“May I help you?” His dry voice had her head snapping up, her gaze clashing with his.
Gone was any of the warmth she’d spotted during their walk the day before. None of that dark passion was there either. His eyes were slightly mocking, like he was cynically amused by her silent state.
With each passing second she grew aware of the sound of Lily’s chatter to her left. Her questions could only last for so long. Her time to speak was limited.
“Your Grace, I wish to apologize for—”
“No need.” He looked away as he interrupted so he likely did not see her look of surprise.
“Yes, but the way I—”
“There is nothing to apologize for, Miss Merriweather,” he said. “It was a simple misunderstanding.”
His voice was so cold it made her shiver, but when his gaze finally landed on her, ice ran through her veins.
“A…misunderstanding?” she asked.
His nostrils flared for a moment but that was the only indication that he had any emotions at all. His voice was smooth and even. “Yes, a misunderstanding. I’d thought for a moment there that perhaps we would make a good match. But it is clear I was mistaken.”
Her mouth went dry. She’d been the one to reject him, but right now… Her chest ached so badly she forgot how to breathe.
Right now it felt like he was breaking her heart.
“I am looking for a sensible young lady who understands the obligations and responsibilities that come with being a duchess and you are looking for…” His eyes flickered with a dark amusement that made her recoil. “Well, we both know what you are looking for.”
She felt like a child and her shoulders hunched under his withering stare.
They both knew she was looking for love. And romance. And…
Oh mercy, it seemed so childish even when faced with that disdainful sneer.
“I…I—” She heard her friends’ conversation dwindling beside them. This was her last chance to explain. To make him understand that she did wish for love and romance and all of those things...and she wished to have them with him.
And that was precisely the problem.
“Please, do not attempt to apologize again,” he said. “No explanations are necessary, I assure you. In fact, the way I see it. You saved me from making a grave mistake.”
Her lips parted as the air rushed from her lungs as though he’d struck her in the gut.
A grave mistake? Marrying her would be a grave mistake?
His lips curved up but no one in her right mind would call it a smile. “As you can see, Miss Merriweather. There was no harm done.”
Miss Pearson and Daisy’s friends rejoined them before she could think of a response.
Probably for the best since her mind overwhelmed with hurt and anger. Her heart seemed to twist in her chest as his words echoed like gunshots.
No harm done.
She stood there mute as Lily made their excuses and Marigold tugged her arm to lead her away.
No harm done?
If that were the case then why did this hurt so badly? Why did it feel as though her heart was breaking as she moved away from the duke and toward her parents and Lord Merrick, who’d asked to escort her today. “Are you all right, dear?” Marigold whispered.
She couldn’t respond.
“Shall we make your excuses?” Lily asked. “I could tell your mother you have a headache or—”
“Ah, Daisy, darling,” her mother called out, all joyful expectations as she turned to greet her daughter and introduce her to the gentleman who she couldn’t possibly pretend to care about right now.
“Too late, I think,” Marigold said beside her.
Yes, she was too late. Her chance with the duke was gone, and all she could do was move forward.
“Oh, I’d almost forgotten you have to spend your tour with the Lord of Dullness himself,” Lily muttered. “As if you weren’t suffering enough.”
“Lily,” Marigold hissed. “Can’t you see she’s in pain? We ought to do something—”
“I’ll be fine, I promise,” she said to her friends. “It is just one afternoon and then I will find solitude.”
Neither one of them looked convinced but they left her to go off and join their own families as Daisy joined her parents and Lord Merrick.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord,” she managed when the introductions were underway. She was barely aware of their first few minutes together, just happy for the fact that this handsome gentleman who was not the duke was chivalrous enough to keep the conversation going despite her lackluster responses. She could barely attend a word he said.
She’d nearly thought she might escape this afternoon’s outing without further talk of the duke when Lord Merrick interrupted her thoughts with a statement that made her stumble over her own two feet.
“I fear I must apologize on behalf of my friend, the Duke of Dolan.”
She looked up in surprise when she regained her balance. “I beg your pardon?”
The sympathy in Lord Merrick’s eyes made her want to weep. “His Grace is not well-acquainted with the word no, I’m afraid.”
He knew.
A hint of teasing had the handsome lord’s lips curving up and his gaze was soft with kindness.
She swallowed a wave of humiliation and fear. If he knew, then who else might know of last night’s proposal? She had a sudden flash of her mother’s face when she heard the rumor and the thought made her ill. “You...you know?”
He tipped his chin in acknowledgement.
She looked away. “He told you.”
“I assure you, I can be trusted, my lady.”
She kept her lips pressed together because what could she say to that? She’d only just met the man and he expected her to trust him?
They kept walking and this time her silence was due to the fact that she was lost in thought about what this meant and the ramifications that would come about if her rejection became known. Or worse, if his kiss in the shadows became the topic of gossip.
“I did not mean to add to your worries, my lady,” he said quietly beside her when the silence had stretched to awkwardness. “Merely to assure you that the duke will recover from this.”
She nodded. “I have no doubt.”
After all, it wasn’t his heart that had been wounded, only his pride.
