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Thankfully Marlborough House was not far from her parents’ home, and though they had to wait a while for the carriage to draw up to the front, there was plenty to distract. All the women in their elegance, with feathers tucked into carefully coiffed hair, made Prudence almost grateful to Mama for forcing her into this gown and curling her hair. She might not blend in entirely with them, but if she’d adopted her usual plain appearance, she would have done the opposite to what she preferred—she would have been completely obvious.

Unable to do much in the crowds other than let Seth escort her in, she allowed herself to be led into the grand ballroom. Mirrors hung on every wall, expanding the visual size of the room and chandeliers gleamed, reflected on a polished cream floor. A few sets of eyes glanced their way and had it not been for Seth’s hold on her, she might have shrunk away into one of the many alcoves or seated herself around the side with some of the elderly ladies.

“Seth—”

“You look beautiful tonight, Pru.”

She blinked at him, mouth ajar.

He didn’t say anything more. It was too late anyway. Before she could fathom a response, he was swept up into conversation and introductions, and her along with it. She didn’t miss the curious looks sent her way or the occasional surprised remembrance from people who knew her father or had met her when she was younger.

She did what she must for propriety’s sake, but as soon as she had an opportunity to withdraw and cling to the edge of the room, she took it. A painful jab struck her once Seth took to the dance floor. She glanced away and studied the luxury of the room from the glistening chandeliers to the marbled floors underfoot, all the while trying to govern the aching beat of her heart.

This was why she had avoided people for so long. The pain of human interaction was too much. It was so much easier to remain tucked away, where she never had to risk losing someone again.

Chapter Nine

Seth watched Pru decline another dance. She wasn’t overwhelmed with requests but there had been a few men curious enough about her to try. He hardly knew whether to be relieved that she’d declined or annoyed. The woman was determined to have a miserable time.

He glanced around the room. Not that he was having much of a better one. There were a few interesting ladies in attendance but he found himself searching for Pru whenever he took them out for a whirl on the dance floor.

“Seth,” the lady in his arms scolded.

He tried to mask a grimace. “Forgive me.”

“You are never normally so neglectful.” Marianne twisted away and back again as the country dance continued. “It is frightfully hard to get your attention this evening.”

And Marianne seldom went without attention. With golden hair and a classically beautiful appearance, she could have the pick of suitors. On occasion, the widow chose his company, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. She was witty and intelligent and knew her own needs well.

His attentionshouldbe on her.

But it wasn’t.

“Mrs. Hastings, that’s her name is it not?”

Seth gave a stiff nod. Of course Marianne had figured out he was looking at her. He could not make it much more obvious.

But there was something about her tonight. Not just the fact that she was trying to dissolve into the wall. Nor was it the touch of makeup or the dress that clung to a figure he had little idea existed. He could not put his finger on it but he was unable to prevent his gaze from clinging to her.

This whole thing had been a big mistake. He whirled Marianne and came to stand at her side. He’d thought she’d love to see her favorite singer, but he’d forgotten there would be several hours of dancing and chatter before then, and of course Pru would hate all of that. She didn’t belong in this world. She was meant to be surrounded by books and education and intelligent people.

Pru did not belong inhisworld. And for some reason, that soured his gut.

“She is quite attractive in a sort of prudish way,” Marianne commented.

He doubted she even realized she’d made a joke at the expense of Pru’s name. The fact was, Pru was attractive tonight. He frowned to himself. It didn’t bring him any pleasure to see her that way, though. Especially not when she kept fidgeting as though her stays were too tight and the pins in her hair were causing her a headache.

“What made you bring her, Seth?” Marianne fixed him with an inquisitive look that he could not escape when she came to stand in front of him. “You are not toying with the girl, are you?”

“Marianne, have I ever toyed with anyone?”

“Unknowingly, yes. You toy with many a heart by simply stepping in the room.” She smiled. “However, I do not know you to be deliberately cruel.”

“We are friends, that is all. Mrs. Bella Simmons is her favorite singer, and I thought she might enjoy it.”

“You thought wrong by all appearances.”

“Yes, I did,” he conceded.