‘She was under our noses all the time, Uncle. Miss Milton used to be the younger Blandish girl’s governess,’ Lord Edward said, appearing from behind a pillar. His evening clothes were spotless and perfectly complemented his blond hair. But it was a studied neatness and elegance, rather than an effortless one. ‘You remember the Blandishes. The elder Miss Blandish…’
‘I am well aware of Mrs Blandish and her offspring. And this woman is the governess who possessed more wits in her little finger than any of them had in their heads. She alone saw what a folly it was to give a young girl free reign.’ Lord Denning banged his cane down on the floor with a resounding crash. Daisy winced.
‘That is correct, Uncle. Ravensworth intends to marry her after they were…’ Lord Edward gave a chilling laugh. Daisy quietly consigned Lord Edward to the coldest room in hell. There was no need for him to make such remarks.
Adam stiffened next to her. ‘I was not aware that my affairs were the subject of common gossip, Heritage.’
‘Gossip is the lifeblood of the spa, old thing, particularly when your fiancée emerges wearing such a ravishing…necklace.’ A hungry expression crossed Lord Edward’s face. Daisy shook her head. Lord Edward? It made a certain amount of sense, but he had been concerned for Adam’s welfare and had joined in the search for him. And he had come to find her…except that Lord Ravensworth had never told him who she was.
‘The talk will die in time. But it is a seven-day wonder, Daisy,’ Adam said in an undertone. ‘I am merely concerned with my bride-to-be being discomforted. All eyes are on her.’
‘And that magnificent necklace. From the Indian subcontinent?’ Lord Denning raised his quizzing glass again. ‘There is something about the workmanship.’
‘I brought it back from India and have always intended on giving it to my bride.’
Daisy glanced up at the gilt ceiling. His words made her seem even more like a fraud. He had saved the necklace and had no doubt intended it for some perfect English rose, but instead circumstances had forced them together. She did not want to think about the woman who would one day capture his heart and wear the necklace as a gift of love rather than as a trap.
The conversation ebbed and flowed around her as she fought against the tight misery in her chest.
‘What impresses me is that you managed to discover the gold that was hidden underneath the governess garments,’ Lord Edward said. ‘She is truly a delicious beauty.’
Daisy glanced from Adam to Lord Edward and back again. What was between them? Lord Edward was his friend. He had been concerned the day Adam was attacked. She remembered him questioning her about the valuable thing Adam had lost. He knew about the necklace, and yet… Daisy wanted to go somewhere quiet and puzzle it out, but it was impossible to leave without creating a scene.
‘I am perceptive. And I am very lucky that she rescued me. Who knows what might have happened on that riverbank without her quick thinking? I credit Miss Milton with no less a feat than bringing me back to life.’
Daisy ducked her head. Her cheeks flamed, despite knowing his words for a lie, and a provocation. ‘I only did my Christian duty.’
‘I knew a man who once swore that if one did not have to consider a fortune, a governess was the best place to look for a bride,’ Lord Denning said, thumping his cane on the ground, and breaking the tension that had grown between the two men. ‘With Miss Milton, I would say the opinion is aptly expressed. You are a lucky man, Ravensworth. You best hold tight to her or someone will snatch her away.’
‘My sentiments exactly.’ Adam’s fingers tightened slightly on her elbow. His breath touched her ear, causing Daisy to forget all the promises she had made herself before coming down to the ball. This was all for show. She was immune to his touch. Immune. She repeated it over and over again, but somehow, her body kept forgetting.
‘I had best go and greet Mrs Blandish. Miss Blandish has been waving frantically.’
Adam appeared surprised. ‘If you must…’
‘Yes, I must. You stay here and talk to Lord Denning.’
She walked away before he could protest.
* * *
‘Will you do me the honour of the next quadrille, Miss Milton? The music is just starting,’ Lord Edward asked, blocking her way back after she had had a rather tense conversation with Miss Blandish. ‘To make amends for my boorish behaviour. My attempt at teasing Ravensworth has fallen flat. I should learn to think before I speak. I most humbly crave your pardon.’
