Glancing in the mirror conveniently provided, Daisy was surprised to see how flushed her cheeks were. Her blue eyes were bright, and her whole face looked lit up from within. She had to laugh. It would seem that anger became her. Examining her face, her thoughts turned introspective. Why did I get so angry with him? she asked her reflection silently. He was merely stating the facts. Mayhap the earl’s discussion of Mary Wollstonecraft and her efforts for women’s rights affected me more than I realized. I want Jasper to see me as a competent individual not some pet he needs to protect. She paused for a moment, reflecting, and then realized she was not being entirely honest even with herself.
It does feel quite lovely when he is protecting me, though. It would be nice to have someone else do the worrying for a while. She sighed, shoving away the unattainable dream. She only had herself to rely upon. Charlotte was a dear, but Daisy did not wish to lay her burdens at her former governess’ feet. She had not lied to Jasper. She only had herself to rely upon. It was nearly time for her to come up with some solutions. With a mischievous grin at her own reflection, Daisy resolved to worry about it when she had all the information. In the meantime, she would enjoy the last couple days of this alternate reality to the utmost before she had to return to her real life and the drudgery it was sure to become. Patting her hair to ensure all was in place and critically examining her reflection, Daisy nodded firmly and briskly left the room, resolved to wring every drop of enjoyment from the night.
“Daisy, my dear, I was wondering where you had gotten to,” Bess hailed her as soon as she returned to the ballroom. “Are you having enough partners for the dance? Do you need me to introduce you to anyone, or is my brother keeping you well enough occupied?” She asked this last question with a teasing smile as she glanced around the room. “Where is he, by the way? I have not yet had the opportunity to dance with him.”
“I have lost track of him,” Daisy stated with a shrug. “He was being disagreeable, so I walked away.”
Bess chortled. “That is wonderful, my dear. He usually has ladies falling over themselves to maintain his interest. It will do him good to have to work hard at a relationship for once.”
Daisy blushed hotly as she remembered she was supposed to be playing the role of doting admirer in order for his family to believe they were about to make a match. She scrambled to try to resolve her verbal misstep but could not think of a thing. Her dilemma must have shown itself on her face, as Jasper’s sister laughed at her.
“Oh Daisy, do not be a goose, it is perfectly normal to feel frustrated with a gentleman who is courting you. And with my brother, it would be strange if you did not, he can be an exasperating man. Do not let it bother you. He is usually fair and even tempered. He will come to his senses before long and come around.” Bess linked arms with Daisy and steered her toward the table with the punch bowl. “Now come and join me in a glass of punch. All this dancing has made me thirsty.”
Relieved, Daisy allowed herself to be towed along.
The rest of the night flew by. Daisy could hardly believe it when she glanced at the clock and saw that it was already the early hours of the morning. She realized this was probably normal for the aristocratic crowd, but she was amazed that she was not slumped over in a corner from exhaustion. No doubt it was the excitement keeping her going. Before she could protest, Jasper was before her, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor.
“I have it on very good sources that this is to be the last dance, so please do me the honor of sharing it with me.”
It was impossible to resist when he was being gallant and gracious. She placed her hand in his and followed him, unable to wipe the pleased smile from her face.
“Are you ready yet to forgive me for being a boor and an oaf?” he asked, his most winsome smile on display.
“You could never be accused of being a boor, my lord, and well you know it.”
“Well, what I really am cannot be named in polite company, so I did the best I could.”
Now Daisy giggled at his words, unable to hold onto even a shred of the anger she had felt. “Of course I have forgiven you, my lord,” she began, casting down her eyelashes and feeling a slight warmth tingling her cheeks. “In fact, it is I who should be seeking your forgiveness. You were only trying to be kind, and I growled at you for your trouble. I am terribly sorry. I do not know what causes such ridiculous behavior.”
Jasper’s hand tightened on hers as he swirled her through the steps with a flourish. He smiled at her as she returned to his arms. “All is forgiven. I am fully aware that you have had to look after yourself for well over a year. You have quite forgotten how it feels to have someone else wanting to assist.” He looked into her eyes for a moment, seriously intent, before he wiped all seriousness from his face and smiled cheerfully. “But never mind about our troubles for now. We are going to relish the last of this dance and the rest of this house party. I do not care a fig about my parents and their airs and attitudes. We shall make use of their hospitality and enjoy ourselves to the limit before we have to face any form of reality, is that not correct?”
Daisy laughed at his droll air and thrilled over how well his words matched with the resolve she herself had just made earlier. She inclined her head in an imperial acceptance, causing him to laugh.
They were both flushed and in high spirits as the last strains of the orchestra drifted into silence. After a slight hesitation as they looked deeply into one another’s eyes, they joined in with the assembled guests as they applauded the marchioness on a successful evening of entertainment.
Daisy stood with the Abernathy household as they said goodnight to the guests who were not staying overnight and then helped to get the houseguests settled. Lady Abernathy finally looked at Daisy when it was only the marquis, his wife, Jasper, and Daisy left in the room.
