Page 10 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Even though the women had hurt her feelings, Daisy would not have stood there and shared this space with Lord Dulforth for all the world. Unfortunately, this thought raced through her mind just as the Baron picked up his pace and closed in on them, making it impossible for Daisy and Lydia to escape without causing a scene.

The Baron was dressed in a dark waistcoat with tan trousers. Today, his mustache was free of debris, and the fine hairs quivered as his lips stretched into a reptilian smile.

“Ladies, how lovely to see you,” he declared, coming to a stop in front of them.

Daisy’s heart sank as her hand trembled slightly. “Lord Dulforth,” she muttered as she promptly dropped into a quick curtsy.

Dulforth smiled smarmily. “And how is your father, young lady? You and he must come to tea as soon as he is able.”

“Oh, we could not.” Daisy searched her mind for an appropriate reason she might give so as to decline the invitation.

I am ill?

I do not drink tea?

I cannot abide the thought of sharing a slice of cake and cup of tea with this man?

Daisy knew better than to speak aloud any of her thoughts and instead decided to tack on the blandest excuse possible. “We really don’t want to impose.”

Dulforth’s eyes sparked. Daisy could not tell what he was thinking, but it was evident he was delighted to see her once more, putting up a little resistance and showing her hesitancy to be near him. “It’s no imposition. I would be glad to host you.”

“We couldn’t possibly. But thank you for the offer.”

Dulforth’s face reddened, and he seemed about to have an apoplexy. “Need I remind you of my continuing generosity to you? Surely, it’s theleastyou can do to accept my invitation.”

Daisy felt a bolt of anger streak through her. “You said you would grant me time and space to…to complete my task.” She lowered her voice and continued speaking through gritted teeth, “But how am I to function and do what needs to be done if I spend my days having tea with you?”

“You cannot…you should not reject my invitation to tea, Lady Daisy.”

“I can and I must,” she countered.

Lord Dulforth’s mustache wriggled discontentedly, and he reached up to scratch his twitching lip. “Your obstinacy is infuriating, my lady.” His hand fell back to his side, but then all of his annoyance seemed to disappear because he had been able to name his complaint. While giving a gentle shrug of his left shoulder, Dulforth added, “But I have no need to worry. In time, you will yield and then…then we shall see who…”

Lydia grabbed her hand. “You’ll excuse us, Lord Dulforth. We need to get to…” She gestured vaguely towards the thatched umbrellas.

Quickly walking away, she dragged Daisy along with her. Daisy had never been so grateful to have Lydia for a friend. She had desperately wanted to avoid hearing Lord Dulforth finish that sentence, and thankfully, Lydia had extricated them both from that conversation in the nick of time.

“Thank you for that.”

Lydia hastened her steps as they passed another group of people, heading towards the balloons. “I wish I could do more than drag you away from him. That man is a reprobate, and you must do everything you can to stay away from him.”

Daisy sighed. “That is the goal. But I need to find a way to pay my father’s debt first or else…”

“Oh, indubitably. There could be no way for you to escape once everybody knows your situation. Even if you left for the colonies, the rumors and stories would follow you.”

Daisy gave Lydia a sidelong glance. “Thank you for that analysis on the direness of my situation,” she said drily, sidestepping a small group of people who were blocking the path.

Lydia shrugged. “All I mean is that you should take the help I’m offering. Let’s ask my father for a loan, or you can have some of my dowry. I have twenty thousand pounds?—”

“No, Lydia! Please understand I have to do this on my own,” Daisy interrupted earnestly, coming to a dead stop and turning to regard her friend earnestly.

Lydia sighed. “Very well then. Just know I am here for you if you need me.”

“I know, dear. I’m here for you, too, for whateveryoumay need.” She squeezed Lydia’s arm and turned to resume their walk.

“Lydia!” They both turned to see the Viscount Kerwood beckoning. “Come here.”

Lydia’s father was standing with a young man whom Daisy knew was trying his best to court Lydia. She unhooked her arm from Lydia’s. “You go on. I need a moment.”