“I’m glad you’ll be together—and to have more help. You work too hard.” She cast a sideways glance at Bennet. He knew Mrs. Henning was overworked. That had been part of his argument to Prudence regarding the hiring of Jane.
“I do what’s necessary,” Mrs. Hennings demurred. “It’s my pleasure and honor to serve his lordship—and now you. I’d best get on.” She walked toward the back of the house, where the back stairs would take her to the kitchen below.
“I really ought to hire a footman too,” Bennet mused. “But I confess that I’m reluctant. It still feels as if I can’t afford it.”
“Then maybe we can’t. I don’t need a footman. I don’t really need any of this,” Prudence said. “We can always claim the life we enjoyed at Riverview.”
“That we can.” Bennet lowered his head to kiss her again. Some moments later, they parted, breathless. “Might I suggest we go upstairs to prepare for dinner at the Wexfords’?”
“That’s hours away,” Prudence said with a laugh.
“Without a valet or a lady’s maid, you must recognize that it takes longer for us to complete our toilets.” He gave her an innocent look while steering her toward the staircase hall.
Prudence suppressed a smile. “I’m quite looking forward to tonight.”
All their friends and family would be there—except for the Bath relatives and, of course, Aunt Agatha. Bennet had promised to take Prudence to meet her in August when he made his annual visit.
“You just want to try to talk Ada out of going to help your ill-mannered blackguard of a brother.”
“Half brother,” she corrected him, scowling. “You may be right. However, it’s too late, since she’s leaving tomorrow. He doesn’t deserve her assistance. In fact, perhaps I’ll tell her to make things worse.”
Bennet shook his head, a smile teasing his lips as they started up the stairs. “You won’t do that. Your heart is too kind and forgiving.”
Prudence wasn’t sure she agreed, especially when it came to her heartless half brother. “Don’t be too sure. And if I hear that he bothers, insults, or makes trouble for Ada in any way, he will have me to answer to.”
“If he knew that, he’d be quaking in his boots.” At the top of the stairs, Bennet swung her into his arms, drawing a gasp from her. “This is taking too long. I’m in quite a hurry.”
She clutched his neck as he hastened to their chamber at the back of the house. “But we have hours, remember?”
“Oh, I’m only in a hurry to get there. I plan to make good use of our time.” His gaze met hers and held it. “Very good use.”
Anticipation shivered across her skin, and she wondered if that sensation would ever go away. She hoped not. “What do you have in mind?”
He put his lips next to her ear and whispered a variety of activities, each one eliciting a wave of desire until she was nearly panting with want.
“Why, Lord Glastonbury, you are most indecent.”
His eyes gleamed with seductive promise. “I hope so, my love.”
* * *
Want to spend a fortnight with Ada at the Viscount Warfield’s estate and see if he’s as disagreeable as everyone says? (Spoiler alert: he is!) Ada’s curiosity about her surly and reluctant host gets the better of her, and Max wishes she’d just go away—until she gives him a glimmer of hope, which he hasn’t had in years. Don’t miss the thrilling next book in the Phoenix Club, IMPOSSIBLE! Preorder today and read April 19, 2022!
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Need more Regency romance? Check out my other historical series:
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The Untouchables
Swoon over twelve of Society’s most eligible and elusive bachelor peers and the bluestockings, wallflowers, and outcasts who bring them to their knees!
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The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…
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The Untouchables: The Pretenders
Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?
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The Matchmaking Chronicles
The course of true love never runs smooth. Sometimes a little matchmaking is required. When couples meet at a house party, what could go wrong?
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Wicked Dukes Club
Six books written by me and my BFF, NYT Bestselling Author Erica Ridley. Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough...
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Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
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Secrets and Scandals
Six epic stories set in London’s glittering ballrooms and England’s lush countryside.
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Legendary Rogues
Five intrepid heroines and adventurous heroes embark on exciting quests across the Georgian Highlands and Regency England and Wales!
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If you like contemporary romance, I hope you’ll check out my Ribbon Ridge series available from Avon Impulse, and the continuation of Ribbon Ridge in So Hot.
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I appreciate my readers so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.