Chapter 24
“ W ill–”
Prudence gasped as William pressed her against the door and kissed her again, rendering her dizzy and breathless in moments. This kiss was unlike any of the ones they had shared before. It was a kiss born of pent-up desire, of a possessive need to claim her, and a dawning, terrifying realization of the depth of his feelings. His lips moved over hers with a desperate hunger, demanding a response she found herself unable to deny.
The world around them seemed to fade away as their bodies pressed together, the heat between them flaring instantly. William’s hands moved through her hair, cupping the back of her neck, while Prudence’s fingers clutched at the fabric of his coat. The kiss deepened, becoming more urgent, more demanding, a silent conversation of longing and a desperate need to connect on a level that transcended their complicated circumstances.
William’s hands could not seem to stay put, as though he needed to feel every inch of her but he was unsure of where to begin. One moment, his hands were bracing her face, keeping her chin tilted just right so he could kiss her as deeply as he desired. And in the next, he had her pressed against the door, one hand firmly planted on her hip as the other roamed up and down her side, slipping down to her thigh.
She squealed when he managed to lift one of her legs, stepping closer to grind his pelvis against hers so she could feel–
“Do you feel that? Do you feel how much you affect me? How badly my body craves yours? To think that I nearly allowed you to be swept up by some undeserving lowlife. I must have been mad,” he grunted against her neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there.
Prudence pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling her sounds, whining when he took the hand and pined it above her head.
“William, please–”
“I want to hear you. I want to hear every sound you make. It is one thing for life to deny me the joy of seeing you come undone by my touch. It is another thing for you to take the only thing I have left besides my sense of touch and smell. Let me hear you, darling,” he demanded softly, trailing kisses down her jaw to her throat.
“But what if… what if someone hears?” Prudence asked, her knees growing weak.
“I do not care. Let me hear you.”
Prudence’s lips parted to complain but what came out of them was a gasp as he sank his teeth into her neck. She shuddered and clung to him with her free hand, whining again when he kissed her slowly, licking into her mouth languidly, as though they had all the time in the world.
“Is there a settee large enough for us both around here, pet? Can you lead me to it?”
Prudence slowly opened her eyes, confused for a moment as her mind slowly repeated what he had asked. Then she looked around, spotting a chaise lounge.
“Y-Yes,” she said shyly.
“Lead the way then,” he chuckled, following her obediently when she took his hand and began to guide him toward the furniture.
When they arrived, she cleared her throat and said, “I-It is here. On the right–”
He cut her off by claiming her lips, his fingers deftly working to undo the buttons and knots that kept her dress closed. When it fell into a heap at their feet, William’s touch grew even more insistent as it tugged at the strings of Prudence’s corset and pushed her chemise down, cupping and squeezing at her bare buttocks.
“You smell… divine. Each time we meet, it is all I can do, not to get drunk off your scent. If I could stick to you every hour of the day, simply to bask in it, I would,” he told her, smirking into the column of her neck as he freed her breasts from her corset and groped at them.
She arched into his touch with a groan, feeling as though she was on fire.
“I do not think… that would be good for your productivity,” she managed to tell him, earning a deep, rich chuckle from him.
“Who needs work when I can have you, like this in my arms,” he whispered into her ears as one of his hands went between her legs, working a finger between her folds. “Sounding and smelling so divine, feeling as though you are a dream I would be content not to ever awaken from.”
Prudence felt herself tighten at the intrusion of his finger, her body a mess of knots and tension as pleasure worked its way through her. It felt as though she was on fire, just moments from imploding. She wanted more and craved everything he intended to give her.
He inserted another finger and reached even deeper past her dripping folds, making her moan, knees so weak, she crumbled in his arms.
“So precious,” he mumbled against her lips as he lifted her and laid her onto the chaise, before climbing onto it to place himself between her legs.
“W-Wait…” Prudence said, blushing when he immediately went still. “I want to see you. You always undress me and… never yourself.”
William was silent for a moment, then he rose to his feet. For a moment, she was worried she had asked for too much, that she had forgotten her place and had no right to demand. But then he started taking off his clothes, stripping himself of his jacket and shirt, kicking his boots aside before he climbed the chaise again and kissed her deeply.
