“I appreciate your faith in him.” His grandmother rose with the aid of her cane. “But I am grateful for your help all the same.” She turned to the doorway. “I will leave the two of you to the planning.”
Relieved she hadn’t told his grandmother, who would be disappointed in his poor behavior, Silas offered what he hoped was a disarming smile. “Prue, I had planned to tell you about the wager today.” He waited, trying to gauge her mood.
“Truly?” Her suspicious tone suggested she didn’t believe him.
He heaved a sigh and ran a hand along the back of his neck. “I was. You may have noticed that I didn’t ask you to dance at the last two balls even though I said I would. Even though I wanted to.”
“Yes, I did.” She waited, anger sparkling in her eyes.
“While I would very much enjoy dancing with you, I didn’t want to involve you in the...situation.”
“But you didn’t hesitate to include my cousin, Millicent.”
Yes, and he felt terrible about it. “I didn’t realize your connection until later. My apologies.”
“Why would you agree to such a thing?” she demanded, color high in her cheeks, back ramrod straight.
Thank goodness she thought enough of him to know the wager hadn’t been his idea. Warmth spread through his chest at the realization.
“A late night with friends and too much to drink.” He didn’t mention how appealing—and needed—winning the money would be. “I didn’t care for the arrogance of the lord who came up with the idea. In all honesty, I don’t want him to win.” He drew close to stand before her and reached for her hand, surprised when she allowed him to hold it. “But that doesn’t excuse my behavior. I am sorry for any hurt I caused to you or your cousin.”
“Does it truly require dancing with twelve wallflowers at twelve different balls?” Her furrowed brow revealed what she thought of it.
“Yes.”
“Is Viscount Maynard behind it?”
“How did you guess?” he asked, surprised by her insightfulness.
“He strikes me as the sort.” Her tempting pink lips twisted with displeasure.
“It would be disappointing if he won.” Silas sighed. “I truly am sorry if my actions hurt you or Miss Davies in any way.”
She pulled her hand from his and drew back from his touch, suggesting she remained annoyed. “The ladies you are using are much more than wallflowers. They are intelligent women with feelings and deserve more than being subject to such a scheme.”
“You are right,” he agreed with sincerity, almost smiling at the surprise on her face. He truly hated that he was part of the wager.
Prue looked adorable in her righteous indignation. So adorable that he allowed his gaze to fall to her lush lips. The situation would be easier if he weren’t so attracted to her.
Those lips pursed, causing his chest to tighten. “I’m pleased you realize that. It is difficult enough to stand along the edges of a ballroom hoping for a dance. To become the target of roguish behavior only makes it worse.”
“I am very sorry. None of you should have to endure that.” He hesitated, wanting to prove he meant it because he did. “You are a unique, intelligent person who deserves more, as does your cousin and the other ladies. Your regard for family, not to mention your defense of the ladies involved in the ridiculous wager, is truly admirable.”
She blinked several times, making him think she’d been prepared to argue her point until he saw reason and wasn’t sure what to say since he’d quickly agreed with her. “Oh. Well...thank you.”
“I have only known you a short time and already I can see how special you are. Why some gentleman hasn’t opened his eyes to see that for himself is beyond me.” Irritation at his fellow man took hold, sharpening his tone.
Prue stared at him with wide eyes, clearly flummoxed by his words. “That is very...kind of you.”
“I’m not trying to be kind, only truthful.” He reached to touch the softness of her cheek. “Yet I confess that I am also grateful no one has, or you wouldn’t be standing before me now. And I wouldn’t have had the chance to come to know you.”
“Oh, Silas.” She pressed a hand to her chest as if moved by his words. “I—I’m not sure what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He swallowed, willing away the longing to take her into his arms, yet the lure of her beckoned. She was desirable in every way, and he wanted her to know that.
“Prue?” He clenched his hand, doing his best to hold back the urge to kiss her. That would be a poor idea. A terrible one, in fact. The situation was already complicated.
“Yes?” Her eyes darkened as she studied his expression. Could she sense the direction of his thoughts?