by Liz Cole
“Kolton!” she admonished in a believably embarrassed tone. “There are some things that are simply not suitable for discussion in mixed company.” He thought the added bit of squirming uncomfortably in her seat was a nice touch. “I apologize profusely for leaving you there with the bed in such a state. Yes, I surely should have spoken up and made you leave the room.”
“Oh, leave off, Pru. I know what happened, what really happened, last night, and it was not your woman’s flow left on the sheets.”
This got her attention, and an outraged gasp to boot. “Just what, exactly, are you suggesting, my lord?”
“What I am suggesting, you little prevaricator, is that the blood was from the breaching of your maidenhead. If it had not been for the fact I found your virgin’s blood on my member as well, your story might have been plausible. But since I did, and it is not, I believe we should stop this nonsense and discuss the future.”
Her face grew cherry red at his frank words. The mask of indignation melted away and she slumped in her seat.
She straightened suddenly, and met his eyes with a startled look. “F-Future? I expect nothing from you. As far as I am concerned, n-nothing happened. We can forget the whole thing and go on as if last night never occurred.”
She looked, and sounded, panicked. Kolton frowned. Was the idea of a future as his wife so off-putting she would be upset at the prospect? Or, perhaps she thought he would not be a man and step up to his responsibilities? Well, if that was what she imagined, he would set her straight in the matter.
“Pru,” he said gently, leaning forward and taking her hand between his own, “forgetting may not be an option, or have you neglected to consider that you might be carrying my child?”
Pru inhaled sharply; her hand flew from between his and rested on her stomach.
“I see you haven’t,” he remarked dryly. Reclaiming her hand, he looked into her eyes. “Pru, I cannot find the words to express how deeply I regret my behavior. Being inebriated is no excuse for what I did to you. But I will make it right. We will marry right away and—”
“No.”
“Pardon? Did you just say ‘no’?”
“That is exactly what I said,” she stated calmly. “I am not pregnant, and I will not marry you.”
Kolton fell back in his seat incredulous. Not marry him? He was an earl! And one, he might add, with a high social standing, an impressive fortune, and powerful friends! Was she daft? He’d been fighting off title-seeking, money hungry women, and marriage minded mammas for years—and she says no when he finally breaks down and proposes?
Kolton successfully swallowed an indignant retort. Pru was understandably confused and upset, he reminded himself. The situation they now found themselves in was entirely unexpected. She was simply reacting out of worry for her future. Though, how she found refusing to marry him comforting was beyond his comprehension.
“I’m sorry, Pru, but I fail to see why you would turn down my offer.”
“Correct me if I am mistaken, my lord, but you don’t really wish to marry me, do you. Or should I assume this proposal stems from some suspiciously sudden, newfound affection for me? No, no,” she raised a staying hand when he opened his mouth to answer. “If the events of last night had never transpired, would you would be proposing right now? Come now, Kolton, be honest. You wouldn’t be.”
“If I am to be honest, as you have requested; then, no, I wouldn’t be proposing marriage to you. In truth, I haven’t had the urge to propose to any woman up ‘til now.”
“That is most likely because every woman outside your family is more than willing to toss up her skirts at the tiniest bit of encouragement from you, and therefore offer little challenge for you.” she replied dryly then blushed furiously.
So, his Prudence had a feisty side. How intriguing.
“Be that as it may,” he rejoined, barely suppressing an amused smile, “the situation is what it is. I have no assurance you have not conceived, and I will not take the chance of a child of mine being born a bastard. Or can you provide tangible proof that what I found on the sheets was due to your woman’s time?”
Pru’s color deepened, if that were possible. She shook her head.
“Well then,” he said confidently, “the matter is settled. I will obtain a special license upon our return. We will make the arrangements and be married right away.”
Pru paled, but her face grew militant, her lips compressing in a thin line. “I will not be forced—indeed bullied—into marriage!”
Kolton’s brows drew together in confusion. “Bullied? Whereas it is true the situation necessitates, or forces as you suggest, we marry in all haste, I am certainly not in the habit of bullying women. And I am not trying to bully you now. I am only trying to be reasonable.”
“Reasonable?” she huffed. “You are being high handed and giving me no choice in the matter!”
“What other choice is there, Pru?” he asked, motioning with his hand in an exasperated gesture.
“Well,” she said sitting back, tapping her chin thoughtfully with one slender finger. “If I were expecting, I could retire to France before I begin to increase noticeably. Somewhere in the countryside—a small cottage, perhaps—where no one knows me and I can claim to be newly widowed. And,” she continued, her eyes brightening as she warmed to the idea, “I can send letters back claiming to have befriended a young lady in an ‘unfavorable’ position. I can say that, before she passed in childbirth, the young woman begged me to raise her child and I agreed.” She finished her story with a note of satisfaction ringing in her voice.
Kolton stared at her a moment, his jaw sagging a bit. “In as long as I have known you, dear Prudence, I would never have suspected it.”
“Suspected what?” she asked distractedly, caught up in contemplation.
