brow as she concentrated on her picture. “If there is ever a day you should feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, it should be on your wedding day.”

Prudence hoped Kolton liked her choice of gown as well. She had put much thought into exactly what she wanted. Normally she would have tried to hide her figure, she still felt somewhat on display in her new style of dress, but she knew Kolton admired her figure and this gown showed off her curves without being immodest.

Harriet helped her out of her dress and into a light robe.

“There, finished.” Hope turned the pad to face her and Prudence gasped. “Hope, it is...it’s wonderful! A master artist could not have done better.”

Hope had drawn a profile portrait of Prudence in her wedding gown. She had captured every detail of the dress exactly and had even matched the color almost to perfection with her pastels, and added the finely woven lace veil with its matching embroidery and pearls Prudence planned to wear. But the most striking thing about the sketch was the detail she had put into Prudence’s face. Her expression held a dreamy quality as she stared off into the distance, her eyes filled with love, her lips parted as if awaiting a kiss.

“I am glad you like it.”

“Oh, I do, Hope, it is magnificent. May I keep it? I would love to have it framed.”

“Perhaps later, when I have finished it. I want to add a little more before I give it to you.” Hope closed her sketchpad and set it aside. “Will you be attending the Martin’s ball this evening?”

“Yes. Amanda and Victoria insist that I become more the social butterfly,” Prudence replied with a resigned roll of her eyes. “Please tell me you will be there as well; it would be comforting to know I have one good friend there.”

“I’ll be there,” Hope assured her. “Father insists that I get to know more people,” she pulled a face. “Not that many of them are worth knowing, nasty bunch they can be, the women anyway. Pompous, jealous, cats the lot of them.”

“In general, I would have to agree,” Prudence acknowledged, “but there are a few genuinely nice people as well. I have learned to smile, nod, and retreat from the worst of them. No sense getting my feathers ruffled by the less than pleasant amongst them.”

“Smiling and nodding in the face of their snobbishness is not something I find easy to do, dear friend. What I would truly like to do is box their ears!”

 

***

 

“Victor,” Prudence said turning to her cousin with a beseeching smile as they stood watching the dancers at Lady Martin’s ball. “Why not ask Hope to dance? Mr. Dowling has been attached to her all evening like an annoying burr. I am sure she would welcome a gallant rescue.”

“I am quite sure the girl can rescue herself,” he replied with a derisive snort. “She has certainly has no problem speaking her mind when she sets her mind to it.”

What was that all about? Prudence wondered.

“Well then, perhaps I could ask Kolton to rescue her. He could certainly put Mr. Dowling off his game.”

“No, no,” Victor rushed to reassure her. “Never let it be said that I refused to act the white knight to a damsel in distress. Do find your betrothed and dance with him. I’m sure he is anxious to spend some time with you.”

Victor strode off toward Hope and Mr. Dowling, leaving Prudence to wonder what had gotten into her normally flirtatious cousin.

“Ah, there you are, my dear,” Kolton said offering her a glass of punch.

“How did you know I was in need of a cool drink?”

“I have made it my mission in life to anticipate your every desire and do all in my power to assure you have all that you may ever need.” He leaned in closer so his words may not be overheard. “Is there anything else you desire? I am more than happy to take requests.”

Prudence took a sip of punch. She really had to speak to him about his nightly visits. Kolton was leaving her bed later and later. What if one of the staff saw him? They had already had one close call when her maid entered the room. Luckily, Kolton was able to grab his robe from the floor and slip under the bed before Harriet noticed him. He’d laughed when her maid had left the room, but Prudence had been mortified.

“Kolton, we must talk about your visits,” she whispered, not wanting to be overheard.

Kolton leaned back, a rakish smile spreading across his face. “Do you now? And what would you like to speak of?” he asked, his voice deep, soft, and suggestive.

“We cannot talk here,” she said. “There are too many ears about.”

Kolton held out his arm. “A simple matter to remedy.”

Prudence took his arm and walked with him as he nonchalantly exited the ballroom and led her into the gardens. The evening was cool, but not so much that she required a wrap. They made their way to a spot within sight of the terrace, but far enough away to afford them a bit of privacy.

Prudence noticed a bench conveniently located nearby and seated herself. Kolton lowered himself beside her and took her hand. “Now, my love, what part of our delightful nights together would you like to discuss?”

The sun had set hours ago, but the moon was bright enough that she could make out the smile on his face. He was in for a large disappointment, she feared.

“Actually,” she began, clearing her throat, “I don’t want to discuss what happens as much as how often it happens.”

Kolton raised a questioning brow. “Why do I get the distinct impression that I will not care for the topic of what I had anticipated to be titillating conversation?”

Prudence extracted her hand from his and busied herself rearranging her skirts. “I believe it is because you know better than to think I would discuss such things,” she replied primly.

Kolton chuckled. “I do hope to change that particularly prudish aspect of your personality. Partaking of verbal intercourse with you is a most arousing notion.”