Daisy glanced over her shoulder, but Adam appeared in deep conversation with another man. He had forgotten her once again. She had served his purpose. Daisy made a little curtsy. ‘I would be honoured.’
‘You must not mind my great-uncle,’ Lord Edward said as they moved towards the dance floor. ‘He delights in teasing me about the need for an heiress and ridicules my choice. I am afraid I react badly to teasing. It was beastly rude of me. I shall be desolate if Miss Blandish slips through my fingers.’
‘Miss Blandish always has appeared fond of you,’ Daisy said carefully.
‘You do my poor heart good, Miss Milton.’ Lord Edward glanced down at her. ‘This is the first time we have had a chance to speak since your unfortunate engagement.’
‘Unfortunate?’
‘I have your interests at heart. Your brother and I were friends. Do you really think that he would approve of you marrying such a man as Ravensworth? They were rivals, you know.’
‘Rivals?’ Daisy forced the word from her mouth. She’d never considered it. ‘You repeat ancient gossip, Lord Edward.’
‘For a maharajah’s mistress.’ He smiled down at her as the first figure of the dance began. ‘They say she even carried Ravensworth’s child, and that was why he fought so hard to get back to the hill station—not to save her, but because he wanted to fight a duel with your brother.’
‘Nothing about Adam Ravensworth shocks me,’ Daisy replied carefully as her mind recoiled from the bile that dripped from Lord Edward’s tongue. Kammie was Tom’s daughter. It was all a tissue of lies, just as he had lied about Adam wanting to see her on that first day. ‘I am merely grateful that he has seen fit to protect my reputation.’
‘He will be doing it for his own purposes. Trust me on this, Miss Milton. He never has done anything except for himself. Take the necklace you wear about your neck. You should have it valued. It is paste. I will do it for you discreetly if you wish.’
‘You appear awfully sure of that.’ Daisy tightened her grip on her fan.
‘It is a friendly warning. Everything is not always as it seems.’ Lord Edward’s eyes held a curious dead look. ‘Think about my offer, Miss Milton. Always better to be safe than sorry.’
‘I do not believe that will be necessary.’ Daisy kept her gaze focused on the garland of pale blue flowers. Was Lord Edward somehow involved with the attackers? ‘I trust Lord Ravensworth, and I do not believe it will form part of my marriage settlement in any case.’
‘Trust and Adam Ravensworth are two words that do not sit easily together. The stories I could tell you.’ He gave a high-pitched laugh. ‘Has he told you of the necklace’s curse?’
‘Luckily, as a governess, I do not believe in curses.’
Lord Edward raised her gloved hand to his lips. His eyes showed an unexpected stab of pity. ‘For your sake, Miss Milton, I hope you are right.’
* * *
Adam watched Daisy dance a variety of reels and quadrilles, absentmindedly answering questions and then hurriedly having to think up the correct explanation when the lady or gentleman frowned. Her skirts swirled slightly and revealed her shapely ankles. And she laughed up at something an elderly gentleman said, setting the whole room blaze with the eagerness in her face. It was hard to believe that this sparkling woman once seemed so pale and listless with the life drained out of her. He had been right to rescue her from the drudgery of the schoolroom.
It also made his task harder. He could not be sure if the men were watching her because
they wanted the necklace or because they admired her form. Her form was enough to make any man forget his duty. Normally he liked men to admire his mistresses, but Daisy was different. Daisy was going to be his wife. He wanted to take her to some distant estate and keep her there.
It bothered him that Heritage seemed intent on speaking alone with Daisy. First he danced with her and then two more times he made sure that he was in the same set as her. Adam frowned. What was Heritage up to?
He shook his head. He was concentrating far too much on Daisy, and the way her skirts swirled, revealing a glimpse of her ankle for the discerning.
Adam frowned. All he knew was that he did not like the way Heritage had assumed control of the situation. Even Miss Blandish was standing at the side of the dance floor, tapping her foot.
As the next dance started, Adam pushed his way into the increasing throng of men who gathered about Daisy.
