Tempting Miss Daisy: House of Devon Read online

  She parted her lips to explain. Lord Hartwell looked angry, but Lord Devon had just been trying to help her.

  “And then there is the motivator of jealousy.” Devon chuckled.

  She gaped at the duke. Was he implying that Lord Hartwell was jealous?

  Hartwell stepped into the room. He moved to her side, radiating confidence and strength. “Protectiveness and jealousy are two different things.”

  “They are, indeed,” Devon said, returning to his chair. “But Daisy, remember. Both are powerful motivators for convincing a man to marry you.”

  “Is this an appropriate conversation for an employer to have with his employee?” Hartwell slid in front of her, creating a physical barrier between her and the duke.

  While the Duke of Devon was the last man she needed protection from, she had the urge to press her forehead to Hartwell’s back. He wished to protect her. Did that mean he might possibly be interested in her?

  * * *

  Cole knew that his behavior was unwise. Foolish was the word.

  Daisy was not his responsibility. And the duke was a powerful potential ally, one he’d waited a lifetime to find.

  But the man describing what a man might like to the woman now standing behind him had been a bridge too far for Cole.

  She was vulnerable and under this man’s care. If the duke chose to take advantage… She was too precious to be used. Cole knew that.

  But rather than look irritated, the duke gave him an unusually mischievous smile. “It’s been a very long time since any man has thought to lecture me on propriety. Miss Franks,” he waved a hand to the side. “Since this is your area of expertise, perhaps you could enlighten us.”

  He heard her intake of breath.

  Then, so help him God, her fingers brushed his back.

  “I appreciate Lord Hartwell’s chivalry. Very honorable.”

  Her breath tickled the back of his neck and the hair along the skin stood on end.

  “Rightly so,” the duke answered, returning to his chair and leaning back. “And my behavior?” he asked, placing his hands behind his back.

  “As my father’s dear friend and our savior, I greatly appreciate you taking the role of patriarch in our lives. I don’t have anyone to ask such…” Her voice drifted off.

  Cole tensed. Of course.

  She needed someone to explain these things to her and he’d reacted like a hot-headed fool while the duke was acting in a fatherly manner.

  But the point had been made.

  He’d rushed in to protect this woman, perfectly demonstrating the duke’s point to Daisy. Men wished to protect such a delicate jewel. But unlike a piece of jewelry, Daisy would have much to offer her future husband. His insides clenched with regret. He already had a plan. Did he dare to change it now?

  What if it took years to gain the financial foothold a match with Reagan would provide?

  But he looked back over his shoulder. There were more important things in life than money. How had he not seen that sooner?

  “Thank you for explaining that to me, Miss Frank,” he said, meeting her large eyes. He wanted to touch her face again. Hell, he wanted to hold her close. Keep her safe.

  Would he be sacrificing his future or gain one if he changed courses now?

  “You’re welcome.”

  Her sweet voice weaved into his ear, making him ache to choose her. A woman he could hold close and dear to his heart.

  When had this happened?

  “Miss Frank, correct me if I am mistaken but is it nearly time for the children’s lesson?” the duke asked.

  She blinked, breaking their connection and stepping around him, dropped into a courtesy. “It is. The temperature is more moderate today. I thought I could take them to the village. I’d like to have them practice ordering from the counter at the store. Is that all right, Your Grace?”

  “It is.” Then he looked at Cole, clearing his throat. “Would you be so kind as to accompany them, Lord Hartwell? My son would very much like to spend time with you again.”

  Cole’s clenched his jaw. “I’d be delighted.” He meant those words. Part of him didn’t want to let the woman out of his sight. But he also knew with every interaction he seemed to grow more attached.

  Chapter Six

  Daisy walked with a child on either side of her, painfully aware of the man who walked on Michael’s right side.

  “How long have you had your horse?” Michael asked, looking at Cole.

  Cole smiled down at the boy. “Just a few years.” He cleared his throat. “My horse before that was much older and not nearly as large.”

  Michael nodded. “A man your size needs a big stallion.”

  “Michael,” Daisy chastised softly. “We don’t mention such things.”

  “No.” Lord Hartwell winked. “He’s right. My old stallion was terribly burdened with my weight, but it took a few years before I was able to purchase such an animal.”

  Daisy crinkled her brow. “Children, see if you can find some holly branches for us to make a wreath.”

  Both children raced off and she looked over at Lord Hartwell, wishing to ask questions like Michael just had, but not wishing to pry.

  He looked over at her, even as he held out his elbow. “You’ve sent the children off once more. Confident I’ll be able to save them again?”

  She laughed a little. “There’s no river here.” Then she cleared her throat. “I should be very glad you purchased a new horse. I don’t know if you would have saved Michael if you hadn’t.”

  “Hercules made it easier,” he said. “But I would have saved him no matter what.”

  “I sense that about you, Lord Hartwell.”

  “Call me Cole, Daisy.” Then he stopped, turning toward her. “You should know that I also have a colorful past. Or at least my father did. He left me in a deep debt that I’ve spent the last several years climbing out of.”

  Her heart ached. “A duke didn’t come to your rescue?”