“I’m sure that in a matter of time, he will come to see that it is for the best,” he said, his tone so gentle and kind that it made her want to lean into him and confide all her secrets. “He must realize that if you do not have those sort of feelings for him…”
He trailed off and to her horror, she opened her mouth. The truth tumbling out. “But I do.”
He glanced over at her with arched brows but said nothing.
Why was she confiding in this man who was basically a stranger?
She could not say, but the emotions that were warring within her seemed to have a mind of their own because even as she went to clamp her mouth shut, the words tumbled out. “I do...and that is the problem.”
“Ah,” he said with a sigh. “I see.”
She squeezed her eyes shut in humiliation for a moment because she had the horrid suspicion that he really did see...everything.
Chapter Ten
Griff attempted to pay attention to Miss Pearson’s constant prattle, but it grew more difficult with each passing step.
He held in a sigh as she began to talk about various shades of pink.
“Do you see the shade of that rose, so bright and colorful? It’s stunning, is it not? Pink is my absolute favorite color and roses my favorite flower. They are so romantic as is the color pink. I love every shade, don’t you?”
He attempted to tell her no but he’d barely drew in a breath and she’d launched in again.
“And then there is the pink of a setting sun. One of my favorites in its brilliant hues. I once tried to find silk for a gown that was just that color but it proved near impossible. And then there
is the blush of a cheek, like mine for example…” She paused, looking up at him, expectation evident in the way her eyes crinkled in assessment. “Which is your favorite?”
He frowned, and only by sheer force of will did he manage to keep his eyes from rolling. He’d heard many a lady fish for a compliment and this was an egregious case. “I’m not all that fond of pink.” Griff was not a man to be forced into a compliment.
Nor could he keep from comparing his conversation with Daisy yesterday to the one he was currently having. Daisy had been funny, thoughtful, kind, and compassionate. If he were honest, he pictured a thousand walks spent just that way.
That was not the case with the lady at his side now. He wasn’t certain he’d endure another five minutes spent like this.
But with Daisy, marriage would not be a chore to be endured, but a joy…their time together enjoyable, easing his tension and his… well, his scowl. He paused, his chin pulling back. He’d be a fool not to see that Daisy was different from all the other ladies he’d met. She suited him in ways that no other woman ever had.
And of course, there had been the kiss they’d shared. He closed his eyes remembering the feel of her lips under his once again. He’d never in all his life experienced such...excitement from a single kiss.
Daisy was everything he wanted in a woman and she was right in front of him and yet, he couldn’t seem to reach out and touch her. In fact, they were further apart than ever and if he were completely honest, that was his fault.
He’d been rude to her today, even for him.
It was just that he’d also been hurt. Her rejection had stung deeply. She’d struck that nerve deep inside that always seemed to whisper he wasn’t good enough. That any woman of worth would find him lacking as a husband and a partner.
“Not like pink. You’re jesting,” Miss Pearson continued, tightening her grip on his arm. “It is the most perfect color in all the world. Everyone should love it.”
He opened his mouth to tell her that he knew his own mind when he snapped it closed again. A lady deserved an attentive and polite companion, a lesson he’d do well to remember. “When last I was in Dover, I picked up a shell to find the inside, a pearly shade of pale pink that reflected the sunlight in a soft glow.”
The shade, now that he thought about it, was nearly identical in color to Daisy’s lips.
“Oh, that was beautiful, Your Grace.” Miss Pearson let out a soft sigh. “So romantic.”
He blinked twice, looking down at Miss Pearson. All ladies wanted a bit of romance. And if they didn’t... He nearly tripped on his own feet. If they didn’t, they were exactly like Annabelle. Willing to trade happiness for a title.
Meanwhile, he didn’t want to fall in love.
Courting Daisy had been a mistake from the first. But was he really going to be angry at Daisy for not wishing to marry for the position of duchess?
He should be exceptionally glad she was so honest.
Though the ache in his chest lessened, it did not go away. Because if she wasn’t willing to trade love for social standing then that meant that she did not feel for him either. She clearly could not imagine ever feeling that way about him.
Not the way he was beginning to feel about her.
He and Miss Pearson rounded a bend and just in front of him, he saw Merrick escorting Daisy down the trail. They were stopped, talking, their heads bent together, their eyes intent, their voices low.
Something primal roared within him. White-hot emotion skittered down his spine making it stiff and straight as he stared at them both. What could they be discussing so intimately?
And then it hit him. He was jealous.
He swallowed down a lump of irritation even as another wave of awareness crashed over him. Jealousy was a sure sign that he cared for Daisy. When had that happened?
Fool! he raged. The signs had all been there. His enjoyment of her company, the way he responded to her kiss.
He gave his head a shake. Once again, he found himself in the same situation. He wanted a woman who did not return his affection. His chest ached from the blow.
“Don’t you agree?” Miss Pearson asked, and he realized she’d been talking this entire time and he hadn’t heard a word. Not a single syllable.
“Mmm,” he murmured, determined not to hurt another woman today.
Daisy and Merrick continued on, moving further down the path. He pulled Miss Pearson faster to keep up.
