The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,71

if you had, you would not have been alone. I am here. I will always be here.”

“Oh, Fitzwilliam! Have I been foolish in my criticism of you? Was I being unfair?” Prudence asked, feeling as if she were no longer sure of anything.

“I let you down. I understand that,” Fitzwilliam said gently. “I am going to make sure I spend every day convincing you that I am worth another chance. Because I am. We are.”

“It would be so easy to fall back to how we were,” Prudence said. “All I want is to remain within your arms, but there are too many hurdles to overcome.”

“Shhh, you aren’t thinking straight after what has happened today. Just take comfort. Do not make decisions about your future just yet. There is lots of time.” Holding her close once more, he continued to rub her back gently until the tension started to ease from her shoulders. When she felt completely relaxed, he once more moved away slightly. When she grumbled at his actions, he smiled. “I need to return to Manchester.”

“Oh, no! Don’t go! You will be in danger again,” Prudence said. The misty look had disappeared from her expression, which was now all concern at his words.

“I have to go, but I promise I shall be safe. Might I visit first thing in the morning?”

“Of course. Please be careful.”

“I will.” Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her lips gently. “I love you, Prudence. Just for being you. Never forget that.”

*

Prudence awoke late in the morning. She had fallen asleep hours after going to bed, and she had a throbbing headache pounding at her temple, making her wince as she was helped to dress. Checking on her father, she was told he had been awake, but although he had eaten a little, he’d fallen asleep soon afterwards.

She entered the breakfast room to find Mr. Huxley and Fitzwilliam waiting for her. She smiled wanly. “Good morning to you both,” she said.

“Come. Sit down. You look fit to drop,” Fitzwilliam said. “Sleep elude you, did it? I thought it might.” Busying himself in getting her a drink and some foodstuffs, he chatted cheerfully. “The mob had all but dispersed by the time I returned. There have been a number of arrests among miscreants, who will be appearing before the magistrates this morning.”

“I need to go to the mill,” Prudence said.

“About that,” Fitzwilliam said bringing a plate to her and taking the seat next to her.

“Why am I suddenly worried?”

“Wretch! Have you no faith in us?”

Prudence took a sip of her tea and looked at the two indignant expressions staring at her. She laughed. “Fine. I have every faith in your abilities! What have you been concocting between the pair of you?”

“You father needs to rest. Mr. Huxley has a little experience about the mill’s workings day-to-day, and although I have none, I am very interested in learning. We propose that we spend the next week working in the mill in place of your father. Admittedly, we might need to seek his counsel, but we thought he might enjoy being able to order us about from his chamber,” Fitzwilliam explained.

“What about your other duties?” Prudence asked.

“I have decided to resign my commission,” Fitzwilliam admitted. The look on Prudence’s face made him laugh. “I wasn’t going to tell you quite so soon, but you are a meddling woman who needs to know everything!”

“And you call me the wretch!” Prudence said.

“I shall go and check on Anne,” Mr. Huxley said, discreetly removing himself from the room and the conversation that was going to take place.

“I like him,” Fitzwilliam admitted.

“Oh, how things can change in a few weeks!” Prudence laughed.

“Yes, they can. Talking of which, I shall be speaking to your father and asking him if I would be allowed to pay my addresses to his beautiful daughter. I shall tell him that, although I can offer her little with regards to finances, I would like to be taken on as some sort of apprentice and learn the workings of the mill. Hopefully, in time to work side-by-side with him, and then one far off day, with my wife.”

“Oh. I see.”

“That isn’t an encouraging response.”

“No. But it would mean you work in trade and live in the north!” Prudence exclaimed.

Laughing Fitzwilliam lifted one of her hands and kissed her fingers. “I do not care where I live if it means I can eventually marry you. As for being in trade, I have long since known that I would