Page 32 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

“Oh no, they came with the house,” the Duke replied. “I believe the previous owner brought them over from the New World.”

“How interesting,” Daisy murmured.

The Duke gestured towards the cobblestone path that zig-zagged through the garden. “This way,” he said. “Allow me to show you the dove cote. Harry loves it.”

Daisy smiled. “I would imagine so. And with so much vegetation to choose from, I am guessing you get quite a few birds visiting?”

His Grace nodded. “Yes. Though we do make sure to leave them seeds and water, so they don’t bother the vegetation too much.” He came to a stop next to a white painted structure on a pole, with several openings for the doves to land on, and covered by a cone shaped roof.

“It’s quite charming.” Daisy surveyed the feature, then gave an approving nod.

“It is. The birds tend to visit in the mornings and evenings.”

“Too busy with their social calendar to hang about otherwise?” Daisy asked with a grin.

“I would assume so.” The Duke smiled.

Today, Daisy was delighted to see that the light sparks had returned to his eyes. Here, in the garden, out in the warm sunshine, he radiated youth and good health. Much like his son, there was something disarming and quite charming about the Duke of Blackvale. When he was surrounded by the splendors of nature and free to converse with her about their beautiful intricacies, she would have readily allowed him to lead her down any winding path.

“Come see the stew pond at the bottom of the garden. Harry and I often catch the fish that live there and have it for dinner.”

Daisy gave him an assessing look. “You are…quite different than how I imagined.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well…” She hemmed for a moment, trying to best think of how to phrase her observations. “I never would have thought you’d spend your time feeding birds or fishing with your son for the simple enjoyment of it. You give the impression of…stuffiness.”

Edmund threw back his head and barked a laugh. “Is that so?”

She shrugged, feeling sheepish.

“Well…it is good to know that you’ve learned something new today.”

She widened her eyes at him. “Have I?”

“Yes. You’ve learned not to make assumptions.”

She squinted at him. “I didn’t say that you weren’t stuffy. You could still prove to be quite tedious.”

The Duke laughed off her words. “I assure you that I am a great many things, my lady, but I shall endeavor never to be stuffy or tedious.”

She snorted. “And I shall try to be less outspoken and judgmental.”

His jaw dropped. “May I ask you to guarantee that by putting it in writing?”

Daisy suppressed a giggle as the Duke raised an eyebrow at her.

“There is no need, Your Grace,” Daisy promised. “I shall be on my very best behavior throughout the rest of the Season and together, we shall win Lady Archworth’s Games.”

“Capital idea, my dear.” The Duke patted her arm. “Now let us admire the garden, shall we?”

Daisy slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow and nodded, indicating that she was ready to proceed.

My dear…my dear…

A thrill raced through Daisy’s mind as she replayed his words repeatedly. He had spoken so simply, so easily, and yet those two little words had sent her mind spiraling in the strangest directions.

Is the Duke beginning to feel affectionate toward me? Was that term of endearment he slipped into the conversation for me…or did he do it because he thought the others might be eavesdropping?