Pride, Prejudice, and Prudence

By Anne Gallagher

Lady Prudence Shaffer is the most disliked of all the Marquess of Dunbury’s nieces. She holds no regard for the feelings of others; her caustic tongue and acerbic wit leaves her friendless save for her sister. No one understands the cause for Prudence’s bad manners. She was raised to be a lady, after all.

When Alexander Lowell, Viscount Abernathy, meets the beautiful Lady Shaffer, he is completely smitten. In line to inherit the highly regarded Westmoreland Earldom, Alexander’s grandfather is very pleased with his choice, so much so that when a coveted position as Dunbury’s secretary becomes available, Alexander is encouraged to take it.

However, one iniquitous remark at a ball about Alexander’s mother has left Prudence dealing with its after effects. A simple apology will not suffice—Lady Lowell refuses to hear it, or allow her son even to think about marrying the dreadful creature. Prudence is shunned within Society.

An unexpected trip to Plymouth brings all manner of secrets out in the open, and Prudence uncovers a shocking truth about Alexander that she cannot bear—he is just another puppet in her Uncle Henry’s political intrigues—Alexander never truly loved her.

With one final attempt to win the woman of his heart, Alexander must prove to Prudence, his grandfather, and Henry Wade, but most of all to himself that he was not who they thought he was, even if he had to die trying.
Prudence finds the ultimate sacrifice would finally bring her heart’s desire, but was it too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anne Gallagher
• Release date: Jul 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005442842

Anne Gallagher

Anne Gallagher was a professional chef for more than twenty years. Now, she writes Regency Romance with heroines who are not afraid to speak their minds. Her heroes, on the other hand, do not realize when they've met their match. Sparks fly, sexual tension sizzles, but never spills out of the pan, so-to-speak. Anne believes you don't have to end up in the bedroom to have a good book.Currently, Anne lives in the Foothills of the Piedmont in North Carolina with her daughter, three dogs and a cat named Henry David Thoreau.

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PRIDE, PREJUDICE, and PRUDENCE

Anne Gallagher

Shore Road Publishing

Bethania, NC 27010

U.S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2021 © Shore Road Publishing

All rights reserved

The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole in part, in any form by any print, electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of any copyrighted materials in any form. To do so is a violation of the author’s rights.

Cover Design by Straw Hill Designs © 2016

Cover Portrait Queen Olga of Wutrttenberg, Grand Duchess of Russia,

by Franz Xavier Winterhalter

FF71721

St. Thomas Aquinas ranked prudence as the first cardinal virtue,

because it is concerned with the intellect.

Aristotle defined prudence as recta ratio agibilium,

right reason applied to practice.

It is the virtue that allows us to judge correctly what is right

and what is wrong in any given situation.

Prologue

19 December 1807

London

Lady Prudence Shaffer stood on tiptoe on the edge of the dance floor and watched the swirling couples. Her younger sister, Patience, held her hand and squeezed whenever someone of importance danced by, such as the Duke and Duchess of Hargrave.

Patience tapped her foot in time to the music. Is this not an excellent outing?

Yes. It most certainly is. Prudence couldn’t agree more.

After losing their parents at sea in a storm, the two sisters moved from their home in Duckett’s Green to Dunbury Manor at the behest of their cousin Mercy. And although related, Patience and Prudence lived with strangers. They had daily chores, not having been able to afford servants, and it cast a bleak future. Until Uncle Henry finally came home from the wars, and saved them all from their cruel fates—Prudence and her cousins had finally gained standing in Society.

Tonight was their first Society ball and Prudence’s heart stopped beating the moment she stepped through Lord Montlake’s front door. Would Alexander have received an invitation as well? Would she see him? Would Uncle Henry allow her to dance? Not likely, but there was no reason why they could not converse.

Her first meeting with the young Viscount Abernathy had taken place in late June at Lady Olivia’s summer breakfast party, before Uncle Henry’s arrival home. Alexander chose her to speak to over any of her more beautiful and older cousins and picked her a wildflower while they walked along the hedgerows. He had called at Dunbury Manor three times since then, and Lady Catherine excitedly agreed he was smitten. However, she was only ten-and-five; but of course, Uncle Henry would approve the match when she reached her majority.

Prudence settled into her life happily knowing she could marry Alexander Lowell, Viscount Abernathy, who would eventually hold his grandfather’s title, Earl of Westmoreland. She would become a Countess. And that was perfectly acceptable to her.

