A Dangerous Debut: A Sweet Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 5)

by Wendy May Andrews

  Daisy felt like a cat with the cream, ready to preen under the unexpected attention. Before she could purr, she forced her attention to the task at hand, gaining control over the spirited mare the viscount had selected for her ride.

  “She is a beauty, my lord, but perhaps a trifle too energetic for my lack of experience,” she complimented and worried all in the same breath.

  “You shall be absolutely fine,” Jasper soothed. “She has perfect manners, have no fear.”

  Daisy was delighted and pleased to find that the viscount was correct when he said you never forget how to ride a horse. Even though the young mare pranced and fidgeted, Daisy was able to gain control of her mount, and they set off in the direction the viscount indicated, a groom following discreetly in their wake.

  “I forgot how different everything looks from the perspective of a horse’s back,” Daisy commented, looking around at the passing scenery with shining eyes and prettily flushed cheeks.

  Looking at her made Jasper tighten his grip on the reins. His horse objected, reminding the viscount to relax. Regaining control, he brought the gelding alongside Daisy, and they rode along in silence for a few companionable moments.

  Once they were well away from the house, Jasper reopened the conversation they had not finished. He was reluctant to open up so completely to another person but was well aware that Daisy would not confide in him if he did not trust her with his own secrets.

  “When I was fourteen, the headmaster at Eton accused me of cheating,” he began in a low, serious tone, feeling Daisy’s warm gaze boring into his face but refusing to meet her eyes. “I had most certainly not cheated and was highly offended by the accusation and refused to defend myself. In my opinion, at the time, a Seaton of Abernathy would never sink so low as to cheat, and therefore, the accusation was ludicrous. I expected my parents to be of the same mind. They were not. Ever since then, I have done my best to live down to their low opinion of me.”

  “Oh Jasper, I am so very sorry!” Daisy’s soft heart bled for the young man he once had been. And for the pain that he so obviously still carried for the harm his parents had done to him. “Do you have any idea why the headmaster made such a ridiculous accusation?”

  “There was a sudden and marked improvement in my school accomplishments. Apparently, with my previous academic progress the only plausible explanation was cheating. No one thought it possible that I was capable of making such achievements on my own.”

  “That is why you were so very angry the other night when I entered the room. Your parents were once again accusing you of not being able to do something on your own, like find and keep a lady’s affections.”

  “How could you tell I was angry? No one else seemed to notice.”

  Daisy shrugged shyly. “I know you.” Seeing he was about to object, no doubt thinking that his family ought to know him even better than she did on only two weeks acquaintance she explained, “Perhaps not having known you all your life gives me a clearer perspective. And we are allies, my lord, which does alter the situation, would you not agree?”

  “I would wholeheartedly agree,” he answered immediately. “Which is why I am insistent that you must share with me what is troubling you.”

  Daisy sighed in defeat; she would have to tell him everything. “I hardly know where to begin.” There was so much she had not told him. But there was not time, and she doubted he was looking to hear her entire history. He was asking about her most recent troubles, she supposed. The ones that could impact him if Charlotte was not able to prevent Sadbury from coming to Abernathy in search of her.

  “I have received two missives from Charlotte. It would seem my former employer is searching for me.”

  “And why does this trouble you? Perhaps they are wishing to offer you your old position.”

  “Perhaps, but that is rather unlikely. Our parting was not the most amicable.”

  “Are you afraid of them?” Jasper asked the question with a tone of voice Daisy had never heard from him before. Gone entirely was the rebellious rake who was forever feigning boredom. In that moment, for the first time in what seemed like eons, she felt as though she could lay all her burdens down for someone else to carry for a while. It was a heady sensation, tears sprang to her eyes. It took a supreme effort not to bend over and wail her grief and worry. Nonetheless, she pulled herself together, again hoping to keep as many details as possible to herself.

  “I am afraid of what a mess they will cause for you and our adventure if they find me here and inform your parents that they are searching for their former governess.”

  Jasper shrugged. “Do not trouble yourself over such a trivial matter, my dear. Being a governess certainly does not put you beyond the pale, as I have pointed out to you on more than one occasion. It would be a singular experience for my parents, but I can assure you, considering their opinion of me, I am certain they would think it quite fitting.”

  Daisy’s concerns had been making her feel as though she might never laugh again, but to her surprised delight, the viscount’s words caused her to pitch into a fit of giggles. When she was able to catch her breath, she could not help saying, “Oh my lord, you are a complete hand. I so wish I could deny your words, but unfortunately I heard what your parents said the other night. It is quite possible you are correct in your assessment. They might even welcome my profession in the hopes that a governess might be able to keep you in line.” The ridiculousness of this notion sent her off in more gales of laughter.

  The viscount examined her features as she settled down from her mirth. “You are still concerned over something, though, are you not?”

  “I fear that I am. While we have laughed over your parents and their potential acceptance, I will admit that it does still concern me.” Daisy sighed. “But I am particularly concerned over why exactly Lord Sadbury would be searching for me. He never paid me any mind. Of course, he could be searching on behalf of his wife, but she hardly cared about me either. The children loved me, but even they were not so attached to me that they would have any trouble finding another governess to take over. Why would they be searching for me? It strikes me as rather ominous.”

