Chapter 16 #4
Bennet stood with his back to them, his hands clasped behind him. His wide shoulders perfectly fit his dark blue coat, and his buff breeches hugged the contours of his muscular legs. Prudence couldn’t deny the thrill that raced through her when she thought of the nights they would spend together.
Forever.
He turned, and the view was even better. His bright blond hair was styled carefully, an artful curl grazing his forehead, his square jaw twitching slightly as his lips spread into a slow, appreciative smile the moment his blue-green gaze settled on Prudence.
Cassandra strode forward and sent her fist into his belly, doubling him over with a grunt. “That’s for kidnapping my cousin, you brute. We’ll never speak of it again.” She turned to Prudence. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”
Prudence smothered a smile. Bennet’s brows arched as he looked to Prudence.
“I told her everything,” she said to him. “It seemed necessary. Don’t worry, she’s not going to tell anyone, especially Wexford. I don’t wish to be a widow as soon as I’m wed.”
“That’s a relief,” he said, straightening. He smoothed his hand down his coat. “Has your husband been teaching you boxing, Lady Wexford? That was a well-placed blow. Quite powerful too.”
“Not at all. I’m a natural, apparently.” Cassandra gave him a smug smile, and Prudence nearly laughed again. She felt an absurd pride that this woman was her cousin. “You may as well call me Cassandra since we are to be related. When is this blissful occasion to happen?”
“In fact, I have just procured the special license and have secured the vicar for tomorrow morning.”
Prudence’s gut clenched. It was really happening, then.
“You should marry here,” Cassandra said, tapping her chin with her forefinger. “I will ensure you have a lavish breakfast. We’ll invite Fiona and Overton. Who else?” She looked to Prudence.
“My friend Ada Treadway—she works at the Phoenix Club. She’s the person I spend my Saturday mornings with.”
Cassandra’s eyes lit. “Aha! I assumed you spent those mornings with the man with whom you eloped.” She cast a scowl toward Bennet. She might not mention it again, but she wouldn’t soon let him forget his transgression. Prudence found it rather sweet, as if they really were like sisters.
“We should also invite Evie Renshaw.” Prudence wanted her to be there. “And probably Christina,” she added softly.
“Yes, she will want to see you wed—even if the world is only aware that you are my former companion. Do you mind if I invite Con and Sabrina?” Cassandra gave her a sincere look. “Do you plan to tell him you’re our cousin?”
“I hadn’t considered it.” Prudence had so much in her head. It was hard to think of everything. “Lucien doesn’t even know yet. He knows Bennet is marrying his cousin, but isn’t yet aware of who that is. Bennet refused to tell him. He said it wasn’t his secret to share.”
Cassandra looked at him with admiration. “Perhaps you aren’t a blackguard after all. For that and for marrying Prudence when you don’t know yet whether she’ll have a dowry or not. I’m so glad you’re doing right by my cousin.”
His brow furrowed. He looked toward Prudence. “There’s still no word, then?”
She shook her head, feeling his anxiety as strongly as she felt her own.
“So we’re settled that you’ll have the ceremony and breakfast here tomorrow?” Cassandra said.
“Thank you,” Prudence said, a surprising but welcome love surging for this woman who was now her family. She was getting married, and her family would be there.
“My family will also be coming,” Bennet said. “My aunt and great-aunt are visiting from Bath.”
Prudence was surprised to hear that. “You didn’t mention that.”
“There’s been a great deal happening at once,” he said with a faint smile.
“Indeed,” she agreed.
Cassandra beamed at them. “Excellent, we’ll have plenty of room. I must get moving on these plans, so please excuse me!” She hastened from the room, closing the door behind her.
“That was thoughtful of her,” Bennet murmured. He walked quickly to Prudence and pulled her into his arms.
She went willingly, glad for his touch and his embrace. He kissed her softly, and she thought in that moment that everything would be all right.
Laying her head on his shoulder, she asked, “How did things go with ending your arrangement?”
“It’s done, and that’s all that matters.”
Prudence pulled back and looked up at him. “That doesn’t sound as if it went well.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He gave her an encouraging smile, then kissed her again, his hands moving over her back as he held her close.
After several minutes, they parted, panting slightly. “This is strange, but nice. I suppose we can do this whenever we want after tomorrow.”
“Yes, this and many other things.” He stroked her jaw and gazed into her eyes. “I look forward to reclaiming your body, Pru.”
She shivered with anticipation even as her anxiety persisted. She couldn’t forget the circumstances of their unwanted union or the uncertainty they faced. “You can still change your mind if there’s no dowry. I’ll understand.”
“Not a chance.” He kissed her again, and she surrendered to a moment of joy.