Quick, Amanda by Dangerous Read Free Book Online

liked him,” Prudence ventured.
    “I’m sure he can be charming when he chooses. And he was no doubt more than charming when he
    asked you to dance with him. The thing is, Prue, Trevor is absolutely correct to be concerned about any
    connection between you and the earl. Angelstone is said to amuse himself in some rather odd ways. He
    might find it entertaining to ruin this Season’s most interesting Original.”
    Prudence bit her lip. “Come, now, madam. I am five-and-twenty, after all. A bit past the age of
    ruination.”
    “Not yet, my dear. Not yet. And if there is anything Society loves more than a Fallen Angel, it’s a good,
    juicy scandal. You are the talk of the Town at the moment. Every eye is upon you. If your name is linked
    to Angelstone’s, there will be no end to the gossip.”
    Prudence took another sip of tea. “The only reason I’m the center of attention is because of that
    business with the Pembroke family treasure.”
    “Of course, my dear.” Hester beamed with delight and gave an affectionate pat to the diamond pendant
    around her throat. It had been part of the cache Prudence had discovered. “Everyone knows you found
    my jewels when you investigated the Pembroke ghost. Theton is quite enthralled with the tale.”
    Prudence wrinkled her nose. “Too bad I did not locate the Pem-broke family ghost while I was at it.
    Encountering evidence of genuine spectral phenomena would have been far more interesting than
    dis-covering a bunch of jewels.”
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    “But not nearly as useful, Prue. Not nearly as useful. You have changed my life, my dear, and I do not
    know how I can ever repay you.”
    “You know very well you have more than repaid me by bringing Trevor and me toLondon for a visit.
    Since the death of our parents, Trevor has been extremely restless in the country. Here in Town he is
    gaining experience in the ways of the world and he is having a wonder-ful time.”
    “It was the very least I could do to thank you,” Hester said. “I know how concerned you were about
    Trevor. But I would love to do so much more for you, my dear.” She frowned at Prudence’s demure,
    unfashionable muslin frock. “I do wish you would allow me to buy you a new wardrobe.”
    “Now, Hester, we have been through this before. I am not about to allow you to buy me a trunkful of
    gowns that I will never be able to wear when I go home toDorset . It would be a complete waste.”
    Hester sighed. “The thing is, Prue, now that you have the attention of theton, it seems only proper that
    you should dress in the first stare of fashion. I cannot comprehend why you do not take more of an
    interest in your clothes. You would look lovely in lavender.”
    The door of the drawing room opened before Prudence could think of a suitable reply.
    “Good afternoon, ladies.”
    Prudence looked up as Trevor made his entrance into the room with the swaggering, elaborately casual
    style he had painstakingly learned from his newfound friends.
    Everything Trevor did lately was done with that peculiar style. It was getting a bit wearing, Prudence
    decided.
    Her younger brother had turned overnight into a young blood of theton. From the top of his intricately
    tied cravat to his padded coat, striped waistcoat, and snug pantaloons, Trevor was the very glass of
    fashion. He had taken to carrying a cane and had an enormous num-ber of decorative seals dangling from
    the fob of his watch.
    As irritating as some of his new mannerisms could be on occasion, Prudence was nevertheless very fond
    of Trevor. She told herself he was merely a high-spirited young man who would do very well once he
    had settled down a bit and matured.
    Her younger brother was also a fine-looking young man, she thought proudly. He had no real need of
    the padding in his jacket. His hair was the same honey-colored shade as hers was. Trevor had inher-ited
    their mother’s excellent blue eyes,