The Wallflower's Choice: A Clean Regency Romance (Waltzing with Wallflowers Book 6) by Rose Pearson

Author:Rose Pearson [Pearson, Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Landon Hill Media
Published: 2024-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“What is this?”

“I must speak with you. Now.”

James found himself frowning as he grabbed his friend’s arm and tugged him away from the four ladies he had been speaking with. It was not that there was any sort of surprise in seeing his friend behave so, only that he found himself to be a little frustrated even though there was no legitimate reason for him to be so.

“Whatever is the matter?”

Lord Kingshill waved one hand vaguely, his eyes a little hooded and, inwardly, James felt himself groan.

“You are not in your cups, are you?”

Lord Kingshill scowled.

“What does it matter if I am?”

“I thought you were to make an announcement this evening. I thought you were to tell the ton about your betrothal.”

“And I am.”

“In this state?”

His friend narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening.

“Why does my behavior matter to you?”

It was not a question that James could answer. It was not one that he wanted to answer, but all the same, it was required of him.

“I care… I care about your standing in society as a soon-to-be married man,” he said, a little lamely. “You do not want to embarrass yourself, or the lady in question, now, do you?”

It was not a particularly good excuse but, after a moment, his friend appeared to accept it. This might well have been from his own slightly inebriated state but, all the same, James was relieved.

“I suppose I can understand that.” Lord Kingshill sighed and shook his head. “Very well, I shall take no more brandy for a short time and thereafter, make the announcement. Does that satisfy you?”

“It does.”

“Good.”

Lord Kingshill immediately turned around and made to go back towards the group of four young ladies, but James caught his arm, a sudden rush of concern pushing through him.

“Wait a moment.”

Lord Kingshill let out a low groan.

“Why? Whatever is the matter now?”

“I – I wondered if you would wish to go and speak with Lady Prudence for a short while before you make the announcement,” James found himself saying, feeling both foolish and angry in equal measure. “You cannot simply go and flirt and tease those young ladies on the very same evening as you are to announce a courtship!”

“Why can I not?” Lord Kingshill frowned. “I have already made it perfectly clear to Lady Prudence that she is not to expect anything from me whether we are wed or unwed. I shall do just as I please and she will simply have to accept that.” His shoulders lifted and then fell. “Therefore, I do not think it matters what I do or who I speak with.”

James swallowed the tightness in his throat, aware of the rippling anger within him, but struggling to find a way to express it which would not rouse Lord Kingshill’s suspicions. He could not explain why he felt so drawn to protect Lady Prudence, what it was about her that tugged her so close to him but, all the same, those feelings lingered there regardless. That was what

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