Page 57 of To Dare a Duke

“I-I …” Prue stammered before collecting herself. “No! No. Not in the least. Here you are.”

She was a beautiful girl, with flawless ivory skin, thick dark curls, and the greenest eyes. Just like her brother’s. For there was no possible way this young woman wasn’t related to Robert. The resemblance was uncanny.

“I’m Lady Helena Adolphus.”

Prue dipped a curtsey. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Lady Helena. I’m Miss Prunella Chuffington-Smythe.”

“Oh!” the young woman exclaimed, her eyes growing round and wide. “It’s you.”

Flushing a little, Prue shifted, unsure of what that meant. “It is?”

The young woman beamed at her, a smile of such startling enthusiasm that Prue felt a little winded.

“Oh, how perfect. I just knew I would love you, after everything Robert said. He told me I would, of course, but it’s such a relief to discover he was right.”

Prue glanced around them to be sure no one was listening in. She felt her heart pick up, as she wondered what on earth Robert had told his sister.

“Take a turn about the room with me,” Lady Helena said, leaving Prue no escape route as she grasped her by the arm. “Such a happy accident to have bumped into you,” the young woman continued, and then gave a chuckle. “Quite literally, too.”

“Indeed,” Prue replied, forcing a smile and wondering if Lady Helena’s brother was here too. Good lord, had Robert told his sister he’d proposed to her? What was he thinking? Did she not know Prue had refused him, and several times over?

Prue turned her head, aware of being scrutinised, and found Helena looking her over, curiosity in her eyes.

“Why won’t you marry him?” she asked.

Taken aback by the forthright question, Prue could only open her mouth and stare.

Apparently unperturbed by Prue’s stunned silence, Lady Helena continued. “If it’s his reputation, I would like to put your mind at rest. Robert is the most wonderful man. He’s been a devoted brother, he’s kind and generous, and so sweet… not at all like the man you’ve heard about, I assure you. I don’t recognise him in those descriptions, you know.”

Prue opened her mouth, but Lady Helena appeared to be something of a force of nature and lifted a finger to silence her.

“I’m not blind or naïve, however,” she said, frowning a little. “He does have a dark side, but it’s only ever himself he hurts. After Lavinia died….” She paused for a moment, considering Prue. “Does it bother you if I speak plainly?”

Privately, Prue thought it was a little late in the day to pose the question, but she smiled and shook her head. “No. I prefer it.”

“Excellent.” Helena was brisk and purposeful as she propelled Prue towards a door that led to the gardens. Once outside and away from the crowds, Helena carried on.

“Lavinia seduced Robert, and he believed himself in love with her. He tried his best, he really did, but Lavinia was not a girl who wanted home and children and a happily ever after. They had a terrible row the day she died, and Robert said a lot of things he regrets, but he never wished her dead. He never wanted her hurt, and the combination of his guilt, and all the dreadful gossip….” She trailed off and shrugged. “He was in a dark place for a long time and I worried for him. He didn’t seem to care about anything, certainly not himself, but… but that’s changed.”

Prue held her breath, willing the woman to keep the next words to herself, desperate not to hear them.

“You changed him.”

“No… I….”

Once again, the imperious hand rose, one finger lifted in a demand for silence.

“You did, whether you meant to or not, and I’ve never been happier to see the return of the brother I love so dearly. I’d do anything to make him happy. Wouldn’t you?”

Prue felt the weight of silence descend around them, her heart thudding in her chest.

“Yes,” she said, meaning it. “Which is why I won’t marry him.”

Lady Helena gave her a shrewd look. “Yes,” she said, nodding. “I rather thought that was the case.”

The two women stood, staring at each other, Prue unflinching under the young woman’s scrutiny. At last, Lady Helena spoke.

“Come to tea with me tomorrow.” Again, the finger rose, brooking no argument. “I shan’t take no for an answer,” she added with a twitch of her lips. “I promise we won’t discuss Robert, and I won’t try to influence you or set a trap where you find yourself alone with him,” she added, smirking. “I would like to know you better, though. So, you’ll come tomorrow for tea, yes?”