“As I said, there was no harm done. I only wanted to be sure my reputation would be intact, that I’d be able to secure employment. Surely you would agree that if I publicize his activities, it would effectively ruin me in the process.”
Grimacing, Ada nodded. “You are, unfortunately, correct. I daresay securing employment won’t be a problem. I’m sure Lucien would help you, in any case. Especially if you told him the truth.”
“Absolutely not,” Prudence said. “You must keep this completely secret—you can’t tell a soul, not even Evie.”
“I understand. Anyway, the only person I’d want to tell is you.” A smile skipped across her mouth.
“Good.” Prudence felt a good sense of relief, both at having unburdened herself to her closest friend and securing her silence on the matter. “My reputation and employment aside, I do not wish to cause Glastonbury to suffer any more than he already has.”
Ada frowned. “What does that mean?”
“He hasn’t two shillings to rub together, and if all of London doesn’t know already, they soon will. He faces total ruination.”
“Ah yes, I had heard that, actually. From Evie.”
Prudence wasn’t surprised, but she still felt bad for Bennet. The state of his finances wasn’t his fault. He was doing his best to manage in the overwhelming destruction of his father’s mistakes. “It isn’t just him,” she said quietly. “He has a number of relatives who rely on him. His father squandered everything.”
Ada’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. “I can see you care about him, and that there’s more you aren’t saying. But I shan’t press you. Not today, anyway. I’m just so bloody happy to see you.”
Prudence smiled. “I’m just as glad to see you. Now, I must go visit Lucien, for I am in desperate need of employment. I presume he’s in his office?” He was typically there—on the men’s side of the club—at this time of day.
“Yes, I’ll walk over with you.”
Prudence stood. “I was going to tell you one other thing. I’ve decided to stop looking for my mother.”
Ada had risen and now slapped a surprised stare on Prudence. “What happened to you during this abduction?”
“It was far less an abduction than it was a…sojourn.” Prudence picked up her case. “I had time to think and came to the conclusion that it was better for me to look forward instead of back.” Because to do that meant she would also see Bennet, remember him, miss him. She had to focus on the future, now more than ever.
“This is a shift,” Ada murmured. “But I understand. It wasn’t as if we’d had much luck in finding her anyway. You couldn’t exactly swagger around Mayfair flashing that ring or disclosing the identify of your true father.”
“No, I could not.” To do so would have thoroughly ruined Prudence and any chance she had at living a comfortable life in her current position.
They walked together to the men’s side, and Ada left her to knock on Lucien’s door alone. First, they hugged again and promised to return to their ritual this coming Saturday.
Prudence rapped on the door and immediately heard Lucien’s response. Taking a deep breath, she walked into his office and set her case down just inside the door.
He blinked at her. “Prudence?”
“Yes, and before you ask, there is no husband. I behaved quite foolishly and am only glad I came to my senses. I would have returned sooner, but the weather kept me from traveling.”
Lucien jumped up from his chair. Tall and lithe, he came toward her, his long strides delivering him before her in a trice. “Are you all right?”
“Completely. I am concerned, however, as to whether I am still employable.” Her shoulder twitched. “I’ve already seen Ada, and she said your sister married Lord Wexford.”
“She did. Our father even approved of the match. I daresay that’s what caused that horrible storm.” His dark eyes glinted with amusement. “The heavens simply couldn’t countenance such a change in the duke’s opinion.”
Prudence laughed. Lucien and his father shared a rather tumultuous relationship. The Duke of Evesham was incredibly fond of his eldest child, the Earl of Aldington, and possessed a soft spot for his youngest, Cassandra. His middle child, however, seemed to confound him, though Prudence couldn’t understand why. Lucien was brave, having fought in Portugal, successful with the Phoenix Club, and above all, kind and generous.
“As it happens, there is a perfect position for you. But we should move quickly since everyone assumed you would no longer be working as a companion.”
Because she’d eloped. Bennet really had caused her a great deal of trouble. He’d also given her wonderful memories she’d cherish her entire life. It seemed a fair trade.
“I will most definitely be working as a companion. What is this position?”
“Companion to Cassandra’s new sister-in-law, Miss Kathleen Shaughnessy. It won’t be what you’re used to—fewer balls and the like—but it’s with people you already know and who know you.”
People who wouldn’t be bothered by her disappearing for six days. This was more than she could have hoped for. “Do I need to rush right over there?”
“Not rush, no. I probably didn’t need to say we should act quickly. I only meant that if you were interested in the position, you should let them know as soon as possible because I am certain they’d hire you.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a warm smile. “You’ve saved me yet again.”
He snorted. “I have no doubt you could have found your own position with references from Lady Overton and my sister. But you have to agree this is simpler.”
“Indeed.” Besides, she was particularly happy to work with people she knew. She’d been lucky enough to move from Fiona to Cassandra, whom she’d come to know while she’d been companion to Fiona. She’d met Miss Shaughnessy, and Lucien was right that this would be different. Wexford’s younger half sister had no interest in marriage or participating in the Season. “I take it Mrs. Shaughnessy agreed to let her daughter remain in London with Lord Wexford?”
“Wex talked her into it, apparently. Mrs. Shaughnessy and the other sister are returning to Gloucestershire, if they haven’t left already. Shall I drive you to George Street to see Cass and Wex?”
“I don’t wish to impose since they are so newly married.”
“They’ve already been imposed upon—his mother and sisters have been there the entire time. I do think Wex and Cass plan to take a trip to Bath or something. I know Cass will be thrilled to see you. She was rather perplexed by your abrupt elopement.” He cocked his head. “We all were, but then I’ve always found you to be enigmatic. If anyone were to have a secret lover, it would likely be you.”
Prudence nearly choked. “He wasn’t my lover. Just a mistake.” Was that how she thought of Bennet? Of course not. Abducting her had been a mistake, but something good had come from it.
Lucien gave her a sympathetic nod. “I’m glad to hear you were able to avoid it and emerge unscathed, but then you’re one of the most resilient people I’ve ever met.”