  He reached for her hand. “Don’t say it like that. I got the title. I’ve built a solid farming business. I can still marry and elevate my status.”

  She winced as her heart skipped a beat. She’d started to hope, but of course he wanted to marry a woman of means and status. Sadness filled her chest. She had neither. “Will you marry a woman who elevates your position in society? Is that who you’re buying the mare for? A bride?”

  She saw him hesitate. “Yes. Possibly.”

  Her breath stalled as her chin dropped down. Somehow those words cut deep inside. She had begun to hope he’d want her but of course, she’d always known. He was a member of the peerage. Why would he marry a woman who was staff? Her father hadn’t even cared enough to provide a future for them. He’d left them to starve, or rot, or be married off to foul men who shopped for wives at an auction house.

  He cleared his throat. “Her father has made a large fortune trading silk. I…” He stopped, grimacing.

  But Daisy already knew the trade that her father, whoever she was, was bargaining. “You provide the title, she provides the fortune.”

  She felt him tense under her hand. Her words had likely been crass. But she was having trouble holding back the wave of anger, and resentment, and loss that overwhelmed her. She’d wanted this man for herself. She could feel that now. And she wasn’t enough for him.

  She was never enough.

  Daisy meant to slip her hand from his elbow, but he tightened his arm to keep her fingers in place. “You should consider the same. The duke is right. You bring a great many assets and—”

  She held up a hand. “His Grace is like family. He is entitled to give me advice.” The words rushed out. “You are not.”

  He looked over at her, his mouth opening a few times and then closing again as though he wished to say something. She looked straight ahead, watching the children along the path.

  “Daisy,” he said quietly, his free hand slipping over hers. She pulled her fingers back.

  “I th
ink you should call me, Miss Frank.”

  He stopped. “Very well, Miss Frank.” He drew in a long breath, expanding his chest. “I can see that I’ve upset you, though the reason is unclear.”

  “I’m not upset.” It was Daisy’s turn to wince. He was right. He’d made her no promises and he had every right to marry whomever he wished. She watched Lily go skipping down the road as they neared the village. It wasn’t his fault, everyone else had begun putting ideas in her head about a future with a baron. She shuffled her boot in the dirt. “I feel as though we’ve spent a fair bit of time together and since you are leaving to marry another, and I am in search of a husband, perhaps we should spend less time getting to know one another.”

  “If that is what you wish.”

  Her shoulders curled in, still tracking Michael and Lily’s whereabouts. “It is.”

  He turned and started toward the village once again, but his arm remained crooked, her hand still resting in his elbow. “My parents had an arranged marriage.”

  Daisy looked over at him. She’d already been impolite, so she said not a word as he continued on.

  “It wasn’t a happy match.”

  Her breath caught, and she squeezed his arm tighter. “That is…”

  “Terrible.” He lifted a shoulder. “Still. Some things in life are not about what you want but what you need to do.”

  The village came into view. She stopped, looking at the small town that had played such a large role in her life. “I’m not certain what I need and what I want. I suppose I don’t need anything. I could remain the Devons’ tutor until such time that I found a new position. But I want…”

  For the first time, maybe since the death of her father, she allowed herself to really think about what she wanted.

  Yes, she’d known she wished to marry. But to whom? What did she want out of this life? Her sister had found a love match. A man who looked at her with stars in his eyes. Who’d move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

  Daisy knew that was what she wanted too.

  And for a brief second, she thought Cole Hartwell might give it to her. She slipped her hand from the crook of his arm and started toward her two charges.

  * * *

  Cole watched her walk away, regret lancing at his chest.

  He’d told himself to tell her about Reagan because he’d begun to feel as though he were keeping a secret.

  Not that he owed her an explanation.

  He didn’t.

  But somehow, he did.

  And her reaction had been that of a woman who cared. She’d been…jealous. Which filled him with a light feeling of hope and joy and…he didn’t want to name the other emotion.

  But then she’d walked away, and he knew. She wasn’t the sort of woman who would wait around for him to change his mind. See the error of his choice.

  She was strong.

  Funny. Reagan liked to ride fast horses and travel about the world. But Daisy had seen real hardship. She’d come out still caring and lovely, yet she had an inner strength that couldn’t be bought.

  Cole followed along, watching as Daisy took Lily’s hand and led them into the store. He waited as they came out again, leaning against a tree as he gazed their way.

  But then he straightened.

  A tall, well-dressed man stopped Daisy just outside the store.

  Cole couldn’t hear any of the words but the way the man leaned in, the way he smiled at Daisy, made hot irritation slide down Cole’s back.

  He started to cross over to them, words beginning to filter into Cole’s ears. “There’s a dance next week.” The deep male voice rumbled.

  Daisy nodded and smiled, Lily tugging on her arm. “Miss Frank,” the child whined.

  Cole had never been so happy to hear such a noise.

  “Hush,” Daisy replied, not looking away from her beau.

  The man went on. “I’d like to escort you if you’d be willing.”

  “Oh,” she answered, a blush staining her cheeks.

