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

by Wendy May Andrews

  Daisy tilted her head and regarded him curiously. “What do you fear might happen, my lord?”

  “My main concern is that you will be hurt by my father’s cold attitude.”

  “Bah,” Daisy countered, “I have been exposed to worse. You should have seen some of the nasty little girls at Miss Tyler’s school. Everyone thinks girls are such lovely little creatures, but let me tell you, they can be beasts, especially at a certain age. If I could survive that, I should have no trouble with the Marquis of Abernathy.”

  Jasper appeared unconvinced. “You have not seen him at his worst.”

  “Mayhap not, but I can imagine it after having seen the way he treats you. If you have turned out as well as you have despite extended exposure, I am certain a few days shall not harm me overmuch.” Daisy paused, considering how concerned the viscount really appeared to be. “How about we agree to keep each other informed about how we are feeling? If either of us can no longer bear the chill, we shall come up with another plan. Or I could always head back to Charlotte’s, if it becomes too difficult.”

  “No!” Jasper insisted with some force, making them all jump. “I apologize for my outburst, but that is not going to be an option for now. You agreed, Daisy.”

  “I know, I know, I was teasing.” Daisy sighed and changed the subject. “What do you suppose we are going to do while at your sister’s house, my lord?”

  “Much the same as we did at Abernathy, I would imagine, but without the balls, most likely. I cannot imagine Bess will be able to organize anything on too large a scale at this late date, but perhaps there will be gatherings at the local assembly rooms. You might enjoy that. It would be a little like the Season, but on a more provincial level.”

  “I am sure it shall all be lovely. Your sister is a dear, and it was kind of her to invite us.”

  Jasper’s smile did not quite make it to his eyes. Daisy regarded him as her own narrowed. “You are rather dreading this, are you not? Oh Jasper, I do wish you were not such a gentleman. Why did you have to take my troubles onto yourself? I am going to feel ghastly about this.”

  “Do not, I beg of you.” Jasper reached across the carriage and clasped one of Daisy’s hands in his own. “I promise you, while I do not cherish the thought of spending more time with my family, I am looking forward to spending it with you.” Jasper’s warm tone sent a shiver down Daisy’s back. He must have felt it through her hand, as he let it go. His tone became more brisk. “Besides, we will be occupied with figuring out what Sadbury wants with you. Everything else will get straightened out as soon as we know what he is after.”

  Daisy leaned back and studied him carefully. Jasper averted his eyes, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. She sighed. The charming man would not let her into his private thoughts. She told herself that it did not matter. He was entitled to his privacy. And really, they had only known each other for a couple of weeks; she did not have the right to demand he tell her all his thoughts. But she did wish to know them. She, too, gazed out the window and allowed her mind to drift.

  Daisy was staring out the window on a similar voyage. All was right in her world but she was bored. Her mother must have heard her sigh.

  “Daisy, my darling, what ails you? Did you finish your book already?”

  Turning to her mother with a smile, Daisy tucked her hand into her mother’s larger but still dainty, warm one. “No, mama, I have not finished yet. I am just bored of this drive. Will we ever get there, do you suppose?”

  Mama’s rich, warm laughter rang out. “Yes, my darling daughter, we will get there eventually. In fact, from the view out your window, it would seem that we are very nearly there. You will enjoy playing with your cousins, will you not?”

  “Absolutely!” Daisy’s childish enthusiasm had brought a smile to both of her parents’ faces.

  Their remembered doting on her was such a source of comfort as she remembered the incident. Times had been so simple then. Her cousins had been such fun to play with. It would have been so lovely if they could have stayed close throughout their entire lives. She would not be here with the viscount, wondering why the baron was showing such interest in her, that is for certain. That thought triggered another memory. This one more recent.

  “It’s just the way that it is Sadbury. One decision always leads to another. You cannot go back. The path is laid. We are in this. You are not trying to tell me you have grown a conscience after all this time, are you?”

