“I considered it, but the opportunity has never arisen.”
“The Season has only begun. You might yet have the chance.”
Millie sighed. “Doubtful. Now I know Linford only danced with me because of the wager. I was so tongue-tied that I don’t think I said a word the entire time.”
“I’m sure his request took you by surprise. That’s understandable.” Prue studied Silas and the men near him, resolve filling her. “Perhaps showing Linford and the others that we are not willing to play a part in their ridiculous wager will bring you to his notice.”
“Perhaps.” Millie’s expression suggested she didn’t believe it.
That only made Prue more determined. She detested the idea of anyone hurting her cousin, especially a rogue. She knew that pain and humiliation and how it made a person lose faith in love. “Whatever we do will have to take them by surprise and teach them all a lesson.”
Including Silas. Yet she had to wonder if the wager was the reason he hadn’t danced with her. That he hadn’t wanted to use her in that way. Though her heart fluttered at the thought, she quickly squashed it.
She was no naïve girl and knew better than to have faith in a rogue. Never mind the stubborn corner of her heart that hoped Silas was different.
Chapter Five
There could be no help for it. Silas had to tell Prue about the wager. The ball the previous evening had been awkward since she had surely been expecting him to ask her to dance, especially after they’d spoken.
It wouldn’t matter as much if she weren’t helping him with his grandmother’s birthday party. She had to be wondering why he hadn’t danced with her as promised. No matter how much he longed to hold her in his arms and breathe in her scent, to learn more about her, and coax a smile from her sweet lips, he couldn’t dance with her when it would be considered part of the wager.
He dreaded the task of telling her, for there was no way to present the situation in a positive light, not when it involved her. He didn’t want her to think poorly of him, that he was no different than Ulstead or Randolph, though he wasn’t prepared to ponder the reason why.
Never before had he minded his reputation as a rogue. Living up to the low expectations of that term was easier than relying on his intelligence, especially given that he was a Hayward. He’d locked away the hope that he could be something more. At least, he had until Prue’s offer to mention his design to her uncle.
He’d requested Prue meet him at his grandmother’s home again to review a few more details his mother mentioned the previous day. She was feeling marginally better but still not herself and certainly not well enough to assist with the party.
“Good afternoon, Grandmother.” Silas bent to kiss her cheek as always. “How are you faring?”
“Excellent. I should insist you plan a party for me each year so that you are forced to visit as often as you have the past week.” Her teasing smile had him smiling in return.
“You might wait until you see how the party progresses before you decide that for certain.” He hadn’t realized how much work it took to host a birthday party. Thank goodness for Prue’s assistance, or he’d be forced to ask his grandmother for advice and the few surprises they had planned would be no more.
“I have complete faith in your abilities.” She held his gaze for a long moment. “Though I admit to being relieved Lady Prudence is lending aid. How are the two of you getting on?”
“Quite well. She has been very helpful.” Not to mention sweet and pretty and desirable. He hoped what he had to tell her wouldn’t ruin her willingness to aid him with both the party and her uncle.
“I have always liked her.” She gave a single nod. “The girl has a good head on her shoulders.”
“She certainly seems to.” He cleared his throat, nerves taking hold again. “She was kind enough to arrange a meeting with her uncle regarding the windmill design.”
His grandmother’s eyes widened. “Arthur Harrison? How exciting. I’d forgotten that Edith mentioned his interest in inventions.”
“I am to speak with him later this afternoon.” He was both anxious and excited about it. Perhaps it would be better to wait until after the meeting to tell Prue about the wager.
Before he could decide, the butler announced her.
He took in the sight of her standing in the doorway in a pale lavender gown with white braided trim. She directed a rather chilly look at him before offering his grandmother a warm smile.
Was that because he hadn’t danced with her or something else?
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Sutton. So good to see you.” Prue walked forward to take his grandmother’s hand.
“And you, dear.” She squeezed Prue’s hand before reaching for her cane. “I was just telling Silas how grateful I am that you’re assisting him with the party.”
“I’m sure he would manage it quite well without me.” Prue sent him a pointed glare. “In fact, I would be willing to wager on it.”
Silas nearly groaned, his stomach sinking. Clearly, word had spread about the blasted wager.