The idea of bringing herself to speak with him concerning such a highly personal subject made her cheeks burn. Kolton had no difficulty with describing, in minute detail, how he wanted to make love to her, how her body inflamed him, and how to satisfy him. While making love to her with words as well as his body was extremely arousing, Prudence felt speaking of such things herself far too wicked.

She folded her hands in her lap and straightened her spine with resolve. “Be that as it may, you cannot continue to visit me every night. The risk is far too great that we will be discovered,” she stated firmly.

“What are you suggesting? Please don’t say you want me to stay away from you for the next three weeks. I would go mad! I don’t believe I could last that long without breaking down your door and ravishing you in your bed.”

The look on his face resembled a child who’d had his favorite treat snatched away before he’d had the chance to savor it. The thought made Prudence want to laugh out loud. She didn’t, however, and marshaled her resistance to her betrothed’s persuasive charm.

“Do stop being overly dramatic, Kolton.”

“I am deadly serious, my love. If you were an opiate, I could not crave you more.” He lifted his hand and brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Do you not want to spend time in my arms? Has our lovemaking become blasé?”

Prudence took his hand between hers. “You know you are talking nonsense. I do not want to spend a night away from you. I am just concerned that we may be found out. Perhaps we could limit your visits for now; say one or two nights?”

“You are going to be the death of me, woman!” he replied with a tortured groan. “But you do have a point. The other morning was much too close a call.” He gave a regretful sigh. “I suppose I could survive on two nights – just barely, mind you.”

“Thank you for understanding, Kolton,” she said gratefully, placing her hand against his cheek and tracing the outline of his jaw with her fingertips.

“Don’t thank me,” he replied in a martyred tone. “Your pity would be much more appropriate.”

 

 

Chapter Twenty-One

 

 

Prudence sat at her desk the next day staring down in disbelief at the letter she held in her hand. She dropped it on the desk as if it were a snake ready to bite her. She immediately checked the drawer in her desk. It slid open easily, the diaries and letter she’d thought safely locked away, gone.

She picked up the letter again and read over the flowing script.

 

 

Lady Prudence,

I have in my possession, three very informative bits of literature. Should you not want them to become the object of public scrutiny, it is my strong suggestion you end your engagement to Ravensbrook immediately.

Should you not comply within a timely manner, said literature will be delivered to the Times and their subject matter made available to the public.

 

 

Who had the diaries and her father’s letter? How had they gotten them? She always kept her desk locked and the key in the keepsake box on her desk. Until now, there had been no reason to secret it away. She opened the box, the key was there, and nothing else seemed out of place.

She looked over the threatening letter once more. The handwriting was not familiar, but it was obviously penned by a woman. How did this person get into the house, find her room, know where to find the key, and search through her desk? It was unlikely a stranger could have managed such a feat. One of the servants, perhaps? Harriet was the obvious person to suspect. Prudence waved away the thought. Harriet had been with her too long and she trusted her ladies maid implicitly.

Harriet knocked on the door and entered the room carrying her lunch tray. Prudence shoved the letter in the top drawer, locked it, and stuffed the key in the pocket of her skirt.

“Harriet, have we hired any new servants recently?”

Harriet set the tray down on the table in the cozy sitting area situated before the fireplace. “It is funny you should ask, my lady,” her maid answered. “We did hire a new upstairs maid a few weeks ago. Chatty thing she was. All starry-eyed about your wedding the earl. Couldn’t ask enough questions. Did her job well, from what I understand. Up ‘till she left without a by-your-leave the end of last week. Haven’t replaced her yet, as far as I know. Why? Is there a problem? Nothing’s come up missing has it?”

“Oh, no. I thought I saw someone new,” Prudence lied. “I should have inquired earlier; I didn’t know the girl’s name. But it seems the point is moot now.”

“Well, her name was Bessie, Bessie Watersham, in case you were wonderin’. Will there be anything else, my lady?”

“No, thank you Harriet,” Prudence dismissed her maid with a forced smile. “I will ring when I have finished.” Prudence waited for the door to close behind her maid before resting her elbows on her desk and dropping her head in her hands.

What was she going to do? She had more than herself to consider. There was the relationship with Hope and her father, the duke, not to mention Hope’s reputation and the scandal that would ensue if her sister’s paternity should become known. Then there was the scandal that would follow Prudence. What would it do to the family who had taken her in and raised her as one of them? Would they receive the cut direct? Prudence would never be able to live with herself if that happened.

But how would she bring herself to let Kolton go? How could she not? If she broke off their engagement, she couldn’t continue living with the family. She would have to leave.

Prudence conjured a picture in her mind of Kolton’s expression should she find the strength to tell him she was leaving him. Pain gripped her chest, squeezing so tightly she could barely breathe. Prudence wrapped her arms around herself, tears of anguish flowing freely down her cheeks.

She stood, moved to the bed, and lay down. Curling herself into a ball, she cried herself silently to sleep.

 

***

 

Prudence awoke an hour before dinner was to be served. She rang for Harriet and asked her maid to let Kolton and Victoria know she felt unwell and would be taking dinner in her room.

After picking half-heartedly at her plate, Prudence set it aside. She let Harriet help her out of her dress and prepared for bed.

