Page 45 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

To her horror, Lord Dulforth immediately began to make his way towards them.

“Surely he won’t want to speak to me?” Daisy whispered to Lydia.

“I fear he will,” Lydia murmured just as Dulforth came to a stop in front of them.

He gave them both a strained smile and then bowed to Daisy. “My lady, may I speak with you privately?”

“You may not,” Lydia snapped. “She is engaged to the Duke of Blackvale, and it is likely that he will join us shortly.”

Dulforth narrowed his eyes at Lydia. “That doesn’t mean she cannot speak to anold dear friendof her father’s.”

Daisy recognized the threat in his words. “It’s all right, Lydia. I can speak with him.”

“Very well,” Lydia said loudly, as if she thought that by drawing attention to the matter, that could possibly help the situation. “I shall stay right here, and when the Duke asks after you, Daisy, I will be sure to tell him which way you went.”

She nodded to him and walked toward a corner that was less crowded than the rest of the room. Whirling to face him, she glared. “What do youwant?”

Dulforth’s mustache twitched. “Is that any way to speak to your benefactor?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, her stomach churning with anger. “You’re no benefactor of mine.”

He raised his right hand and fingered the fringe of his mustache, smoothing the fine hairs so that they lay flat. “Oh really? Are the gossip rags simply exploding with reports about your father’s debts and his inability to pay? Is it not because of my benevolence that he is still regarded as an honorable man? Would your Duke agree to have any association with you ifheknew the same knowledgeIpossess?”

She swallowed thickly, staring at him in fear, not knowing what he meant to do.

“Don’t think that you have me fooled by the way. I know this is some plan of yours.”

Daisy’s heart began to pound. “What are you talking about?” She whispered.

“Come now. You cannot really think I am ignorant of your circumstances? Why would a Duke as well off as Blackvale agree to participate in his aunt’s games? What probable reason would he have to agree to become your teammate? If you were truly engaged, you’d have his protection and his wealth. You would not need the prize money.”

Daisy eyed him keenly. While he had perhaps worked out parts of her plan, he did not know everything. Even though she had confided in Lydia, she would not be so forthcoming with Lord Dulforth.

So, she dug deep and found a well of courage. Then, she tipped her chin pompously and stared down the length of her nose at him superciliously. “Well, in case the grapevine hasn’t informed you, the Duke and I won the first round.”

“Perhaps, but it won’t be long until people find out this is all an act. Then you both will be disgraced, and Lady Archworth will be embarrassed. When that happens, you’ll have to come crawling to me asking for my help.” He reached out and ran a finger down her arm.

She jerked away, with a gasp, giving him a scandalized look, and he smirked at her. “It’s only a matter of time. You need to get used to the reality of me.”

Bosom heaving, she took another step back. “I said I’d pay you your money. Until then, you agreed to leave me alone.”

She looked around to check if anyone had noticed them, but most of the others seemed to be busy with their own conversations. Even Lydia, who was still standing near the refreshment table, had allowed herself to be pulled into a conversation with Lord Ross and Miss Pitt.

Daisy sorely regretted that the alcove she’d led Lord Dulforth toward was so well sheltered.

Daisy glanced down at the protective way she was hugging her own body and searched her mind for something to say or do that might force Lord Dulforth to take a step back.

“My lady, I was looking for you.”

Daisy was startled out of her own panicked thoughts by the sound of the Duke’s voice. He was standing directly behind Lord Dulforth, looking down upon him as though he were an insect that needed to be exterminated.

A rush of relief flooded Daisy’s heart.

“I-I’m here,” she replied shakily as the Duke continued to glare at Dulforth.

The Baron murmured something hastily and took off, leaving Daisy to stare at the Duke. He watched Dulforth until the manjoined another group of gentlemen, and then the Duke turned his steely gaze upon Daisy.

“Are you unwell?” he asked, his deep voice low and concerned. “Was he vexing you?”