She drew in a breath. How she’d meet this man, she still had no idea, but it was the start of a plan, anyhow.
Not that her mind could work on the rest of the details with a tall, dark, and brooding lord staring at her back.
They made their way into the house. Thanks and greetings done, Daisy was certain she’d be expected to take the children to their next lesson. She’d use her free time to write a letter to Abigail. Perhaps she’d even deliver it herself. Though cold outside, exercise always calmed her mind when she needed to work out a problem.
And right now more than one plagued her. How to survive a dinner with his lordship not the least of them.
She turned toward the duke, waiting for her dismissal. Instead, he paused. “Miss Frank, would you please take the children to Miss Culpeper for their next lesson and then return to join us in the stables?”
Curiosity knitted her brow, but she nodded her assent, as though she might have given any other answer. Then she reached for Lily’s hand to lead the child upstairs.
Lily’s small palm slid into hers. “Miss Frank,” the little girl’s voice echoed in the grand entry. “Will he be mean to you again?”
Daisy stopped, her eyes growing wide as they flew back to the duke and his guest.
Both men held matching looks of disapproval.
Drat.
The duke had been upset about Michael’s fall in the river, but he hadn’t been angry. He’d detailed all the ways in which all his other sons had nearly perished through the years. Michael and Lily were the last two children in a large brood. There were bound to be near misses. “Boys are naturally curious and not very bright in their youth,” he’d assured her.
But now, he looked rather angry. Her lessons were supposed to be on decorum and Lily had just asked a rather rude question.
She knelt down, looking the little girl in the eyes as she slowly untied her own bonnet. She was giving the girl time to think. “Lily. What have I told you about talking about people as though they are not there?”
The little girl sighed loudly, her eyes rolling up to the ceiling. “That it is rude.”
“What do you have to do when you are rude?”
An even louder sigh emitted from the girl’s lips. “Apologize.”
Daisy’s raised her eyebrows. “If you don’t like apologizing, you should consider not engaging in the poor behavior to begin with.”
Both men chuckled at that and Lily’s brows furrowed but she turned and dipped into a curtsey. “I’m sorry I was rude,” she murmured, her eyes cast down the ground.
The baron’s eyes burned into Daisy. His hazel gaze was stormy as they unabashedly assessed her, not even bothering to look at Lily. “Quite all right.”
“Good girl,” Daisy murmured, giving her cheek a soft pat. “Now, let’s not keep Miss Culpeper waiting.”
Then she stood and took the girl’s hand, relieved to take her leave, if even for a few minutes. Except she could feel his gaze following her all the way up the stairs.
Chapter Two
Cole attempted to look away, he really did. But his eyes were drawn to her.
“She’s quite beautiful, isn’t she?” the duke murmured, pointing to a sitting room to the right of the entry.
“Who?” he asked, resisting the urge to swear under his breath. The duke had noticed his attention. He was here to buy a gift for another woman. This wouldn’t do at all. He couldn’t be caught ogling the staff. It was…unbecoming. Perhaps he needed the lessons in decorum.
But the very idea of Daisy tutoring him made his jaw tighten.
The duke glowered at Cole. “Don’t patronize me.”
Cole shook his head. “Forgive me, Your Grace. I formed an impression of her, a rather strong one, when I met her last summer. It wasn’t entirely favorable. Clearly you don’t share my opinion, or you’d have sacked her.” He’d focus on the logical reason for his attention. Why the duke had retained her services after what had occurred this past summer.
“Sacked her?” The duke shook his head. “I am trying to keep her as long as I possibly can. Do you know how difficult it is to find a suitable tutor? They’re too stern, or too lenient, or my children completely drive them away. Or they drive my children mad. Rarely do you find someone whom they like and who educates them.”
That statement only left Cole with more questions. “Keep her? I understand all that you said but your son almost drowned. Why would you keep her?” He might as well start with the most important one.
“I have seven children. They almost all die at some point, no matter how good the staff. They are disobedient, rude, dirty, and completely unaware of the danger that surrounds them. I’d likely shave far less grey if I’d never started a family. But children are also positively wonderful when left to careful hands. Hands like Daisy’s.”
Cole shook his head tersely, acknowledging the Duke’s assertion. That made a great deal of sense. And never having had children, he hadn’t thought of it quite like that. Having seen her with the duke’s two children today, it was obvious she had an even temper and a quiet, pleasing way about her. “I understand. But if all that is true, why would you lose her services?”
He gestured for Cole to sit and he followed suit. “She is a vicar’s daughter. The man was a friend and a fellow horse enthusiast. When he died in debt, I took it upon myself to keep his daughters out of debtor’s prison and out of the cold.”
Cole grimaced. He knew about fathers who saddled their children with a mountain of debt and a sullied reputation. His had nearly sent Cole into the hellhole that was prison. It had been difficult as a man. With a woman, however… “She was lucky you took her in.”
His Grace shook his head. “To be quite honest, the luck was mine. Both Frank sisters made my house better for their presence. Even now, Abigail, who no longer resides here but with her husband, Mr. Ableman, contributes to the breeding program that feeds my stables.”
