Prudence was nervous about how the duke might react. He was a very rigid person with high expectations. She recalled what Christina had said about not wanting to tell him about her illegitimate child. “Does he really need to know?” Prudence looked at her mother.
“I think it’s time. While we won’t tell the world, I want your cousins to be able to include you as a member of the family.”
“We want that too,” Lucien said.
“Families have such complicated dynamics,” Prudence observed, swallowing her anxiety. “I’ll have to learn to navigate yours—ours. As well as Bennet’s.” She glanced up at him, then sought out his aunts across the room where they sat together.
“Will you be going to Aberforth Place?” Cassandra asked.
“Not until after the Season,” Bennet said. While they hadn’t discussed their plans for anything following the wedding, Prudence was a bit disappointed. She’d been hoping to meet the rest of his family and see his home.
They chatted for a few more minutes before it was time to have breakfast. It was a warm, lovely affair, with an abundance of food, wine, and good cheer. Prudence’s face hurt from smiling.
Afterward, she made a point of speaking with Judith and Esther. “I’m so glad you were able to come today,” she told them.
“We are too,” Esther said with great enthusiasm. “What a lucky happenstance that we came to town when we did, for we never come to London. I only wish we could stay longer. Alas, we must return to Bath tomorrow.”
“Can you remind me of whom I’ll meet at Aberforth Place?” Prudence asked. “Great-Aunt Minerva and Great-Aunt Flora?”
“Yes, and Cousin Frances,” Esther said.
“Oh yes, I think Bennet mentioned her,” Prudence said.
Judith’s blond brows arched in surprise. “Did he?”
“Yes.” Prudence wanted to ask why that was surprising, but his aunt was already speaking.
“You’ll find Great-Aunt Minerva and Great-Aunt Flora quite charming.” Aunt Judith said quickly.
Esther’s white brows gathered together. “I’m not sure charming is the right word. Did you know Minerva has a pet squirrel? Or perhaps there are two.”
“Please excuse us, Prudence,” Judith said, taking her aunt’s arm. “We must thank our hostess before we go.” She quickly ushered Esther away, who seemed slightly bemused by her niece’s reaction.
Prudence had the distinct sense there were things they wanted to say but didn’t. Or couldn’t. Had Bennet told them not to talk to her about their other relatives? She was also curious as to why they lived in Bath while the others lived at Aberforth Place, especially since she didn’t think Judith or Esther had ever been married. Given Bennet’s financial situation, Prudence thought it might be more economical if they lived on his estate.
Ada joined Prudence, her gaze following the aunts. “How are you finding Glastonbury’s family?”
“So far, they seem quite pleasant, if a bit secretive.” Ada’s brows arched in response, and Prudence clarified, “Perhaps not secretive, exactly, but I have the impression there is more to his family than they are telling me.”
“Have you any idea what that could be?”
“Not really. There is so much Bennet and I have yet to learn about each other. This happened very quickly.”
“Indeed, though you appear happy, and so does he.”
Prudence’s gaze found Bennet across the room. “You think so?”
“The way he looks at you seems very romantic. There’s a longing, I think.” Ada scrutinized her a moment. “And I would say you’re happy, wouldn’t you?”
“Almost,” Prudence said, wishing the dowry had come through, but incredibly grateful for the financial—and emotional—support of her newfound cousins. She also wished she could tell Bennet how she felt, that she loved him. But she didn’t dare. He hadn’t wanted this marriage, and he believed she didn’t either. “Ask me again when you see me next.”
“You know I will.” Ada grinned. “That’s what friends do.”
“Thank you.” Prudence touched the other woman’s arm and smiled warmly. “I may have two new families, but I consider you my dearest sister. You have been a stalwart and wonderful friend.”
“I’m glad to hear it because I will need a friend if I do end up going to work at Warfield’s estate.” Her blue eyes glittered with determination.
“Are you still going after what’s happened? I wondered if Lucien might decide you shouldn’t go.”
“In fact, he mentioned today that he’d changed his mind, but he’s angry and frustrated. I expect he’ll change his mind back again. Friendship and loyalty always win out for him—as it should.”
Yes, Ada was a special kind of friend—a special kind of person. If she did go to help Warfield, Prudence hoped he would realize his good fortune. If he didn’t, perhaps Prudence would go and set him straight. He certainly deserved a verbal thrashing. Actually, if Ada went, Prudence wondered if Ada might be the one to deliver it. Ada might be small, but she was mighty, and Prudence had no doubt she would hold her own.
A short while later, Prudence made her way to Bennet’s side and asked if they could take a stroll outside in order to have a few minutes alone. Arching a brow, he silently guided her through the doors that led out to the garden.
Prudence tipped her head to look at him as they circuited the small garden. “I confess I wish we were visiting Aberforth Place, even for a short while. But I understand if you can’t afford the journey.”
“Actually, now that there is money, I should make a trip there. However, you don’t need to come with me. I just need to take care of a few things.”
“Debts?” she asked, giving him a supportive smile. “You can tell me. I want you to know that you can be honest with me. If I can tell you about my parentage, you must know you can share anything with me.”
He clasped her hand. “I do appreciate that.”
“Good, because if you’re going to Aberforth Place, I want to come with you. We could even stop at Riverview this evening. The Logans would be delighted to see we are finally married.”
Bennet laughed. “Finally. Who could have known our faux betrothal would result in a real marriage?”
A real marriage. Prudence didn’t think their union qualified as that—at least not yet. “So, we’re going?”
He hesitated, lines furrowing his brow. “You really want to leave today? I suppose it would be nice not to spend tonight in the same small house as my aunts.”
“Why, Lord Glastonbury, do you have something planned?” She batted her eyelashes, provoking him to waggle his brows at her.
He pulled her into his arms. “Many things, my lady wife. I shall demonstrate them all in good time.”
Chapter 18
The coach pulled into the yard at Riverview in late afternoon. Unlike their last visit, the sky was clear and the road dry—and they had a coachman. Sixty, with a hitch in his gait, Tom had been sad to hear of the loss of the former coach, but he’d done what he could to make the new one ride as smoothly as possible.