Page 36 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

I made sure to remove all the thorns.

E.

Daisy stared at the note and then at the roses. They were all white, with pristine buds that had yet to open entirely.

“What does it say?” the Earl asked, and Daisy snapped out of her fugue.

“Oh, er, it says…” She cleared her throat. “It’s from the Duke, and he noted that I liked the white roses, I think. He just says he made sure to remove all the thorns.”

Her father beamed. “Good. Good. You’re off to a splendid start.”

Daisy stared at him and then looked back at the flowers. Possibly, he meant for them to create talk and make it seem as if he was courting her, but it felt a bit too real for her comfort.

I need to talk to him about this. Clarify things.

“Well done, Daisy,” the Earl said happily.

Daisy hardly knew how to feel about the thoughtful gesture. She considered writing a note to the Duke to thank him, but then wondered if that was the right thing to do.

“What’s eating you?” her father asked, regarding her keenly.

“Nothing. I’m just trying to decide whether I should send back a note of thanks.”

“Of course you should. Go and write it immediately.”

Daisy hesitated for a moment longer.

“Go!” her father said, and she stood up and left.

Daisy had been expecting it, but it was still a shock when Amina announced that the Duke of Blackvale had arrived and was asking to see her. She looked around, suddenly ashamed of their threadbare furniture and clearly neglected home. She and the maids did their best, but there were some things that nothing but money could fix.

“Send him in,” Daisy ordered, feeling her vision cloud as her heart beat increased. “Please notify my father.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Daisy ran her hands down her skirt and touched her hair, hoping it was at least neat. She was wearing one of her two morning gowns in light blue muslin. It had short sleeves and a square neckline with a delicate white lace ribbon beneath her breasts.

The Duke walked in before she could begin to worry about whether she should change into something else. His eyes met hers, and she straightened up, throwing her shoulders back and raising her chin.

“Your Grace…” she said shakily and curtsied neatly.

He bowed courteously. “Lady Daisy.”

She hesitated, not knowing what to say next, but before she could flounder, her father came hurrying into the room. “Forgive my tardiness. I was not expecting visitors,” he mumbled, still buttoning up his coat.

“That is my mistake.” The Duke eyed Daisy’s father before adding, “I should have sent a note around before I came.”

The Earl raised a hand dismissively. “Never you mind. We don’t stand on ceremony here. Please, have a seat.” He whirled around to find Amina standing in the doorway. “Fetch the Duke a drink right away.”

She nodded and disappeared to her father’s study, where he kept all the alcoholic refreshments. Daisy took a seat so that the Duke could sit as well and twiddled her thumbs, wondering what should be done or said next.

The Duke turned to the Earl. “Lord Claymore, I will not take up too much of your time.” He flicked a gaze at Daisy, smiled softly, then returned his focus to her father. “In the last few weeks, I have come to admire your daughter a great deal. Her wisdom, quick wit, and beauty have captivated me. Her relationship with my son has filled me with joy. I don’t think I need more evidence that she would make me the perfect wife. So I am here to ask your blessing.”

Her father could hardly contain himself. Excitement shone in his eyes as he enthusiastically gave his blessing. “Of all my daughters, Daisy is certainly the most loyal. You will not regret your decision.”

The Duke nodded. “I thank you for your blessing.” He turned to Daisy. “While your father approves of our union, I would also like to ask you to accept my suit, Lady Daisy.”

Daisy took a deep breath, her cheeks flaming as she looked into his eyes. She could not help wishing this were real. “I accept,” she said breathily.