Prudence laid her dressing gown on the bed and hung the traveling suit in the empty wardrobe. A few minutes later, a knock sounded on the open door. She turned to see Daniel standing at the door.

"Hello. I heard you speaking to Jasper before I came up. I'm glad you're back. I must confess that I made him uncomfortable with me."

"Why do you say that?" he asked, leaning his shoulder on the door frame and crossing his arms over his chest.

"I asked him how he met Dillon since they acted like brothers. He said they met at school. I noticed the question made him uncomfortable, and he quickly went outside. I did not mean to pry."

Daniel shrugged. "He's uncomfortable about personal questions. When we met him back in school, those were not the best of times in his life. They left a splinter in his side." He dropped his arms and pulled away from the door. "I've put the kettle on. Why don't you come and join us for tea?"

She gave him a smile and followed him downstairs. Now that she knew, she wouldn't ask Jasper any more personal questions.

Jasper rose from his chair when she came into the room, He moved the chair out for her. She nodded her thanks as she took a seat at the table.

Daniel poured the hot water into the teapot, added the tea, and covered it with a cozy. He brought it to the table and set it on a tray and turned to get the scones from a basket to put on a plate.

"Did your mother teach you how to make tea?" Pru asked.

"No. Dillon did." He grinned seeing the look of shock on her face. "When his little sister was given domestic lessons, she insisted Dillon learn them too. He is quite accomplished in the kitchen. He bakes biscuits and makes a fine stew. Aboard ship, he filled in for the cook a few times."

"He's an amazing man, isn't he? I look forward to getting better acquainted. The hospital didn't give us that opportunity." She watched Daniel place teacups, sugar, and cream onto the table, then the plate of scones.

"I found these in the pantry, but I'm not sure how old they are."

She reached for one, tore it in half, and then tasted it. "They're delicious."

After they had their tea and biscuits, Daniel asked about something that had been bothering him. "Would you tell me why your father didn't protect you and all you had by hiring a solicitor? What your brother did could have been prevented."

"I don't know why. Most men do not share such things with their daughters. Most of us are seen as pretty objects to be pampered and fussed over." Neither argued, nor laughed, because it was the way most men treated their daughter. "That view changed when he became too sick to care for himself, and I was the one to help him. Robert took advantage of it. My brother saw me as a nursemaid. Eventually, I did it all because there was no money left for servants.

When Father first became sick, I told father how Robert was taking things from the house. It didn't fare well for me because Robert sought to punish me for telling. As Father grew worse so did Robert's behavior. What I realized long ago was his lack of affection for either of us. He knew once Father died, he would inherit.

"He also said he'd get rid of me by arranging a marriage. But without my dowry he spent, that didn't look promising. Not to mention the cost of having a season. Then I realized he hadn't meant a match with gentry. He would find someone with money.

"I knew that I was on my own and needed to escape him.

"Doctor Burton told me how women were sold as whores to brothels. I suspect he thought that was a better way to ruin my life."

"He told you that?" Jasper asked with heat in his voice.

"Do you think a whore has an easy life? They are often brought to our hospital for horrid things done to them. I am not innocent of the things of the world."

Jasper nodded. "I meant no insult."

"None taken. I've had little choices in my life. It has been one of survival."

"We will all help you and see that your brother is stopped." Daniel finished his tea and sat back in his chair. "We will begin by hunting for this man, Maxwell. Edward's men have contacts around the docks. Give us some time and we'll have some leads to follow."

"Are you worried?" Jasper asked Pru.

"I'm unsure how to answer that question. I trust all of you to do all you can. Dillon believes Robert escaped to Paris. I fear that Maxwell could be a fictitious name. My brother lies with every breath he takes. Most likely, he made it up because he intends to sell me to a brothel.

"Jasper told me about Gabriella, and her unusual abilities. While I am there, I am sure I can be of help around Lord Grey's children. It sounds as if a nurse would be good to have around."

They laughed in agreement. Daniel asked, "What about marriage? Do you not want to have your own family?"

"That is a complicated question while I'm trying to survive. 'Tis late. If you don't mind, I believe I shall retire." She rose to leave them, and they stood watching her.

She prepared for sleep and relaxed in the pretty bed, wondering what life as a mistress would be like. Was it like a marriage? Did men visit their ladies once a week, twice a week, or nightly? She giggled, thinking that would not be correct. Men had other activities such as visiting their clubs and work. Her father worked at night in his study, and as a child, she would join him to be close since her mother had passed.

