Page 74 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

If I knew she was safe, I might feel better.

Lady Archworth turned to him as they rode, a smile on her face. “You know, in spite of today’s debacle, I am quite happy with how the games are proceeding. You and Lady Daisy make a wonderful team.”

A twinge of guilt twisted Edmund’s stomach. “Aunt, I don’t think we should be discussing the games. There is enough talk of favoritism.”

She laughed. “In any case, all I wanted to say is that I am happy for you. It has been… I cannot even remember how long it’s been since you’ve been this light and carefree.”

Edmund turned to face her with a cocked eyebrow. “Light? Carefree? I would use neither of those terms to describe my current state.”

“You don’t see it, but I do,” Lady Archworth said with an enigmatic smile.

Edmund just sighed. This situation was getting more and more complicated by the day.

Chapter Eighteen

Finally, the final event of the competition had arrived.

Daisy was both relieved and saddened. In spite of everything, she had managed to enjoy herself immensely during the games and even discovered hitherto unknown depths within herself.

She picked up the emerald green gown that Edmund had gifted her, with gold accents on the shoulders and just below the breasts. It was exquisite and the only choice, really. She had nothing else as magnificent in her wardrobe.

She went to her jewelry box, sad that she only had paste jewels and nothing real. When she thought of her mother and everything she’d left behind, all sold now to pay her father’s debts, Daisy felt something like despair.

She knew that even if she won the competition and paid her father’s debts, he’d just accrue new ones in no time and be backto square one. That was why she hoped to leave London as soon as possible and make a life elsewhere.

“I must go,” she told her reflection, even if it would break her heart to leave so many people behind who cared for her and people that she loved deeply in return.

Earlier, Amina had twisted her hair up in a complicated plait and put on some rice powder and color on her lips. Slipping on the dress, she added some green paste earrings and a gold chain she’d managed to hide from her father.

Taking up her cloak, she went downstairs just in time for the Viscount Kerwood’s carriage to draw up at the door to pick her up. She took a deep breath and rushed toward the place where Lydia and her parents waited.

Whatever happens tonight, I shall find a way to enjoy myself.

Edmund stared as Daisy walked into the ballroom. She was wearing the green gown- the one he’d had made for her. He could not help but be proud of how perfectly it suited her. She looked marvelous.

He was staring so hard that he forgot he wasn’t alone.

“Blackvale?”

He turned to see that the Duke of Dawnhurst was watching him curiously. “Yes?”

“Is anything the matter? You seem lost in thought.”

Edmund smiled. “Not at all. I was simply… admiring my fiancée.”

Dawnhurst flicked a glance at his wife, who was across the room, speaking with his aunt. “Yes, I can well sympathize with that sentiment,” he said with a half-smile.

Edmund’s eyes shifted over the Duke’s scar, not really seeing it. He knew that Dawnhurst had been self-conscious about it years ago, but he seemed to have settled the matter in his mind.

“I take it you are pleased with the match you made.”

“More than pleased,” Dawnhurst said immediately.

Edmund nodded in understanding. He was beginning to think that a partnership based on trust and understanding could lead to more…much more. His eyes slid towards Daisy once again.

He saw the Earl of Dunfield stop and say something to her before pointing at her dance card. Edmund frowned. “Excuse me, Dawnhurst. I must go.”

Dawnhurst nodded, his expression understanding. “Go on and defend your lady. It is time I retrieved mine anyway.” He nodded to Edmund and began to weave his way over to his wife.