Indecent, page 23
She looked up at him. “Some would argue this fits my station perfectly. And that I have vastly overstepped.” She quirked her brow to accompany her sarcasm.
“They would be idiots.” He kissed her forehead.
Lucien, Cassandra, and their brother, the Earl of Aldington, approached, along with Christina.
Prudence’s mother stood at her side. “Your cousins have something lovely to share. I wish I could claim to be a part of it, but I cannot.”
Lucien looked toward his brother before addressing Prudence and Bennet. “Constantine and I would like to offer you a wedding gift of a thousand pounds. It’s not a dowry, exactly, but we hope you’ll accept it with love.” His gaze settled on Prudence.
The floor seemed to tilt beneath Prudence’s feet. She looked from Lucien to Bennet and back again. “Is there no dowry?”
A look of surprise quickly followed by regret passed over Lucien’s features. “Of course Glastonbury hasn’t been able to tell you yet since I just informed him before the ceremony.” He looked to Bennet. “My apologies.”
“Warfield declined to provide a dowry,” Bennet said quietly from beside her.
She turned her head toward his. “You knew this and married me anyway.” He’d said he would, but she supposed she hadn’t quite believed it. She knew how badly he needed the money.
He clasped her hand and squeezed. In that moment, she knew she loved him. Her mother hadn’t been exactly right. Emotions weren’t always untidy or unnecessary. The love she felt for Bennet was crisp and clear. It made her feel strong and happy. And it was very, very necessary. She honestly didn’t know what she would do without it or what her life had felt like before he was in it.
“I’m moved by your generosity,” Bennet said to her cousins.
“Thank you.” It was all Prudence could manage to say past the stone in her throat. Today was a dream come true, except these were dreams she’d never nurtured. A family. A husband. A child. Love.
“I want to thank you too,” Christina said to her nephews. “I’m so glad my family has embraced my daughter.” She looked to Prudence. “I wish it could have come from me.”
“I know.” Prudence deeply appreciated all of them, but it was going to take time to feel as if she was really part of their world.
“We’ve discussed telling our father the truth about you,” Cassandra said, glancing at her brothers. “Constantine is going to do it with Aunt Christina. Con is his favorite, and his presence makes everything more palatable.”
Aldington grunted and rolled his eyes. “It’s unfortunately true.”
Prudence was nervous about how the duke might react. He was a very rigid person with high expectations. She recalled what Christina had said about not wanting to tell him about her illegitimate child. “Does he really need to know?” Prudence looked at her mother.
“I think it’s time. While we won’t tell the world, I want your cousins to be able to include you as a member of the family.”
“We want that too,” Lucien said.
“Families have such complicated dynamics,” Prudence observed, swallowing her anxiety. “I’ll have to learn to navigate yours—ours. As well as Bennet’s.” She glanced up at him, then sought out his aunts across the room where they sat together.
“Will you be going to Aberforth Place?” Cassandra asked.
“Not until after the Season,” Bennet said. While they hadn’t discussed their plans for anything following the wedding, Prudence was a bit disappointed. She’d been hoping to meet the rest of his family and see his home.
They chatted for a few more minutes before it was time to have breakfast. It was a warm, lovely affair, with an abundance of food, wine, and good cheer. Prudence’s face hurt from smiling.
Afterward, she made a point of speaking with Judith and Esther. “I’m so glad you were able to come today,” she told them.
“We are too,” Esther said with great enthusiasm. “What a lucky happenstance that we came to town when we did, for we never come to London. I only wish we could stay longer. Alas, we must return to Bath tomorrow.”
“Can you remind me of whom I’ll meet at Aberforth Place?” Prudence asked. “Great-Aunt Minerva and Great-Aunt Flora?”
“Yes, and Cousin Frances,” Esther said.
“Oh yes, I think Bennet mentioned her,” Prudence said.
Judith’s blond brows arched in surprise. “Did he?”
“Yes.” Prudence wanted to ask why that was surprising, but his aunt was already speaking.
“You’ll find Great-Aunt Minerva and Great-Aunt Flora quite charming.” Aunt Judith said quickly.
Esther’s white brows gathered together. “I’m not sure charming is the right word. Did you know Minerva has a pet squirrel? Or perhaps there are two.”
“Please excuse us, Prudence,” Judith said, taking her aunt’s arm. “We must thank our hostess before we go.” She quickly ushered Esther away, who seemed slightly bemused by her niece’s reaction.
Prudence had the distinct sense there were things they wanted to say but didn’t. Or couldn’t. Had Bennet told them not to talk to her about their other relatives? She was also curious as to why they lived in Bath while the others lived at Aberforth Place, especially since she didn’t think Judith or Esther had ever been married. Given Bennet’s financial situation, Prudence thought it might be more economical if they lived on his estate.
Ada joined Prudence, her gaze following the aunts. “How are you finding Glastonbury’s family?”
“So far, they seem quite pleasant, if a bit secretive.” Ada’s brows arched in response, and Prudence clarified, “Perhaps not secretive, exactly, but I have the impression there is more to his family than they are telling me.”
“Have you any idea what that could be?”