“That you, of all people, would be capable of concocting such a speedy, not to mention plausible, lie. Nor would I have suspected how easy it seems to be for you to voice it. I give you credit for possessing such a quick mind, my dear, though it unsettles me a bit.”
That remark made her bristle. She straightened her shoulders and glared at him. “While I appreciate, and thank you for realizing there is more occupying my head than air, I must make it clear that I do not normally take it upon myself to lie, my lord. I don’t like to lie in fact. Not when the truth is far easier to remember. However, I believe the situation in which we now find ourselves calls for some prevarication.”
“Some prevarication? The only kernel of truth in your entire story is that you will travel to France,” he pointed out. “This is beyond ridiculous, Pru. I will not sit back and pretend the child is not mine, it is not reasonable, or fair, of you to suggest otherwise.”
“I do not want to marry you simply because we…um…well, you know. I might not even be with child, Kolton. And to marry without proof that I am is ridiculous.”
Her argument was logical in its own distorted way, but for reasons even he couldn’t understand, he was determined to marry her. “Our marrying would not be as bad as you seem to believe. I think we could get on quite well together.”
“Yes,” she sighed in a martyred fashion, turning her head to stare out the window. “I suppose we could if I were willing, that is, to accept your mistresses, which I do not believe I am.”
He hadn’t thought about that. He realized how little he actually knew about the inner workings of her mind. She wanted more than a paper marriage. Her pride was understandably engaged now.
Could he stay faithful? He’d never imagined marrying a woman he couldn’t remain faithful to. After all, he owed Pru that much after what he had done to her. But he hadn’t considered the marriage bed when he started on this course. From what little he remembered of the previous evening, he didn’t recall being disappointed. Should he make a promise he was not absolutely positive at this point he could keep?
“Pru, I—”
“No,” she said, turning her attention from the passing scenery back to h
im. “There are just too many reasons why I cannot accept your more than generous proposal. I’m sorry, Kolton, but I will not change my mind on this.”
Chapter Five
Prudence stood firm with her decision, and nothing Kolton said changed her mind. He’d finally dropped the subject, but she was sure he hadn’t given up the fight. His silence and brooding expression confirmed as much.
Ignoring his dark scowl, Prudence settled back to rest. She awoke when they stopped to change horses. Kolton exited the carriage, but Prudence chose to stay behind and think without the earl’s commanding presence to distract her.
What would marriage to Kolton be like? She had no prospects, after all. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad…
No.
He didn’t really want to marry her; he was just being a gentleman and owning up to his responsibility. But, surely, if she wasn’t with child he wouldn’t be pressing the issue, would he? And that was the whole of the problem, she concluded.
He wasn’t, if truth be told, attracted to her. It could have been any woman in his bed last night and he wouldn’t have known the difference. He’d been sotted for goodness sake! She couldn’t marry a man who only wanted to do the right thing. Prudence knew it was likely impossible for her at this point, but she wanted a marriage based on more than duty. She had witnessed firsthand what that type of marriage could be like, and she wanted none of it.
Prudence sat in the carriage for some time after the fresh horses were ready, trying to think of arguments that might make him see reason. As the minutes lengthened to more than a half hour, she became restless. He was taking an unusually long time to return. What was taking him so long?
She was just about to go in search of him when the door opened and Kolton entered with a bundle under his arm, a bottle of wine, and two glasses.
“I procured lunch,” he announced with charming smile. “It is simple fare, only cold meats, bread, and cheese, but I think it will be satisfying enough until we stop for dinner.”
For a man who was not about to get his way, Kolton was looking entirely too pleased with himself, she thought suspiciously. “Thank you, my lord. You seem in brighter spirits.”
He knocked on the ceiling of the coach, and the conveyance rocked as they started off. “I am not one prone to staying disgruntled for long. I have been told I possess a fairly cheerful nature, as a matter of fact.”
“Yes, you do, my lord. But you are also a man who rarely accepts defeat either,” she added, studying his face.
His lighthearted expression didn’t change. “That may be true, but I am done butting heads with you. I have decided to put the matter aside for now. We still have a long ride ahead of us and there is no use squabbling the rest of the day away.”
Prudence agreed. She wasn’t going to change her mind. So she was more than happy to let the matter rest than continue to argue with the stubborn man.
***
It was getting dark by the time the carriage stopped for dinner; and Prudence was happy for the chance to get out and stretch her legs.
She looked around as the earl handed her down, confusion tugging at her brow. They had not stopped at an Inn, as she had expected, but a large cottage she didn’t recognize situated in a small clearing in the woods.
“Do you like it?” he asked brightly, motioning toward the two story stone building in front of them. The area surrounding the cottage wasn’t elaborately landscaped, but then again, nestled in the woods as it was, such an ostentatious display would have taken away from its homey simplicity.
“I-It is lovely, my lord, but why are we here?”
“This,” he said with confidence, sending a lump of foreboding to settle in the pit of Prudence’s stomach as he led her to the door, “is one of my hunting cabins. It’s secluded and quiet. Perfectly suited, in fact, to the task of giving us privacy in which to come to an agreement concerning our present situation.”