“Good girl. Keep asking for things. Tell me what you want. Do not hesitate,” he murmured between kisses.
Prudence raised a hand and wove her fingers in his hair, tightening her grip as his fingers slipped past her folds again, this time thrusting in and out rapidly.
“W-Will… oh – please–”
She felt it coming – the peak of her pleasure and just as she could taste it, he withdrew his fingers.
“Why?” Prudence cried, startled by the cruel denial of her release.
“I want to be inside you. I want us to find our release together. I cannot wait any longer–”
“Then do not,” she said softly, drawing him into a kiss with a hand on his neck. “Do not wait. Fill me.”
William tensed up and then groaned, leaning forward to kiss her again, pressing against her.
“What gives you the right to be so alluring? To hold me on such a tight, short leash?” he complained huskily, undoing his breeches.
“Ironic, is it not?” Prudence smiled up at him, her mind hazy with desire. “That is how I feel around you. Like I am trapped. Except… I never want to leave.”
“Then do not,” he said.
And then he slowly thrust his erection into her, filling her to the brim.
Prudence gasped, her hands scrambling to find some sort of grounding purchase as she felt immediately overwhelmed by the length and girth of him.
William shushed her softly, pressing kisses all over her face.
“Breathe, my love.”
“I cannot–”
“You must. Inhale, slowly and deep.”
She did as he asked, struggling to get the air into her lungs for a moment, exhaling slowly when he prompted her to. Gradually, the pain dulled as she kept breathing at his behest, feeling utterly cared for by the gentle tone of his voice and the soft way he was stroking her head.
“I am going to move now,” he warned her, but he remained still until she nodded.
Slowly, William pulled out of her completely and thrust back in deeply. Prudence let out a cry as his girth and length stretched her out. She felt so… full, her whole body tingling with sensations she had never felt before.
William set a rapid pace, his hands braced on her waist to pull her down to meet his every thrust, his lips finding hers as he continued to take her in deep, steady strokes. Prudence tightened her hold on him, her head thrown back as the flames of desire consumed her.
As they lay entangled, their bodies intimately entwined, the passion between them reached a fever pitch. There was only the raw, visceral connection of two souls drawn together by an undeniable force.
Soon, Prudence found herself at the edge again, her walls tightening around his shaft.
“William… ah – I am–”
“I know. I know, my love,” he told her, his voice breathless.
It seemed that hearing him sound just as affected as she was by their act was what sent her over the edge, her body tensing as it was wrought by ecstasy. William too became stiff, his grip on her hips turning momentarily painful as they tightened, likely to leave a bruise.
William eventually moved, pulling out of Prudence and lifting her into his arms wordlessly to hold her close.
It took a moment for the haze of pleasure to clear from Prudence’s mind but when it did, she found herself waiting for him to say something more – to tell her what his actions meant.
But he said nothing and she believed she understood what he was trying to say.
This was goodbye.
“More syrup, please?” Melanie asked, her voice bright and cheerful as she poked at the stack of golden pancakes on her plate.
Prudence looked up, holding a hand out in the direction of the approaching maid.
“Do not worry, I will handle it,” she said, before smiling, her hand hovering over the silver syrup pitcher. “Of course, my sweet,” she told Melanie, carefully drizzling the sweet liquid over the child’s breakfast.
The morning sun streamed through the windows of the breakfast room, casting a warm glow on the familiar surroundings, painting reality in a way that looked as though it had come right out of a dream.
In a perfect world, this would have been the family Prudence was meant to have, one she was meant to nurture and love into fruition. Unfortunately, some things were not fated to be.
She had done what she could to enjoy the time she had left in the Pemberly estate, as she watched Melanie’s contented expression, a familiar pang of sadness resonated within her. Only three days remained before she was to leave this life behind.
The day was shaping up to be a peaceful one. It had been remarkably gracious of William to let Melanie eat with them and the absence of Clementina and her companion only made things even better. Prudence had spent most of the mealtime fondly staring at Melanie and William, feeling as though every moment she spent with them was only carving out more room in her heart to miss them.
She would miss the easy companionship she had found with Melanie, the undeniable attraction and emotional bond she shared with William, and even the familiar presence of the loyal staff.
