Page 62 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

“Is this fair?” Daisy murmured to Lydia. “What if you have no dexterity, like me?”

Lydia patted her arm consolingly. “Pay attention, dear. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.”

Antoinette had the hoop on the lower triangle of the X shape. She then pulled the rods apart, and the hoop slid up and shot into the air, towards the footman. The footman caught hold of the hoop with his rods.

“Oh, thatisgoing to be hard to do,” Lydia agreed with a wince.

“The first couple to successfully catch ten hoops wins the round,” Lady Archworth announced.

“This will take us all day,” Daisy muttered under her breath.

“Go on,” Lydia said lightly. “Find your beau. I am sure you will manage. You are still ahead of most of the field.”

Daisy let out a long breath. “I do not know how I am to look at him.”

“Like this,” Lydia said at once.

She stepped closer and tilted her face up to Daisy’s, holding her gaze with exaggerated seriousness.

Daisy blinked, then gave a helpless laugh, stepping back. “You are rather silly, on occasion, my dear friend.”

“And you adore it always,” Lydia said, smiling.

Daisy smiled in return despite her worry over the game and turned her attention back toward the upcoming competition.

Harry had come in search of Edmund. He had finished with his studies for the day and was restless with energy. The moment he saw the couples gathering for the game, he bounced on his heels.

“I want to play too, Papa!”

Edmund shook his head at once. “You cannot. This is for the adults. Go and sit with Mr. Oswalt.”

Harry’s face fell into a pout, as if the world had wronged him personally.

Edmund was about to call Mr. Oswalt over himself when Daisy appeared at his side.

She moved easily, as she always seemed to, as though she belonged wherever she chose to stand.

“Good day, Lord Harry. I was hoping to find you at this party.” She smiled winsomely.

Harry forgot his disappointment immediately and threw himself at her, wrapping his arms around her legs.

“Lady Daisy!”

Daisy gave a light laugh, the sound unguarded and bright.

Edmund watched their interaction keenly.

It struck him again how completely she had changed in the presence of the boy. The composure she wore elsewhere loosened, as if she did not think to defend herself when Harry was around. This sudden failure to guard herself made Daisy seem more radiant, somehow, and livelier.

“I am glad to see you, too, Lord Harry,” she said.

Harry pulled back to look up at her. “I want to play this game, but Papa says I cannot.”

Her expression twisted, and Daisy allowed a small frown to replace her grin. “I’m afraid he is right. But you may stand with me and cheer. After the game, I will find you something better to do. A game just for you. Would that suit you?”

Harry brightened instantly. “Yes!” Then, as if remembering himself, he leaned in and cupped a hand around his mouth. “I will help you win, my lady. You deserve to win,” he whispered.

Daisy’s grin returned. “That is very kind of you, sweetheart,” she whispered back.