Tempting Miss Daisy: House of Devon Read online

  Rex raised a single brow. “Dinner is a wonderful idea. Would tomorrow night suffice?”

  Daisy looked to the baron for confirmation or denial and he gave a single nod. “Your hospitality is most appreciated. Tomorrow night is perfect.”

  Devon cleared his throat. “Rex and I have a few details to discuss as well. Perhaps Daisy can see his lordship back to the house. A groom will accompany you both.”

  Daisy drew in a steadying breath. Hartwell had her out of sorts and she didn’t know how to get her heart rate and her racing mind back under control.

  He turned back toward the exit of the barn, holding out an elbow as a groom shuffled behind them. Her fingers trembling, she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. Hard muscle flexed beneath her touch as heat radiated from him, warming her straight to her core.

  Was this how Abigail had felt with Rex?

  Would Daisy feel this sort of breathless, tingly excitement if she were courted?

  She thought of the butcher and nearly laughed aloud. He wasn’t much taller than her, and not exactly the sort of man that might make a woman breathless.

  “Have you warmed from your journey?” she asked. A silly question but the only she could think of with her thoughts bouncing from heat in her cheeks to the wonder stealing her breath.

  “It’s been a cold stretch, for certain,” he answered. “Always is this time of year.”

  She nodded. It was nearly Christmastide and with any luck, snow would fall soon. “True. It’s a difficult time of year to make such a journey.”

  He tensed under her hand, frowning. “I quite like travelling by horseback, any time of year.”

  She nodded. The question she wished to ask is what woman was so important that he wished to buy such a gift for her, but that would be impolite, so she cast about for another topic. “How long of a journey did you have?”

  He looked over at her. “It’s no more than a day’s ride. With the weather as it is, I travelled in two, stopping over at an inn.”

  “Likely a good choice.” They approached the back door to the kitchen and she wasn’t certain whether or not she should be relieved or disappointed to part with his company.

  “His Grace mentioned that you are from this area.”

  She nodded. “I’ve lived here all my life. Except for a brief trip to London.” That trip had been one of the most difficult times in her life. One of her father’s creditors had dragged them off to marry them to the highest bidder as a way to settle her father’s debts.

  The duke’s intervention was all that had saved them.

  “I don’t care much for the city, I have to confess,” he murmured.

  She shook her head. “Me either. I like open space to walk, and think, and listen to nature.”

  He stopped just outside the kitchen door, looking down at her with dark, unreadable eyes. “I agree.”

  Something in his gaze made her look at the ground.

  “Do you like to travel to other places?” he asked, his voice low and deep, rumbling with something that made her heart beat even faster.

  She gave her head a small shake. “Well, I’ve never been anywhere else, but then again, I wonder what those places might have that I can’t already find here.”

  He didn’t move, and he didn’t answer for the span of several seconds. The silence stretched for so long that she lifted her gaze to meet his. His eyes were still dark and unreadable, their hazel depths now a charcoal grey. But his face had softened considerably.

  “I’m not much for travel either.” He leaned a bit closer. “Despite my title, I’ve had to work very hard to make my barony a success. It doesn’t leave much time or energy for travel, and the longer I stay at home, the less I wish to leave.”

  She nodded, understanding perfectly. “I’ve also had to work. Not for success, just for…” Her words drifted off. Survival. Her hand fluttered. “But I find that it’s made me appreciate what is truly important in life.”

  “What is that?” he asked.

  Was it her imagination or had he drifted closer? His heat radiated into her side. She shrugged. “Nice people. A warm home. Good food.”

  “You don’t wish for adventure?” he asked, his head tilting closer.

  Adventure? “No. Not even a little.” She bit at her lip. “Do you think me quite boring?”

  He shook his head. “Not at all.”

  Her stomach niggled. Despite his denial, she worried he still thought of her as dull. “I had a terrible adventure of sorts when my father passed. Now I only wish for…” She didn’t want to even say the words but stability and safety were the ones that came to mind.