“How about – for the bridge, we put something that goes ‘dum dum da-dum dum’?”
“That sounds riveting already. You certainly have an ear for music, petal,” William nodded in approval at Melanie’s suggestion.
They had been engrossed in a lively discussion about music, since the start of breakfast and it had been so breathtaking to watch them. Melanie, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she excitedly described a melody that had come to her, a series of notes she wished to weave into a duet with her father. William, his head turned toward her voice, listened intently, offering gentle guidance and encouragement.
Prudence felt the desire for William boiling beneath her skin, refusing dissipate, even though it had been two days since they had engaged in throes of passion at the ball. Things were… odd between them, both seemingly too cautious to bring it up, but unable to refuse the urge to dwell in the fog of peace that covered them.
There was something in the air that made them softer, much closer, encouraging her to enjoy all to the little joys she could have before she needed to give it all up.
Melanie and William spoke of the piano in the music room, of harmonies and rhythms, their shared passion deepening the bond between them made Prudence immensely proud.
“Pru– Your Grace, you must come and listen,” Melanie said, turning to Prudence, her small hand reaching out. “Papa says we can start working on it this morning, and I want you to hear it first.”
Prudence hesitated, her heart tugging at the invitation. The thought of spending more time with them, witnessing their blossoming connection, was both deeply appealing and profoundly painful. She knew she should create distance, and steel herself for the inevitable farewell. Especially since she had still not told Melanie of her plans, too cowardly to devastate the little girl. Every shared moment only tightened the knot of sadness in her chest.
Before she could formulate a polite refusal, the drawing-room doors burst open with a crash, the sudden noise making Melanie jump and William flinch.
Clementina stood framed in the doorway with Henrietta behind her, the older woman’s face a mask of vindictive triumph, her eyes fixed on Prudence. Behind her stood a uniformed constable, his presence an ominous intrusion into the peaceful morning.
A stunned silence fell over the breakfast room. Prudence, William, and Melanie stared at the unexpected arrivals, their expressions a mixture of confusion and growing unease.
“Well, well, well,” Clementina said, her voice dripping with a poisonous satisfaction that sent a shiver down Prudence’s spine. “Look who we have here. Still enjoying the comforts of Pemberly, I see.” She gestured dramatically toward the constable. “Constable, this is the woman. The woman responsible for the late Duke’s untimely demise.”
A gasp escaped Melanie’s lips, and William’s brow furrowed in disbelief.
“What is the meaning of this? What are you talking about?” he demanded, his voice sharp. “This is outrageous.”
Clementina rolled her eyes at him, before shifting her gaze to Prudence, her voice imploring as she said.
“You have to believe me, Your Grace! I told you this woman was up to no good and I have finally uncovered the truth,” she declared, her voice theatrical. “I hold in my hand the evidence that proves her guilt. Clear proof that this – this gold-digging viper poisoned my dear nephew.”
She then produced a worn leather-bound journal and a small, dark vial filled with a viscous liquid.
“This journal,” Clementina announced, holding up the book for all to see, “Contains her confession. Her vile plans to ensnare Anthony, to bleed him dry, and then to dispose of him so she could inherit his wealth.”
To Prudence’s horror, Clementina cleared her throat and began to read aloud in a dramatic tone, her voice echoing in stunned silence: “ My patience wears thin. Anthony grows weaker, but not quickly enough. The fortune must be mine. The vial I procured from the apothecary should ensure his swift departure from this mortal coil .”
She then held up the vial. “And this… this was found hidden amongst her belongings. The very poison, I believe, that ended my poor nephew’s life.”
William stepped forward instinctively, placing himself protectively in front of Prudence. “This is absurd,” he stated firmly, his voice unwavering. “There must be some terrible mistake. I know Her Grace. She is incapable of such a vile act. I conducted an investigation secretly and although the results have not provided me with a details of the culprit, I am sure we are to receive news soon. Do not make such baseless accusations in the meantime.”
Despite William’s vehement defense, the constable, his expression impassive, addressed Prudence. “Your Grace, I am afraid I must ask you to come with me. These accusations are serious, and I am duty-bound to investigate.”
All Prudence could do was watch in shock as the situation unraveled, confused, and stuck in utter disbelief. As the constable moved to take Prudence’s arm, Clementina approached her, a cruel smile twisting her lips.
