Page 12 of The Duke and the Spinster

Lady Prudence began to move around the room, always keeping an eye on the corner, waiting for the time when Kilmerstan left Lady Juliana. Which took an unconscionably long time to happen – time that Lady Prudence put to good use, delivering nasty little lies and hints into many ears.

“…she’s a fortune hunter, you know… the family’s pockets are to let…”

“…There was some hushed-up scandal her first Season… bad enough that she never had another, and no-one married her…”

“…clumsy and awkward, no wonder she’s not made a match. But then, you have to wonder what else is wrong with her…”

“…I’ve heard she was compromised that first Season, and whoever it was refused to marry her…”

“… the family keep her mostly tucked away quietly – makes you wonder what is really wrong with her…”

On it went, vicious and titillating, slipping into avid ears.

Finally, Lady Prudence saw Kilmerstan bow to Lady Juliana, and move away. She hurried in the direction of the corner, nearly knocking a man - Lord Fondleton? - who seemed to be heading the same way, off his feet as she passed him. His muttered complaint trailed after her.

“I say, do look where you’re going!”

She ignored it, and slipped behind the potted palms where Lady Juliana stood.

“My dear Lady Juliana, how delightful to see you! I just had to catch you for a moment alone. I couldn’t leave it any longer. I hesitated to speak of this… but my conscience demanded it.”

“Oh? What is it that you need to speak of, Lady Prudence?”

The girl seemed guileless and gullible – just what Lady Prudence wanted.

“The Duke… I’ve seen you talking to him… and I wanted to warn you.”

“Warn me?”

“Yes. You see, he’s… well, he’s a bit of a rake. He hides it well, here, but I’ve known the family for years…” the girl’s eyes went wide with shock, and uncertainty. Lady Prudence held back her smile. “Although I suppose someone like you would put up with that, for the title of Duchess, but you won’t have to, for we have had an agreement for some years now. It was only delayed by his father’s and his brother’s death. But now… well, I expect it will be announced soon. I felt that you should know, before your heart became engaged, pointlessly.”

She patted Lady Juliana on the arm, and moved away.