Not long after her maid departed, there came a knock on Prudence’s door, and Kolton slipped in. He was sitting on the bed at her side and holding her hand before Prudence could blink.

“Your maid said you were not feeling well. Are you sick?”

His expression of tender concern tore at Prudence’s heart. She wanted to fall into his arms and cry all over again.

Prudence gave him a weak smile. “It is nothing serious, Kolton. I have a crushing headache and wished to go to bed early, that’s all.” It was no lie; her eyes ached and her temples throbbed.

Kolton ran the back of his fingers along her cheek, his worried eyes studying her face. “I can’t stand the thought of your suffering. What can I do to help, love? Would you like me to get you a cold compress?”

By sheer strength of will, Prudence held back the tears that threatened at his sweet attempt to soothe her pain. She took his hand in hers and placed a kiss on his knuckles. “Thank you, Kolton, you are so good to me, but I will be fine. I just need to sleep.”

A frown furrowed his brow. “Would you like me to sit with you until you fall asleep?” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Yes!

“No, Kolton, Victoria may come to check on me and it wouldn’t do to have you in bed with me.”

He waived his hand dismissively. “I don’t care about Victoria; I only care about you and how you are feeling.”

“Well, I care. Victoria has been like a mother to me. I wouldn’t want her thinking badly of me. No, you can say she would understand,” she continued before he could voice any objection, “but I would not feel right about it, and worrying will not help my headache.”

Kolton’s shoulders dropped in defeat. “No, I suppose it wouldn’t,” he conceded regretfully, “but I insist you let me hold you for a moment or two before I go.”

Prudence couldn’t deny herself one last opportunity to feel his strong arms around her. She needed him now more than ever, but he was the one person she couldn’t share her burden with.

“Only a few moments,” she agreed.

She moved over and made room for him to sit beside her. He pulled her into his arms and Prudence felt the tension leave her body. But along with the comfort he provided came a sharp stab of pain. Never again would he hold her. She would never feel his embrace or the soft little kisses he placed at her temple. She would never make love with him again or become his wife. She would never know the joy of carrying Kolton’s baby, and watching it grow.

Prudence realized then how much she wanted to share her life with him; to argue and make up, to laugh, and to cry, to grow old with him. But it was nothing but an unattainable dream. He would be hurt when she left and be understandably angry with her. Perhaps one day they could both look back and agree they wouldn’t have suited after all.

She doubted she would ever be able to feel that way. She would love him until her dying breath. She had no doubt.

Prudence slipped her arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze. “You should probably get going.” Better now when she still had the strength to let him. “Victoria will be heading up any time now.”

Kolton gave a weary sigh. “I will leave; but I want it duly noted it is under protest.” His arms left her and he stood. He helped her settle herself under the covers and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Prudence feigned a realistic yawn and let her lids drop as if she were already drifting off to sleep.

“I love you,” he said softly. Prudence gave him a sleepy smile in reply. She couldn’t say those words in return knowing she would be packing in a couple of hours and leaving before dawn.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Two

 

 

“This is a ridiculous bunch of drivel.” Kolton threw Pru’s letter down on his desk.

“What is ‘a ridiculous bunch of drivel’?” Victor asked, sauntering into Kolton’s study and seating himself in an overstuffed chair where he lounged as if he’d not a care in the world, while Kolton’s world was crashing down around him.

Kolton spun and faced his brother. “Do you know anything about this?” He shoved Pru’s letter into his brother’s hands.

“Pru’s left? Why? Where did she go?” Victor’s bewildered expression only added to his frustration. Had Pru confided in anyone? Told anyone where to find her? He’d already questioned his stepmother. His only success there was worrying the sweet woman.

“If I knew that I wouldn’t be standing here asking you, now would I?”

“No need to growl, Kolton. If I had any idea she’d been having second thoughts or planned to run off, you can be sure I would have come straight to you. It could be something as simple as wedding jitters. Perhaps she’ll be back in a couple of days.”

“Sorry,” Kolton grumbled raking his fingers through his already tussled hair. “I know you would. I just cannot believe she has done something like this. She loves me; I know she does. There has to be something other than ‘not being sure of her feelings’ going on here.”

“She didn’t confide in me, Kolton. I’m sorry.”

“She had to have spoken to someone!” Kolton started to pace, his agitation to strong to allow him to sit still.

“Calm down, my man. I know it may seem a silly thing to say, but working yourself into a state is not going to help.”

Kolton blew out a frustrated gust of air. “The wedding is in a little less than a month, Victor. What would you expect I do when I have no idea where my betrothed has run off to?”

“You are right; this is a bunch of drivel,” Victor agreed, handing Pru’s letter back to Kolton who folded the paper and stuffed it into the pocket of his coat. “Is there anything you might have said or done that would have given her leave to doubt your feelings?”

Kolton stopped pacing and turned to his brother. “Pardon? Where would you have gotten such a ridiculous notion?”

Victor studied him in silence a moment or two. “Nowhere in particular.” He shrugged assuming an air of casual disinterest. “You know how women are: imagining slights when none were given.”