“Finally,” she hissed, her voice low and triumphant. “You are going to pay for what you did. You always were an unwelcome presence in this house.”
Melanie, her face streaked with tears, clung to Prudence’s skirts. “No! Do not take Prudence! Papa, please do not let them do this! Lady Clementina is mean to her! Just as she always is with me.”
“It is all right, poppet. This is a misunderstanding,” said Prudence as she followed the constable.
In her distress, the carefully guarded endearment slipped out with a devastated wail. “Mama! Do not leave me!”
The innocent cry, the heartfelt plea of a child who had come to see Prudence as a mother figure, pierced through the shock and confusion. Prudence’s heart shattered. Tears welled in her eyes, and a single drop escaped, tracing a path down her cheek as the constable gently but firmly led her away, leaving behind a distraught Melanie and a furious William.
The world swam into sharp focus for William as he heard the click of the front door closing behind Prudence and the constable. Melanie was still clinging to his legs, her small body wracked with sobs, her cries of “ Mama ” echoing in the sudden silence.
“Papa, do not let them take Mama away!” she pleaded, her voice choked with tears. “Clementina hates her. And she is mean to me too. I do not want to be left alone with her.”
William knelt, pulling Melanie into a tight embrace, doing his best to appear strong for his daughter as his mind collapsed in light of what just transpired. “What do you mean, Melanie? How has Clementina been mean to you?”
“Ah, Your Grace, do not listen to her. Her mind has merely been filled with filth thanks to that false duchess. We should celebrate her removal–”
“Be quiet,” William snapped at Clementina, his eyes still fixed on Melanie as his voice gradually filled with a dawning horror. “Petal… Tell me. What happened?”
Melanie’s small hands clutched at his coat. “Papa,” she sobbed. “She shouts at me. And sometimes… sometimes she hits me.”
William’s blood ran cold. “Hits you? When did this happen, Melanie? Why did you not tell me?”
Melanie’s tears flowed even more freely. “It started… it started after Mama… after Prudence got bitten by the snake in the garden. When she was trying to keep it away from me. Clementina was very angry with me for interrupting her tea when I went to her for help. And she says I am a bad girl. She pulls my hair sometimes. And she says… she says if I am naughty, you will not love me anymore.”
A white-hot fury surged through William, so intense it momentarily blinded him to his grief regarding Prudence. His hands tightened around Melanie, his heart aching with guilt and rage. He had been so consumed by his own darkness, so focused on his own pain, that he had failed to see his own daughter’s suffering.
He stood up, his sightless gaze fixed in the direction of the drawing-room doors, where Clementina still stood, a smug expression on her face. “Clementina,” his voice was low and dangerous, “get out.”
Clementina’s triumphant smile faltered. “What did you say? Your Grace–”
“I said, get out of my house,” William repeated, his voice rising with each word. “Now. You are no longer welcome here. Not for a moment longer.”
“But Your Grace…” Clementina began, her voice laced with indignation.
“Not another word,” William cut her off, his fury radiating from him in palpable waves. “Get out. And do not even think of taking a single thing with you. Jefferson!”
At the sound of his name, the butler stepped forward and William wasted no time ordering,
“Throw her out. She leaves with nothing but the clothes on her back.”
Clementina’s face contorted with rage. “You cannot do this! This is my home too! My nephew–”
Before she could finish her protest, Henrietta, her face grim, stepped forward.
“My Lady,” she said, her voice surprisingly firm. “My lady, please. His Grace has spoken. It is time for us to leave.”
Faced with William’s unwavering fury and Henrietta’s unexpected defiance, Clementina finally realized the tide had turned against her. With a final, venomous glare at William and Melanie, she stormed out of the room, muttering curses under her breath, hurriedly followed by her companion.
Once they were gone, William knelt again, pulling Melanie into another tight embrace.
“Oh, my sweet girl,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I am so sorry. I had no idea.”
It was much worse than he had thought, his ignorance and absence. He had taken too many things for granted and it all ended now.
He held her close, stroking her hair, his heart heavy with guilt and a fierce resolve.
“I promise you, Melanie. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to prove Prudence’s innocence. And I will never let anyone hurt you again.”