“Not really. There is so much Bennet and I have yet to learn about each other. This happened very quickly.”
“Indeed, though you appear happy, and so does he.”
Prudence’s gaze found Bennet across the room. “You think so?”
“The way he looks at you seems very romantic. There’s a longing, I think.” Ada scrutinized her a moment. “And I would say you’re happy, wouldn’t you?”
“Almost,” Prudence said, wishing the dowry had come through, but incredibly grateful for the financial—and emotional—support of her newfound cousins. She also wished she could tell Bennet how she felt, that she loved him. But she didn’t dare. He hadn’t wanted this marriage, and he believed she didn’t either. “Ask me again when you see me next.”
“You know I will.” Ada grinned. “That’s what friends do.”
“Thank you.” Prudence touched the other woman’s arm and smiled warmly. “I may have two new families, but I consider you my dearest sister. You have been a stalwart and wonderful friend.”
“I’m glad to hear it because I will need a friend if I do end up going to work at Warfield’s estate.” Her blue eyes glittered with determination.
“Are you still going after what’s happened? I wondered if Lucien might decide you shouldn’t go.”
“In fact, he mentioned today that he’d changed his mind, but he’s angry and frustrated. I expect he’ll change his mind back again. Friendship and loyalty always win out for him—as it should.”
Yes, Ada was a special kind of friend—a special kind of person. If she did go to help Warfield, Prudence hoped he would realize his good fortune. If he didn’t, perhaps Prudence would go and set him straight. He certainly deserved a verbal thrashing. Actually, if Ada went, Prudence wondered if Ada might be the one to deliver it. Ada might be small, but she was mighty, and Prudence had no doubt she would hold her own.
A short while later, Prudence made her way to Bennet’s side and asked if they could take a stroll outside in order to have a few minutes alone. Arching a brow, he silently guided her through the doors that led out to the garden.
Prudence tipped her head to look at him as they circuited the small garden. “I confess I wish we were visiting Aberforth Place, even for a short while. But I understand if you can’t afford the journey.”
“Actually, now that there is money, I should make a trip there. However, you don’t need to come with me. I just need to take care of a few things.”
“Debts?” she asked, giving him a supportive smile. “You can tell me. I want you to know that you can be honest with me. If I can tell you about my parentage, you must know you can share anything with me.”
He clasped her hand. “I do appreciate that.”
“Good, because if you’re going to Aberforth Place, I want to come with you. We could even stop at Riverview this evening. The Logans would be delighted to see we are finally married.”
Bennet laughed. “Finally. Who could have known our faux betrothal would result in a real marriage?”
A real marriage. Prudence didn’t think their union qualified as that—at least not yet. “So, we’re going?”
He hesitated, lines furrowing his brow. “You really want to leave today? I suppose it would be nice not to spend tonight in the same small house as my aunts.”
“Why, Lord Glastonbury, do you have something planned?” She batted her eyelashes, provoking him to waggle his brows at her.
He pulled her into his arms. “Many things, my lady wife. I shall demonstrate them all in good time.”
Chapter 18
The coach pulled into the yard at Riverview in late afternoon. Unlike their last visit, the sky was clear and the road dry—and they had a coachman. Sixty, with a hitch in his gait, Tom had been sad to hear of the loss of the former coach, but he’d done what he could to make the new one ride as smoothly as possible.
Tom opened the door for them, and Bennet climbed down before helping his wife from the coach.
His wife.
Would that ever sound normal to his ears?
She took his arm, and they went to the door of the inn where Bennet knocked.
The door opened to reveal Mrs. Logan, who gasped.
“Allow me to present the Viscountess Glastonbury,” Bennet said with a wide smile.
“My goodness, how wonderful! Come in, come in.” Mrs. Logan grinned enthusiastically as she stepped back and gestured them inside.
Bennet closed the door behind them. “Tom is seeing to the coach—we’ll just be here overnight, assuming you have room.”
“Certainly. The window still isn’t repaired in the second room, but you can have the one you used on your last visit. Let us hope the weather doesn’t prevent you from leaving this time. Though, Mr. Logan and I enjoyed having you here for so long.” She clapped her hands together. “How wonderful that you are married!”
“Just this morning, in fact,” Bennet said.
Mrs. Logan’s eyes rounded. “Oh! Then this will require something special for dinner or dessert. My goodness, I will do my very best.”
Prudence took the woman’s hand. “Anything you prepare will be lovely, truly. Do you require any help in the kitchen?”
“I couldn’t ask that,” Mrs. Logan replied, looking slightly horrified. “It’s just…you’re a viscountess now.”
Prudence smiled. “I’m the same person who baked bread here with you, so my offer stands.”
“Well, you’re newly married, and you’ll be wanting to spend your time with your husband.” She winked at Bennet. “Do you want me to show you to your room?”
“We can find it,” Bennet said with a chuckle.
The stable master’s lad dashed through the common room bearing their cases. He must have brought them from the coach.
Mrs. Logan pivoted toward the kitchen. “I can’t wait to tell Mr. Logan you’ve come. Dinner will be at half six, but then you already know that.” She bustled toward the kitchen, happily mumbling, “So much to do!”