“You are strangely competent for someone so young, my dear. Thank you for your support this evening. I do believe you were of more assistance than my own daughter.”
Daisy laughed at the strange compliment. “Thank you, my lady. As an only child, I have a different set of experiences than Lady Bess. Besides, she has the added distractions of being the countess.”
“Perhaps, but you could be forgiven for saying that you have the excuse that you are a guest and not a member of the family. You need not have been so helpful this evening, and no one would have thought less of you.” The marchioness’ shrewd gaze was searching Daisy’s face, but Daisy was unsure what she was looking for and she was somewhat embarrassed over the lady’s words.
“Excuse me, my lady, if I have overstepped in some way. I did not wish to impose myself on you, if that is what happened.”
“Oh no, not at all, my dear, I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable. I just was not expecting Jasper to bring such an exceptional young lady as his guest. It is our pleasure to have you in our home.”
Daisy glowed over the older woman’s words, although she bristled once more over the marchioness’ attitude toward her son. Sighing and resolving to see what she could do about it on the morrow, Daisy took her leave of her hostess and made her way to her own bed. It had been an eventful day and she was full of excitement to see what tomorrow had in store.
~~~
The two men on horseback stared at the grand house before them, struck silent in their awe.
“Are you certain we have the right place, milord?” Elton asked, his voice plaintive.
“Unfortunately I am, Elton,” the baron replied, his tight tone not hiding his own apprehensions.
“It would’ve been much better if his nibs was here.”
“I agree whole-heartedly. But he had other things to deal with and wasn’t going to be able to manage the timing. Or so he said.”
“Maybe he took one look at this place and turned lily-livered.”
The baron didn’t disagree but refused to admit as much. He was sarcastic as he asked, “What did you expect a marquis’ home to look like? Come along. Dithering her
e is not going to make this task any easier.”
“What are you going to say when we get to the front door? Are you going to tell them the truth?” Elton fidgeted and worried, momentarily unwilling to proceed as they had planned.
“It is not for you to trouble yourself,” Lord Sadbury answered, becoming angry at his sidekick’s fidgets. “You had best be at my side when we get there if you know what is good for you, you dolt.”
This got through to Elton, and he quickly goaded his mount into motion. Within a couple minutes they were knocking on the front door of the large, imposing limestone house. Elton, a servant, was awed at the prospect of being ushered in through the front door rather than the servants’ entrance.
Even the baron was a trifle overcome at the prospect of being in the large house. It crossed his mind to question the accuracy of what he had been told. How could his former governess be a guest in this mansion? It just was not done. He gave a mental shrug. If the girl was here, she would not be welcome for long.
“Can I help you, sir?” the butler asked politely as he took in the disheveled appearance of the two men on the door step.
“I am here to speak with Lord Abernathy.”
“And who shall I tell him is calling?”
“Lord Sadbury, Baron of Clifton, is here on a matter of some urgency.”
“Very well, my lord, if you will wait a few moments, I will see if he can see you. You must know he and his wife have many guests in residence, and he may not be available to see you.”
“It is most important that he does.”
“Wait a moment, and I will see.” The butler would not commit for his master. He was dubious about the marquis’ reception to the unruly looking fellow and his companion.
The butler found the marquis in his library. It was midafternoon, and he had left his wife to see to the guests’ entertainment while he escaped to see to some necessary business. Lord Abernathy looked up from his correspondence at the butler’s entrance.
“What is it, Hartley?”
“There is someone here to see you, my lord. He claims the matter is of an urgent nature.” The butler was unable to hide his true feelings.
“Does this person have a name? I can tell from your tone you are not approving of this particular someone.”
“Yes, my lord, it is Lord Sadbury, Baron of Clifton.”
“I am unacquainted with this baron and have very little interest in finding out why he has called. But I have even less interest in returning to my wife’s guests at the moment. Very well, show him in.”
“He has another fellow with him. He looks to be a servant of some sort.”
“Then show him to the servant’s hall to await the pleasure of his master. I have sufficient servants — he does not need to accompany Sadbury.”
“Very well, my lord.” The butler bowed himself out of the marquis’ presence and went to collect the baron.
“His lordship will see you briefly, sir, but he mentioned that your companion could await you in the kitchens.”
Lord Sadbury blushed that it was so obvious that his companion was of a low order. He would have felt more confident if he could display some consequence in this interview. He mustered up the fear that was motivating him and ignored Elton’s protests. This matter needed to be taken care of — he needed the girl and he needed it done quickly.
“Very well, I will see you shortly Elton.” Sadbury dismissed him with a curt nod.
The walk to the marquis’ library seemed long and narrow as Sadbury fought to overcome his ongoing attack of nerves. Under other circumstances, he would have been impressed by the dark wood that shined so brightly and the various hangings and artwork, which clearly declared the wealth of his unwitting host. He reminded himself once more what was at stake and why he needed to be brave. He forced his knees not to quake as he followed the dignified, elderly butler.