  Jasper searched her eyes to gauge the depth of her worry. He found himself reaching out to cover her hands where they held the reins tightly. “Are you afraid?” he asked again, shocked at the thought. What he knew of this young woman boggled at the idea that she could be in fear of someone. She trembled beneath his touch.

  Daisy smiled at him. “My lord, of course I am afraid. I am a woman on her own, trying to make my own way. Sadbury has the power to harm my ability to find another position. Lady Sadbury wrote me a lovely recommendation despite the fact that we agreed that I would leave their employ. If they are no longer willing to vouch for me, it could cause me a great deal of difficulty.”

  “My dear, after this week, I have a strong feeling that you will not be searching for another position. Your destiny is not to be a governess.” He had meant it to be reassuring , so he was unprepared for the anger he saw instantly radiating from her narrowed eyes.

  She was fiercely cold in her indignation. “I am quite sure that we agreed before we embarked upon this adventure that you were not going to be having any impact on my life. You cannot change my future, my lord. This is one week out of my life in which I get to play at being a member of your Society. I will be returning to my independent life when this is over, and you will not be altering that.”

  Jasper’s cheeks heated as though she had slapped him. “I can assure you I was not trying to control you, Miss Pembroke. I was trying to be kind, which would seem to be a concept that is foreign to you.” He paused for a moment, catching himself in his seemingly righteous anger and stared at her, trying to see inside the workings of her head. “Has no one ever tried to look out for you before? Is that why you are so dead set against accepting assistance from anyone? Why would you not want my help to make your life a little easier?”

  Daisy took a deep breath, take
n aback by the vehemence he exhibited. Chagrin and concern chased each other across her features. “I do apologize, my lord, I did not wish to be offensive. You may be right about my independence being a liability at times. It is why I am in the circumstances in which I find myself.” She paused, searched his eyes for his sincerity, and then fixed her eyes back on the road ahead. “Thank you for your generous offer of helping me. I know you have extended it before, and I will be happy to consider accepting if you have any actual, concrete ideas. I will not allow my pride to get in the way, and I will make every effort to reel in my independent tendencies as well.”

  She tried for humor, and although it fell a little flat, Jasper smiled at her effort. “Very well, my dear, I accept your apology and will exert my efforts to come up with some ideas, but let us first deal with the matter at hand. You are still anxious despite agreeing to consider accepting my help.” His tone was dry over the bland nature of her acceptance. He continued, “What troubles you, lass?”

  Daisy blushed fiercely, unable to meet his eye. “Are you absolutely certain you cannot be persuaded to drop this matter, my lord?”

  Now there was absolutely no way Jasper was going to allow the matter to drop. “Quite convinced, my dear, now get on with the telling. It will not get any easier by putting it off any longer.”

  “I cannot feel easy about Sadbury searching for me because of the reason for my departure.” She took another deep, shuddering breath while Jasper nodded at her encouragingly, trying not to allow his impatience to show at her obvious reluctance. “Lord Sadbury often had disreputable friends about the house. I made every effort to keep the children and myself away whenever he was entertaining. We would usually remain in the school room and the nursery, but one time his friends stuck around for several days.”

  Daisy’s voice had become so low that the viscount had to strain to hear her words over the plodding of the horses’ hooves. He now had a terrible feeling he knew where this tale was going, and an uncharacteristic rage began building in the pit of his stomach. He forced himself to wait for her to tell the rest of the story, knowing it would do her good to get it off her chest. Jasper had a feeling that she had not told anyone the true reason for leaving her employer.

  “The children were so restless after being cooped up for so long. They could no longer be contained. The servants had told me that the master and his cronies had ridden to the neighboring estate for some hunting, so I was certain the way would be clear for me and the children to play in the gardens for a little while.” Another shuddering breath was required before she continued. “One particularly unpleasant character returned early. I never did find out why. He claimed he just wanted some sport with me. I believed his intentions were violent and unsavory. When he accosted me, I gave him a black eye and kicked him in a particularly sensitive spot. This, of course, set the children to crying, and the maid and I quickly bundled them back to the nursery while he was bellowing vile things behind us.”

  Jasper let out the breath he had been holding in a great rush. He was relieved beyond all belief to hear that she had managed to extricate herself from the untenable position. “Were you too unnerved to see that garden ever again? Is that why you left?”

  Daisy’s incredulous stare was answer enough. “How ridiculous, my lord. I was actually somewhat proud of my handling of the situation. With the maid and the children standing by, in hindsight I realize he would not have been able to accomplish much, whatever his intentions were, and I feel that even if I had been alone, the methods I employed would have made good my escape. The trouble came when the dastard told Lord Sadbury. I was called to his library and put on the spot in front of the man. It was humiliating and unnecessary. I informed Lord Sadbury of my opinion of him and his employ in no uncertain terms. I left the next day. It was only Lady Sadbury’s intervention that allowed me to leave in some degree of comfort. She arranged for my transport and wrote me a letter of recommendation so that I would be able to find another position. I am absolutely certain Sadbury is not searching for me to ask me to return. He may be a foolish rapscallion, but even he is not that dense.”