Prudence flicked her gaze toward the front doors again. Between the two columns stood the man of her heart. Alexander! Prudence tugged Patience’s hand. He is here! He is here! She pulled her sister through the crowd toward the grand entrance.

A woman of ample girth blocked Prudence’s way. The mole on the bottom of her chin held several black hairs that protruded at an odd angle. The woman’s cheeks were red and her eyes merely slits in the folds of skin on her face. She looked like a maniacal pig wearing a wig for a costume ball.

Prudence stood on tiptoe to see over the woman’s shoulder. Where was Alexander? She had to find him before he disappeared into the crowd. She accidentally bumped the woman.

The woman stared down her bulbous nose. I beg your pardon, she said.

Forgive me, I need to get through, Prudence said, tugged Patience, and slipped between the fat woman and a tall man in a long black coat.

Alexander Lowell caught her gaze as she hurried across the grand hall. He went to her immediately and caught her hands in his. Dearest, he said. I have been requested upon my arrival to speak with my cousin in the library, but I shall not tarry. I shall find you when I am through.

Yes, of course, Prudence whispered, but he was already gone.

Was that he? a young girl asked.

Where is he going? asked another.

Prudence turned toward the voices. Dorcas Cadoret and Penny Leighton stood next to Patience. All three gazed at her with curious expressions.

Yes. It was, Prudence said. He relates he must see his cousin. She stamped her foot. If it had not been for that odious woman blocking my way, I would have been able to speak with him sooner.

What odious woman? Dorcas asked.

Prudence huffed. She is as wide as any oxen I have seen at the farm and has a mole the size of a rat on her face. It looks like the creature as well, for there are four or five very grotesque hairs growing from it. She was ever so rude, as if I was in the wrong. And her purple gown was positively hideous. Prudence mumbled under her breath. Loathsome toad.

Her companions laughed.

Dorcas mused, I wonder who it could be?

I haven’t a notion, but I feel sorry for her children if they take after her in looks. Prudence drew her gloved hands into the shape of hooves and imitated the sound of a pig.

Dorcas, Penny, and Patience tittered with lady-like laughter.

Prudence felt no remorse about her remarks. She did not know the woman, the woman did not know her, but Prudence had made her friends laugh, and she had gotten rid of her anger at the horrible woman for delaying her. Now, Prudence would be able to enjoy the ball.

Chapter One

8 November 1809

Dunbury Manor

Kensington

Prudence stood at the kitchen door of Dunbury Manor calling for her sister Patience to come away from the barn.

Patience appeared from the inky blackness. I’m having a romp with the puppies. I shall be in presently.

Patience spent more and more time in the barn, and Prudence was becoming concerned. Her social skills were sorely lacking, not for anything Lady Catherine had tried to teach her, but Patience’s lack of interest in people. She would rather spend her time with the animals, any animals, than with other humans. Surely, Uncle Henry would limit her sister’s time in the barn, if for no other reason than to keep her shoes from smelling like manure.

Prudence turned from the door and slammed it closed.

Mind the rafters, Mrs. Partridge called.

Prudence sneaked a look at the ceiling before proceeding down the short entry to the kitchen proper. Forgive me, Mrs. Partridge, Prudence said. I did not realize it would close so quickly. Having returned from Dunbury Park several weeks earlier, Prudence still found it hard to adjust to being in London.

Where is your shawl, lovey? Mrs. Partridge asked. We do not wish for you to catch a fever right before the Season begins. Mrs. Partridge clicked her teeth and looked over her shoulder before saying, Drafty old house.

Prudence smiled. ’Tis a lovely old house, even if a bit drafty.

Mrs. Partridge looked up from her mixing bowl. Well, when did you begin to like this place? Four years together, I have heard nothing from your lips but complaints.

It has grown on me, Prudence said.

She would be leaving soon enough. Alexander would surely propose this Christmas. Last year Uncle Henry had just arrived home and Alexander refused to speak to him. But certainly, this year, Alexander would request an interview with Uncle Henry. Prudence could hardly wait to plan the wedding breakfast.

Mrs. Partridge glanced at Prudence with a raised brow. What has you smiling?

Nothing, Prudence said. Nothing at all. She grabbed a pear from the bowl on the counter and walked through the butler’s pantry into the dining room.

Lake stoked the fire. Good afternoon, Lady Prudence.