“You’re very fortunate,” Cole said, staring out the window at the grey sky.
The duke leaned closer. “I made it a point many years ago to make decisions with my heart, rather than my head. The result, I would say, has been a full, rich life and very little I regret.”
Cole sat back in his seat, his brows furrowed together. The statement struck him. “May I ask a personal question of you?”
“You may.” The other man smiled easily. “I would say this is a personal sort of conversation.”
Cole gave a quick nod as he shifted in his chair. “Did you make a love match?”
The duke’s grin broadened. “I did, indeed. My wife and I have been married for seven and twenty blissful years.”
“And you’ve had seven children.”
The duke chuckled. “Correct.”
Cole shook his head. He wished he could live a similar life. His father had married an heiress whom he barely tolerated. It had been necessary to eliminate the baron’s first mountain of debt.
Of course, the money hadn’t been enough to carry the degenerate gambler through his entire life and his parents had hated each other in the process. His mother had resented his father for pissing away every penny of her money and his father had hated the constant reminder of his failure that his mother represented. Cole suspected he hadn’t liked her much to begin with, but when the money had run out, he’d barely tolerated his own wife.
Cole looked at the floor. Was he making the same mistake? Marrying to elevate his status rather than his life? No. He wouldn’t squander the advantages that Lady Reagan Chase brought into his life.
Still, when he considered the children they’d inevitably bring into the world, he tried to picture Reagan as a mother and frowned.
She was a hard woman. Quick with her opinion and anxious to enjoy all the world had to offer. Would she nurture children in her own way? Or would she, like his mother, resent a child not born out of love?
A soft knock at the door interrupted his musings.
His head snapped up as Daisy enter
ed the room. “Your Grace.” She curtseyed.
Cole swallowed as he watched her delicate movements. Everything about her seemed to appeal. “Miss Frank. Would you be so kind as to accompany us out to the stables? I am certain your brother-in-law is there, and you could make the introductions.”
She nodded quickly. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Her gaze cast to him, the blue of her large eyes accentuated by her blue dress. His insides tightened as he stood to follow, then pressed his hand to a thigh to keep from reaching out to her. How strange.
The duke had suggested a love match? Cole grimaced. He’d never even considered such an option but as he looked at the beautiful and kind woman before him, he began to wonder…
* * *
His attention was…disconcerting.
Once again, his gaze bore into her back as she led the way out to the barn.
Years of training, and her current position, forced her back straight when she’d like to shrink away, curl in on herself at his unabashed interest.
He was likely still criticizing her in his thoughts. Her chin notched. She’d stand straight even as her cheeks flushed with warmth once again.
They stepped outside, and the cool air was a welcome relief to her heated skin.
She’d like to look back at him but that would be rude in its own way and so she kept her eyes forward. Was he still glaring? Even with his features etched in irritation, they were…pleasing. There was something so intriguing about him.
His hazel eyes were both clear and dark with their depths. They spoke of strength and excitement and… She pressed her lips together. Daisy didn’t quite have the words to describe what she’d observed. But there was a feeling he evoked in her. Both frightening and…intoxicating. Like the time she’d had wine. Her head spun, dizzying her, and her body pulsed.
Which was absurd. He didn’t like her. At all.
In fact, he’d been rather outspoken about his dislike of her actions.
They approached the barn and moved inside, the wood stove taking off the worst of the chill.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, her brother-in-law stepped out of a stall. “Daisy. Good to see you.”
She smiled at Rex, crossing over to place a kiss on his cheek. She rested her hand on his arm as she stood on tiptoe. “You too. How does my sister fare?”
His grin grew as he straightened. “She grows larger by the day. She’ll likely foal at the same time as my two mares.”
Daisy clucked her tongue. “Do not let her hear you refer to your child as a foal.”
“Good advice.” Rex grimaced. “Just like a mare, she is getting grumpier with the increasing discomfort.” Then Rex cleared his throat. “A visit from her sister might raise her spirits.”
Daisy winked, then she turned back to the men who were waiting just behind her. She remembered the duke’s earlier words as she answered her brother-in-law. “His Grace agrees with you.”
Rex looked up, nodding in ascent to the Duke of Dolan.
“May I also present the Baron of Hartwell?”
Rex bowed. “My lord.”
Hartwell moved closer, coming to stand next to her and she realized she’d not been this near to him ever. He felt and looked even larger this close. As tall as Rex, who towered over most men, and even thicker.
She pressed her hands to her stomach as her belly fluttered in the strangest way.
Her life hadn’t been easy. Not that she was complaining, but she’d seen this man rush in and save a small boy. She’d gotten the impression he could shield all the darkness of the world. How nice it might be to have that sort of protection.
Her breath caught as something sharpened in her mind. Despite his set down of her…she liked him.
He’d rushed in and saved Michael. He was big and strong and…handsome.
Oh dear.
Tutors did not develop feelings for lords. It was a disastrous infatuation to nurture.
She shook her head. Perhaps she should go live with Rex and Daisy after all. She needed to marry an appropriate man quickly. At nearly twenty, her instinct seemed to be taking over. She’d never developed any sort of interest in a man before.
