The Courteous Cad Read Online Free

trivialities detract from the mounds of golden hair coiled high above a creamy neck and soft shoulders? Her figure alone—sumptuously curved in all the right places— would garner droves of admirers.
    But Prudence had more than beauty in her favor. She had proved herself both intelligent and witty in their short conversation. William had enjoyed the spark of indignation that lit her green eyes when he chided her about rewarding the little thief who had taken her bag. More intriguing, she had declared herself untouchable. No man could steal her heart, for she intended to remain unwed forever. Exactly the sort of challenge he found irresistible.
    “My wife is calling at the linen draper’s across from the inn,” Randolph was saying. “She must have a new ball gown with sleeves, she informs me, for we anticipate a large party of friends from London, and the women will all wear sleeves.”
    “A lady cannot be happy at a ball unless she is well dressed.” Mary turned her attention to her sister. “Is that not so, Prudence? Indeed it is, for my sisters and I are very partial to balls. Prudence takes particular delight in filling her dance card. Do you not, Prudence?”
    Mary touched her sister’s shoulder, and the younger woman looked up from the fire in surprise. “What is it, Mary?”
    “Lord Thorne and I have just been discussing sleeves, Prudence, for he and his wife are to host a ball in two weeks. Sleeves, as you well know, are indispensable these days.”
    Without responding, Prudence lifted her teacup and took a sip.
    Mary gave a nervous laugh. “We are out of sorts today, you see,” she explained. “My poor sister met with a great calamity in the street. Your brother’s kind assistance was most welcome, I assure you.”
    “I am glad William came to your aid today. But do excuse me, Mrs. Heathhill, for I see that my wife has just entered the inn.”
    As always, William felt a mixture of envy and admiration in the presence of Olivia Sherbourne. Randolph had somehow managed to capture the heart of the woman most forbidden to him. The peace they shared radiated through the room even now. Their love shone as they came together, her deep brown eyes meeting Randolph’s blue eyes. Olivia whispered to her husband before turning to the tea table for introductions. Randolph saw that they were quickly made.
    “Miss Watson,” Olivia said as Prudence attempted to rise. “I am pleased to meet the lady who is all the talk of Otley. Your misadventure in the street has turned wagging tongues from speculation about my choice of silks at the linen draper’s, trimmings at the haberdasher’s, and designs at the dressmaker. How can I thank you enough? But of course! You and your sister must join us at dinner this very evening. Please say yes, for I cannot bear to think of your dining alone.”
    When Prudence said nothing, her sister was quick to speak up. “How kind, Lady Thorne. We should be delighted to accept your invitation. I can think of nothing more enjoyable.”
    “Very good. And, Miss Watson, if you are willing, I am eager to hear a true account of today’s events. That William plays the hero in the drama is most astonishing. He has been termed a cad—albeit a charming one.”
    “I may have been a cad yesterday, dear Olivia,” William spoke up. “But perhaps this morning I turned over a new leaf and am now eager to redeem my character. My actions in the street may have been the beginning of a pristine chapter in my life.”
    Olivia chuckled as she spoke to Mary. “My husband and I hold high hopes for William’s reformation, for he is very amiable.”
    “As we can attest.” Mary beamed at him. “Make yourself easy, Mr. Sherbourne. Prudence and I shall delay our judgment of your temperament until we know you better.”
    “You are kind, Mrs. Heathhill,” Olivia said. “And how better to continue such acquaintance than with dinner? With great anticipation we shall await you at Thorne Lodge this