  Daisy had not meant to eavesdrop, she had merely been on her way to the library to return the book she had been reading. It was so rare in this household for any of the books to get used, so she supposed no one had expected any visitors to the library at this hour.

  Sadbury had looked up at her, and the look of surprised hostility on his face had made Daisy blink. She dipped into a curtsy. “I apologize for interrupting, my lord, I was returning a book.”

  “Be quick about it, girl, we have work to do.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Daisy hurried to shelve the book she had in her hand, wishing she had never come to the library. The presence of Lord Gerard Wright always made her uncomfortable. She feltl his hot stare boring into her back the entire time she was in the room. She made short work of returning the book and scurried back to her chamber.

  As Daisy relived that moment, she was aware that there was something about it niggling at the back of her mind. She suspected she had heard more than she could remember, but all that stuck in her mind was how Lord Wright’s expressions of one thing leading to the other tied in with her own thoughts about her family and Lord Seaton.

  Lord Wright had always made her uncomfortable. She supposed it was an instinctive reaction. The first time she had met him was very soon after she had become a governess. The way that he had looked at her had made her feel as though she needed to bathe. She had been very careful to never find herself alone in his company. Of course, in the end, it had mattered little whether she was alone or not, which is why she no longer worked for the Sadburys.

  With a slight shiver, Daisy hoped Lord Wright was not involved in why the baron was searching for her. She could not bear to see the rotter again.

  The change of the motion of the carriage alerted the occupants to their new environment. Kate and Daisy pressed their noses to the windows to try to get the best view of this new destination.

  “Ooh Miss, ain’t it beautiful? I’ve never seen such a pretty place. I mean, Abernathy was grand, of course, but this is something else, isn’t it?” Kate’s enthusiasm could not be expressed in words.

  “It certainly is, Kate. I agree. I have never seen such a lovely place. I have no doubt we shall enjoy our visit here.”

  Daisy’s positive attitude always buoyed those around her. She caught Jasper’s smile before he opened the door as the carriage came to a stop.

  Stepping down briskly, Jasper turned and offered his hand to assist the female occupants of the carriage, ignoring the footman who was waiting to perform that duty. Kate emerged first, eager to look around with her youthful gaze and anxious step. Daisy was a trifle more inured to the prospect of staying in another nobleman’s home.

  “Thank you, my lord.” She accepted his assistance graciously, her voice pitched low, making Jasper’s palms begin to sweat. Jasper gritted his teeth against his reaction, praying fervently she would not notice.

  Bess and her husband had left earlier than Jasper and his companions, so they were already on their doorstep waiting to welcome them.

  “Daisy, my dear, I am so thrilled to have you here. Can you believe my brother has only been here once? I am so glad that your presence has finally moved him to visit once more.”

  Jasper tried to pretend he did not notice Daisy’s incredulous gaze focused on his face. He stepped close to bow gallantly over his sister’s hand. “Thank you for your kind invitation, my lady. We will be grateful for your hospitality.”

  Bess giggled. “I can see that Daisy’s influence is working on you,
Seaton. It is a pleasure to witness.”

  Jasper saw that Daisy was about to come to his defence. He found it heartwarming and charming, but he did not want her to make herself uncomfortable with his family for the coming week. He grasped her arm firmly in his hand, catching her eye as her gaze flew to his. He shook his head slightly. From the way her eyes flared he could tell that she had caught his meaning, but he was unsure if she was going to obey his silent directive. Finally, her eyes dropped, and he felt her acquiescence as her shoulders drooped slightly. Jasper wanted to hug her for feeling so dejected on his behalf. He knew he was going to have to talk it out with her sooner or later. It would be best to get it over with before she ended up in a fight with any of his relatives. Jasper grinned over that thought.

  “You look happy,” his sister observed. “It is a sight to behold. I cannot say if I have ever seen you looking thusly.”

  Now Jasper thought she was going a bit far. He turned the subject. “Have you been home long? Was your voyage as uneventful as ours?”

