The Perfect Rake Read Online Free PDF

wearily. “I promised Phillip that I would not announce anything until he gave me permission, and you know I never break my promises.”
    “Could we not explain Phillip to Great-uncle Oswald?” asked Faith.
    Prudence bit her lip. “I daren’t risk it. He might defy Grandpapa in small matters, such as dancing and parties, but marriage is a different thing altogether. Besides, he would probably think Phillip unsuitable, too—a younger son of undistinguished family and no fortune!” She sighed. “And since the Otterburys live so close to Dereham Court, he might contact Grandpapa about it…” She shook her head. “We would all be in the suds then. And for harboring us, Grandpapa would probably cut Great-uncle Oswald off without a penny—you know how he complains incessantly of his extravagance.”
    “I love Great-uncle Oswald’s extravagance!” Hope declared, twirling around in her pretty new dress.
    Charity nodded. “Yes, but let us hope he doesn’t send Grandpapa the bills from the mantua maker. He would know then that something was amiss. But, Prue dearest, Great-uncle Oswald seems very romantical. Would he not rejoice that you have found a man to marry you?”
    Prudence pulled a wry face. “Perhaps, but he is also ambitious and something of a snob—recall those dukes you diamonds are to dazzle! In any case, even aside from my promise, have you forgotten that Phillip works for Grandpapa’s Oriental Trade Company, and that Great-uncle Oswald is also connected with it? Do you really think he’d be delighted by the news that an employee of his, a penniless younger son currently residing in India, contracted a secret betrothal more than four years ago to his eldest great-niece? I think not!”
    The sisters sighed gloomily.
    “Exactly! Phillip would lose his position and be unable to afford a wife, I would be in disgrace, and we should all be sent back to live with Grandpapa again.”
    “Yes, but Great-uncle Oswald is not mean-spirited and nasty, like Grandpapa. Surely he would—” began Hope.
    “No, Hope.” Prudence shook her head. “I’m sorry, but the risks are too great. Great-uncle Oswald is a dear, sweet man, but we cannot expect him to put our welfare before his own. You know what it took to convince even Dr. Gibson, and he’s seen the bruises! But I promise you, I shall think of something. And soon.”
    Hope sniffed. “You always make these promises.”
    “And I keep them,” responded Prudence quietly.
    “Should you object if I try to talk the old gentleman around? Because I will die rather than be returned to the Court,” declared Hope passionately.
    “Of course not, Hope darling. As long as you respect my secret, I am more than happy for you to try.” Prudence rolled her eyes comically. “The more I argue in favor of letting you make your coming-out, the more noble he tells me I am.”
     
    “No! I’ve said it once, and I don’t intend to waste my breath on repetitions!” Great-uncle Oswald glared at the exquisite matching female faces turned imploringly to him.
    “But we are only allowed to stay in London for this one season,” argued Hope. “Grandpapa will surely not allow us to stay any longer. He has given us only a handful of weeks in which to find husbands. And Prudence is already almost on the shelf—”
    “She is almost one and twenty, you know,” interpolated her twin.
    “—and so is not likely to attract a husband at this late stage—even with her very beautiful soul,” Hope added hastily, aware of the narrow look Prudence was casting her. “If we are forced to wait much longer, we are all likely to remain on the shelf.”
    “Fustian!” Great-uncle Oswald snapped from behind his paper. “Beauties like you two will be snapped up the moment you make your bow to society. Don’t be selfish. Give your sister her moment of glory.”
    “But if we all came out—”
    “No! Not until your sister has found herself a husband. Our Prudence is a dear, good girl, and