Kolton snorted in agreement. “Be that as it may, Pru isn’t like most women. If she is annoyed with me, she is not averse to letting me know why in no uncertain terms.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“Trust me, Victor; she has no problem ringing peal over my head when she is upset with me.” Kolton’s lips quirked in a small smile as he thought back to his time with Pru at his hunting cabin. “No, something must have triggered this, but I can’t imagine what it could be.”

Please, God, let simple wedding jitters be the reason, and let me be able fix whatever is wrong. If he couldn’t make things right...

No. He wouldn’t think that way. She loved him, he had to find her, had to get her back. Life without Pru—the thought was unbearable. Kolton rubbed his chest where the empty void that had swallowed all his happiness and was now filled with a painful ache.

Victor stood and crossed the room to stand by Kolton and placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “What do you need me to do? I am at your disposal for as long as you need me.”

“We need to check with her friends in town and see if they know anything. If that doesn’t help us find her, we should probably check and see if she has run off to one of the country estates.”

“There is the property left to her by her mother. Could she have headed there?”

Kolton shook his head. “I doubt it. She would undoubtedly figure it is one of the first places we would look. I will send someone out there, but it is unlikely they will find her there.”

“Have you checked with Amanda?”

Kolton blew out a gust of air and raked his fingers through his hair. “Not yet, that was next.”

“I can check with her friends in town, then,” Victor offered.

“Thank you. That would help enormously. I’ll write down some names for you.”

Kolton strode over to his desk and jotted down a list of people Pru would be most likely to contact. He handed the list to Victor, and walked his brother to the door before ordering a carriage to take him to Amanda’s.

 

***

 

More than a week had passed and Kolton was no closer to finding Pru. With each day that had gone by, he grew more despondent and irritable. He snapped at the servants and locked himself in his study at night, drinking himself insensible.

As he was dressing, Arbuckle knocked on the door and informed him he had a visitor.

“This time of morning? Who is it?” he snapped

“A Lady Hope Kingsley,” the butler replied.

Lady Hope. Yes, they had become close over the last month or so, but had they become close enough for her to be of any help? Victor had questioned her and, at the time, she knew nothing of Pru’s disappearance. Had something changed?

“Show her into my study and inform her I will be right down.”

“Do you think she has news of Lady Prudence?” Rupert asked as he quickly tied Kolton’s cravat.

“Let’s hope she does,” he replied as his anxious valet helped him into his jacket and he hurried from the room.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Three

 

 

When Kolton entered the study, he found Lady Hope standing by the window looking out while absently twisting her handkerchief between her hands.

“Lady Hope, a pleasure to see you again. To what do I owe your visit this morning?” He crossed the room and took her outstretched hand, bowing over it politely in greeting and noting its trembling as he did so.

“I am so sorry to call on you at such an early hour, my lord, but I have just received word from Lady Prudence and assumed you would want to know right away.”

Kolton’s heart began to race. He sent up a silent prayer that this was the chance he had been looking for.

“Your assumption was completely correct. What news have you, my dear?”

Lady Hope hesitated, her brows drawing together slightly in apparent indecision, but her expression quickly cleared and determination took its place. “I don’t know if this will be of any help finding her, but I thought you had the right to know the reason she left.” She reached into her ridicule, pulled out a folded piece of stationery, and handed it to him.

He unfolded the single sheet of paper.

 

 

Hope,

I am sorry that I hadn’t the chance to see you one more time and explain why I had to leave London with such haste.

Hope, I am so sorry, but the letter and diaries have been stolen and the person responsible for their theft threatened to expose their contents unless I ended my engagement to Lord Ravensbrook. I’m sure you can see how I had no choice but to comply with the blackmailer’s demands. You are young and deserve the opportunity to make a good marriage, which would be impossible if I stayed and married Lord Ravensbrook.

You will never know how sick I feel over this. Though I have left London, I still fear for you, and wanted apprise you of the situation. I want you to know that the short time we had to spend together and known each other has meant the world to me and our parting will not be forever. Once the stir amongst the ton my leaving will surely cause has time to settle, I will contact you again.

Please, Hope, I beg you not to try and find me. I have made peace with my decision, and my mind will not be changed.

 

Ever your friend,

Prudence

 

 

Kolton shook his head, perplexed. “I don’t understand; what is all this about a letter and a diary, and what does it have to do with blackmail? Why would she be concerned for you?” He motioned the young woman to take a seat and sat himself next to her.

Lady Hope bowed her head, gazing sightlessly at the shredded bit of material that had once been a beautifully embroidered lace handkerchief. “I am not sure where to begin,” she replied tearfully. “This is all my fault. If I had never approached her in the first place . . .”

“Please, Lady Hope,” Kolton urged, checking his impatience, and laying his hand on her arm encouragingly. “What is this all about? It would appear to be of a sensitive nature. Let me promise you that anything you tell me will not go beyond this room.” To prove his point, he rose and closed the door to the study before rejoining her on the settee.

