“I would be pleased to. I can think of three who would be willing to meet with him.” Her uncle frowned. “What is your interest in all this?”
Prue was prepared for the question but that didn’t make answering it easier. The warmth in her cheeks as embarrassment took hold would surely give away her feelings, so she decided on honesty. “I care for Viscount Winstead and would like to help him find success.”
Her uncle smiled. “Allow me to write down a few names. Ask if he already knows them. If not, we shall set up a meeting, and he can show them his plans.”
At least some of those remained in her reticule, and she was grateful she’d saved them. Hopefully Silas would be as well and not upset that she’d interfered.
Once her uncle confirmed that he saw promise in the windmill design, her next step was clear but not easy. She had to proceed cautiously.
“Millie, might I have a word?” Prue drew a nervous breath from the doorway of her cousin’s bedroom that evening. “It’s important.”
Millie had been out when Prue had returned home, and there hadn’t been time to speak to her until now. They were due to leave for the Pollard ball in a matter of minutes, but she had to share what was on her mind—and in her heart.
There was no guarantee that any action on her part would find success. Yet she had to try.
Would Millie understand?
Her cousin had already dismissed her maid and was checking her appearance in the long mirror near the dressing screen one last time. She turned to face Prue, a smile on her face. “Of course. What is it?”
Her expression faltered as she studied Prue’s face. “Please don’t say you’re feeling poorly again.” Concern darkened her eyes. “I don’t care to attend parties without you.”
“I am quite well. It’s just that I’ve been thinking about what Lady Bolton said at the meeting.”
Millie nodded. “So have I. The idea of doing something to help the Marquess of Linford see me differently is tempting. But I can’t do anything until the wager is at end.”
“Actually, the wager is what I wanted to speak to you about.” Prue explained her growing feelings for Silas since they’d worked together on his grandmother’s birthday party and the hope that he returned her regard.
“I noticed the way you look at him but had no idea things had progressed between the two of you. How exciting.” Millie’s enthusiasm was touching.
Prue explained about his windmill design and their uncle’s support of it.
“If Silas had the funds to make a prototype, Uncle Arthur believes he could generate the interest of investors.”
“You want him to win the wager.” Millie’s reluctance was clear. Prue nodded, waiting to gauge her cousin’s response. “I suppose I understand. It’s just that I thought we agreed we should show the rogues wallflowers are not to be trifled with.”
“I still feel that way.” Prue pressed a hand to her heart, wondering if she was doing the right thing. “I know I’m asking for much, but if there’s a way to aid him, I have to try. I suppose you could say this is my chance for a bold move.”
“Of course it is.” Mille reached to squeeze her hand with an understanding smile. “That is the purpose behind the For Better or Worse agenda, after all.”
“I don’t want the other ladies to be hurt by my actions.” Prue bit her lip as her thoughts continued to circle. “Of all the rogues involved, Maynard is by far the most arrogant. I want to believe that forcing him to make good on the wager would be more of a punishment than simply ending it, especially if Silas wins since he has already shown a change of heart.”
“And if he wins because the ladies decide he should.” Millie nodded. “I’m fairly certain they will agree as he is one of the nicer men involved. He always has a kind word for others and attempted to make the dances enjoyable for the wallflowers, including me.”
Prue was touched by her cousin’s words. “That is lovely to hear.” Silas was truly a good man.
“Why don’t we speak with the ladies this evening and see if they are willing to lend a hand to aid your cause? After all, there is nothing more touching to a wallflower than a chance for love.”
“Oh.” Prue stilled as nerves flickered through her. “I only thought to tell them of Silas’s need for funds to build a prototype.”
“Prue, if we share that the two of you care for one another, they will be even more likely to help.”
Her cousin was right, but Prue was reluctant to share her feelings when Silas hadn’t declared himself. What if she had misunderstood? What if he’d already moved on and proposed to an heiress?
“Love is worth the risk.” Millie whispered the words as she met Prue’s gaze.
Was her cousin telling herself that as much as Prue?
“Yes,” Prue agreed after a long moment, her entire body trembling at the idea of what lay ahead. “It is.”