‘My dance, I believe. I claim a fiancé’s privilege.’ He regarded Heritage with a pointed look.
A faint flush covered Heritage’s cheeks. ‘I was merely trying to do a friend’s duty.’
Daisy’s quick smile did not meet her eyes as the gathering throng moved away from her. ‘If you wish…’
The waltz rose up around them, one of the newer Strauss waltzes. Adam put his hand on her slender waist. ‘Now we shall discover if you can dance a waltz as well as you bowl.’
She closed her eyes and a dreamy smile crossed her lips as she savoured the tune. ‘I adore waltzing. I dare say that you will be better than Nella. She always stepped on my toes.’
‘Ah, but will you be able to let me lead?’ He glanced down at her upturned face. Her eyes sparkled slightly and her lips were parted.
‘I will endeavour to do my best.’
Adam steadily increased the pressure on Daisy’s back, bringing her closer so that their limbs were moving in tandem. Her lavender scent rose and enveloped him. He breathed deeply and forged the moment into a memory.
‘Waltzing seems to suit your mood. Once we leave here, you will be the toast of London.’
‘Hardly the toast.’ Daisy’s stomach tightened. Leaving. Right now, she did not want this enchanted evening to end and Adam was already speaking about departing. It was his way of reminding her that their association would be short lived. Determinedly, she stepped forwards and found her way blocked by Adam’s leg.
‘It took you all of two turns about the dance floor before you forgot that you were not the one leading.’
‘Once a governess, always a governess.’ Daisy attempted to give a light unconcerned laugh and found she could only gasp in light pants. Her heart raced far too fast and her body appeared to want to move in time with his. Every portion of her remembered the kiss in the schoolroom and wanted it repeated. Each time they moved, her body tingled in awareness. But somehow, she had to keep to the bargain. It was better that way. ‘We should speak. I have been trying to puzzle out who the mastermind might be.’
‘Is that why you were quizzing Heritage?’ he murmured against her ear. ‘You went pale during the quadrille.’
‘I thought he might have something to do with it.’ Daisy stared over Adam’s shoulder, wondering how she could tell him about her suspicions. How could she tell him without saying about the horrid things Lord Edward had implied? ‘It is silly of me. Probably simply fancies and far too much punch. I shall have a sore head in the morning.’
‘Heritage is harmless. He likes to pretend that he knows more than he does.’ His hand about her waist tightened, pulling her closer against him. They circled the floor once more, this time slower. ‘But underneath his bluster, he is sound.’
She bit her lip and then the words bubbled up within her. ‘You are wrong about Edward Heritage. He mentioned the ruby necklace when he escorted me to the Shaw’s Hotel for the first time.’
He swiftly steered them towards an open door, not going out through the French windows on to the crowded terrace, but instead going down a short dark passage and into a small beam-hung room that was set up for cards.
Heavy drapery provided a secluded nook and several unlit candles stood on the card table. At some point in the evening, the serious gamblers would retire here and play until the cock crowed, but at the moment a faint chill clung to the corners of the room and the only sound was the popping of the pine logs in the open fire.
Daisy tilted her head to one side and took steadying breaths. Adam was far too handsome in his evening clothes. His breeches revealed the muscles in his thighs and his calves were the sort that would never need padding. And she knew her breathlessness was not coming from her need to tell Adam about Lord Edward, but rather from Adam’s nearness.
‘We will be safe enough here to talk,’ Adam said. ‘No one should disturb us. This room won’t be used for cards until much later in the evening. Now, what do you have in your head about Heritage?’
‘I remembered it tonight. How he had gone on and on about you losing something valuable. But I didn’t think any more of it until tonight.’ Daisy curled her hand about the fan and ignored the place on the sofa. ‘Lord Edward swears the jewels in my necklace are paste. He offered to have them valued for me. Discreetly.’
‘Naturally.’ A smile tugged at Adam’s mouth.
‘But he must be involved with the gang.’
‘Edward Heritage is severely let in his pockets and wants to exchange the jewels.’ Adam’s lips became a thin white line. ‘He would never be involved with the thuggee. He hated them with a passion.’