Lady Hope smiled faintly. “Thank you, my lord, your discretion is appreciated.” She straitened her spine and squared her shoulders as if drawing her courage around her like a cloak. She turned to him and placed her hand on his in a gesture of sympathy. “I want you to know first, how sorry I am to be the cause of the upset Lady Prudence’s leaving has undoubtedly caused you.”

Kolton nodded in acceptance of her apology.

“I will begin by telling you that I am not the Duke of Stoneville’s biological daughter.”

Kolton gave a start of surprise. Of all things the young woman could have come out with, this was the least expected. “I don’t know what to say, Lady Hope. Your news comes as a complete surprise. But what does this have to do with Lady Prudence?”

Lady Hope clasped her hands tightly in her lap and locked eyes with him. “Lady Prudence is my half-sister,” she stated boldly.

Kolton stared at the young woman, at a loss as to how to respond. Lady Hope didn’t give him time to formulate a reply. She told him of the discovery of her mother’s diary and all that had transpired since. Kolton listened intently, but other than explaining Pru’s decision to leave, it gave him no clue as to where she might have gone.

When her story came to an end, Kolton sat back and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “And your father? Does he know of your mother’s affair and your true paternity?”

Lady Hope lowered her eyes and shook her head. “I almost positive he does not. I had hoped to keep him ignorant of the fact I am not his real daughter, but now I see it is not possible. He must know of this threat to our family in the event that the truth becomes known.”

“It is probably for the best. Thank you for sharing such personal information with me. I know it must have taken a lot of courage to come to me with this.” Kolton took her hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. “I am only sorry it doesn’t help us find Lady Prudence. Did the letter arrive by special messenger? Were you able to perhaps find out anything from him?”

“No,” she said, reaching into her ridicule again and pulling out an envelope. “It came by post. But—oh my—perhaps there is a postmark! I didn’t even consider the idea until now,” she exclaimed excitedly.

Kolton studied the envelope. The letter was sent from Brenshire, the village located near his hunting cabin. The hunting cabin! He hadn’t even considered she might go there. He had to give Pru credit. She must have known he wouldn’t have thought to check the cabin considering the nature of their time spent together there.

“I know where this is,” he said, “and I know where to find her now. If she hasn’t moved on, that is.”

Lady Hope sagged with relief. “I am so glad. Now you can go to her and bring her back.”

Yes, but there was still the problem of the blackmail. Pru would dig in her feet if she thought her sister was still in danger.

“I don’t know how to thank you, Lady Hope,” he said, taking her hands in his and kissing her knuckles.

Lady Hope blushed. “No need to thank me, my lord. Lady Prudence’s leaving was my fault. I am overjoyed that I am able to have the chance to make things right.”

 

***

 

Kolton had searched Pru’s room when she first left, but this time he did a more thorough job. He didn’t know what he was looking for exactly; he just sensed there was something he’d overlooked. If he couldn’t find some clue as to the identity of the blackmailer and stop them, there would be no way he could convince Pru to come back home.

He searched her bed, checking under the mattress and tearing off the sheets. Nothing. He went through her bedside table, pulling out the drawers and emptying their contents onto the bed. Still nothing. Her dressing room and jewelry case turned up nothing, so he turned his attention to her desk. He removed the top drawer, which he’d pried open the lock the first time he searched her room, and dumped its contents on the desk. Still, he found nothing of importance.

As he bent down to pull out the next drawer, he noticed something stuck in the back where the first drawer had been. He reached in and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper. Clearing a place on the desk, he smoothed it out and read its contents.

He’d found the blackmailer’s letter.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Four

 

 

Kolton was surprised when both Lady Hope and her father were announced and entered his study. He’d sent a note to Lady Hope letting her know he had more information regarding Pru’s reason for leaving and asked to call on her before he left. He had not, however, expected her to show up at his residence, let alone bring the duke with her.

Kolton was seated behind his desk, but stood when the two entered. “Your Grace, Lady Hope,” he greeted them, coming around the desk and bowing to the duke before bending over Lady Hope’s hand.

“Ravensbrook,” the duke replied gruffly. Kolton could see by his stiff posture and strained expression that the Duke of Stoneville knew all there was to know about the situation with his daughter and Pru.

“Please have a seat. Shall I ring for tea, or perhaps something stronger, Your Grace?”

“No, no, Ravensbrook. I prefer to have a clear head while dealing with this situation. You wrote to my daughter of finding something new in this matter?”

Kolton’s gaze shifted to Lady Hope. He noted her red-rimmed eyes and slightly pink nose. She had obviously been crying recently. He hoped the duke’s reaction to discovering she was not his biological daughter had not been too difficult for her. She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded her head slightly in answer to his silent question.

“Yes,” he said turning his attention back to the duke. “I believe I know who the blackmailer is.”

Stoneville sprang to his feet. “Do you by God! Tell me the name of the bastard who thinks he can threaten my family! I’ll make sure the bloody little coward is silenced permanently.”

“Father,” Lady Hope said, the anxious look in her eyes contradicting the calm, reasoning tone of her voice as she laid her hand on her father’s arm. “Please be sensible. Killing a man is not the answer.”

