“Her sort-of-ex, Reid Chillendale,” sighed Prudence. “I suppose it was Fate up to her tricks again. Reid and I…well, it works. That’s all I can say really. All that needs to be said. But it does relieve Emmeline of the necessity of becoming his Mistletoe bride.”
“I see. But what I don’t see is why you had to leave his side before dawn.”
Prudence swallowed. “Forgive me, but I’m going to ask both of you to promise me that our conversation will go no further.”
“Of course,” replied Hecate. “That goes without saying, but yes, I promise.”
“I promise as well, Prudence. What we say here remains with us forever. Cross my heart.” She solemnly licked her forefinger and crossed her heart with it.
Prudence was touched. “Thank you both.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “Even though I was married to a Lord, I am not what you would call suitable bride material for one such as Reid.”
“I don’t understand,” puzzled Emmeline. “You’re a Lady.”
“By marriage only, Emmeline. My husband was decades older than me and only desired an heir, not a real wife. He failed, and his health also failed, leaving me to carry on alone. But I also carry a secret. I do not know who my father was. Or my mother, as a matter of fact.”
There. It was out.
But there were no shrieks of horror, just two concerned faces looking at her. For a moment unusual tears stung the backs of her eyes, but then she blinked and forced them away.
“To clarify, my mother died during my birth. It turned out that my father was not the man she was married to at the time. He arranged for me to be fostered out to a woman I called aunt, who raised me as her own. She loved me every bit as much as a mother could have, so I have been lucky, make no mistake. I had an excellent education and although my marriage brought me little pleasure, it did result in a handsome widow’s jointure. I have all that I need, now and in the future. But I don’t believe I can bring such a poor pedigree into the Chillendale family. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”
As soon as she spoke the words, two things occurred to her. It was the first time she had told a soul about her origins and she had no idea at all why it had come out of her mouth at this particular time.
She blinked, wondering also why she now had the oddest urge to giggle.
“Ohpshaw.” Emmeline made a rude noise, caught herself up, and then giggled as well. “Goodness, that sounded funny.”
Hecate smiled at both of them. “Girls, you have been quite clear about your situations, and first let me thank you for honoring me with your confidences. Sometimes you have to say words aloud to fully understand them.”
She turned to Emmeline. “You have fallen in love with Brent Rowdean, and you would happily be his wife. But you are concerned that he’ll believe it’s all a sham orchestrated by your mother. Am I correct?”
Emmeline nodded. “Exactly so.”
“And you, Prudence, you and Reid Chillendale are in the middle of a passionate affair and you know, although you don’t like to admit it, that you and he have passed beyond desire and into love. Also correct?”
Caught off-guard, Prudence nodded as well. “Oh God.Yes.”
“Well, dear girls, there is a simple answer to both your problems.”
“There is?” Emmeline tilted her head to one side. “You’re so pretty, by the way.”
“Thank you.” Hecate grinned
“So will you answer us the tell?” Prudence frowned. “Wait. That’s wrong. Will you tell us the question? Answer? Damnation, something’s wrong with my tongue.”
“There’s nothing wrong with either of you. Nothing a short relaxing nap won’t cure, and you are about to have one thanks to my special blend of tea. But before I make sure you’re comfortable, I want you to listen to me.”
She picked up one of her teacups and gently tapped her spoon on it, making it ring. The sound was sweet and fragile and captured Prudence’s attention completely.
“The human voice was made for communicating, one to another. Emmeline, you must talk to Brent.”Ding. “Really talk to him and tell him how you feel.”Ding. “And as for you, Prudence, you must talk to Reid. Not lie with him, and not while you’re both naked.”Ding. “You must talk to him about your feelings as well.”Ding.
Prudence’s eyelids grew heavy. “The tea,” she murmured.
“Quite. Nothing harmful, just a concoction of my own. Some sage and a few other herbs.” She took Prudence’s hand and led her to one of the couches in the room, then returned for Emmeline, leading her to the other.
“Rest, my dears. There is time for everything when you awaken. For now, let the troubles go and think of nothing but joy.”
“Thank you, Hecate…”
Prudence curled up amongst the cushions, watching the firelight dance on the beautiful ceiling…and tried to think clearly. But for some reason all she could see in her mind was Reid. And he made her smile…
