Compromising Prudence Read Online Free PDF

imagined conversation hadn’t gone anything like this. He hadn’t imagined a refusal. “I felt sorry for you and — ”
    “A proposal from pity. What woman would not be grateful?”
    “Look, I’m making a hash of this and you aren’t helping,” he said crossly. “My father has tossed the gauntlet down before me. He insists that I marry in the next year or he’ll choose a wife for me. I have my own life and no interest in changing it. I need a wife willing to stay out of my way. I have a home and I’m in possession of sufficient funds for you to entertain yourself. More than sufficient funds.”
    “I shall be an outcast from society.”
    “The only society I care about is the Zoological Society of London. I’m here to present a paper. Marriage will give me an excuse to remain on my estate except for business. I won’t have to keep up the marriage farce.”
    Stop telling the girl what’s in it for you, mutton-head .
    “You’ll like the estate. It’s very beautiful in Kent. Strayfield — that’s the village — is very nice. I doubt they care a whit for London gossip. I won’t make any demands. I couldn’t care less about an heir. All you have to do is pacify my father and stay out of my way.”
    “And do what? I don’t embroider and I don’t paint.”
    “Do whatever you like. Spend my money. Buy dresses or horses or whatever strikes your fancy. Entertain my sister and teach her how a lady behaves. You can even travel if you like. Frances might like that. She’s always after me to take her traveling, but I can never find the time. You’ll like Frances. Everyone likes Frances, though she is a bit cork-brained.”
    “What a mad notion,” Miss Wemberly said quietly. “You’re mad. Completely and utterly mad.”
    “They do call us The Mad Hatterlys . I thought perhaps you knew that.”
    “A few more questions.” That was better than a no , but he’d thought she would be more eager. “All right.”
    “You mentioned the Zoological Society.”
    “I’m an ornithologist.”
    She stared at him blankly.
    “I study birds.”
    “Yes, I know what the word means. I was not aware that gentleman could choose an avocation.”
    “Birds are my passion, most particularly birds native to England. I want to do my research and papers in peace, not to be dragged around to balls and garden parties. I’m not a dullard, mind you; I have friends. I don’t mind entertaining occasionally, if you want to do that sort of thing, but I detest the London Season.”
    “I rather like London.” She crossed her arms, her pretty mouth set in a stubborn line. “How many brothers do you possess?”
    “Four. Only one still lives at home. The house isn’t crowded. Father is still in America. He won’t return until sometime next year, before Frances’ debut.”
    She was so still that he held his breath. The speculative gleam in her eyes worried him.
    “I’ll do it,” she said finally and held her hand out to him like a gentleman making a wager. “You have yourself a wife, Mr. Hatterly.”

Chapter Four
    I N S PITE O F H ER best efforts, Prudence was forced to ring for assistance in dressing. She had detangled her hair herself, plaited and twisted it neatly into a thick coil, but fastening her stays proved impossible. Lizzy did her best but clearly wasn’t skilled in properly lacing a long corset.
    “How does Miss Hatterly manage when she’s in residence?” Prudence wondered aloud. His sister must bring her own abigail when she traveled.
    “Dresses herself,” Lizzy forced out, puffing from exertion. “Almost have it, miss. Course she don’t come here often. Been over a year since she was last here.” That explained the petite size of the gown and robe.
    “How old is she?” Prudence braced herself with both hands on the bed post as Lizzy closed the middle stays.
    “Two and twenty, I believe.”
    “Two and twenty and not yet made her debut?” Prudence gaped over her shoulder in astonishment.
    Pru’s task