“That’s ridiculous,” Ulstead sputtered. “That isn’t how the wager is supposed to go at all.”
“You couldn’t expect them not to notice when a group of rogues took a sudden interest in dancing with them. They are much smarter than that.” He should’ve realized that from the beginning.
Prue cleared her throat but didn’t look at him. “You have given us much to consider, Lord Winstead. We will ponder the idea.” She cast a glare at Ulstead. “For now, we believe it would be best if Lord Ulstead departed.”
The lord jerked on the hem of his jacket. “I will be in the card room if—”
“No.” Prue’s cousin, Miss Davies, shook her head. “You must leave the ball. We are in agreement on that.”
“Leave?” Ulstead looked at them with mouth agape. “But I only just arrived.”
“And immediately offended several of us,” another of the ladies added with a lift of her chin. “You should go and think upon your actions. Perhaps we will consider allowing you to attend the next ball.”
“You can’t be serious.” Ulstead looked askance at Silas, who only shrugged as he hid a grin.
“It’s up to the ladies,” Silas said. Good for them for taking charge of the situation. While he hated to lose the money, he would trade that for seeing the shy ladies gain confidence and force the rogues to see them differently.
With a muttered oath, Ulstead turned on his heel and walked away.
The group watched in silence until he exited the ballroom.
Twitters of discussion ensued with the ladies speaking over one another as they shared their thoughts.
Clearly, the time had come for Silas to step away. He only hoped he wasn’t asked to leave like Ulstead had been.
He eased back a step only to hesitate when Prue turned to him. “Thank you for your support, Lord Winstead. We appreciate it.”
She appeared to be the spokesperson for the group since the other ladies nodded in agreement and added their thanks.
“Of course.” He bowed again. “I wish you all a pleasant evening.” He paused, allowing amusement to show. “And if anyone would like to dance, do consider me as a partner.”
Laughter ensued, though he wondered if one or two might take him up on his offer, based on their delighted expressions.
To his surprise, Prue joined him as he started to walk away.
“My goodness. What was that all about?” he asked.
“We have been warning the ladies about the wager so they can decide for themselves whether they want to dance with the rogues.”
He drew a relieved breath at her use of “the rogues” as if he weren’t included. He was, of course, but he liked to think he hadn’t sunk to the same level of debauchery as most of them.
“Three ladies refused him in a row after he admitted he had only asked them because of the wager,” Prue continued. “The others decided enough was enough, and we confronted him.”
“Point in favor of the ladies,” he said with a dip of his head.
“Exactly.” Prue smiled, the light in her eyes stirring his admiration.
Confidence looked good on her. If she weren’t careful, other gentlemen would notice just how attractive she was.
Never mind the way his chest tightened at the thought. He didn’t care for the idea at all.
Would he ever have the chance to dance with her? He didn’t dare ask now as he didn’t want her to think he did so for the wager.
He paused to face her. “I enjoyed our time together yesterday.”
Her eyes darkened, a pretty blush rose in her cheeks, and a smile curved her lips. “As did I.”
Bold and confident. Be still his heart. He wasn’t quite sure how to respond. This new version of Prue was one to be reckoned with, and he liked it very much. He liked her very much, his affection deepening each time they were together.