The Duke's Tattoo: A Regency Romance of Love and Revenge, Though Not in That Order by Miranda Davis Read Free Book Online

well in her world.
    The Abingdon carriage reached North Parade Passage and pulled up to Sally Lunn’s Teashop, which overlooked the narrow cobblestone street.
    The footman leapt down to help her alight, “Watch your step now, Miss H.,” he said with warmth and a wink. Her joy was contagious.
    Upon entering the little teashop, Prudence spotted the Dowager Countess of Abingdon, who was a redoubtable woman. She sat in state, as majestic as a frigate under full sail and in similar proportions. She had a thrusting prow, broad beam and ponderous stern aft. Still, she took a young girl’s delight in lively company and conversation. Lady Abingdon particularly enjoyed Prudence’s ready wit for she enjoyed the foibles of others every bit as much as the younger woman.
    Age, however, had caught up with Lady Abingdon. Of late, she had taken to masking poor color with powder and dabs of rouge and she often panted for breath when excited. Whenever Prudence brought any of this up, her ladyship dismissed her apprehensions out of hand.
    “There you are, my dear! I hope you don’t mind my high-handed manner but I had a sudden notion for tea and hoped you’d join me.”
    “I am flattered Lady Abingdon. I enjoyed the carriage ride.”
    “You’re most welcome, dear,” Lady Abingdon fixed the young woman with dancing eyes and embarked on the subject that motivated her invitation, “Truth to tell, there is a gentleman…”
    “A gentleman?” Prudence said with trepidation.
    “Pish tosh, let me go on, if you please. He has asked about you. Wanted to know all about you. Have a Bath bun, dear, they’re warm from the oven.”
    “Me?” Prudence lost her appetite.
    “Oh yes, a fine man. Fought in the war.”
    “Fought in the war?” Prudence squeaked out through the sudden constriction of her throat.
    “Yes, as I said. Not a young man but well made,” Lady Abingdon continued oblivious to Prudence’s unease. “Has a tidy fortune and wishes to become acquainted. A captain in the Navy.”
    “A Captain. The Navy,” Miss Haversham repeated in relief.
Not a duke, thank heaven
.
    “Don’t parrot what I say. Makes you sound cork-brained. Yes, a Captain. Eligible man. Have you given any more thought to marriage?” Lady Abingdon asked with an encouraging smile.
    “I’ve had no time to,” Prudence demurred.
What with abducting the Duke of Ainsworth, tattooing him, dumping him and fleeing the scene of the crime, oh yes and dodging imaginary runners…
    “He noticed you last July in the Upper Rooms,” 2 Lady Abingdon continued undaunted by Prudence’s apathy.
    Prudence forced her mind to function normally again. “Do you refer to Captain Dorset?”
    “The very gentleman. Six or seven and thirty. Needs a wife with sense not some nattering featherbrain. Dowry’s of no concern, plump in the pocket himself. He mentioned a desire to be more formally introduced to you, dear child.”
    “I’m honored, of course, but it would be unfair to a marriage-minded gentleman if I’m not myself in a similar frame of mind.”
    “Sadly, I must agree,” Lady Abingdon said with genuine disappointment. “But you’ll give it further thought and tell me when you’re of a different mind, won’t you.”
    “You’re too kind.”
    “Fustian! Doted on you since you were young! My godchild, after all.”
    “I am a most fortunate young woman, Lady Abingdon,” she smiled, quoting what the older woman often said to her.
    “But are you content, my dear?”
    Prudence’s smile faded a shade, “Of course, I am. I’ve no complaints.”
    “No, never have.” Lady Abingdon considered what to say next. “I always thought your father did you a disservice treating you as he did. Encouraging your eccentricity.”
    “I enjoyed learning about plants and science.”
    “Treated you more like a son. Couldn’t help it, I suppose. Oswald inherited none of his cleverness. You inherited your mother’s looks and your father’s keen wit.” Lady Abingdon