She missed him so much, but since he had been the only one to love her, that was normal. But her future looked better knowing she had friends. With that thought, she closed her eyes and remembered her time with Dillon and his sister. The fun she had watching him play with his nephew.

Two hours later, the sound of her screams brought both men racing up the stairs. They found her tossing in her sleep, screaming the word no and crying for help. Daniel shook her shoulder to wake her.

"Pru, you're dreaming. Wake up."

She sat straight up in bed sobbing. Both of them were confused about what to do as she cried into the sheet.

"You're safe. You'll be fine. You'll see." When she shook her head as if she didn't believe it, he asked, "Shall we go and get Dillon for you?" She shook her head once more.

"I couldn't stand to see him get hurt because of me. I need to disappear."

"Not without telling him, you won't. He'd never forgive us if you tried that. Give him time, Pru. He'll take care of you." He gave her shoulder a pat. "Lay down. I'll be in the next room. Jasper is watching the yards. Try and get more sleep. You don't want to have dark circles under your eyes tomorrow. Dillon will think we didn't take care of you."

"Don't be ridiculous. He trusts you with his life." She scooted down into the covers and curled up with the blanket. "Thank you for coming. I'll try not to dream of this."

They nodded but didn't think choosing what you dreamed was possible.

* * *

The smell of food woke her. When she crossed the hall to go to the convenience room, she heard voices, and one of them was Dillon's. She rushed to finish her toilet and dress. Once she was downstairs, she stopped to repack the pretty dress belonging to Alison, but she carried the warm cape and draped it over the back of the couch.

She heard Daniel say, "I'll wake Pru to come down and eat."

"She's up. I heard her," Dillon told him. "Call Jasper inside."

Pru went to the door leading to the kitchen and saw Dillon at the stove. His sleeves had been rolled up on his forearm, and his eyepatch was missing. The evidence that he trusted her to tell him the truth was there to see. Tears of happiness filled her eyes.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked as she stepped beside him to see what he was preparing.

"Tell me about your dreams last night. You gave my friends quite a scare."

"I apologize for such a display. But after the night terror and their comfort of me, I slept soundly."

"Your apology was not what I wanted to hear, Pru. I asked about your dream."

"I relived my brother's attempt to drag me from the house. Shall I set the table, or do you plan to fill the plates from the stove?"

He studied her face knowing she didn't want to share what had frightened her, but he wouldn't allow her to keep secrets from him. "Did you recall anything in the dream that you haven't told me?"

Her eyes rounded with understanding. "I'm not sure if I can remember."

"Try. While you do, slice the bread."

He raised his hand and placed it over hers. "Anything you remember could help." He watched her nod as she picked up the knife to slice the bread.

"Will you tell me about what happened after you left me?"

His brow drew together at what she said. "Do you mean last night?"

"No, after you were dismissed from the hospital."

"I didn't leave you, Pru."

"Physically, you did." She decided to be as honest. "After you left the hospital to go home, there were many times I missed seeing you and wondered how you were doing. I had hoped you would come by to see me."

"I wish I had known you felt this way."

"I did consider sending a note. But that is when Doctor Burton told me you had left for America. Jacob came by to get your cream for the trip. I thought of you standing on the deck of a ship surrounded by your friends. I knew you would grow stronger in such an environment. Later, I waited for you to return and hoped you would come and see me. Then when I needed you the most, you were there.

"I do not wish to sound sad, but I need your friendship in my life. You are a reminder of what is good and strong, and I've been in a bad place for a very long time. You help me to be stronger. You always have. Do you understand?"

He studied the sincerity in her face. Her eyes were almost pleading. "Pru, my friends helped me get through each day. I know how important it is. You can count on my friendship. I'm here for you."

In a tender moment, he turned to face her and then reached out and cupped the side of her face. Her hand stilled as she looked up at him. "Pru, the trip to Greystone will take five hours in a carriage. We'll have plenty of time to talk so you can explain why you told Daniel and Jasper you needed to disappear."

"They told you every detail, didn't they?"

"Did you doubt it?" he asked.

The disgruntlement on her face brought a grin to his. From the corner of his eye, he saw the back door slightly open. Jasper and Daniel quietly listened as to not interrupt. "Are you two coming in to eat, or are you using the table outside?" Dillon asked without looking in their direction.

Pru glanced at the door and giggled that he knew they were there. Daniel and Jasper walked inside and sat down at the table. Neither smiled. She pulled plates down from the shelf for Dillon.

"Nothing is better than sharing a meal with friends." She said, and they broke out laughing.

I hope this has given you an added glimpse of the characters that will be in book 3.  Thanks for reading. Now, it's back to work on A Christmas at Greystone.