“A pleasure to meet you,” Hartwell replied, holding out his hand to Rex. “I’ve heard you’re the man to see if I want a good horse.”
Rex gave a genuine smile. “That’s good to hear. Is it for you, my lord?”
“Nay,” Hartwell said as he grimaced, straightening away. “’Tis a gift.”
“For a man or a woman?” Rex asked.
Hartwell cleared his throat. “Woman.”
Rex nodded. “That’s good. If it were for you, I’m not certain we could help you. The only beast large enough to carry a man of your size is Devon’s personal stallion. Now, come this spring, we might have something. We’ve bred that stallion with a large mare. Remember that. But right now, I’ve got an excellent yearling for you to look at.”
The Baron gave a terse nod, his gaze sliding to her.
For Daisy’s part, she ignored the glance. Her thoughts were busy wondering what lady was important enough for him to purchase such a fine gift?
A sister perhaps?
But she shook her head. It didn’t matter. It was none of her business and besides, she had her own plans to form without worrying about the Baron of Hartwell.
Chapter Three
Cole looked at Daisy from the corner of his eye. Her gaze appeared to be fixed on the floor.
Hellfire and damnation. He’d hated admitting he was buying a gift for Reagan. It had felt…wrong. How could that be?
Reagan Fairchild was the woman he’d chosen to be his wife. The gift of the horse would accompany his offer of marriage. He’d bring a title to the relationship and an understanding of what was important to her. She valued good horseflesh over shiny diamonds sparkling on her fingers.
And she’d understand that he didn’t wish to tame her. If she wanted to tour the continent and throw wild parties and ride on fast horses…
He clenched his jaw.
He’d sincerely believed all that just yesterday. They could mostly live separate lives, only coming together for the necessities of marriage. Like producing an heir.
But the more he thought on it, the more that relationship would mirror the one he’d witnessed between his parents.
He didn’t not like Reagan…he just didn’t particularly care for her either. She was a means to end.
“Any guesses as to whether the babe will be a boy or a girl?” Devon asked, his eyes alight with joy as he rubbed his hands together.
Cole blinked. He didn’t know many dukes, of course, but he knew a fair number of lords and none of them showed this level of interest in babies, and certainly not working-class children.
Rex grinned, his eyes dancing. “I’m hoping for a girl who looks like her mama.” He cleared his throat. “But a boy would be wonderful too.”
Daisy’s smile was soft and achingly sweet as she looked at her brother-in-law, patting his arm. “Indeed. A nephew would be grand.” Then she gave him a sheepish look, her eyes darting quickly to Cole’s before she looked away. “But I’d recommend having Lord Hartwell nearby. He is quite good at saving little boys from themselves.”
Cole laughed then, deep and rich like he hadn’t laughed in…months. Maybe years. His body filled with joy. It hadn’t even been a joke but there was something so humble about her statement. She acknowledged her own mistake while praising him. Delightful.
For a brief second he wondered about a life with a woman like Daisy. It wouldn’t be tours in exotic places, or wild rides, or months spent apart.
It would be quiet love and laughter. He’d bet soft kisses, and sweet words, and achingly lovely curves pressed against him in the cold winter.
Damn. That sounded good.
He rubbed the back of his neck. He had a plan. A good one.
He’d forgotten that outside this barn, he was considered less. Having lost everything that wasn’t entai
led, he’d labored hard to make his lands produce enough just to right the barony. But he wanted more than holdings that didn’t fail. He wished to be a success.
Drawing in a deep breath, he looked at Daisy again. Her sea-blue eyes, like water on a warm summer day. Her cheeks flushed with the prettiest shade of pink and her lips… They parted in an easy smile that begged to be kissed. “Thank you for the compliment. It was much appreciated. But, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, to help His Grace’s son. I shall never be so lucky again.”
Devon slapped him on the back. “Luck is what you make of it, Hartwell.”
What did that mean?
Cole had come here in the summer to discuss shipping some of his goods. He thought of his chance meeting with Daisy and his return to purchase a horse.
Was Reagan his stroke of luck?
No. That hadn’t been luck at all. He’d met her at a garden party, her bright dress and dark hair making her stand out, even among the ladies of the ton. She’d laughed loudly and danced every dance, making her near impossible to meet.
And even as he’d worked to gain her favor, she’d been like a butterfly, always flitting away in search of her next adventure. Grit and determination had been his allies in that venture.
But Daisy. She’d been a matter of chance. Was he fortunate to have met a beautiful tutor with eyes that shined like the sky on a summer day? And if it had been luck, what did he intend to make of it?
* * *
Rex stared at her now too. Or more precisely, his gaze was bouncing between her and Baron Hartwell.
She twisted her hands together. “His Grace suggested that we, or that you and Abigail, that is to say…” Why was she stuttering? She always spoke clearly and concisely. Drawing in a deep breath, she looked at her brother-in-law. “Perhaps the discussion of which horse he should purchase would be best completed over dinner.”
Tempting Miss Daisy: House of Devon Page 2