  Bess answered as they neared the house, her husband had yet to say a word; although he smiled and shook hands, he had a worried air about him. “Oh yes, our ride was fine. Rather tedious, but it was nice to have a little while to visit together just the two of us after a week at Abernathy and now having you all arriving today.” She must have realized that could have been taken as being less than delighted to have them visiting. “Not to say that we are not thrilled to have you here, of course, Miss Pembroke. It shall be our pleasure, to be sure. It was just nice to have a couple hours of quiet. We made good time and have been home for about an hour already.”

  They were now in the large entry way of the gracious country manor. It was on the newer side, unlike Abernathy, and had been constructed all together in one era. The architectural consistency was pleasing to the eye and had been enhanced with tasteful decorations and fresh tapestries and window dressings. Daisy wondered if Bess had redecorated as soon as she had taken up residence. It certainly looked as though there had been a recent update about the place.

  She thought to refer to it or compliment Bess on their surroundings but then saw Lord Hawkridge nearby and thought better of it. It could be one of the contentious topics Jasper had referred to. Daisy wondered if she would have to watch her every word all through their visit. She hoped there was news from Jasper’s messengers and the visit could be short.

  Trying to keep her smile bright, Daisy managed to keep her thoughts to herself. Bess gave them an abbreviated tour of the main rooms on the first floor before escorting them to their assigned bedchambers.

  “Daisy, we thought you and Kate would enjoy the Rose Room. It has a lovely view of the gardens and gets a lot of light during the day. I hope you will be comfortable here.”

  Daisy glanced into the room, unsurprised to see the walls covered in a floral paper. It looks as though the garden has come inside, she thought rather dazedly as she looked at the abundance of flower patterns displayed in the brightly lit room. “I am sure we will have a grand time here, thank you, Bess.” She avoided Jasper’s eyes as she knew quite well he would be amused by her diplomatic answer, and she was having a difficult enough time maintaining a straight face without his humor adding to it. It would seem Bess’ renovations had not extended to the guest rooms.

  Kate was already in the room shaking out Daisy’s gowns and getting everything unpacked. Daisy was left in her tender care to freshen up, with the promise that they would meet in the receiving room shortly.

  “Isn’t it wonderful, Miss Daisy?” Kate cooed as she made quick work of the luggage. “This is just the sort of place I would like to be employed. Small enough that I won’t get lost, but big enough that they need plenty of servants.”

  “Are you certain you wish to go into service, Kate? Your family will be quite lost without you, I am sure.”

  Kate looked at Daisy reproachfully as a tear came to her eye. “Well, of course, I will miss them something fierce, but if I could send them some money to help with things, I’m sure that would help them to be less lost without me. You aren’t planning to renege on your promise to write me up a good recommendation so I can get a position once you’re done with me, are you?”

  “Kate,” Daisy scolded, offering a reproachful look of her own. “How could you even think I would go back on my word to you?”

  Kate ran to Daisy and threw her arms around her. “I know it ain’t fitting for me to be so familiar, but I didn’t mean no harm, Miss Daisy. I didn’t mean you no insult neither.”

  Daisy returned her embrace and soothed her with her own words. “Of course not, no harm done, my dear. I did not mean to imply that you ought not take a position as housemaid or lady’s maid. You have proven to be invaluable to me, so you shall do a fine job. I just wanted to ensure you have thought the matter through sufficiently to make a sound decision.”

  “Oh, miss, I have thought and thought. I am that excited about it. I know it won’t always be parties and such, but it’s ever so much better than looking after my pa’s cottage in Bloomsbury with never a cent to my name.”

  “Very well, I will ensure Lord Seaton finds you a comfortable position when you are done with me.”

  “Maybe you’re going to have to keep me on,” Kate said, wiggling her eyebrows at Daisy. “I saw the way his lordship has been looking at you. I think he has a mind to make your little arrangement a reality.”

