Page 96 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

“Oh… that was… generous of you.”

“Least I could do for the woman who finally conquered my friend here.”

Daisy giggled. “Hardly conquered.”

“Yes, conquered. Wouldn’t you agree, Edmund?” he asked, turning to the Duke.

He raised an eyebrow. “Agree you ask? I heartily endorse.”

Winston made a mock sad face. “It’s not enjoyable when you agree with me.”

Edmund laughed. “And that makes it all worth it.”

Lady Archworth approached the table, and Daisy got to her feet to embrace her. “Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She gave her nephew a sidelong glance. “Especially since Edmund decided to take the long way around in getting to this marriage.”

Edmund held up his hands in surrender. “I was wrong. I apologize,” he said with mock solemnity. “Aunt, they’re serving the meat course.”

“My eyes still work fine. Can I not congratulate my new niece-in-law without you badgering me?”

Edmund smiled. “Certainly not. I shall simply have them move you to our table.”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Lady Archworth said as Edmund fetched her a comfortable chair.

Daisy turned to Lady Archworth. “I wanted to apologize formally for the deception. It was in no way malicious. I can return the rest of the money if you’d like. I’m afraid I only have half of it.”

Lady Archworth waved it away. “Edmund already explained things to me. I admire your fortitude, my dear. You have been through much and prevailed. You will make a worthy wife for my nephew.”

“That means a lot coming from you.”

“I do have one stipulation for complete forgiveness.”

“Anything,” Daisy said at once.

“I want you to give Harry a few siblings. That boy would thrive in a big family.”

Daisy laughed, even as she blushed. “I will do my best.”

“That’s all anyone can do.” Lady Archworth patted her arm.

“Oh.” Harry gave a little jump. “I want brothers and sisters!”

“I know you do, darling. And you shall have them,” Lady Archworth assured him.

Daisy looked at Edmund, her cheeks hot, and found him looking back at her, his eyes blazing with passion.

She held her breath, as sound faded and everyone else disappeared. She could almost read his mind, sense his impatience. She knew he could not wait for everyone to leave so they could embark on the business of making siblings.

“Ah-ah,” Winston said, waving a hand between them, “Not yet. The sibling making will have to wait until later.”

Daisy’s face grew hotter as she realized their thoughts were visible to others and not just each other. Lydia leaned over and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. You’re married now. It’s expected,” she whispered.

Daisy covered her face. “Stop.”

Lydia laughed. “Are you getting shy now? Don’t be. It’s promising to see how much you love each other. It gives me hope.” Her voice dropped on the last part, and Daisy turned to her.

“You’ll find your love. I know you will.”