But he hoped this interlude showed her how desirable she was.
“We should go,” she whispered.
“Yes.” He straightened his shoulders as he released her, smoothing his jacket even as he wished he could smooth his emotions.
“Thank you for rescuing me, Silas.” She smiled, the look on her face tugging at him. “You are a good man.”
She almost sounded surprised by the admission but not as much as he was to hear it.
Then she moved toward the terrace and hurried inside.
He waited outside a minute or two before returning to the ballroom, glancing around the room with the hope no one had seen them.
Mr. Havenworth watched him for a long moment before turning away, his displeasure clear.
Silas nearly groaned at the realization that he had just lost his chance with the man’s daughter. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to care as his gaze sought Prue, watching her rejoin her mother and longing for more time with her.
Chapter Seven
Prudence studied the note from Silas after luncheon the following afternoon, wondering if she should decline his request to meet. Their kisses in the garden the previous evening had proved how much she was coming to care for him.
She needed to proceed cautiously. As much as she liked him already, a few more interludes, and she’d be head over heels. Telling herself that he was the enemy because he was not only a rogue, but also part of the wager, was ridiculous. Neither mattered when her heart raced if he was near. He made her feel like so much more than a wallflower.
“What is it?” her mother asked from a nearby chair in the drawing room.
“Lord Winstead requests my assistance with a few more details for Mrs. Sutton’s birthday party.” Apparently, she’d already decided to meet him based on that reply. So much for her resolve.
“Oh? He is quite handsome, don’t you think?” Her mother’s encouraging smile had Prue shifting in her seat.
“He is, but he’s also in search of an heiress,” she reminded herself and her mother.
“How unfortunate.” Her mother’s brow furrowed. “Perhaps your acquaintance will bring attention from other gentlemen.”
Prue didn’t want interest from anyone except Silas. Her breath caught as she realized the truth of that. She needed to take care or risk heartache.
Yet part of her wanted to take advantage of every chance to spend time with him. If she was destined for spinsterhood since no offers were in sight, shouldn’t she enjoy the opportunity to experience love?
’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Easy to believe Tennyson was right while her heart was still whole.
Two hours later, she was greeted by Wilson’s warm smile at Mrs. Sutton’s home. “Good afternoon, Lady Prudence. Lord Winstead awaits you in the drawing room.”
“Thank you, Wilson.” She left her maid near the front door and followed the butler up the stairs to find Silas standing near the table once again.
“Prue.” His bright smile as Wilson departed warmed her.
“Busy at work already?” She paused to greet Bertie where he lounged on a chair before she joined Silas, forcing her gaze to the papers on the table, though she was only aware of the man beside her.
“Pondering options, I suppose.” Silas searched her face when she glanced at him as if wondering how she fared after the previous evening’s events.
What did he see? She hoped her growing feelings remained hidden, or he might decide he no longer needed her assistance.
She didn’t want to be a clinging vine who pined for unrequited love. She preferred to be a woman of the world willing to explore the physical aspects of a relationship with a man she trusted and admired. The daring notion had her straightening her shoulders even as her stomach dipped.
“That’s a rather vague answer.” She returned her attention to the papers as it wouldn’t do to stare into his eyes when she already longed to kiss him.
A new sketch of a windmill blade caught her notice. She gasped as she realized she’d nearly forgotten about his meeting. “How was your visit with Uncle Arthur yesterday?”