Compromising Prudence Read Free

floating, not quite real. If only her corset would allow it, she would loll against the padded back of the loveseat. “Perhaps I am not suited for life as a courtesan.”
    “I’m relieved that you see reason.”
    “I shall become a mistress.”
    He blinked at her a moment, then swore under his breath. “You do need a protector!”
    She stroked her skirts. The material was soft as a kitten. “You are sadly correct. I do. That’s why I’m here, to throw myself upon Mrs. Tuppence’s mercy.” Her fingers traced the pattern on the material.
    Flowers. Pretty.
    I probably shouldn’t have had all that champagne.
    “Your voice is odd.” She had difficulty focusing on him. Either he was swaying or she was. “Are you American?”
    I can’t be swaying. I’m seated.
    The thought made her giggle.
    He dropped back onto the loveseat. “You should go home. You’ve had your bit of fun.”
    She grinned, heartened by the sheepish expression on his handsome face.
    “Yes, we both have,” he admitted. “I hope no one else has seen you here. Go home to your family. Seek their guidance and their protection.”
    “If only that were possible.” Her eyes stayed on her skirt. Kissing him had made her feel bold, brazen even, but the reality of her situation came rushing back at her.
    “Is it not?”
    She shook her head, worrying her lower lip with her teeth. “I told you I was at point non plus and I meant every word. Papa is putting me out of the house.” It was painful to confess her sins and look him in the eye. She did anyway. “I’m compromised, you see. I was caught alone with a man who won’t marry me. I’m not quite the complete innocent you imagined.”
    “Ah.” He looked down at his drink.
    “It’s all so unfair. I’m ruined and I haven’t even done anything fun. One tiny little kiss and my life is over — as if I’m the only girl to ever have a man steal a kiss!” Pru snatched back up her glass. “It was barely even a kiss. If one is going to be ruined, it should be worth it, don’t you think?” She gestured with the handing holding the glass, slopping champagne over the side.
    His lips twitched. “Most certainly. One should enjoy one’s ruin.”
    “That’s exactly it.” Finally, someone understood. She took a drink of her champagne. “And I didn’t enjoy being ruined at all. Well, not much.”
    She would enjoy herself from now on. She would be a notorious mistress and would never be embarrassed again.
    “Your mother agrees to your father simply turning you out? She won’t help you?”
    “My mama is dead.”
    He was far too handsome for her peace of mind, with dark hair that fell across his forehead and grey eyes that had turned serious. His hair had felt so nice under her fingers.
    “I’m sorry. We seem to share a common problem: mothers who have gone and fathers who are displeased.”
    Pru lifted her glass. “To motherless children everywhere.”

    Charles caught her wrist before she could drink. “You really are foxed if you believe Dorothea’s house is your only option.”
    “Oh, what would you know?” She attempted to free her wrist.
    He took her glass away. “More about appeasing angry fathers than you can imagine. Mine is still abroad, but eventually he’ll return and force me to marry. I’ve managed to stall the inevitable by putting in an appearance at the yearly marriage mart, but Father knows I’m not really trying. He’ll probably insist I marry exactly the sort of woman I detest, a fitting punishment.” He sipped his brandy morosely. “I tried tonight at the ball. I really did. But not a blessed one of those girls was interested in me except as a sop to her parents’ ambition. I’m only practice for the hunt until better game comes along. I’m strictly second tier and they won’t pay me any mind until the season grows late. By then I’ll be back home. I never last more than a few weeks at this. God, I hate London.”
    She was too quiet.
    He looked over.