Ivy nearly choked on her scone as a surprised laugh bubbled out. “Oh, good grief.”
“Exactly.” Elvina looked smug. “You might end up saving his life.”
“Not me.” Ivy grinned back. “If he’s idiot enough to capsize a punt, he’s not worth saving.”
At that, both women burst out laughing, and the sound was joyous enough to bring a smile to the face of Malvern as he entered with a letter on a tray.
“Ah, good humour,” he commented with a bow to Elvina. “An excellent harbinger of an excellent day to follow.” He turned to Ivy. “A note, Miss Ivy. I observe a ducal seal… Maidenbrooke I believe.” He lifted one eyebrow.
“It’s probably from Prudence,” said Ivy calmly. “She uses her uncle’s seal now and again.” Taking the paper from the tray, she missed the quick look exchanged between Elvina and Malvern.
“Miss Prudence is well, I hope,” commented Elvina as the butler left the room.
Ivy broke the seal, read, and cleared her throat. “Well, actually it is from the Duke himself.”
“Oh?”
“Yes,” she scanned the words, the hand firm and legible, the writing crisp. Much like the man himself. “He would like to present Prudence with a garden party for her birthday, it would seem. And being a man of his word, he’d like to begin planning it.”
Elvina tilted her head to one side. “That’s nice.” She paused. “And this involves you in what way?”
Ivy couldn’t help but bite her lip against a laugh. “He doesn’t have a garden.”
*~~*~~*
Across town, in a much larger parlour, His Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke was frowning at his niece.
Prudence, the target of the frown, was sipping her own tea and completely ignoring the threatening demeanour facing her across the room. “It really is quite lovely, Uncle Colly. Everyone there is friendly, there’s always someone to dance with, and the food is excellent.” She glanced up. “Oh, please don’t look like that. You’ve attended. You know the Sydenhams. And you can agree that the Wednesday club is much more likely to offer a delightful evening than that stuffy old Almack’s.”
He sighed. “Your points are all well-made, my dear. Yes, there is a multitude of friendly people. And most of them are of an age close to yours, which is another point in their favour. Yes, the Sydenhams are charming, especially Lady Maud, and their food is most palatable.”
Prudence shot him a look from beneath her lashes. “I sense a but coming along…”
He grinned and shook his head. “You’re right. It’s a very large but, and you know precisely what it is.” He took a breath. “It is my duty to ensure your future, dear girl. You're aware of this, because we’ve discussed it.”
“At great length,” she muttered.
“And nothing has changed. The Wednesday club notwithstanding, you simply have to attend Almack’s regularly, otherwise the likelihood of your making a good match anywhere will diminish considerably.”
Prudence raised her chin. “I hope you understand that attending Almack’s is not a pleasant experience for one in my position. As soon as we enter, I become the cynosure of everyone’s eyes. Especially those mothers with sons they’d like to see well married.” She squared her shoulders. “They don’t see me, Uncle. They simply see your niece. And they’re busy calculating how much I will be worth as a bride.” She shook her head. “You cannot imagine what a crushing feeling that is, to be judged upon the financial value of one’s hand in marriage, rather than the worthiness of one’s personality.”
The Duke looked at her, a measure of sympathy in his gaze. “As a matter of fact, I can, Prudence. Being a Duke, and assuming the title at a relatively young age, I was also assessed quite thoroughly at Almack’s. And elsewhere, too. Country house parties, hunting boxes…not to sound immodest, but I was pursued. Energetically, I might add.”
Prudence tipped her head to one side. “Really?”
His lips twisted. “Can you imagine going to your room at the end of an evening at a country house, only to find one of the guests had already made herself at home? In your bed?”
Prudence sputtered, trying not to laugh. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh yes, I can,” he shuddered at the memory.
“Who…”
His frown returned. “Don’t ask.” He closed his eyes briefly. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“Probably not. And I won’t pursue it.” She smothered her grin. “But I must admit I would like to have seen your face.”
“Impertinent chit,” he chuckled. “All this is neither here nor there. But I hope it will at least reassure you that I do sympathise with your sentiments about this whole marriage business. We both have a duty, Prudence. Mine is to entertain and investigate any offers for your hand. And those will most likely come from people you meet at Almack’s, since that’s where the majority of marriages seem to be arranged these days. Your duty will be to let me know if you have a preference, and to accept my final word.” He held up his hand. “Please believe that I shall not ever force you to wed against your will. I’m not that kind of brute.”
Prudence put down her tea and rose, crossing the room to stand by his chair. “I know, Uncle. I couldn’t be more grateful for you, or love you more were you truly my parent.” She leaned over and dropped a light kiss on his cheek. “So I will strike a bargain with you. I will go to Almack’s…once a month. The other three Wednesdays, I shall spend at the Wednesday club. I’m sure Ivy will be happy to go with me if you’d prefer to visit your club on those evenings…”
The Duke’s head lifted. “No, no. Although I welcome Miss Siddington’s presence and can say how glad I am you have become friends with her, I shall escort you