  Cole’s fingers clenched into fists. That blush had been reserved for him. He’d gotten rather fond of the pale pink that colored her cheeks whenever they spoke. He wanted to shout out that she did not wish to attend with the other man.

  But interfering wasn’t his place.

  Hadn’t he just informed Daisy that he’d planned to ask another woman to be his wife? He couldn’t even picture Reagan now. Dark hair, broad features. But the particulars had disappeared.

  Daisy, however, was right in front of him, sharp with detail and smiling at another man.

  “Miss Frank,” he said between clenched teeth. “Are you nearly ready to return?”

  The other man blinked in surprise at the interruption. His eyes were a pale near watery blue.

  Cole assessed him. Tall, thin, his hair was beginning to recede. But he wasn’t entirely unfortunate looking, and he clearly was a man of some means.

  “Mr. Price may I introduce Lord Hartwell? He is visiting the duke to search out a quality mare.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.” The other man gave him an assessing glance, his eyes sweeping down Cole as though he might learn everything he needed to know about a man in a single look.

  “And you, Mr. Price. Do you live locally?” Cole knew the answer. The other man was obviously acquainted with Daisy.

  “He is our local barrister. His Grace uses Mr. Price’s services often.” Daisy gave the man a kind smile. “I’d be delighted to attend the dance with you.”

  Relief swept over Mr. Price’s features as he gave a short bow. “Until next week then, unless I see you sooner.” Mr. Price turned toward Cole. “Lord Hartwell, I shall see you tomorrow. I am delivering contracts for the sale of the horse. I look forward to the appointment.”

  Cole nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to the transaction at all. He didn’t want the horse, never wished to see Price again.

  The man turned and began to whistle as he strode down the road. The sound irritated Cole immensely and he found his fist clenching in irritation.

  Small fingers touched his hand. He looked down to see Lily staring up at him.

  He relaxed his grip and the child slipped her fingers into his. Strange, he hadn’t thought about children at all, but Devon’s children and he supposed Mrs. Ableman’s pregnancy had him thinking a lot about children and his future.

  Michael ran to join them. “I did it, Miss Frank. I bought the sweets all by myself.”

  “Good boy,” Daisy replied.

  Lily tapped on Cole’s hand. He looked down at the child as she stared up at him. “You’re far more handsome than him.”

  A grin played at his lips. “Who?”

  “Mr. Price,” she said simply.

  “Thank you,” he answered, swinging her hand a bit as they made their way back down the road.

  Lily returned his smile. “That’s why you should take Miss Frank to the dance, not him.”

  He sucked in a small breath. The child had a way of getting directly to the point. But she wasn’t wrong.

  “Do you think if I asked her, she’d say yes?”

  Lily nodded. “I do.”

  “And why is that?” he asked, cocking a brow as they walked a bit faster. Lily began to skip to keep up.

  “Because,” she said as her legs swung in another step. “Her eyes go all soft when she looks at you and they don’t when she looks at him.”

  Well, that was as good an answer as any. And he’d decided he’d ask. Not about the dance but about the future. Because his eyes got all soft when he looked at Daisy Frank too.

  Chapter Seven

  Daisy kept busy that evening and the next day. She played with the children, she went to her sister’s for dinner, and she began packing her meager possessions.

  She attempted to keep her mind quiet.

  Because every time it began turning, she started to flutter with nerves all over again.

  She’d given her notice at her employer, she’d accepted her first social engagement, and s
he was relatively certain that she’d fallen in love.

  But not with Mr. Price.

  He was a nice enough man. And he fit the duke’s specifications. He made a good living. She’d be cared for as his wife.

  But he didn’t feel as though he might shelter her from all the hurt in the world. Not like Cole.

  Lord Hartwell, she reminded herself. It was best if she kept even her thoughts ordered.

  He was a titled lord, she a tutor. There. It was all straight.

  Except her heart throbbed in her chest as it tightened. She tossed a shawl in her trunk with far more force than was necessary.

  Mr. Price was likely downstairs with the duke and Lord Hartwell. She could go down there. Talk with Mr. Price. Foster a connection with the man.

  Watch to see if Lord Hartwell appeared jealous again.

  But she hated herself for even thinking it. She’d not force Cole into wanting her and she wouldn’t encourage Mr. Price for the wrong reasons. She sat on her bed with her head lowered. When had this gotten so complicated?

  Was making a match supposed to be this difficult?

  Abigail had made it look easy but then again, her sister made everything look easy. When Daisy thought about how difficult it might be to find the one right person to spend her life with, her head spun.

  She held her head, rubbing her temples and attempted to regain her ability to think straight.

  She could confess, at least to herself, that she’d never actually believed she’d find love. Did she even deserve such a future?

  She squeezed her eyes shut, self-doubt filling her thoughts as it always did when she thought of her father and her life now. He hadn’t even bothered to care for his daughters. What did that say about him? What did it say about her?

  That she wasn’t worth the effort.

  “Miss Frank?” Lily’s voice trembled from the door.

  Her head snapped up as she brushed her thoughts and the bit of water that had filled her eyes away. They were worries for later. “What’s wrong?”