Adam Kingsley, while not a young man, appeared to be in top form. Kolton knew for a fact the man was a regular at Gentleman Jacks and could easily take down a man half his age. He was a powerful man with connections in both very high and very low places. The Duke of Stoneville was a man few people dared to cross, and those who were fool enough to try received no mercy.

Stoneville turned to his daughter with a look of surprise. He patted her hand reassuringly. “I do not use such drastic measures to solve my problems, my dear. Although,” he added with a malevolent gleam in his eye as he turned his attention back to Kolton, “in this case, a certain amount of satisfaction arises at the thought.”

“I too would derive pleasure from wrapping my hand around the person’s neck and throttling them, but I am afraid that I am not in the habit of thrashing women,” Kolton remarked.

“Woman? Do you mean to tell me a woman had the audacity to threaten to sentence my daughter to hell on earth?”

“I am afraid so.” Kolton reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew the threatening document. “I searched Lady Prudence’s room again and found this.” He handed the other man the note from the blackmailer. “As it is plain to see, the missive is penned in a woman’s hand.”

“The woman is either an imbecile or a fool,” the duke said as he read the letter. “She doesn’t appear to have even attempted to disguise her writing.”

“You said you might know who is behind this; is it because you recognize the handwriting?” Lady Hope asked anxiously as she studied the note over her father’s shoulder.

“Yes. I believe it is Lady Helena Whenton who penned the letter.”

“Lady Whenton?” Stoneville said with obvious surprise. “I hardly know the woman.”

“I have met her,” his daughter offered, a disgusted expression marring her lovely features. “She is a vicious, sharp-tongued, harpy.”

Both men looked at the duke’s daughter with raised eyebrows.

Her eyes flitted back and forth between them, noting the surprise and censure directed her way by the two men. “I overheard her at your engagement ball, my lord. I gave her a piece of my mind on the topic of her atrocious behavior,” she informed both men, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin defiantly.

The duke smiled for the first time since entering the room. “I am sure you gave her a taste of your own sharp tongue if I know you, my little hellion.”

Lady Hope smiled back at her father. “Yes. I gave her quite the scathing set-down; and it was most satisfying I must say.”

“The question is,” Kolton said breaking into the conversation, “where do we go from here. I would like to leave first thing in the morning to fetch Lady Prudence, but I doubt she will come willingly if she believes Lady Whenton has not been taken care of.”

“Leave that to me,” the duke said confidently. “I believe by late tomorrow the lady in question will suddenly have the strong desire to take herself off to the continent for an indefinite period of time. She may even decide to stay there permanently.”

Kolton nodded his understanding. He had no doubt the duke would have little, if any, problem convincing Helena that England was the last place she wanted to be.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Five

 

 

Prudence hoped the weather would hold as she sat in the back garden of the hunting cottage she and Kolton had spent two glorious days and nights not so long ago, and stared up at the overcast sky. She loved sitting outdoors while she painted or sketched as she was doing now. She looked down at what she had drawn. Kolton’s cheerful expression and laughing eyes stared back at her from the page. Pain and longing for what they might have had washed over her like a thick fog. She traced his features longingly, wishing it was his face she was touching.

Prudence sighed heavily and closed her sketchpad. Would the pain and regret ever ease? In a little over a week, they would have become man and wife. They would have had a happy life. She was sure. She wished, not for the first time, she had gone to Kolton and told him everything. She probably should have, but couldn’t take the chance of him refusing to break the engagement and therefore expose Hope’s secret to the whole of England.

Hope. The only family she had left in the world. Prudence didn’t discount her second cousin, Victoria, and the rest of the Stanvilles as family, but Hope was her sister—the only one she would ever have, and Hope’s wellbeing had to come first.

Prudence stood and headed into the house; it was getting close to lunchtime and she should at least try to eat something. Her appetite had been non-existent these last few weeks. She had lost weight and listless as a result.

She was slicing the bread she had bought at the local bakery in town, a pot of soup heating on the stove, when the sound of a carriage pulling up in front of the house caught her attention.

Who on earth could that be?

She wouldn’t answer the door, she thought franticly as she removed the soup from the stove. She had purposely tried to attract little attention in Brenshire, but a stranger in a small town rarely went unnoticed. She prayed it was the local vicar to pay a call on the newcomer in his hamlet, and not one of Kolton’s friends come to use the hunting cabin. She couldn’t be found now; her solicitor had yet to finalize the purchase of the small house she had decided to buy in the quiet coastal town, hours away from London.

She heard the door open and bang shut followed by heavy footsteps coming down the hall.

“Prudence! I know you’re here. Don’t try to hide; this house isn’t big enough and my patience is at an end.”

Oh no!

Kolton had found her. What had made him think to look here? Then she remembered her letter to Hope. She had to have gone straight to Kolton. But why? Didn’t she know what would happen if she did?

Prudence quickly turned and headed to the back door to make her escape. She didn’t know where she would go; all she knew at that moment was she couldn’t allow Kolton to find her.

