Page 58 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Daisy’s eyes widened. “The actual diamond ring is the treasure?”

“Watch the room...” he repeated thoughtfully. “That can only be a painting, correct? A painting of a person wearing a ring,” the Duke murmured, already turning toward the parlor doors.

The answer to the riddle implied that the treasure was hidden somewhere in the portrait gallery.

While the others labored over the riddle and some set out to search the house, the Duke used his knowledge of the place to lead Daisy onward. They were followed by a footman who was there, presumably, to confirm that they found the treasure without cheating.

“I think it’s behind a painting,” the Duke whispered to her as they stared at portraits of his ancestors. They walked slowly from one to the other. The Duke examined each thoroughly as he murmured to himself. Finally, he stopped at one. “Thispainting. Look at the stone on his hand.”

He was standing behind her, and she could feel the heat of him. It made it difficult to focus or think, but she tried her best.

“A diamond ring. You’re sure your aunt would hide something so valuable?”

“I think she knows us to be honorable. It is no notable risk to drop a diamond ring behind this painting when she trusts the couple who are competing.”

“True. Well…” She stepped aside. “You solved it, Your Grace. You should do the honors.”

Fortunately, he was right, and the diamond ring worn by the man in the painting was indeed tucked behind, just underneath the frame.

“I suppose in this case, it was an advantage to be related to the game host,” she murmured to him as they made their way back to the parlor.

“Indeed,” the Duke agreed mildly, his hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her.

As they stepped back into the parlor, the Duke kept his hand right where it lay. Daisy’s breath sped up rapidly. When she turned to search his expression, he appeared to be unaffected, and that knowledge only made her heart thrum wildly. She did not understand how that small touch was making her feel as if she was losing her mind.

I have to talk to Lydia. She’ll know what to do.

Two days later, Daisy invited Lydia to her house for tea. Spending all this time with the Duke, she’d come to know him better and had come to understand that there was a lot more to him than his dry, distant persona would suggest.

While serving the tea, Daisy cataloged what she knew of the Duke of Blackvale.

He is a passionate kisser.

She shook her head vehemently. Even though weeks had elapsed, Daisy hadn’t managed to get the memory of that kiss from her mind.

She tried again.

The Duke is also thoughtful, highly intelligent, and attentive.

“So, how are things with the competition?” Lydia asked as Daisy handed her a cup of tea.

Daisy smiled. “I cannot complain. The Duke and I are doing quite well. It’s quite likely we’ll win.”

Lydia’s face lit up. “Is that so? What a relief.”

Daisy nodded. “Yes, it is.”

“So…your plans haven’t changed?”

“Plans?”

“To leave after you get the money. You still wish to find work and build a life elsewhere. Or perhaps you will seek to marry someone else. Is that still what you want?”

Daisy hesitated, thinking about the wonderful time she’d been having. It was a matter of supreme irony to her that now, when she’d finally felt as if she had found somewhere to belong, she would have to leave it all. It was her own fault for making too much of an arrangement that was never meant to be real. Now, she would be responsible for breaking her own heart, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She shook her head. “My plans remain unchanged.”

Lydia gave her a keen look. “Are you sure?”