Good afternoon, Lake. Prudence walked toward the two chairs. Might I enquire if we have received any invitations yet?

Lake looked up from his task. Lady Catherine has the invitations.

Prudence sighed. Lady Catherine had not been forthcoming with the information. How many have we received, Lake?

Lady Prudence, Lake said and plunged the poker into the burning embers.

Prudence huffed and returned to the kitchen. She plopped onto the bench at the table.

What is it? Mrs. Partridge asked.

I enquired of Lake if we have received any invitations yet. He referred me to Lady Catherine. She picked up a square of kitchen flannelling from the wicker basket on the table, flicked it straight, and folded it.

And have you not asked her?

I have and she refuses to answer. Prudence pouted. She flicked another square and folded it. How am I to ascertain at which ball I will see Alexander first if I do not know where we have been invited? I should hate to waste my best gown somewhere he will not see me in it.

Mrs. Partridge tsk-tsked. Priddy, we have talked about this.

Prudence managed a contrite countenance. Yes, Mrs. Partridge, but it is all so tedious. She whispered, I shall be the next one to marry. They all know it. Why should I not be happy about it? She worked on the toweling in the basket to calm her frustration.

Mrs. Partridge walked over with a small plate of biscuits, and left it on the table. You should not parade yourself like a peacock when the others have no prospects.

It is not my fault that Mercy’s Lieutenant is lost or Charity behaves badly. As for my sister, she is barely out of the schoolroom.

Still, it does not become you to put on airs, Mrs. Partridge said. After the scandals surrounding Hope and Faith, you should count your blessings the Viscount still wishes to join this family.

There was that. Yes, very well. I take your point, Prudence said. I shall try to behave in an appropriate manner. Prudence finished folding the laundry and placed the small piles into the kitchen cabinet where they were stored. She returned to the table, picked up the basket to return it to the closet, when the kitchen door slammed again.

Patience entered the kitchen two seconds later. Where is Uncle Henry? she asked, out of breath.

I could not tell you, Mrs. Partridge said.

Is he in residence or at Wade House? Patience appeared desperate to find him.

Why? Prudence asked. What is it?

Patience lowered her voice. Do not say a word to Mercy, but I believe there is something wrong with Arthur.

Arthur, the horse, belonged to Lieutenant James Stone, Uncle Henry’s former secretary in the war. Stone had left the animal at Dunbury Manor when he returned to Spain and broke Mercy’s heart.

Is he lame? Prudence asked.

No. He is having trouble breathing. Patience wrung her hands. I have searched everywhere for Mr. Cooper and Tom and cannot find them.

Oh, lovey, do not fret, Mrs. Partridge said. She walked to the bells and yanked three or four.

Two footmen and Lake joined the women moments later.

Is his lordship in residence, Lake? Mrs. Partridge asked.

He is inspecting the fields with Mr. Cooper and Tom Blackmoore.

Patience looked about to burst.

We shall return presently, Prudence said, grabbed her sister’s hand and tugged her toward the kitchen door. Come. Let us find them. She pulled two coats from the pegs in the hall and handed one to Patience before scrambling down the rear steps to the garden.

The girls slung the coats over their shoulders as they ran toward the barn.

How are we to find Uncle Henry? Patience asked. They might not even be on the estate any longer.

Where would they be? Prudence asked. She stared into the dark barn. Even with as little experience as she had with horses, Arthur did seem as if he had labored breathing. Prudence turned to Patience. Come, let us hitch the pony to the gig, and set out before it becomes dark.

Thanks to their hardship before Uncle Henry came home, they were very well-trained in fending for themselves. It took the two girls little more than ten minutes to hitch the harness and poles on the cart pony and driving down the long path through the meadow to the rye fields. And although Patience had much more practical experience with the creatures in the barn, Prudence took the reins.

You should not drive so fast, Patience said. You do not wish to lame another horse do you?

Prudence’s impatience with one of the big draft horses last summer at Dunbury Park caused him to step on a rock and become lame. Uncle Henry was not happy the animal could not participate in the harvest.

Prudence tugged on the reins a bit. What do you think is wrong with Arthur?

Hay fever, Patience said. I cannot think it must be anything else or it will break Mercy’s poor heart all over again.

Is it curable? Prudence asked.

Yes, but we do not have much time. Patience, who never cried, looked ready to burst into tears. The situation must be very serious indeed.