She had her hand on the door handle, about to yank it open, when Kolton appeared in the kitchen doorway.

“Something smells delicious. What are we having?”

Prudence froze. Caught. Bloody hell! She barely stopped the words before they flew from her lips. She dropped her hand from the door. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and slowly turned to face the man she had managed to elude for weeks. Her heart constricted. He looked like he hadn’t slept well in the time that had passed, dark circles under his eyes bore testament to the fact. He was leaner, his face drawn. Prudence wanted to run to him, throw her arms around him, and kiss away the pain and anger she saw in his eyes. Instead, she looked away, fixing her gaze somewhere in the vicinity of his cravat.

He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. Prudence sensed the tension in him despite his casual pose. “Well? Aren’t you going to greet your betrothed? It has been quite some time since we last embraced.” he remarked, a hint of sarcasm lacing his tone.

“Kolton, I . . .” What could she say? She had deserted him, left him with only pen and ink serving as a farewell.

He straightened and closed the distance between them. He grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “You don’t have to explain, I know everything. I only ask that you answer one question—truthfully, Pru.” The anger had left his expression, but she sensed the tension that remained. His eyes held hers, the vulnerability and entreaty that filled them made her blink back the moisture that gathered in her own.

Prudence had to swallow hard to dislodge the lump in her throat. “I will do my best.”

“Do you love me, Pru? No, look at me and answer my question,” he demanded softly when she lowered her eyes.

“Kolton, I can’t—”

He nudged her chin a little higher until she was forced to meet his eyes. Eyes that begged for the truth. “Yes, you can, sweetheart. Do you love me?”

“Yes.” She closed her eyes, trying to somehow block out the pain of knowing her answer made no difference. They could never be together, no matter what he said to try to change her mind.

Kolton let out a great gust of air and pulled her to him, resting his cheek against her temple. “Thank, God, Pru. It has been hell without you. The days—and even the nights—without your sweet light to brighten them were so unbearably dark and bleak. I love you so much, my dearest Prudence. Promise me you will never leave me again.”

Prudence drank in the sensation of being in his arms once again while her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. How could she possibly promise such a thing? But, how could she bear to hurt him again? If only there were some other way.

She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. “Kolton, we can’t...I can’t . . .” she sobbed. “If you know everything, you must realize why I cannot come back, why I cannot marry you.”

“Yes, I know everything, love,” he said softly, pulling out a handkerchief and gently dabbing away the tears streaking her cheeks. “I know about your sister, I know about the blackmail. It is all over now, sweetheart. I know who it was who threatened you; and Hope went to her father and told him everything.”

Prudence’s heart leapt with hope for the first time in weeks. “You know who it is?”

“Yes. It was Lady Whenton.”

Prudence’s mind flashed back to the night of their betrothal ball. Lady Constance had said her aunt believed her own betrothal to Kolton had been in her future. She remembered all the nasty things Lady Whenton had said about her. It had never occurred to Prudence that Lady Helena would have the nerve or where to all to do such a thing. Obviously, Prudence had underestimated the horrid woman.

“But she has proof, Kolton. She still could—”

“The Duke knows of Lady Whenton’s scheme,” Kolton informed her. “Threatening his daughter was a dangerous move and not very bright of her, I might add.”

Prudence imagined threatening the wellbeing of a one of the duke’s love ones was ill advised. The Duke of Stoneville was as powerful a man as one could be, aside from Royalty itself. Prudence shuddered at the thought of what would befall Lady Whenton. “What will become of her?”

 

 

Kolton smiled grimly. “The Duke and I paid her a visit earlier today. With little persuasion she turned over what evidence she’d arranged to be stolen from you and agreed it was best that she leave the country immediately.”

He would have loved to have throttled the woman when she had smugly denied his accusation, and then had the audacity to suggest they resume relations. But, the look of shock and horror on the woman’s face when the duke and his daughter arrived shortly after him gave no little satisfaction. It proved amusing in fact.

Faced with the damning evidence against her, and the threat of both social and financial ruin, Helena had put up little fight before turning over the letter and diaries to the duke.

He pulled Pru against him and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “I assure you, Pru, there is nothing left to fear,” he assured her placing a kiss on her temple.

 

 

Prudence felt the crushing weight of guilt and pain, which had borne down on her since she first, read the horrible missive dissolve, freeing her to love and be loved by the most wonderful man in the world.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him back. “Oh, Kolton! I am so sorry I didn’t come to you. I didn’t want to leave, but I saw no other choice. Please forgive me for hurting you.”

His arms tightened around her. “I could forgive you most anything, my love. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you. Hurting someone is not in your nature. Just promise me you will never keep something so important from me ever again.”

“I promise,” she vowed, meeting his eyes solemnly. “I should have come to you at once; I know that now. I am so sorry—I cannot express how much.”

“I know. I know.” He cupped her face and lowered his head. His kiss was so sweet and filled with love; it brought tears to her eyes.

“I love you so much, Kolton,” she whispered when the kiss ended.

“And I you, Pru. And I you.”