  The heat rose in her cheeks, but Daisy answered as repressively as she could. “Do not be entertaining such ideas, Kate, I beg of you. They shall only lead to disappointment for us both.”

  Kate showed no sign of following her order. She merely giggled and shrugged, saying, “I’ve got eyes in me head, Miss Daisy, and I know what I see. But never you mind, I won’t tease you over it. Now did you want to have a little lay down before you go gather with the rest?”

  Daisy rolled her eyes at her faithful maid and shook her head. “I do not think I would be able to even close my eyes, let alone get any sleep. I think I will just sit in this darling little alcove and gaze out the window for a few minutes.”

  “Very well, miss. I will bustle about and get all your things in order. Do you have in mind which gown you would like to wear for the evening?”

  “I cannot find that I have a very strong opinion on the matter, Kate. Would you mind just preparing whatever you think is best?”

  “That would be just fine with me, miss,” Kate answered with a delighted grin, pleased that her temporary mistress trusted her so well.

  Daisy sat in the window seat, carefully tucking her feet under herself, her attention caught by the beautifully maintained grounds outside her window. She sat there for several minutes enjoying the view and absorbing the calm. She rather thought Bess’ husband must be a restful man if his family home had such a lovely effect on her. She looked forward to getting to know him better. He would no doubt be a calming influence upon the gathered family members. Or at least I hope so, she thought with a wry smile to herself.

  After a few minutes and several restorative, deep breaths, Daisy felt ready to face the clan. By then Kate was getting bored and was glad to have something to do. Within a few minutes, Daisy was dressed in a lovely light green gown, one of the ones that had been deemed not too fancy but fancy enough. Daisy smiled as she remembered how they had debated over the classifications for each gown that she had packed.

  Having her hair styled was such a relaxing experience for her, Daisy almost nodded off as Kate was brushing out her curls and arranging them in a deceptively simple style. It never ceased to amaze Daisy what wonders Kate was able to accomplish with her hair. For her part, whenever she had to do for herself, the styles were utilitarian and simple, merely a way of keeping her long, blond hair out of her eyes and out of the way of children’s small hands.

  “Where did you learn such skills, Kate, my dear? You truly are a marvel. I could never do anything half so lovely on my own.”

  “Oh, Miss Daisy, that’s right
kind of you to say. I would practice all the time on my sisters and the neighbor girls. I always hoped for just such an opportunity. I wanted to be sure that I was ready if the chance ever came up for grabs. And here we are, so wasn’t that lucky?”

  “It was certainly very forward thinking of you, and I am benefiting greatly.” Daisy paused for a moment, watching Kate’s deft hands in the mirror. “Thank you for being willing to stick with me for longer and journeying heaven knows where.”

  “Are you jesting with me, Miss Daisy? Have you not been listening to me? I am thrilled to be here. I’m just glad you saw fit to appreciate my services enough to want me to come along. As long as you want me, I’ll be here happily.”

  The two girls shared a smile in the mirror before Kate declared she was done. “You are as ready as I can make you, Miss Daisy. How are you feeling? Are you going to be all right without the crowds around to dilute the Abernathy presence?”

  “Kate Simpson, do not speak so of our hosts.”

  Kate did not look at all repentant, although she made an attempt to lower her eyes bashfully and apologize. “But really, miss, you know I’m right.”

  “I will admit no such thing, and you ought to be trying to nurture a more deferential attitude toward the nobility. Not that I think it is of any value as a human need, but if you hope to cultivate a career as a lady’s maid, it is, no doubt, a necessary skill.”

  Kate look much struck by Daisy’s words. “That do make sense, miss. Thank you ever so much for pointing it out to me.”

  “Any time, my dear girl. We are in this together. I shall be happy to help in whatever way I can. Now I ought to be off. I hope it will not be a late night.”

  “Do not hope that on my account, miss. I shall be perfectly fine waiting up for you.”

  “Thank you,” Daisy said with a grin. “But I was actually thinking of myself — I am getting tired.” She left the room to the sound of her maid’s giggles.