Page 91 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Harry’s eyes lit up. “Of course! I miss her. Is she coming to visit?”

“In a way…how would you feel if I were to marry her?”

Harry gasped, giving a little jump. “Marry Lady Daisy?”

“Yes.”

Harry screamed in joy, making Edmund smile ruefully.

“I see you like the idea,” he said.

Harry nodded energetically. “I do.”

Edmund nodded. “Good. Now come put on your night clothes and I shall fetch a book from your toy room.”

“All right, Papa.” Harry skipped away towards his closet.

He’s going to need a valet soon.

Edmund chuckled to himself. His son was growing up.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Daisy was at a loss as to what to wear. Amina had made her some lovely gowns from the bolts of cloth that Edmund sent but she couldn’t decide on which one might suit the occasion.

She had little time to make a decision because before she could summon Amina, the door to her bedchambers swung open and the maid entered.

“His Grace has come calling!” Her eyes were bright with excitement.

“Edmund is here? Already?” She peered at the clock on the mantle.

“Make haste,” Amina coaxed as she closed the door behind herself and swiftly crossed the room. “We ought not keep him waiting.”

Daisy giggled, then she allowed Amina to help her into a pale green frock.

Yes…we ought not force Edmund to wait for anything.

Amina finished Daisy’s toilette in record time, then the two ladies bustled down the stairs. Edmund perhaps should have been waiting in the parlor or sitting room, but instead, he stood at the bottom of the staircase, looking up at them.

Forgive me,” he blurted as he reached for Daisy’s hand and towed her forward. “I was eager to see you this morning.”

“No need to make apologies.” She smiled at him sweetly. “I am pleased to see you.”

A broad smile stretched his features. “Would you like to accompany me to Gunther’s for a sweet dessert, or would you rather stay in and have some tea?”

“Well, if you’re asking me, I would very much rather go with you and visit your gardens again. They’ve stayed on my mind since I was there last. And it would be lovely to see Harry again.”

Edmund chuckled wryly. “That is an excellent plan. I’m not sure why I did not think of it. Would you be able to stay for supper?” He nodded at Amina. “Your maid may accompany you as chaperone.”

Daisy shared a quick look with Amina. All she needed to see was the maid bob her head in agreement, then Daisy mimicked the motion. “Come then, let’s go.” Edmund offered his arm and Daisy took it. The warmth in her chest seemed to spread to every part of her body. She realized she was pleased because he was happy.

The ride back to Edmund’s townhouse was quite short, and he handed her into the house with care before helping her maid down as well. He sent a footman for Harry before leading Daisy out into the garden. The maid found a seat on the porch and took out her knitting from a bag.

Daisy took a deep breath. “It really is quite beautiful here. I could not appreciate it fully before because of everything else that was occurring, but I can now.”

“Come, let us retrace our steps from that day. Perhaps this time you can avoid getting pricked by a thorn.”

She giggled. “Perhaps you can make sure to remove any thorns before you give me the rose.”