  Once again Jasper realized she was trying to lighten her fear through humor, but he also heard the underlying worry her words tried to hide. The foolish thought went through his head that he would like to put his arms around her and offer her the warm comfort of a hug. He could just imagine how well she would take that. He reached out and squeezed her hand again.

  “I promise you, you will be fine. I will not abandon you to your fate. Whether you want certain types of assistance from me or not, I will not leave you to be terrorized.” He paused for a moment, seeing that she was looking at him expectantly. He wished to offer further assurances. “I am fairly certain he will not have the temerity to call here, at any rate. You have met my father. He has been at his most relaxed here in his own home, but his reputation amongst the ton is such that I can assure you a baron of no note will not be calling unannounced.”

  Finally Daisy’s laughter was sincere. “I never would have thought there would be reason to be happy that someone is an arrogant curmudgeon. Thank you, my lord, I do find that to be strangely reassuring. Now I only have to concern myself with what I shall do once I return to Bloomsbury.”

  Jasper felt a strange twist in the region he suspected was his heart. “We shall think of something, Daisy,” he promised her solemnly. “I shall make sure nothing happens to you.”

  Daisy’s smile revealed her gratitude combined with her disbelief. She did not bother saying a word in denial. Instead she expressed her gratitude. “My lord, I can hardly fathom it, but I feel profound relief after laying my burdens bare. Thank you so much for insisting that I tell you my secrets. I do not know why you are not more successful with your life, my lord, as it strikes me that you are always right. Does it not become tedious?”

  Jasper laughed over her words. “What makes you say I am not successful? Perhaps my life is exactly how I planned it to be.”

  Daisy lifted her eyebrow in an almost exact imitation of the marquis’ sardonic inquisition. “My lord, do you expect me to believe you planned to be in a position to have to trick your parents into giving you money? Money that by rights will be yours one day anyway, so it is rather ridiculous that you have to connive to get it.”

  Jasper’s heart swelled at her lecture combined with her defense of him. Clearly the lady respected him despite the questionable choices he had made in his life. It was a heady thought. Very few respected much about him, other than his skills at the card table or in the ring. He had not even realized he wished to be respected for more than that. Certainly he had never received such sentiments from his family. It made her all the more delicious. His appreciation for her grew as he contemplated her. He did not bother contradicting her words. She would never be able to understand his reasons for doing just as she had described. But then when he contemplated her own fierce independence, he thought perhaps she would. He would think on it some more before he indulged in any more confidences.

  Daisy’s small sigh was the only indication that she did not fully look forward to complying with her following words. Her smile was cheerfully delightful as she said, “We ought to return to the house, my lord. The hour is advancing, and I should be getting myself ready for the evening meal. Did I understand correctly that this evening there is to be a ball?”

  Jasper smiled at her enthusiasm increasing dramatically as he nodded his acknowledgement of her words. “Yes, my dear, your understanding was correct. The marchioness has invited some of the gentry from the area to join us as well. That is why we were left to our own devices for the afternoon. She and her staff have been absorbed in the preparations.”

  “How perfectly marvelous,” she crowed. “I have never been to a ball.”

  “Do you know how to dance? Should we take a few minutes for me to show you some of the steps?”

  “Thank you for the kind offer, my lord, but yes, I do know how to dance. Not the waltz, of cour
se, because that had not yet made its way to our shores when I was a girl, but the country dances I know quite well. Mind you, I will be rather rusty, but if you would be kind enough to lead me out, I do not think I will disgrace you.”

  “I think there is still much you have not told me,” Jasper complained as they neared the stables to return their mounts.

  Daisy’s tinkling laughter sounded from behind him, but she did not offer any further explanation.

  Chapter Eleven

  “The witch is lying.” Lord Sadbury spat on the floor of the rough tap room he and his henchman had retired to after their fruitless search for the girl.

  “What’re you gonna do guv’nor?” Elton scratched his greasy head absently as he watched the baron seething beside him. “I have a few skills what could make her talk.” The large man rubbed his hands together in anticipation of how much he would enjoy extracting the information.

  Lord Sadbury had not yet sunk to that level. “We are not going to torture anyone,” he declared, unsure how he had found himself in this position. He had been an honorable man at some point, he was sure. Shaking his head, it was of no matter now. He had to find the girl.

  They were joined by another man, this one more finely dressed and far more sophisticated than Sadbury would ever be. “Did you manage to discover anything?” he asked, his voice hard and cold as his diction declared his wellborn ancestry.

  Sadbury shook his head dully, his eyes disclosing his fear, despite his efforts to remain composed.

  “Well then it is lucky for you that I figured you would be incompetent and set someone to watch the woman’s place. She sent a note advising the girl of our search for her. I have her direction. She is at Abernathy. Do you suppose the marquis has need of a governess?” He paused and allowed a mirthless laugh to fall from his lips. “Or perhaps the chit has decided to find a different form of employment. Mayhap my attentions gave her a taste for exploration.” His leer was unnerving, even to his companions.