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Alluring and lovely, entrancing—and untouched. Lucas Fox found her innocence strangely disturbing. The appeal of this young woman who was a virtual stranger to him was hard to explain. Since returning to Marlden Hall he had seriously begun to consider marriage. Whenever he tried to think of a suitable candidate it was Prudence’s image that lingered the longest in his mind’s eye. Proud, willful and undisciplined she might be, but she was also too lovely for comfort.
Lucas did not understand the reasons for what he was about to do. He wanted her, and that was reason enough. But he realized he would have to tread with caution.
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Rumour had it that he had amassed great wealth. However, in his absence his estate had been confiscated. If he were impatient to return home, no doubt he would succeed in securing his estate sooner rather than later for a price. Having fought with the King at Worcester, Lord Fox would have claims on his gratitude and may already be assured of a promise of favour from His Majesty, who was not returning to England a wealthy man.
Before going to join the others on the balcony, Prudence went to the courtyard and picked a sprig of May blossom which she secured behind her ear. She then picked a small bunch of sweet-scented flowers she intended throwing to Adam when he passed by. Securing the colourful blooms with a thin band of blue ribbon she went back inside, disappointed when she reached the balcony to find that the crush of family and servants was so great she had difficulty in seeing anything at all.
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