‘But what if—?’
‘I thought governesses avoided Minerva Press novels.’ Adam held her hand and his eyes became serious. ‘Listen to me, Daisy. Heritage does not have the brains to be behind this. Killing a brother officer is against his code.’
Daisy struggled to take a breath. Minerva Press novels indeed. He was implying that she was worse than Nella. The world spun slightly and she put a hand out towards the back of a chair. She missed and stumbled.
Adam’s hand instantly reached out and steadied her.
‘Your corset is far too tight. Sit and regain your composure.’
‘Do you always speak so boldly?’ Daisy sat on the edge of the sofa. Immediately the pressure on her lungs eased and the room stopped spinning. But she became aware that they were alone in the room together and his eyes smouldered.
‘You had no problems moving swiftly before, particularly in the wood. I am aware of ladies’ undergarments and their peculiarities.’ A dimple flashed in and out of his cheek. ‘You will find it easier if you do not give into fashion. Your waist is slender enough.’
‘Shall we speak of something else while I seek to regain my composure?’ Daisy kept her back upright and concentrated on taking steadying breaths. Entering into a conversation about her undergarments was not going to happen. She was going to keep to the spirit of the bargain. Platonic friendship. ‘Tell me about India.’
‘What shall I tell you?’ His eyes crinkled at the corners as if he knew why she wanted to change the subject.
‘Describe the hill station where you met my brother. What was it like?’
‘The first night, the roof of the guest house where I was staying shook with a clattering and scraping.’
‘Rats?’ Daisy fought to keep the disappointment from her voice. She had hoped Adam would speak about Tom, something to erase the bile of Edward Heritage’s words.
‘Monkeys. The next morning I looked out over the mist-covered scene with the mountains lit blue and saw them disappearing into the jungle. A whole troop of monkeys, each holding the other’s tail. The last one turned around and bared his teeth at me.’
‘What did you do?’
‘I burst out laughing. Kam—’ He hesitated for a heartbeat and a painful expression flickered across his face. Daisy’s heart constricted and she wondered why the woman had been standing next to him. Had they passed the night together? ‘Someone told me to hush as they were a lucky sight.’
‘It sounds like
a different world.’
His fingers brushed a ringlet from her shoulders. ‘Far removed from England.’
His eyes took on an enigmatic look. She glanced up and saw his face looming above hers. If she tilted her mouth slightly, raised her chin, she would touch him. Her fingers tightened around the fan. She wanted to touch him.
Did that make her a loose woman like Mrs Flyte predicted she’d become? How could it be within a few short days that she had forgotten all her principles and rules? ‘We need to return to the dance. I am quite recovered.’
‘Listen.’ He held up his hand and cocked his head to one side. ‘Quickly now and no missish mewlings. There is not anywhere else.’
He put his hand around her arm and pushed her into the nook. The heavy curtain swayed as he pulled it around them, shielding them from view.
The doorknob clicked and Daisy forgot to breathe.
Chapter Eleven
Adam stood in the tiny alcove with Daisy’s nose squashed up against his shoulder. He reached down and twitched her skirt in, looping the ruffles over his arm. Daisy wriggled, trying to put more space between them, but at the same time trying to stay hidden, and his body responded to her every movement. Adam slowly counted to ten. And willed her to stop moving. This was neither the time nor the place to begin the next assault on her virtue. He had not meant to tell Daisy about the morning after his first night with Kamala, when he felt as if all were right with the world and nothing could go wrong.
‘They will not notice us. Your reputation is safe, if you keep still.’
‘I am trying to.’ She glanced up at him, her eyes becoming wide and dilated. Adam permitted himself a small stab of satisfaction. This little interlude would turn out as he had planned…eventually. ‘Are they friend or foe?’
‘Time will tell, but I should imagine they are intent on finding a place to be alone, rather than on investigating if they actually are.’ He tightened his arm about her waist and noticed that this time, she remained still as footsteps resounded in the room and the door was slammed shut.
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