With a shuddering breath, she wiped her tears and shut the reticule. Though tempted to call on her uncle that very minute, she didn’t think that would serve any purpose. Perhaps after she’d calmed, she would consider doing so, despite wondering if it would be pointless.
The depth of Silas’s despair had been palpable, as if all his hopes and dreams were shattered. She closed her eyes, realizing her own were broken as well. Was it truly better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?
That was a question for another day, yet she couldn’t imagine never having known Silas or his tender touch.
By the time they arrived at Millie’s, Prue had managed to collect herself. Surely, she could keep her composure long enough to make it to her bedroom. The last thing she wanted was to explain what had happened to her family.
“Please tell anyone who asks that I’m not feeling well,” Prue requested the maid.
“Of course, my lady.”
Prue nodded and hoped the rain helped to disguise her tear-streaked face as she hurried inside. To her relief, she managed to make it to her bedroom without encountering anyone.
Once alone, she allowed more tears to fall, heart aching, wishing she’d had just one more day with Silas.
“Are you certain you’re feeling better?” Millie asked, her expression one of concern that evening when she sought out Prue in her bedroom.
“A lingering headache but better.” Prue avoided meeting her cousin’s eyes since it was clear she suspected something else was amiss. She might eventually tell Millie the circumstances, but not now when she was still so distraught.
If only...
Too many times, she’d pulled her thoughts from that ledge when no good could come of it.
“The ball won’t be the same without you.” Millie was already dressed in a pink gown with brown trim.
“I look forward to hearing your report of how the battle is progressing with the rogues.” She met Millie’s gaze at last. “I am still amazed that you refused the Marquess of Linford.”
“As am I.” Regret tightened her expression before she forced a smile. “But he asked me for the wrong reason. Hopefully he’ll realize that and ask me again one day.”
“Hopefully soon after the wager is over, and those men have realized we are not helpless ladies dependent on their whims.”
“Well said.” Millie gave a single nod. “I refuse to allow that to occur and shall keep a close watch this evening to make certain all goes as planned.”
After she left, Prue couldn’t help but wonder if it would help Silas to win the wager. Surely that would still teach Maynard and the others a needed lesson, but helping Silas would mean choosing him over Millie and the other wallflowers.
She was torn between her head and her heart, uncertain which to listen to. Was there any way to help Silas win yet honor them?
Chapter Ten
“The party was a delight.” Silas’s grandmother sighed with satisfaction as the carriage rumbled toward her home. “Thank you for all the effort you and Lady Prudence went to in order to make it a success.”
“I am pleased you enjoyed it.” Silas reached to clasp her hand. “Your energy is impressive as always. I am quite exhausted while you were ready to continue the festivities until the early morning hours.”
She laughed as he had hoped. At least he could make someone smile. “Hardly, but it was very enjoyable and something I’ll remember always. Thank you again.”
“You are welcome.”
“I only wish Lady Prudence had been able to attend. I hope whatever illness has befallen her isn’t serious.”
“As do I.” His heart squeezed at the knowledge that he was the reason she hadn’t come.
He’d watched the door for her all evening, hoping she would arrive just so he could see her again. Four days without her hadn’t eased the ache in his heart. In fact, it had only worsened. He was beginning to think the pain would never go away.
No matter how many times he’d told himself their parting was for the best, he couldn’t bring himself to believe it when he longed to be with her again more than anything in the world.
“It’s such a relief to see your mother feeling better.”
“Indeed. Her recovery was well timed. I’m not certain I could have managed the past two days without her assistance.” His mother had been impressed with all he and Prue had accomplished, especially the small details that had pleased his grandmother and the effort they’d gone to for the lilies. The memory of their interlude in the conservatory was bittersweet.