  He lifted his free hand and grazed her cheek with his knuckles. “Someone who has never wanted can’t understand what it means to go without. Nor do they know the satisfaction of getting what you truly need. Don’t be ashamed. I find your attitude very commendable.”

  Her lips parted as she searched his face, hoping his words were the truth. His mouth curved into a small, soft smile. “Thank you,” she said softly.

  He dropped his hand. “Speaking of, it grows colder by the minute. Let’s get you inside.”

  Cold? She wasn’t chilly in the least. His heat had radiated into every part of her body. But she allowed him to escort her into the kitchen. She no longer dreaded tomorrow night’s dinner.

  Not that she expected anything to come of the evening. He was a lord and she was a tutor. She’d do very well to remember that fact.

  Chapter Four

  Cole sat atop his stallion staring at the Ablemans’ adorable home in the setting sunlight. The house looked just large enough to hold a nice sized family. A large barn stood a hundred feet away, smoke rising from both structures. Frosted windows filled with candlelight beckoned a welcome.

  Rex came out the door and waved in greeting, pointing toward the barn. “Let’s get your horse settled for the night.”

  “That’s not necessary,” he said. “I can return to the Devon house this evening.”

  “Nonsense,” Rex said. “It will be too dark and too cold for such travel. You’ll stay here.” The other man gave him a warm smile. “Then you can escort Daisy back in the morning.”

  At the mention of her name, everything in him tightened. She’d tutored in the morning and then left to help prepare the evening meal with her sister, so he hadn’t seen her the entire day. But she’d barely been out of his thoughts for more than a minute.

  Her beauty had captured him. He couldn’t deny that.

  And her grace had charmed him.

  Devon’s words had played out in his thoughts the entire day. Did Cole dare to make decisions with his heart rather than his head?

  Cole swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’d be happy to escort her back.”

  Rex slapped him on the back then took the reins of his stallion. Hercules rarely allowed strangers to lead him, but the beast followed Rex without question.

  “I’ve got a few horses here I’d like you to have a look at. Neither will be ready to ride for another year but both would benefit from direct training from their rider.”

  Cole nodded curtly, frowning. He couldn’t picture Reagan being patient enough to train the horse herself.

  As they entered the large barn, several animals whinnied in greeting. Rex began to undo the saddle on Hercules and methodically brush down the beast. “There are two stalls at the end on the right with different mares. One is far more spirited than the other. Have a look.”

  Cole made his way down the row of stalls until he reached the end. A black mare, large and beautiful with a sleek coat, danced in the first stall. Muscled and strong, she appeared ready for a good run. He grinned at the girl. “You are a lady looking for adventure.”

  Passing by that stall, he stopped at the next. A much quieter dappled grey mare lifted her head over her door. He reached out and she nuzzled his hand making soft gentle noises.

  He leaned close, stroking her muzzle with both hands. “Aren’t you a beauty?”<
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  A bang erupted from the stall next door, the black mare having kicked the back wall of the barn. He chuckled. “Your neighbor is the jealous sort.”

  The dapple grey gave a soft, unconcerned nicker as she searched his hand, likely looking for sugar.

  While the black mare was perfect for Reagan, this dapple could steal a man’s heart before he’d even known he was in danger.

  After a final stroke along her neck, he returned to Rex’s side. “Both are beauties, to be certain.”

  Rex lifted an eyebrow as he finished brushing Hercules. “Indeed. Though, they are so different, it shouldn’t be hard to choose. They would never suit the same rider.”

  No. They would not. He drew in a long breath. Odd. He knew exactly which horse he preferred.

  Quiet, content, gentle. The dapple grey was lovely.

  But that horse wouldn’t suit Reagan at all.

  She’d be perfect for a woman like Daisy, however. “Does your sister-in-law ride?”

