Page 92 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

“Ah, a challenge. I shall accept it graciously.” He bowed to her and they began to walk together, talking about inconsequential things.

“Lady Daisy!”

She turned, beaming as Harry came tearing down the path towards them his face alight with excitement. He slammed into her, wrapping his arms around her legs and she swayed, almost falling before Edmund steadied her.

She reached down to embrace Harry, laughing with delight. “I take it you’re glad to see me.”

“Oh yes, I’ve missed you. Where did you go?” Harry asked, his face still buried in her skirts.

Daisy and Edmund exchanged loaded glances before Edmund answered for her. “She’s been very busy, but soon, she’ll be moving in with us for good.”

Harry moved back enough to peer up at Daisy’s face. “Today?”

She laughed. “No, I’m sorry, not today. But soon. Today I only came to visit.”

Harry sighed in dramatic resignation. “Fine.” He took her hand. “But then I shall walk with you, and then you’ll come and see my toys, and maybe you’ll read me a story?”

“I would be delighted,” Daisy replied.

Daisy had not expected to enjoy herself as much as she did. She’d thought that she and Edmund would spend some time together,talking of serious issues like what he expected of her in the marriage.

Instead, she’d spent the afternoon chasing after Harry and laughing, they’d sat by the pond as both Harry and his father tried to teach her to fish, and then they’d spread seed in the dovecote. Finally, they’d retired into the drawing room as it started to rain where Daisy was reading Harry a story while Edmund sat opposite them taking in the scene.

Amina was in the kitchens, visiting Edmund’s housekeeper, whom she knew from various meetings at the market. With Harry in the room, Daisy supposed no one would think them to be flouting propriety. There was also a footman by the door, which remained open.

Daisy was appreciative of Edmund’s thoughtfulness in making sure she did not feel compromised though it was hardly necessary. She trusted him and knew he would never try to do anything like Dulforth had done.

She peered down at Harry and found that he’d fallen asleep. She looked to Edmund, wondering what to do.

He smiled. “He’s been sleeping for at least half the story. Your voice is very soothing.”

She felt her cheeks heat. “Thank you.”

He shrugged, “I am just making an observation. Would you like me to summon the nurserymaid to take him to bed?”

Daisy looked down at Harry. “Well…I suppose he’d be more comfortable lying down.”

He leaned forward, “But you’re enjoying his soft trusting weight against you?” he asked softly.

Daisy nodded slowly as the realization came over her. “Yes…” she sighed. “Exactly.”

He leaned back and nodded. “I know the feeling well. You should be careful. The more you let him treat you as a pillow, the more reluctant you become to relinquish his weight.”

She laughed softly. “Is that so?”

“Take it from someone who knows.”

Before they could resume conversation, there was a knock on the door and the butler entered. “A monsieur Bauer is here to see you, Your Grace.”

“Ah, that was fast. Send him in.”

Edmund hadn’t expected the jeweler to take too long since they lived on the same street, but still, given that he’d not made an appointment earlier, he was gratified that the monsieur arrived so promptly.

He got to his feet as the man swept in, carrying a case with him. He bowed low. “Your Grace,” he said gravely before turning to Daisy and making a leg. “My lady.”

Daisy stared with wide eyes from Edmund to the jeweler. “What’s happening?”

Edmund gestured towards the monsieur who put his suitcase on the table and clicked it open. “This gentleman is here with a few choices for a ring. I know I could’ve given you something from my family’s collection, but I thought we might start our own traditions with a new ring, a new beginning.”