As the terrain became less rocky, Prudence allowed the reins some slack, and the little black gelding broke into a fast trot. They rounded the bend where Faith had almost been kidnapped, and Uncle Henry, Cooper, and Tom Blackmoore broke through the clearing at the bottom of the rye field a half-league away.

Uncle Henry! Patience stood up on the moving vehicle and shouted. Come quickly!

All three men broke into a gallop and reached them in seconds.

What has happened? Uncle Henry asked as he pulled hard on his horse’s reins.

Arthur is having trouble breathing, Patience said. I did not know what to do and I do not wish for Mercy to find out. You know how she loves to visit with him in the evening.

Since James Stone’s return to the wars two years previously, Mercy had visited his animal every night as if somehow that would bring James home.

Uncle Henry nodded to Cooper and Blackmoore. Go. Now. I shall return with the girls.

Cooper and Blackmoore broke into a hard gallop back to the barn.

Uncle Henry addressed Prudence. Do you agree with your sister’s assessment of Arthur?

Taken aback Uncle Henry would ask her opinion, Prudence blurted, Yes. I do.

Well, hurry along. Turn him around.

Prudence snapped the reins to bring the pony cart around. Once straightened, Prudence followed her uncle up the road back to the barn.

Mr. Cooper led Arthur in a large circle in the barnyard as they pulled up. Patience jumped from the cart before Prudence had even brought it to a stop.

Prudence pulled the pony up to the barn door and tied him to the handle before joining the others under the shade of a giant maple. Prudence stood next to her uncle. Everyone remained silent.

Mr. Cooper brought Arthur around again. The animal sounded desperate to catch his breath.

Will he be all right, Uncle? Prudence asked.

I cannot tell you. Henry Wade nodded to his steward. Take him down to the river. Allow him to roll in the meadow. Perhaps the clean air will clear his lungs. Henry turned toward the barn and then glanced at Tom Blackmoore. We must clean it. Get rid of everything.

Aye, my lord. Tom nodded to Uncle Henry before heading to the barn.

If you will excuse me, Uncle Henry, Prudence said. I must return to the house. She wanted no part of cleaning the barn.

Thank you for assisting Patience, Uncle Henry said. It was very kind of you.

The flush started at her toes and worked its way up her entire body. There was naught she could do about it. ’Twas nothing, Uncle. Prudence bobbed a quick curtsey and skipped through the kitchen gardens and up the steps to the back door. Compliments from Uncle Henry were rare indeed. Prudence slammed the door coming in.

Who is it? Mrs. Partridge called. And pray do not get mud all over the floor. Kick your boots outside.

’Tis only me, Prudence said as she emerged from the hall into the kitchen proper. I have no boots to kick.

What happened? Did you find the Marquess? Mrs. Partridge asked. Is Arthur ill? She stirred a large pot over the iron stove and then wiped her forehead with a kitchen rag.

He is, Prudence said. Uncle Henry asked Mr. Cooper to take him down to the river. He said the clean air will help. Prudence lifted the lid of a container on the long plank countertop and found only a tin of flour. The next held sugar.

Your uncle is a very smart man. And what you’re searching for is over there. Mrs. Partridge pointed her spoon in the direction of the cupboard on the back wall near the stairs that led to Uncle Henry’s rooms in the attic. A large porcelain soup bowl with a lid painted bright yellow, sat in the corner of the large wooden hutch.

Prudence stepped over, lifted the lid, and to her surprise, the bowl revealed biscuits. Exactly what she had been searching for. Prudence took two and walked to the table. They must clean the barn thoroughly. I wanted nothing to do with that. Although, Patience remained. Prudence clucked her disapproval, and plopped onto the bench at the table.

Why should you take objection to your sister’s actions when they have no bearing on you? Mrs. Partridge asked.

I am not objecting. However, I fear she spends far too much time in the barn. She is to be presented this year and is barely acceptable as she is. Prudence sank her teeth into the edge of the biscuit, savoring the flavor of cinnamon. I should not like her to ruin my chances with Alexander.

Mrs. Partridge smiled. Nothing could ruin your chances with the Viscount. He is totally besotted.

