Page 84 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

Daisy and Amina exchanged loaded glances before Daisy stepped into the house. Amina made to follow, but then the Baron put out a hand to stop her.

“You can wait here.”

Daisy’s heart sank. “She’s my maid and chaperone. She needs to come inside.”

“You’re perfectly safe in my company, my lady. Or do you think otherwise?” he challenged.

Daisy opened her mouth, ready to insist, but then she hesitated as the Baron narrowed his eyes at her. She just knew he’d find a way to punish or humiliate Amina if Daisy insisted that she come along. “Of course I don’t. I was merely observing propriety.”

The Baron waved that away. “I have plenty of servants who can function as chaperones if you insist. We hardly need one more. Come.” He walked down the hall, and Daisy had no choice but to follow.

He brought her to his parlor and closed the door before turning to face her. “Now, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Daisy dug into her reticule and pulled out the pouch containing the stack of banknotes. She thrust it at him. “Here is your money. My family’s obligations to you are done.”

The Baron smiled. “I enjoy your naivety. It’s extremely refreshing.”

“Is it? I hadn’t realized.”

“Indeed, it is.” He took a step closer to her. “For example, you think that paying me that measly sum will stop me from taking what I want from you.”

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her flush against him, making her squeal in surprise. “You have never been more wrong, my lady.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Edmund returned to the house after spending some time in the garden with Harry. Much as he was trying, he felt as if he was carrying the entire world on his shoulders.

He collapsed onto a ; the stress of the day, followed by another sleepless night, was already having an effect on him. His butler walked in carrying a tray. “You have a visitor, Your Grace.”

Edmund frowned in annoyance. “Who is it?”

“It’s Miss Lydia Kerwood, the Viscount’s daughter.”

“Daisy’s friend has come calling?”

Immediately, Edmund’s aches, pains, and other annoyances were forgotten. He sat bolt upright.

“Send her to the parlor,” he ordered.

Edmund took but a moment to smooth his waistcoat and run his hands through his hair. Then, he followed not too far behind the butler and arrived at the parlor room just as Alberts was stepping away.

Edmund opened the door and found Miss Kerwood pacing, as she fidgeted with a handkerchief. He could sense her agitation instantly and did not waste time with pleasantries. “Miss Kerwood, what is the matter?”

She nodded, without ceasing to pace, her face anxious. “I do not know if I am doing the right thing.”

He nodded in understanding though he had no idea what she was talking about specifically. “Well, what is it that you’re doing?’ he asked.

“Breaking a confidence,” she replied with a sigh.

“And what kind of confidence is it? Will it result in someone getting in trouble with the law, for example?”

She shook her head, grimacing as she shot him a derisive glance. “Of course not.”

“Well then…?”

She took a deep breath. “All right. What I am about to tell you is something youcannotspread about. Swear you will not tell a soul.

Edmund cocked an eyebrow as he watched her resume pacing. He said nothing.