Persuading Prudence Read Online Free PDF Page B

asked brightly, motioning toward the two story stone building in front of them. The area surrounding the cottage wasn’t elaborately landscaped, but then again, nestled in the woods as it was, such an ostentatious display would have taken away from its homey simplicity.
    “I-It is lovely, my lord, but why are we here?”
    “This,” he said with confidence, sending a lump of foreboding to settle in the pit of Prudence’s stomach as he led her to the door, “is one of my hunting cabins. It’s secluded and quiet. Perfectly suited, in fact, to the task of giving us privacy in which to come to an agreement concerning our present situation.”
    Agreement? How could they agree when their arguments were polar opposites? How would they possibly compromise on how to proceed—they would marry or they would not, there were no half measures. At least, none that she knew of. That being the case, the only logical conclusion one could draw was that Kolton didn’t plan to compromise at all, but attempt to change her mind altogether. Though his confidence in his ability to sway her rankled Prudence; it also worried her as to what, exactly, he had in mind to accomplish this great feat.
    “B-But won’t we be missed?” The fact they would be, made her feel a little more self assured. “Everyone at home is expecting us tomorrow and will surely become concerned when we don’t return.” She crossed her arms over chest, feeling smug.
    “I have taken care of that little problem already,” he replied casually. Opening the door, he ushered her into the entryway.
    He couldn’t have, she thought confidently before she recalled their lengthy stop earlier and his improved disposition. Cold fingers of unease crept up her spine. “Have you now,” she replied sarcastically. “Would your efficiency be the reason you took so long returning when we stopped for lunch?”
    With a casual air, Prudence looked about curiously. The interior of the cottage reflected the same comfortable simplicity. No blatant display of wealth, but tastefully furnished yet with an air of understated elegance.
    “Yes. I sent word ahead letting the family know that since you were enjoying your stay so much, I decided to postpone our departure for a few more days.”
    Prudence turned from the doorway of what she assumed served as both study and library and raised a superlative brow. “It seems I am not the only one who is quick at fabrication,” she noted dryly. “But what of the staff? Surely they will find it odd that we are residing here without chaperone.”
    “I have addressed that issue as well.”
    Of course he had.
    “Since I do not keep a regular staff on the premises, I arranged for a local woman to collect our laundry and leave our meals for us in the kitchen each morning. And, I made sure the woman be appraised of the fact I had arranged for the cabin to be available for newlywed friends of mine who required privacy.”
    “Well, my lord, you seem to have thought of everything.” She didn’t try to hide her churlish tone.
    “I try to be thorough. Now,” he said ignoring her rancor and motioning toward the stairs, “I had our things sent on ahead and unpacked. Rupert has undoubtedly prepared your room and laid out a change of clothes for you. It is at the end of the hall on the left. After you freshen up, feel free to join me in the kitchen. To get there, you take this hall to the end and turn right; it is the last door straight ahead. Since it is just the two of us, I thought we might eat informally, if that is acceptable to you?”
    “I have no objection to eating informally, my lord,” she replied, gritting her teeth, seething at his insolence. Did he actually believe he would change her mind by kidnapping her and browbeating her for who knew how many days? If he did, he had a surprise in store for him.
    “Good. Then I will see you shortly.”
     
    ***
     
    Kolton sat comfortably in the small kitchen as though men of his status did so every