  Rex stopped brushing, straightening up. “Of course. She grew up around horseflesh.” He led Hercules into an empty tall, already stocked with hay. “But she prefers a quiet, steady animal to a spirited one.”

  Cole had already known that. “Her father saw that his daughters were well educated.”

  “Yes.” Rex’s mouth tightened. “He did that.” He clicked the gate closed, Hercules more than content to spend the evening eating and sleeping in the warm barn. “Both Abigail and Daisy speak well of their childhood.”

  Cole rubbed the back of his neck. “Devon mentioned the debts.”

  Rex stopped, his hand flexing at his side. “Did he? He told me, but he could see that I was interested in Abigail. He…” The other man trailed off, his eyes narrowing. “Daisy isn’t the sort of woman to be trifled with. She’s been through a great deal and she’s learned to support herself.”

  Cole understood the warning. It was very clear. And part of him knew he should heed it. He’d picked a woman who would raise his finances and finally rid him of the banner of destitution. In fact, he’d have enough money to go wherever he wished, travel in any circle he desired.

  But he was a man who enjoyed hard work and a quiet life at home.

  Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a woman at his side who liked that too?

  * * *

  Daisy moved about the dining room, setting the table as her sister sat in a chair off to one side.

  The baby was due soon and Abigail tired easily.

  Daisy smiled at her sister, currently digging a hand into her back as she attempted to stretch. “Sorry to make you finish the table,” Abigail said.

  “That’s why I came.”

  Abigail sighed. “No one tells you how hard it will be to even move when you’re this big.”

  Daisy placed the last fork on the table. “You’re doing marvelously.”

  “The baby kicks every day.” Abigail rubbed her belly, smiling. “Especially at night. Or when I sit down.”

  Daisy set the last fork in place. “How wonderful.” She crossed over to her sister. “Is he kicking right now?”

  “Yes.” Abigail reached for Daisy’s hand, placing her fingers low on her belly. Sure enough, a thumping met her fingers from inside Abigail’s stomach.

  “Oh,” Daisy breathed bending down. “That is amazing.”

  She began talking to her sister’s stomach, babbling about how she couldn’t wait to meet the babe.

  “I agree,” Rex called from the door. “I too am anxious to meet the person residing in my wife’s belly.”

  Daisy turned her head to see both Rex and Hartwell standing in the doorway. She quickly stood, tucking her hands into her skirts.

  “Help me up.” Abigail reached a hand out to Rex. “I find I can’t hardly lift myself out of a chair these days.”

  Rex chuckled as he took Abigail’s hand, placing another at her back. “Did Abigail tell you the good news?” He looked over at Daisy. “We’ve hired a nanny.”

  Daisy blinked in surprise. “Really? I thought I would help you.”

  Abigail patted her sister’s hand. “Once you leave the duke’s employ, you’ll be engaged in a month.” Then Abigail winked. “We needed someone who could stay for longer.”

  Her insides twisted. The duke had been so kind to them, she hated to leave. Caring for the baby was a good excuse to terminate her position. “Oh, but I don’t have to. I can wait to pursue a match.”

  Hartwell stepped into the room. “They’re right. You won’t last very long at all as an unwed, eligible woman. You’re far too beautiful.”

  His compliment warmed her from the inside out and she nibbled at her lip, not sure what to say.

  But Rex spared her answering. “I can see I will have to polish up my pistols.”

  She let out a small laugh. Her sister’s husband had been everything both of them had needed. “I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”

  Rex frowned. “I disagree. The moment word gets out…”

  Abigail slipped her hand into her husband’s. “Let’s take them to the sitting room. Lord Hartwell, please excuse the mess. We’re still constructing several of the rooms.”

  “Your home is truly lovely.” He offered his elbow to Daisy.

  She tried to ignore the way her stomach flopped as she slipped her fingers into his arm. She had that feeling again that Lord Hartwell was like Rex. A man who could create a cozy corner in the world for a woman to call her own. A protector, a provider.

