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.
Chapter 17
Bennet arrived early at the Wexfords’ house and sent his secondhand coach back to pick up his aunts. They’d been shocked to hear he was getting married, but delighted. Probably because they assumed that meant he would be getting a settlement upon the marriage. He hadn’t told them otherwise.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to. He hoped Lucien was already here with news that the dowry had been obtained.
His mind returned to his aunts and what Prudence would think of them. He’d instructed both Aunt Judith and Great-Aunt Esther that they weren’t to discuss anything regarding their family with his bride. They’d asked if he planned to hide the affliction and how he could possibly do that while taking her to Aberforth Place.
He couldn’t, of course, and he was only delaying the inevitable. However, there was so much happening right now, and with the weight of the unknown dowry hanging over them, he thought it best to put off telling her about their family’s illness. That he dreaded doing so only made the decision easier.
Then Aunt Judith asked if he planned to tell her about Agatha. Was there really a need?
Before he could think too deeply about that, the butler showed Bennet to Wexford’s study, where the Irishman was waiting. “Morning, Glastonbury. Seems like we just had a wedding by special license.” He chuckled.
“Yours, you mean,” Bennet said. “I wasn’t invited.” He’d been stranded at Riverview with Prudence anyway. He wouldn’t trade that for anything.
“An oversight, I’m sure.” Wexford’s gaze simmered with humor. Apparently, he truly had forgiven Bennet for his behavior at the fight. He wouldn’t do the same if he knew Bennet had tried to kidnap his wife. He was glad he’d only had to suffer an excellent uppercut from Cassandra.
“Anything from Lucien?” Bennet asked, hating that he sounded as tense as he felt—as though he were strung out on a rack.
“Nothing. Cass did invite him to the wedding this morning.”
Bennet wondered if her invitation had included the name of the bride or if Lucien would be surprised when he arrived.
“I’m still so surprised that you and Prudence managed to fall in love under our very noses.” Wexford grinned. “How wonderful for you both.”