Page 24 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

The Duke lifted a hand and scrubbed it down the line of his smooth chin. Daisy’s eyes followed his every movement and, once more, she had to school her thoughts so that she would not allow distracting, wanton ideas to enter her brain.

“In that case,” he continued, “I will assume you will have less scruples in accepting the money frommeinstead of my aunt. I could provide you with the dowry you need and the extra funds for…?”

Daisy blushed, lashes sweeping down to cover her eyes. “I still prefer to keep that private.”

The Duke nodded. “Very well. Have your secrets. But are we in agreement?”

Daisy looked up at him, staring keenly into his eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. Are you?”

Daisy pursed her lips. “I do not have much choice,” she said drily.

“You always have a choice, Lady Daisy.” His tone grew more stern and less playful. “If you wish, you can just take the money I am offering you.”

She shook her head. “No, I cannot. I wish I could.” She emitted a wistful sigh. “Very well then, I’m in agreement. What happens next?”

The Duke glanced over his shoulder into the parlor. “We have been out here too long, long enough that someone is bound to have noticed. Let us compound that by sitting together when wego inside for just long enough for the gossips to take note. It will be the foundation of our story as two people falling in love.”

Daisy cocked her head to the side. “You say that with some cynicism. Why is that?”

He snorted, shaking his head. “I simply do not subscribe to fantasies. Come, let us go before our presence out here becomes scandalous.”

He stepped aside, allowing her to precede him back into the parlor. She could feel him at her back, like a raging fire warming her, or burning her up, she wasn’t sure which. She had her doubts that this enterprise was a promising idea, if only because she was experiencing such odd sensations and thoughts in the Duke’s presence.

How can I possibly maintain my dignity when I am seized by these new desires? What if I throw caution to the wind and run my fingers through his silky chestnut tresses?

Daisy lifted her right hand and contemplated precisely how far she would allow herself to go.

But before she could act foolishly, the Duke took her hand and led her to the sofa, seating her at the edge before positioning himself to stand right next to her. It was a clever thing to do because while there was no possible way he could have anticipated her thoughts, he had saved them both from a potentially embarrassing situation.

She took the opportunity to look up at him, letting her eyes linger on his smooth lips.

How would it feel to press my own against his? Would he return the gesture and pull me toward him?

She turned away, admonishing herself from her runaway thoughts.

This would certainly never work if she were to set her cap at him. She looked away, glancing around the room in an effort to find something else to hold her interest.

That was when she realized that the Duke’s plan was already working.

Everyone was staring at them.

Chapter Six

Edmund descended the stairs slowly, feeling a slight throbbing headache from all the wine he’d consumed the evening before. In the harsh morning light, with clarity ringing warning bells in his mind, he had to wonder at the scheme he’d hatched with Lady Daisy.

She had been right to question him.

What was I thinking?

He entered the dining hall to find that his aunt was already there, sipping on some tea. He stopped short in the doorway before stepping into the room.

“Good morning, Aunt.”

“Morning, Edmund. Quite an interesting display last night. Care to share your thoughts?”

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “I don’t know what you mean.”