Prudence sighed happily. That was true. He would never leave her. Prudence felt for the note in her pocket—a clandestine meeting with Alexander at the end of Rotten Row tomorrow morning that had taken several days to secure. The plan she had contrived with Patience had so far, worked brilliantly. It took very little coaxing to convince Patience to help once she understood she would have ample time in the saddle and perhaps a chance to gallop. Lady Catherine severely frowned upon riding without restraint through the wilderness at the Park. Patience then had to ask Uncle Henry if they could ride early in the morning on Rotten Row. One of the horses needed a good run and they couldn’t do it on the estate. Thankfully, Uncle Henry liked Patience and agreed. Carbrey Cooper would oversee the animals and Prudence would come with them to act as chaperone. Uncle Henry had raised a curious brow at that pronouncement, but he relented when she said they would ride at dawn.

Prudence would hardly be able to sleep. There was so much she wanted to say to Alexander, so many questions she wanted to ask him. However, of the utmost importance was to find out if he truly cared about her. With Uncle Henry’s position in Parliament, it seemed young men were throwing themselves at Mercy with the clear intention of gaining Uncle Henry’s attention. Mercy had rebuffed them all, but a niggling suspicion at the bottom of Prudence’s heart tugged a little harder every time she thought about Alexander. But that was preposterous. She and Alexander had met at Lady Olivia’s summer breakfast party last summer. Before Uncle Henry had even come home. There could be nothing to misconstrue if anyone thought the introduction had anything to do with Uncle Henry.

However, it had been seven long months since Prudence had last seen Alexander. Had his feelings changed? Did he love her still? Had he missed her? She would find out tomorrow.

Chapter Two

Alexander Lowell, Viscount Abernathy, waited at the end of Rotten Row and watched the riders exercise their mounts. He wondered how Prudence would manage to escape the confines of Dunbury Manor. Henry Wade’s protection detail was at every door. What excuse would she use to cajole her uncle into allowing her to leave the premises? Alexander couldn’t fathom. Henry Wade could see through every ruse.

Alexander’s thoughts drifted to the summer party at the Duchess of Caymore’s, where he first met Prudence. His grandfather had wanted him to attend, and although the idea of sitting through a summer breakfast at Lady Olivia’s bored him, he went because his grandfather said he would introduce him to some very important people. When Lady Olivia wanted to bring him to the table of Dunbury ladies for an introduction, his grandfather quietly said, Do let me know if one of them strikes your fancy, my boy. Marrying into the House of Dunbury would be considered an advantageous marriage. And once Henry Wade returns from the war, I’m sure the dowry will be made to rights.

Alexander was not in the market for a wife, but just for his own amusement, allowed his gaze to rest on each girl’s face as Lady Olivia recited the young ladies’ names. Mercy seemed too sad. Faith, too intelligent. Hope, too beautiful. Charity, too…he wasn’t sure what it was about Charity, and Patience was a mere child. None of them struck his fancy. Until, Lady Olivia introduced Prudence. She was the only one whose smile reached her eyes. After lunch, when Lady Olivia obligingly told him Prudence walked alone by the hedgerows, Alexander understood that his grandfather and Lady Olivia’s famous matchmaking skills might have brought him to the party, but it was fate that he found Prudence there.

Three riders approaching fast from the end of the Row interrupted Alexander’s reverie. As the riders drew closer, he gasped, as he realized two of the three were women, bonnet ribbons flying behind them as they drove their horses to the finish line of their imaginary race. He watched as they flew past him, and laughed when he realized it was Prudence, with her sister Patience, and Cooper, the steward to the Dunbury estate.

Prudence drew her mount around and faced him. Good morning, Abernathy. How do you do?

Very well, indeed for seeing you on such an early morning, Alexander said.

Shall we ride? Prudence asked. I have no wish to lame my horse after such an exercise.

Of course, Alexander said, and mounted his horse. He noted Prudence’s wide smile to her sister Patience. So, that was how they escaped the manor. Alexander brought his horse alongside Prudence’s. Shall we take a turn around the park?

Prudence looked at Carbrey Cooper.

A half-turn, Cooper said. Once around the Long Water and back. I want one more go for them on the sand as well. He pointed toward the exercise track.

Alexander nodded to the steward and then set the pace with Prudence toward the path that led to the pond. He turned to Prudence. You look very pretty today. Alexander had never been shy about giving her compliments. He had learned long ago that women would do anything for a flattering remark. Perhaps he would finally be able to kiss her.

Thank you, Prudence said. That is very kind of you to say. She rode with purpose, as if there was something of great consequence on her mind.

Alexander waited until they were under the canopy of elms on the north side of