Page 16 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Lydia nodded and gave her an understanding smile. “Well, and how was it?”

Daisy took a deep breath. “It was…odd. I met a young boy named Harry and saved him from being trampled by a horse. Then his father came by and accusedmeof recklessness.”

Lydia gave her a look. “You? Really?”

Daisy grinned. “That’s what I said. We had a quarrel, and then his aunt also arrived and thanked me for what I did and invited me to dinner.”

“Did they introduce themselves?”

“Yes, it was the Duke of Blackvale and his aunt, who is the Dowager Marchioness of Archworth.Shewas quite lovely while he was a grouch.”

“Lady Archworth!” Lydia exclaimed, looking impressed. “She’s known to be quite eccentric. The ladies I was with just now were discussing her upcoming events where she means to pit young couples against each other to earn her favor—that favor being, I understand, quite a bit of money.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “She asked me about that. Said she could use my advice.”

“Indeed? She must hold you in high regard.”

Daisy thought about Lydia’s words. If she earned Lady Archworth’s ‘favor’ she might be able to pay Lord Dulforth back and get out from under his control.

This is the opportunity I’ve been hoping to find.

“Maybe, instead of consulting on the events, I ought to participate,” Daisy mused.

Lydia inclined her head. “Did you not hear when I said it was for couples? Don’t tell me you’ll ask the Baron to be your partner.”

Daisy grimaced. “Oh God, no. But perhaps I could find someone who is also in need, like me. We could do the events and win, and then we’d split the winnings.”

Lydia frowned, looking doubtful. “Who could you possibly even ask? It would be difficult to find out who is in need and would be willing to admit to it.”

Daisy sighed. “I know.” The sense of despondency and discontent that had clouded Daisy’s thoughts earlier in the day returned. She knew just as well as Lydia did that few gentlemen would be willing to partner with her because they feared being publicly aligned with her or her father, and even fewer would want to state outright that they needed the money.

If I could conceal my own woes, I certainly would.

Daisy spun slowly on the spot, looking at the face of one gentleman after another.

He’s already wealthy.

He’s set to inherit a fortune.

His mama would never allow him to participate in a competition that was not sanctioned by his own house.

Daisy grumbled to herself as despair set in fully.

“Do not fret,” Lydia interceded.

“I shall try to be optimistic,” Daisy whispered, “but it is such a challenge.”

Lydia patted her hand. “If you cannot face this difficulty, my friend, how do you expect to win Lady Archworth’s games?”

Before she could answer, Daisy heard a peal of boyish laughter and turned to see the Duke of Blackvale, Lady Archworth, and little Lord Harry standing ten feet away. They had their heads tipped back and were gamely watching the hot air balloon slowly lift off into the sky. Harry laughed again, and the Duke’s serious demeanor cracked slightly, revealing a pleasant, endearing smile.

There was something about the softening of his features that prompted Daisy to take heart, so she said, “Believe me when I say this, Lydia. I will find myself a partner for Lady Archworth’s games, and we will win whatever challenge stands up against us.”

Chapter Four

“Well, well…she is quite plump in the pocket, eh?” Lord Claymore looked up at the imposing townhouse that belonged to Lady Archworth.

“Don’t be crude, Father,” Daisy said reproachfully.