“Lord Sadbury to see you, my lord,” Hartley announced as he opened the door and bowed himself away from the room. If the marquis wished to provide hospitality for the baron he would ring for it later.
The marquis did not bother to stand up to greet his uninvited guest. He was a very busy man, and he felt affronted to be imposed upon when he was already overrun with a houseful of company, and the running of the marquisate would not wait out the week.
“What can I do for you, Sadbury? As you can see I am quite busy and do not have time to waste on the pleasantries.”
“That is perfectly all right, my lord. In fact, I can be very quick. I understand Miss Margaret Pembroke is here. I wish to speak with her.”
Now the marquis was intrigued. What would this upstart want with his lovely guest? He raised his eyebrow into his most haughty expression.
“What business do you have with Miss Pembroke?”
“Up until recently, she was the governess to my young children. She chose to leave our employ, but the children are missing her gravely and I have come to ask her to return to us. I am sorry if this inconveniences you, my lord. I was not aware that you had small children, but I will be happy to buy out her contract from you.”
Not by a single blink of his eyelashes did the marquis reveal the surprise he felt by the little man’s words. He had been well aware there was something afoot with the young woman given the letters she had received, but considering the refinement she displayed, he would have never guessed that she was a governess. It crossed his mind to wonder if his son knew before he dismissed the thought. Obviously if she could fool him, his son would never have been informed.
“Why did she leave the position in your house? Perhaps she has no interest in returning to your employ. I am quite sure she is perfectly content where she is.”
“The children have been crying for her, my lord. I cannot bear to see them so unhappy.” The baron nearly choked on his words. He would barely recognize his own children if he ran into them on the street, but to his mind it seemed like a believable reason to be trying to get his governess back.
The marquis realized the man had no idea Miss Pembroke was not here as a governess, so he decided not to inform him of that. He could tell the man was a shady character, and although he was put out that Miss Pembroke had been less than truthful, he was not about to throw her to this man’s mercies either.
“But what of my children? Do you not think they will be crying for her if I allow her to leave with you?” he asked rather slyly.
“Well… but…” he sputtered. “She could not have been here for very long. Surely your children could get over it very easily. She has been with my children for more than a year.”
“Finding a good governess is hard to do. I am not at all convinced that I wish to commence the search anew. I believe it would be best if you are on your way and find yourself someone else. Children are adaptable — yours will grow attached to someone new given time.”
Now Sadbury was getting desperate. “Please, my lord, if I could just speak with her for a few minutes. It would be best to allow the girl to make her own choice, would you not agree?”
Lord Abernathy could hardly disagree with that, despite his misgivings about the weasely baron. “Very well, if you will have a seat, I will see about having her summoned.”
The marquis sighed, realizing he was not going to be able to get any work done until this matter was resolved. Whatever Miss Pembroke’s background might be, he did not for a minute believe Sadbury was telling the full story. Perhaps she had been his children’s governess, but no titled gentleman rode around the country seeking to bring her back after she had left his employ.
“Hartley, do you know where Seaton might be? And where might I find Miss Pembroke?”
“Most of the guests are assembled in the garden playing croquet, my lord. I do believe both the viscount and Miss Pembroke are there.”
“Thank you. Could you please have them brought to the gallery? I require some private conversation with them both.”
“Very good, my lord.” Hartley went to see to his master’
s bidding at once while the marquis went to await them in the gallery. He began to pace as he waited, planning for all the possibilities.
By the time his son and his companion entered the gallery, the marquis had worked himself into a state of anger over the situation he faced. He could not hide it as he greeted them.
“Miss Pembroke, I am sorry to tear you away from the games. I hate to disturb your little vacation from your duties.”
Daisy’s nerves became alert at the marquis' tone and his word choice. A sense of foreboding crept over her, but she hid it well, maintaining a pleasant smile. "It is no imposition, my lord. I was told you wished to speak with me." She couldn't help the questioning tone, although she hated how weak it sounded. The look on his face, which was even colder than usual, made her nervous and defensive.
"Yes, I did ask that you be summoned. Someone has arrived who wishes to speak with you. Lord Sadbury is waiting for you in my library. He wishes to offer you your old position back. He said his children miss you."
All the blood drained from Daisy’s head. She had the sensation that it must be pooling in her toes, as those appendages began to tingle. Relief filled her, and she managed to keep her knees from giving out as she felt Jasper's presence behind her. The warmth of his hand seeped through her senses from where he had placed it at the small of her back. She felt his protective concern and was deeply grateful for it, although she also worried how it would affect his already damaged relationship with his father. Jasper began speaking to her in a low, soothing voice.
"You do not have to speak with him, Daisy. We can have him removed from Abernathy quite easily." He paused for a moment, searching her averted gaze. He lowered his voice still further. "Are you all right? Do you want me to have Kate summoned?"
At this reminder of Daisy's appearance of consequence, the marquis' eyes narrowed. "What is going on here, Seaton? Do you know anything about this Sadbury fellow? Ought I to be throwing him out of my house?"
A Dangerous Debut: A Sweet Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 5) Page 14