Compromising Prudence Read Online Free PDF Page A

You’re better off not leg-shackled to such a man.”
    How on earth had Sir Algernon allowed that man to woo his daughter? He was the one who should be ashamed.
    “That doesn’t help my reputation. I am finished in society. Worse still, my family will not take me back, not even as a companion for Aunt Hetty. I daresay last night did nothing to repair my future.”
    Charles cleared his throat guiltily. “Probably not. I can’t imagine why you thought to find work as a courtesan.”
    She massaged her temples. “Running away seemed sensible after the third glass of sherry.” Her shoulders hunched. “No, not sensible. It seemed like an adventure.”
    Please don’t let her start crying.
    He was a scientist, a gentleman of learning. He was logical. He was capable. He managed his father’s estate with ease and published several scholarly papers a year.
    He was utterly helpless against a woman’s tears.
    Charles suspected that his sister, Frances, knew this and wielded tears as an effective weapon in her arsenal. If Miss Wemberly cried, she would reduce him to mush and he’d be on his knees offering to call out Petworth.
    Miss Wemberly bit her lip and crossed her arms as if to shield herself. She was much taller than Frances, judging from the shocking length of ankle showing from the robe.
    Her hair was a fright, but it had been silken against his cheek when he carried her up to this room. She only sniffed once, but no tears.
    With a sigh of relief, Charles shifted in his seat. The way she conducted herself was really almost admirable. Most of the women of his experience would be in hysterics given the events Miss Wemberly had endured and yet she remained dry eyed. This was no fragile flower begging for mercy, but a determined young woman who sought what she wanted.
    On the eve of being utterly disgraced she had attempted — somewhat clumsily — to make her way in the world. The more he thought about it, the more noble, the more dashing she seemed. A woman like this could face down his wild brothers and even wilder sister.
    “I think we can help one another, Miss Wemberly. I’ve a proposition for you. Hear me out before you respond.” He cleared his throat. “I’m offering to make legitimate what you offered for free last night. You’re in need of protection.”
    Her mouth fell open. “You’re offering to make me your mistress?”
    “Of course not! What do you take me for? That isn’t the sort of protection I had in mind. I said to let me finish.” He tapped his thighs with flat palms. This was difficult, far harder than he’d thought it would be. “I have a younger sister, Frances. She must make her debut into society next year. She’s my only sister and, to speak plainly, Frances has spent too much time in the country with a flock of wild brothers. Without the civilizing influence of a mother, Frances has no idea how to behave. Need I remind you that was her port hidden in the dresser? She’ll never make a match with her hoyden ways. You clearly know fashion and how to behave. And not behave as the case may be.”
    “You want to hire me as a companion for your sister?”
    “No, you silly goose! I want to marry you! Will you let me finish?”
    “Marry me?” She gaped at him, her lovely dark eyes wide with shock.
    Was marriage to him such a dreadful idea? She needn’t look so horrified considering she’d tried to find work as a courtesan the night before. Marriage was a logical solution. He’d thought through all possible permutations.
    “You’re ruined and need a husband.”
    “My, but you have a knack for sweet words.”
    “I’m in need of a wife. Father is after me constantly to marry and provide a good example for my younger siblings, especially Frances.”
    “And you think marrying a drunken, ruined stranger would accomplish this?”
    “You aren’t foxed now.”
    “Did you conceive of this folly last night?”
    “I did.” He’d lain awake tossing this around in his mind but the