Cousin Prudence by Sarah Waldock Page B

said the man, well into middle years and creaking at the waist from his much needed Cumberland corset, “You look to be short of an escort; and I am happy to oblige.”
    Prudence was not frozen with inaction for long.
    She turned towards him – at which he leered – and slapped him across the face as hard as she could.
    He gave a cry of shock and fell back.
    “Miss Blenkinsop,”
    She recognised the sardonic voice.
    “Alverston!” she gasped in relief.
    “You appear to have lost your chaperone ,” said Alverston, “might I offer you my arm and protection?”
    “I – thank you ,” said Prudence taking the proffered arm, “that was a most unpleasant experience.”
    “But my good girl, what did you expect in Bond Street?” drawled Alverston “This is the haunt of the Bond Street Beau after all; where are Mr and Mrs Knightley?”
    “I seem to have found less a Bond Street Beau and more a Bond Street Bogey-man,” said Prudence, “I did not wish to disturb them; Emma is a trifle indisposed and of course I would not disturb George, but I wished to effect some repairs to a gown…. I beg your pardon, I am babbling.”
    “You little idiot!” said Alverston.
    “Well My Lord,” said Prudence, with some asperity, “you are one of the few people who might with justice use a word like ‘little’ in relation to me; but on what grounds do you call me idiot?”
    “For not realising, you green little widgeon, that this is London and it is not a safe place like Harrogate or whatever is your nearest large town,” said Alverston viciously.  “I will accompany you to make your purchase and I will see you back home.”
    “I do thank you for coming to my aid sir, but there is no need to put yourself out ,” said Prudence stiffly.
    “There is every reason!” said Alverston “A girl without
    protection might be given any kind of insult; and your maid unable to do a thing.  That old roué is but one!  Slow, and easily disconcerted!  What if two or three of the likes of those ones over there wished to make sport of you?”
    “Those Bartholomew Babies?” said Prudence in scorn “Why would they want to make game of me?  And – surely he was intoxicated to wish to lay hands on me?”
    Alverston laughed.  It was not a pleasant laugh.
    “No you silly girl.  He was not intoxicated – well not more than usual – and you are not safe alone.  Just trust me.”
    Prudence was debating whether he was being overbearing or whether he had a point when one of the dandies called out,
    “Hey, Alverston, why should you get the lightskirt?  Leave us a few!”
    “Excuse me,” said Alverston, thrusting Prudence rudely into a shop doorway.  He walked with a few incisive steps to the man who had made the remark and floored him with a neat left to the chin.  He spoke to the open mouthed companion of the now unconscious wag.
    “When he comes to ,” he said, “tell him I don’t like remarks like that about the greener of my country connections who don’t yet know what’s what.  If he wishes to seek me out I shall be happy to meet him in Hyde Park at his convenience.”
    He strode away.
    “That was what I think they call a wisty castor,” said Prudence, trying to sound intelligent.  He blinked.
    “ They might well; you , my girl, on the other hand, should never be referring to such things by any terms,” he said.  “Well you ain’t swooning anyhow.”
    “Why should I?” said Prudence “It’s a fairly pointless thing to do.  Did you actually offer to fight a duel over my honour?  And did he just imply what I THINK he implied about me?”
    “Yes on both counts,” snapped the marquess “Now let us purchase your necessary requirements and leave.”
    He was pleasantly surprised in how quickly Prudence made her purchase, knowing exactly what she wanted and not dithering in the haberdasher’s shop.  He took her arm to see her back to the chaise, Hester following quietly behind.
    “I’m sorry to cause you