“I hope she doesn’t go to too much trouble,” Prudence said as they turned toward the stairs.
“Nothing you say can sway her, so just enjoy it.”
“True.” She preceded Bennet up the stairs and, when they reached the top, stepped aside so the stable master’s lad could descend.
He touched his forehead with a nod. “My lord, my lady.”
“Thank you, Davy,” Bennet said. He went to open the door to their room for Prudence.
She moved inside, and he followed, closing the door behind him. Leaning against the wood, he watched her walk to the hearth, where it looked like Davy had started a fire.
Untying her bonnet, she removed the hat and set it on the chair he’d slept in that first night they’d spent together here. Her profile was so lovely—the graceful sweep of her lashes, the pert tip of her nose, the provocative pucker of her lips. He’d been waiting all day to devour them. Indeed, he’d planned to ravish her, at least partially, in the coach, but she’d dozed off almost immediately and hadn’t awakened until just before they’d arrived.
“Are you still tired?” he asked, pushing away from the door. He stripped off his gloves and hat and set them atop the dresser.
She gave him a sheepish look. “I didn’t realize I was tired. I’ve heard that carrying a babe can make one inordinately sleepy, especially in the beginning.” Her cheeks flushed, and she returned her attention to the fire.
Bennet came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her middle. “It’s not your fault,” he whispered. “Neither of us wanted this.”
“But here we are,” she said quietly, her breath hitching. “Do you feel trapped?”
He thought before speaking. “Yes, but not for the reasons you think. My father trapped me in an impossible situation when he gambled away every last shilling and failed to run the estate so that it would be profitable.” He pressed his lips to her neck just below and behind her ear. “You didn’t entrap me. As I said, neither of us planned for this to happen.”
“No, you said neither of us wanted this. That is not the same thing.”
“I suppose it’s not.” Her scent and proximity were making it hard to think. “But that wasn’t true either, because I want you rather fiercely.”
“Wanting me and wanting to be saddled with me and a baby forever aren’t the same thing either.”
He moved his hand down her abdomen and pressed his palm flat against her. There was the child they’d created. He didn’t doubt its existence. For whatever reason, Bennet knew he or she was there. Just as he knew he was terrified for them and their future. But sensing Prudence’s trepidation and hesitance, he wouldn’t share that with her. Not now.
Her hand crept over his, but she was still wearing gloves, and he wanted to feel her skin against his. “You truly don’t mind being married to me? I’m not what you could have wanted. Not just because I have no money. I’m a paid companion. Worse, I’m illegitimate.”
Bennet turned her in his embrace so that she faced him. He lifted her chin to catch her gaze, then caressed her cheek. “Not only do I not mind being married to you, I threw over another woman so that I could do so. My only regret remains that I mistakenly kidnapped you in the first place—and only because I put you through a terrible ordeal.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” she breathed.
He took one of her hands and tugged the glove from her fingers. “I recall what you looked like when you arrived. It seemed that bad. You were rather angry, and you had every right to be.”
“Fine, it wasn’t pleasant, but it could have been much worse.”
After dropping the glove onto the chair with her hat, he moved to her other hand, removing the glove and consigning it to the growing pile of her accessories. “Worse than being stranded here with me when you wanted to shoot me?”
“I never wanted to shoot you.”
He spun her about again to face the fire and began to unlace her gown. “You should have.” He kissed her nape, feeling her shiver as he worked her gown open.
“Why are you removing my clothes?” she asked. “We have to go downstairs for dinner later.”
“Aren’t you going to change?” he asked innocently before spreading the gown open and pushing it down to her waist.
“I brought one evening gown, and it hardly seems appropriate for dining in the common room downstairs.”
He slid his hands to her front and cupped her breasts through her corset and chemise. “I suppose I could help you put this dress back on. Or we could take advantage of your current state.”
“That was your plan all along,” she said, arching into his touch.
He flicked the laces of her corset, loosening the garment so he could easily slip his hand against her heated flesh. He caressed her, pressing his cock against her backside. “I admit it was.” He lowered his mouth to her neck, kissing her with a wild hunger as he pinched her nipple.
She gasped. “You are distracting me horribly. I wanted to talk to you about your family. That was my intent when we got into the coach, but then I fell asleep.”
“Ah well, they will have to wait. In fact, can we delay that conversation until we arrive at Aberforth Place? I want to spend our journey there focusing on just us. More specifically, I want to direct all my attention to your spectacular body and the wondrous responses I can arouse.”
He teased her breast while he licked and bit at her neck. She tipped her head, giving him free access to a silken expanse of her delectable flesh. He wanted nothing more than to sink into her and let all their stress and worry fade away.
“I think you’re trying to put me off. I might even wonder if you’re hiding something.”
Bennet froze a moment. He was, but he didn’t want to talk about this now. He knew he was delaying what he had to reveal, but they were in this together now—for better or worse as the vows said. He just hoped she wouldn’t think it was for worse.
He snagged her earlobe with his teeth. “The only thing I’m hiding is my unadulterated lust for you. But I think I’m doing a very poor job of it.” He pulled on her nipple.
“Very,” she said between raspy sounds of desire.