Despite what he’d said to her at the start of this tour, Griff meant to keep a close watch on Daisy. Deep down, he knew it was jealousy that pressed him on, but another realization was rising.
He shouldn’t have spoken to her like that. She’d been honest with him about what she wanted and she’d had it within her power to accept his offer and tie him to another match where he… He bit back a sharp word of profanity. He’d nearly been tied into another marriage of unrequited love.
That thought stole his breath. He was falling in love with Daisy. And while it hurt to know that Daisy did not want him, she’d also saved him from the sure hurt another marriage like that would bring.
They rounded another bend and he saw the end of the garden just ahead. He nearly sighed with relief. Until he realized that Daisy was nowhere in sight. Neither was Merrick.
Reaching the larger group, he turned to Miss Pearson, issuing a quick and concise goodbye before he began weaving through the crowd.
He simply wanted to check on her, he rationalized. He was not picturing Merrick holding Daisy in his arms, giving her a kiss exactly like the one he’d delivered the night before.
His pulse raced, a vein in his throat throbbing with the steady beat of his heart.
Then he caught sight of her. Up against a rose bush, she shifted from one foot to the other, grimacing as she looked down at her skirts.
Merrick was nowhere in sight and her parents stood off to her right, conversing with two other couples.
With purposeful strides, he made his way to her side. She didn’t see him, her gaze trained on her dress.
“Daisy?” he asked, his voice low to not be overheard.
Her gaze flicked to his, her eyes widening before they blinked several times and then dropped back to her gown. “Please leave me be.”
His gut clenched. He’d heard the quiver in her voice. “I hurt your feelings earlier, didn’t I?”
“I might have deserved it,” she answered, and he heard it again. “I ran away last night without explanation which was dreadful of me but—”
“No,” he shook his head, interrupting her words. “I pushed too fast and, if we’re being honest, you were upfront with me from the start. You want a love match.” Griff didn’t add that he was in fact very much in love with her. That sort of rejection that was sure to follow would only cloud this moment. This was his time to apologize.
Daisy straightened and Griff heard the smallest ripping sound. So slight, he wondered if he’d imagined it. “That’s very kind,” her voice squeaked out, her breath stuttering as she drew in a sharp inhale.
“Daisy,” he stepped closer. “What’s wrong?”
She nibbled at her lip, looking up at him in a desperate plea. “My dress. It’s caught on several thorns,” she whispered.
“Untangle it,” he replied, squinting as he looked back to see the fabric wrapped in several branches.
She gave a stiff nod. “I suppose I must. But my mother is already in a snit about…” She stopped, taking a deep breath. “She’s sure my clumsiness frightened away a certain duke. Even now, I’d guess she and Lady Tanenhill are discussing my lack of grace.”
Griff tilted his head, training his ear toward her parents. Sure enough he caught the word gangly and blundering. He winced looking back at her skirts. Then without a word, he dropped to one knee. With quick hands, he unwound the fabric, plucking it from the thorns so that the muslin did not rip any further.
He nearly chuckled when he realized that Daisy’s dress was, in fact, a lovely shade of blush pink. He
caught a glimpse of her matching slipper in the same hue. Perhaps he liked the color after all.
Within ten seconds, he had the fabric undone from the branches and he watched her shoulders hunch in relief. “Thank you,” she whispered. “You’ve saved me from hours of lecture.”
He smiled then. It wasn’t a large grin, but the words and her relief warmed him more than he could express. “I shall further save you, if you will allow me to do so.”
“Of course,” she answered even as her brow drew together in confusion. But he held out his elbow and escorted her to her parents’ side. “Lord and Lady Turley,” he said. “I hope you’ll accept my apology for not attending the walk with you.”
Lady Turley’s eyebrows nearly disappeared into her hairline before a grin spread across her cheeks. “There is no need, Your Grace.”
“Kind of you, but I’m afraid I lost track of my appointments. I hope you’ll allow me the honor of escorting Daisy back to the house to make up for my gaffe.”
Both Turleys grinned at him then. Daisy stood silently at his side as her parents consented. The group began to move, heading toward the mansion and Griff deliberately held back, allowing them to drift to the back of their party. When he was certain he would not be overheard, he turned to Daisy. “I want to explain my behavior earlier. I owe you an apology and an explanation.”
He felt her trip, just a bit, and his hand automatically shot out to steady her. The simple touch made his pulse quicken as he quickly returned his hand to his side. “It’s all right,” she answered, shaking her head.
“It isn’t.” He drew in a deep breath. “You see, I was in love with my first wife. Or I thought that I was. And when she accepted my marriage proposal, I was certain I was the luckiest man in all of England.”
She cleared her throat. “That sounds lovely.”
He shrugged. “That is the perfect phrase for it. It all sounded lovely. But the reality was very different.”
Her other hand wrapped about his arm. The small gesture filled him with comfort. “Why?”
He shook his head. “Within a few months of our marriage, it became clear she’d been far more enamored with the title of duchess than the duke she’d married. She didn’t like my quiet life, the amount I worked, the time I spent in the country. She found me too serious and far too boring.”
A Wallflower's Wish Boxed Set: Three Regency Romances Page 8