  He leaned down, whispering, “Do you truly think you’ll be engaged within a month?”

  She shook her head, trying to think a rational thought. “It’s one thing to meet a man or men. It’s another to find the exact right one. I think that shall take some time…don’t you?”

  “Perhaps,” he answered. “Then again, perhaps not.”

  She looked over at him, her brows scrunching together. What did that mean?

  Chapter Five

  Daisy sat in front of the duke, clasping her hands. “I’m happy to stay as long as you need,” she offered, nibbling on her lip. “I don’t want to leave the children without a tutor but…” Her voice drifted off.

  He leaned forward across his desk. “But you’re going to live with your sister and Mr. Ableman.”

  Daisy held her breath, searching his words for irritation. She didn’t know what might have become of her without this man. She owed him her life and her loyalty. “If it’s too much to ask…” She pressed her hands to the top of the desk. “I can stay.”

  His Grace sat back in his chair. “I always knew you’d leave at some point. And I was certain after your sister married. With Mr. Ableman to assist you in finding a match…” He waved. “I’m surprised it’s taken you this long.”

  She let out a long breath of relief, her shoulders dropping a fraction of an inch. “I’m so relieved. I didn’t want you to think that I didn’t appreciate all of your help.”

  The duke shook his head. “Daisy. I didn’t bring you here for a life of indentured servitude.”

  One corner of her mouth tilted up. “That’s true, I suppose.”

  He smiled in response. “And I am not surprised that Lord Hartwell’s arrival has prompted this.”

  “Lord Hartwell?”

  He picked up a stack of papers on his desk, neatening the edges. “Of course. I sense a blooming romance.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks. “Oh no. I would never dream of making a match with a titled lord.” She found herself flustered and shifted in her seat. “I’ve heard perhaps the butcher…” She was babbling now, and she knew it.

  The duke shook his head. “You are an educated daughter of the landed gentry. You can’t marry the butcher.”

  She shook her head. “I’m no one now,” she said, her voice quiet but her insides churning. “I’ve only been able to save a modest amount of my salary and with little dowry and no father, my prospects are limited.”

  The duke stood from his desk, towering over her. “Daisy, listen to me
carefully.”

  She swallowed, giving a nod.

  His brows drew together as he scowled down at her. “One of the worst mistakes you can make is undervaluing yourself. I insist that you make a list of assets as you begin to think of appropriate husbands. At least consider a judge, barrister, or doctor. You’ve more grace than most debutantes and exceedingly good looks. But perhaps you lack an understanding of men.”

  “Your Grace?” She stood too, the color that flooded her cheeks draining just as suddenly. Was the cousin of the Prince Regent about to educate her on the finer points of the male gender?

  “Men value beauty and feminine attributes like you have. And a fair number of them would feel even more masculine for having rescued you from a match with the butcher.” His nose wrinkled. “Allow them to feel as though you need them. You’d be grateful for their help, and many would deliver the world to you on a platter.”

  Daisy blinked, attempting to understand what he’d just said. He wasn’t talking about Lord Hartwell, was he? This was a more general conversation? “Thank you for explaining,” she whispered, wondering if she should ask Abigail about these things. Somehow the duke’s words had created as many questions as they gave answers.

  “You’re more confused, aren’t you?” he asked, as if reading her thoughts.

  “I don’t understand what a man receives for such a bargain.” She shook her head. “Wouldn’t he rather have a woman with a large dowry?”

  The duke chuckled. “Some do. But some time take pride in being a provider.”

  That did make sense. “I begin to understand.”

  “And others prefer the…” The duke paused. “Physical parts of a relationship that come with a particularly attractive female.”

  Her eyes lit with understanding. She’d seen the way Rex looked at her sister.

  But before she could answer someone cleared his throat just behind her. She turned to see Lord Hartwell standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. “Your Grace,” he said, his hazel eyes stormy even as his chest expanded.