Read Online A Prudent Match by Laura Matthews - Free Book Online Page A

blame her.”
    “Hmm. No, you are very different from Elinor and Gladys. I received the impression neither of them share your shyness about your body.”
    Prudence felt her face flush in the dark. “Truly I am very sorry for it, Ledbetter.”
    “Don't apologize. I was merely remarking on the difference.”
    Prudence felt him shift on the bed at the same time he drew her hands closer to him. “Come, you're tired,” he said. “Give me a kiss and I'll let you go to sleep.”
    His face was somehow very close to hers. Prudence leaned toward him and touched her lips briefly to his. “Again,” he said, “for a little longer.”
    So she pressed her lips to his and allowed them to stay that way for a few moments. “Now let me show you,” he suggested.
    When his lips met hers, they were firm and had an urgency about them. They did not remain still, but seemed to seek out the corners and the fullness of her lower lip. And he wandered farther afield as well, nibbling at her chin and her nose and her closed eyes. By the time they returned to her mouth, Prudence was able to respond a bit more enthusiastically. Ledbetter at length drew back and said, “Yes, better. Good night, my dear. I hope you'll sleep well.”
    Relief flooded her. “I'm sure I shall. Good night, Ledbetter.”
    “Come, Prudence. It’s time you called me by my given name.”
    “Yes, of course, . . . William. I . . . I'm grateful for your patience.”
    “Just remember that I don't possess an inexhaustible supply.”
    “I will.”
    * * * *
    Prudence awoke in the morning to the sound of the draperies being pushed aside on their rod. Sunlight poured into the room, engulfing her even on the far side of the large bed. For a moment she thought is must be Ledbetter who had tossed them open, but a girl's voice spoke from behind the bed.
    “His lordship asked me to bring your tea, Lady Ledbetter. Shall I put it on the dressing table?”
    “Yes, thank you. Can you tell me what time it is?”
    “Gone nine, milady. Shall I bring you some hot water?”
    “Nine!” Prudence tossed back the covers and swung her feet to the floor. She could see the girl now, a young fresh-faced child who was regarding her with awe. “Yes, I would appreciate some hot water. I'm afraid I've forgotten you name.”
    “Betsy, ma'am.” The child dropped a curtsy. “Mrs. Collins said I was to help you until your own maid came.”
    My own maid, Prudence thought. Ledbetter had no doubt already explained her impulsive act to the housekeeper. Well, what was done was done. And she didn't regret her action, just wondered whether it would have been wiser to wait until she'd gotten to Salston to choose someone. Ah, well.
    By the time Betsy returned with the pitcher of hot water, Prudence was standing at the dressing table sipping at the hot tea. And wondering what the routine at Salston was. Now there was something she could have discussed with Ledbetter, a subject of some import, but she very much doubted Ledbetter's patience ran to describing household matters. She would spend a few hours with Mrs. Collins instead, which would no doubt serve all of them a great deal better.
    Prudence was accustomed to having an abigail assist in her dressing, but only with the occasional external touches. Four sisters sharing an abigail had not led her to depend on someone to help her in and out of her nightdress and her undergarments. And indeed her shyness extended to anyone seeing her unclothed, not just her new husband. So she asked Betsy to come back in quarter of an hour, when she would be ready for assistance with the impossible row of buttons on the back of the dress she planned to wear that day.
    Before the quarter hour had expired, there was a tap on the door accompanied by Ledbetter's voice asking if it would be convenient for her to see him. Prudence's first impulse was to say “No,” but as she had already stepped into her round gown, she offered a reluctant, “If you will wait but a