Page 82 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Unfortunately, he was wrong. He managed to deal with his correspondence and bills while still obsessing over what Daisy might be doing and if she’d succeeded in clearing whatever debts had led her to be desperate enough to seek outside help.

Edmund was tired of avoiding everyone. Winston had called upon him the day before, and he had instructed the butler to sayhe was not at home. Lady Archworth wrote him a letter, inviting him—and his fiancée—to dinner.

That only made him feel even more guilty about everything. He thought about writing back to tell her that the engagement had ended. He and Lady Daisy were not proceeding to marriage, but he could not quite bring himself to do it.

He promised himself that he would see her in person and tell her then. He just needed some time…and space.

He shook his head, acknowledging that he could not continue to hide from the world. Whatever happened to Daisy, he had responsibilities to address.

He picked up the bell to summon the butler.

The door opened, and Mr. Alberts came into the room with a look of surprise and inquiry on his face. It made Edmund realize just how much he’d isolated himself.

“Yes, Your Grace?” the butler asked.

“Have Mr. Oswalt bring Harry to me, please.”

The butler gave a bow, his face obscured from Edmund, but he still saw the twitch of his lip as if he was hiding a smile.

“Yes, Your Grace,” he said before hurrying away.

Edmund sat back down with a sigh, pulling his ledger close. He bent toward his work, paying attention to the figures for the first time in a week. Then he paused, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. If he was truly going to do things in the right way, then he needed to notify his aunt and tell her the truth.

It is only fair.

He grabbed a piece of parchment and began to write. He might not be ready to face her, but he could write her a letter.

Feeling the need to get away from her home and avoid her father, Daisy decided to take the air.

“A walk will do me good.”

Wrapping a shawl over her shoulders, she opened the door and began to walk. She passed severaltonladies on their way to promenade, and all of them greeted her respectfully.

Edmund must not have announced that our engagement is off.

She smiled and nodded to them all before quickly walking away before they could engage her in conversation. She had no energy for pretense.

She found that she was on Lydia’s street and decided to call on her. The butler let her right in, without bothering to announceher, and she walked straight to the parlor, a twinge of guilt at how she’d ignored all her friend’s missives assailing her.

“Daisy!” Lydia exclaimed, getting to her feet. “At last, you have emerged from your cocoon.”

Daisy’s mouth turned down, and her lip trembled as she fought not to cry.

“Oh, don’t be upset.” Lydia rushed to clasp her hand reassuringly. “I was only jesting.”

“I-I know.” Daisy’s words transformed into a wail as tears fell from her eyes. “I’m just so s-sorry for ignoring you.”

Lydia’s hand rose to cup her cheek, her head inclined to the side, and her eyes grew soft with sympathy. “Think nothing of it. Tell me what has happened to reduce you to this state.”

Daisy shook her head, still crying quietly. “Nothing has happened. Everything is f-fine.”

Lydia gave a disbelieving yet not unkind laugh. “Come now, Daisy.” She pulled her over to the sofa. “Come sit and tell me everything.”

Daisy followed immediately and took a seat next to her friend. “Well…you know that the competition ended, and we won.”

“Yes, I do. And congratulations again.”

“Th-thank you. Afterward, Lady Archworth gave me the prize money. I gave the Duke his ring back and… he bid me adieu.”