“What is it?” Millie asked with a curious look at the message.
“Viscount Winstead is asking for assistance with Mrs. Sutton’s party.” Prue glanced at her great aunt to see her nod in approval.
“You had better see if you can aid him,” Aunt Edith said. “Mrs. Sutton is quite worried whether he will manage to see to all the details on his own.”
“I enjoyed my dance with him last evening,” Millie said with a smile. “He is nice for a rogue.”
“He is quite handsome, don’t you think?” Aunt Helen smiled as she looked between Prue and Millie.
They shared an amused look. Their aunt would like nothing more than to see them both betrothed by the end of the Season.
“I am sorry to say it, but I don’t think Viscount Winstead is interested in either of us,” Millie told Aunt Helen.
“You’re right.” Prue nodded even though that hurt. “With his looks and charm, he will surely marry well.”
“Rumor has it that he’ll choose an heiress and neither of us qualifies,” Millie added.
Hearing her cousin say as much was both reassuring and disheartening. If not for the birthday party, Prue would’ve put him from her thoughts. Or at least tried to. Yet she couldn’t forget his sparkling brown eyes and smile. And the way her heart fluttered when he looked at her. And the—
“When are you to meet him?” Prue’s mother asked.
Prue startled then pulled her attention back to the conversation. “At two o’clock at Mrs. Sutton’s home.”
“How nice.”
Prue didn’t agree but hoped one meeting would be sufficient to finalize any loose ends. Then she could put the handsome rogue from her mind.
The rest of the morning passed quickly with a little shopping followed by luncheon and soon, it was time to depart for Mrs. Sutton’s.
She tried to set aside her nerves as she rang the doorbell with a maid at her side. The butler’s welcoming smile was reassuring, and he quickly showed her into the drawing room.
Viscount Winstead rose from a table near the window where several papers were spread before him. “Good afternoon, Lady Prudence. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.” Why did he have to be quite so handsome? That smile was enough to make her mouth dry. She pulled her attention from him to glance around the room. “Your grandmother isn’t joining us?”
He offered a rueful look, which only made him more appealing. “She wanted to, but I asked that she keep herself otherwise occupied. My mother has high hopes of surprising her with the details of the party, and I vowed to do my best to honor that.”
“Understandable.” Prue paused to pet Bertie who was curled in one of the chairs and purred in response.
“Humph.” The viscount’s eyes narrowed as he watched the cat. “He swatted at me when I did that.”
“How odd.” Prue hid a smile at his disgruntled look. How nice to know that not everyone fell prey to his charm.
Prue joined him at the table, keeping her focus on the papers in an attempt to ignore his undeniable lure.
One of the sheets was a guest list, and another was the food to be served. “That is a substantial number of guests.” She glanced at Viscount Winstead. “I didn’t realize it would be such a large gathering.”
“Nor did I or I am not sure I would’ve offered to help since I’ve never planned anything like this.” He frowned as he read over the names. “My mother was resting when I took these, so I am not sure if we should expect them all or not.”
“How is she feeling?”
“Not as well as we hoped.” His concerned expression revealed his worry. “She insists she’s improving, though.” He gestured toward a chair at the table.
“I shall keep her in my prayers.” Prudence sat and looked over the lists in more detail, trying to think of what was missing. “Have you considered decorations?”
“No.” He lifted a brow. “Any suggestions?”
“Given your grandmother’s love of flowers, some arrangements would be nice. The cake and other refreshments will help to provide a festive atmosphere as well.”