Prudence rose to her toes and kissed him with all the love she had inside her. Kolton groaned and deepened their kiss, crushing her to him as he ravaged her mouth with hungry desperation. Their embrace grew heated, each striving to draw the other closer, to meld themselves into one being.

“I need you Pru. Now. I need you so much.” His voice was rough with emotion, his hands going to the fastenings of her dress and undoing them until he could lower the bodice of her gown and shift to her waist.

Prudence cried out when he cupped her breast and captured her nipple between his lips and suckled her. Her knees gave out and he caught her. Turning, he lifted her onto the table and stepped between her legs.

Prudence was on fire. She couldn’t wait to feel his bare skin pressed to hers. She pushed his jacket off his shoulders and opened the fastenings of his vest. When she came to his cravat she grew restless, yanking at it roughly until it fell open. Impatiently, she fumbled with the fastenings of his shirt until she gave up and tore at it, sending buttons flying in all directions.

Kolton gave a feral growl of approval against the curve of her neck, tossing up her skirts and deftly opened the fall of his pants.

“Now,” he rasped, grasping her bottom and plunging his hard shaft deep inside her and letting out a heavy groan of pleasure.

“Yes, Kolton!” she cried, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him deeper.

He set a rhythm that was fast and strong. “I love you, Pru,” he breathed, capturing her lips in a hungry, openmouthed kiss that sent spears of excitement straight to her womb.

He lay her back on the table and thrust his hips faster, pounding his cock into her mercilessly while little mewling sounds of pleasure tore from her throat as she gripped his clenching buttocks, urging him on.

She tossed her head helplessly side to side as he molded her breasts in his hands and drew at her nipples, scraping his teeth lightly against them and flicking them with his tongue.

“Oh, god, Pru. The taste of you, your smell, you are so tight and wet. God, how I have missed this. Missed you. Never leave me again,” he moaned.

He straightened and grabbed her hips, pulling her to meet each of his driving thrusts. She looked into his eyes. The love and unbridled passion on his face sent her spinning out of control. Prudence clutched at his forearms, screaming as her body strained toward him, her climax gripping her womb with powerful contractions of pleasure.

“Yes, Pru,” he cried and pumped relentlessly in and out of her, his muscles straining, the tendons standing out at his neck as he neared his own release. “Come for me. Milk me dry. Oh, yes!” He threw back his head with a roar of completion as his orgasm seized him and he emptied himself inside her.

 

***

 

Some moments later, Kolton regained his senses and realized he was collapsed atop of Pru on the kitchen table. He smiled ruefully. Not the romantic reunion he’d had planned, but no less satisfying, he decided.

He hauled himself up on his elbows, gazed down at Pru’s flushed features, and tucked a sweat-dampened curl behind her ear. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled lazily up at him.

“Perhaps we should take this to a more comfortable location,” he suggested.

Pru laughed. “Yes, perhaps we should. This table is a bit hard.”

“It is not the only thing,” he added, flexing his hips suggestively.

Pru’s eyes rounded. “Oh, my! Yes, perhaps we should find a more comfortable location posthaste.”

Kolton straightened, securing his trousers before he lifted her in his arms and carried her to his room. Pru gave a little squeak of surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck. When he entered the bedroom, he made quick work of removing the rest of their clothing. He tossed her on the bed and immediately settled beside her, his hands commencing a thorough exploration of her body.

Pru giggled and the sound made his heart swell with joy. “In a hurry, my lord?”

“To touch your luscious body and feel its nakedness pressed against mine? Always, my love,” he replied while fondling her breasts. “I would gladly stay here for days—weeks—but we have a wedding to attend in the near future.”

Pru twisted and propped herself up on her elbow facing him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You didn’t cancel the ceremony?”

“Another day or two and I would have had to,” he replied. “But I refused to do so before then. It would have been admitting I would never find you, never have you back in my arms. I couldn’t bear the thought of that.”

Pru’s eyes glittered with moisture and she blinked back the threatening tears. “Oh, Kolton.” Her voice cracked as she said his name. “What did I do to deserve such happiness?”

“You have done nothing but be your beautiful, funny, passionate, self. I am the one who counts himself the luckiest man on earth.”

“Then we are both blessed.” She smiled, cupping his face and leaning in to kiss him.

“Yes,” he murmured against her lips. “Blessed.”

Blessed with love, blessed with passion, and blessed—Kolton smiled at the thought—blessed with the ability to persuade his stubborn, darling Prudence.

 

 

Biography

 

 

Liz Cole was born and raised in a small town in upstate New York. Her love of reading romance—the steamier the better—began in her early teens, but it wasn’t until she left her job as a secretary to dedicate herself to being a stay-at-home mom to her two young children that her writing career began. It started with a story rolling around in her head that refused to be ignored. Desperate to turn her mind to other things, Liz sat down, hoping to exorcise the ‘demon’, and wrote her first novel. Since then, she has been plagued with other stories demanding to be told. Who knew that two jobs could be so fulfilling?

She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, two cats, and three dogs.

Liz welcomes readers’ comments and can be reached at ; and check out her blog at .