Agreement? How could they agree when their arguments were polar opposites? How would they possibly compromise on how to proceed—they would marry or they would not, there were no half measures. At least, none that she knew of. That being the case, the only logical conclusion one could draw was that Kolton didn’t plan to compromise at all, but attempt to change her mind altogether. Though his confidence in his ability to sway her rankled Prudence; it also worried her as to what, exactly, he had in mind to accomplish this great feat.
“B-But won’t we be missed?” The fact they would be, made her feel a little more self assured. “Everyone at home is expecting us tomorrow and will surely become concerned when we don’t return.” She crossed her arms over chest, feeling smug.
“I have taken care of that little problem already,” he replied casually. Opening the door, he ushered her into the entryway.
He couldn’t have, she thought confidently before she recalled their lengthy stop earlier and his improved disposition. Cold fingers of unease crept up her spine. “Have you now,” she replied sarcastically. “Would your efficiency be the reason you took so long returning when we stopped for lunch?”
With a casual air, Prudence looked about curiously. The interior of the cottage reflected the same comfortable simplicity. No blatant display of wealth, but tastefully furnished yet with an air of understated elegance.
“Yes. I sent word ahead letting the family know that since you were enjoying your stay so much, I decided to postpone our departure for a few more days.”
Prudence turned from the doorway of what she assumed served as both study and library and raised a superlative brow. “It seems I am not the only one who is quick at fabrication,” she noted dryly. “But what of the staff? Surely they will find it odd that we are residing here without chaperone.”
“I have addressed that issue as well.”
Of course he had.
“Since I do not keep a regular staff on the premises, I arranged for a local woman to collect our laundry and leave our meals for us in the kitchen each morning. And, I made sure the woman be appraised of the fact I had arranged for the cabin to be available for newlywed friends of mine who required privacy.”
“Well, my lord, you seem to have thought of everything.” She didn’t try to hide her churlish tone.
“I try to be thorough. Now,” he said ignoring her rancor and motioning toward the stairs, “I had our things sent on ahead and unpacked. Rupert has undoubtedly prepared your room and laid out a change of clothes for you. It is at the end of the hall on the left. After you freshen up, feel free to join me in the kitchen. To get there, you take this hall to the end and turn right; it is the last door straight ahead. Since it is just the two of us, I thought we might eat informally, if that is acceptable to you?”
“I have no objection to eating informally, my lord,” she replied, gritting her teeth, seething at his insolence. Did he actually believe he would change her mind by kidnapping her and browbeating her for who knew how many days? If he did, he had a surprise in store for him.
“Good. Then I will see you shortly.”
***
Kolton sat comfortably in the small kitchen as though men of his status did so every day of the week. He sipped a glass of wine while he waited for Prudence to make an appearance.
She entered the room in a simple gown of rich aqua blue that complemented her coloring, but the loose cut and lack of adornments did little else to enhance her appearance. Kolton stood respectfully, pulled out a chair, and seated her at the table.
“We will be serving ourselves, my lady, as Rupert insisted on making sure all the rooms were cleaned and aired,” he said conversationally, offering her some hot turtle soup. “Personally, I believe he thinks serving dinner beneath him. Ever the snob is Rupert.”
His attempt at humor earned a small, reluctant smile. Pleased by this, he continued on in the same vein, succeeding in coaxing a laugh or two out of her before the meal was done and Prudence excused herself and headed up to bed.
Kolton was encouraged by how easy and relaxed he f
elt in Pru’s company. It boded well for their future together—and they would have one, he had not changed his mind, just his tactics. He wondered, with a bit of apprehension and, surprisingly, a small amount of anticipation, how she would react when he put his plan into motion.
Chapter Six
Kolton knocked briefly before he entered the bedchamber and closed the door behind him. Pru was standing next to the bed in her night rail and robe, wearing a surprised expression, her mouth forming a small ‘o’.
The lamp on the bedside table caressed her features with its warm glow. Apparently, she had not finished preparing for bed – or at least he hoped not. Her hair was still pulled back in its usual severe style and the spectacles he had begun to despise, propped on her nose. Did she sleep that way? He wouldn’t put it past her at this point.
“Why are you in my room, Kolton, I did not bid you leave to enter,” she demanded in an irritated tone, pulling her robe closed defensively over her breasts.
“I have no need of permission to enter my own room, my dear,” he replied, watching her reaction intently. She didn’t appear pleased to see him, but he’d do his best to persuade her to be more receptive.
She inhaled sharply, her eyes rounding, confusion eclipsing her annoyance. “Your room?”
“Yes, my room.”
“But-but…then why were my things been put here?”
“I have come to a decision.” He turned and locked the door. Placing the key in the pocket of his robe, he took a calming breath before turning back to her. He liked Pru, but he’d never seriously considered bedding her before. Would his body cooperate?
“And what might this decision be, my lord?” she asked warily, crossing her arms under her breasts, drawing his attention to the generously rounded mounds.
“Well, as you have refused my repeated offers of marriage,” he said, dragging his eyes back to her face, “it seems my only recourse is to take the decision entirely out of your hands.”
