Chapter Sixteen
Daisy was mortified to find that she was the last to arrive in the withdrawing room. But she need not have wasted her emotional energy. So cold was the atmosphere when she entered the room, it seemed as though she had walked into a winter landscape. Jasper jumped to his feet immediately upon her arrival.
“Daisy, my dear,” he greeted her, relief evident in his voice. “Were you able to have a rest after our arrival? You look well.”
“Thank you, my lord, I feel quite refreshed. The room I am in is quite comfortable, and the view is lovely. I enjoyed sitting and looking at it for a few minutes. It was most restorative.”
Bess’ husband, like all the gentlemen in the room, had stood upon her entrance, and now stepped forward to speak to her. “I am pleased to hear you are enjoying the Rose Room. It has always been one of our favorite rooms.”
“I am honored to have been offered the privilege of enjoying such a place.” Daisy’s answer was gracious and simple. She smiled to the room at large and took a seat next to the marchioness.
“How was your trip here?” Daisy asked solicitously, placing a gentle hand on the older lady’s wrist.
“Good evening, Daisy, thank you for asking, it was uneventful and rather dull after the excitement of the last week, but we are delighted to be with our family. Do you know, it is has been at least five years since we have been together with just our family? We were all together for Bess’ wedding, of course, but just like during the house party, there were constantly many others around. This shall be so lovely, do you not agree?”
Daisy looked closely at Lady Abernathy, wondering if she were perhaps jesting with her. While the noblewoman had always been pleasant during the house party, Daisy had not sensed any desire from her to deepen the relationship. Now she seemed so kind and approachable. She would give anyone the impression that she was looking forward to spending time with both her children. There was nothing else Daisy could do but reply, “I do hope you enjoy having your children to yourself for a few days.” It was the truth and did not reveal how doubtful Daisy was that it would be anything resembling “lovely.”
The butler arrived at that moment to announce dinner. Daisy hoped she did not bound to her feet too readily. She forced herself not to hurry but was actually quite hungry and wondered if she would be able to enjoy the meal or if the family tensions would interfere.
As the various courses were served, it seemed as though everyone was on their best behavior, merely exchanging amusing stories about the various gossip they had heard at Abernathy during the party.
“Did you hear that Lord Aylmer challenged Mr. Simmons to a duel?” Lord Welland asked.
“No!” exclaimed Bess.
“Yes, Aylmer says Simmons was encroaching on his fiancé.”
Daisy had to blink over that particular little tidbit she overheard. She decided not to engage in the conversation. Not that she knew any of the parties anyway, but she felt sure there were all sorts of details being left out. It was no doubt heart breaking to Lord Aylmer’s poor fiancé.
“Well she IS rumored to have a dowry of forty thousand pounds, so that would be well worth defending, if you ask me,” Hawkridge interjected in an aside to Daisy.
Daisy hadn’t asked and rather wished Lord Hawkridge would leave her well out of it. She offered him a wan smile and dredged up a far less objectionable tidbit of gossip she had gleaned from the house party. “Margaret told me that she was trying to raise funding for a charity house in the nearest village to her house. Do you think she will be successful?”
Hawkridge stared at her blankly for a moment before he broke into a grin. “I take it you don’t wish to discuss duels?”
Daisy felt the flush rising in her cheeks but tried to shrug it off. “Why would you say that, my lord?”
He merely laughed and didn’t bother to answer her, as the meal was drawing to an end.
When Bess stood up to signal the ladies would leave the gentlemen to their port, Daisy followed her and her mother to a charming room, different from the withdrawing room in which they had met before dinner. There were a couple of tables set up for card games as well as a pianoforte in the corner. Daisy wondered if they would be playing games or music. Or both were possible, she supposed. Either could be charming.
“You shall enjoy the scenery hereabouts, Daisy. I was thinking we should ride out to explore some of the ruins nearby. There is a great deal of history in this area.”
“That sounds like it will be wonderful. I am sure we will enjoy it immensely. It was so kind of you to invite us for a few days.”
“I was just so delighted that you and my brother were able to come.” Bess smiled at Daisy, taking her hand in a friendly gesture. “I doubt if Seaton would have come if not for you, so I am grateful for whatever the reason that made you come.”
Daisy had to struggle to keep her smile in place. Did the woman not realize how nervous she was about the situation with Sadbury? How could she be grateful for it? The marchioness, listening to their exchange, looked curious, but did not comment. Bess, seemingly unaware of Daisy’s dilemma, continued on to another touchy subject.
“I hope my husband’s nephew hasn’t been making you uncomfortable.”
Daisy blinked at her and struggled through an answer. “I haven’t gotten to know him very well as yet,” was her diplomatic response.
Bess laughed. “The poor boy hasn’t decided what to do with himself. He hasn’t had the easiest life, despite being of noble birth and with a comfortable fortune. He became my husband’s ward when he was around twelve, but poor Welland didn’t know what to do with him, so he was sent off to school for much of the year. They were only getting to know each other as adults when I came into the picture, so Hawksridge is still trying to work out if he is going to be a hero or a villain in his own personal story.”
Daisy grinned at Bess’ turn of phrase but had nothing to add to the narrative. Her own experiences in life had shown her that no one was forced into the way they coped with whatever life dealt them. She was once again relieved to see Jasper walking through the door when the gentlemen joined them.
“We thought of going to the billiards room but then decided that we ought to invite you ladies to join us,” Jasper explained to her quietly. “Have you ever played billiards, my dear?”
“No, I have not, but I would be happy to watch.” Daisy was eager to avoid any awkward conversations and hoped a simple game would do to pass the time that evening. She also needed an opportunity to speak with Jasper as privately as possible.
She found her opportunity not too much later.
“Have you heard anything of import, my lord, from the messengers you were hoping would meet us here?”
“I regret to have to tell you that they have not yet arrived. Perhaps tomorrow,” he suggested by way of offering comfort.
Daisy just wanted to go to bed and pull the covers over her head. With a sigh, she applied herself to learning the incomprehensible game with the small balls and long sticks. The gentlemen enjoyed themselves immensely, and the atmosphere in the room was lighter than Daisy had ever witnessed amongst this particular group. She found herself relaxing slightly.
Relaxing made her all the more sleepy, and she was unable to suppress the yawn that bubbled to the surface. Daisy thought Jasper was completely occupied with his game, but as soon as she yawned, he turned and met her eye.
“Daisy, my dear girl, you ought to be seeking your bed. I hesitate to point out that you are not looking your very best, but you are beginning to wilt before us. Do not force yourself to stay up for our benefit. Seek your bed if you wish.”
Once again, Daisy was reminded of what a kind gentleman he was. She smiled her gratitude and bade everyone a good night. It was not very late, but she was longing for her bed. Making her way up to her room, Daisy was glad she would not be keeping Kate up too late.
“Oh no, miss, was your evening dreadful? Why have you returned to your room so early?” Kate
was aghast.
“No, no, Kate, it was actually rather fine. I am just weary and was excused. Jasper was kind enough to notice and send me to bed. I did not want to be the first to leave, but no one seemed to mind. The house party, followed by travelling here seems to have made everyone sleepy tonight. I promise, I shall be much more sociable tomorrow night and will keep you up waiting for me many more hours.”
“Oh Miss Daisy you are joshing me, aren’t you? I didn’t mean to sound as though I was complaining that you have come back. I just want you to have a good time. I know you have your worries weighing on you.”
Daisy offered a warm smile to her maid but did not bother to respond further. They made quick work of taking down her hair and getting her into her nightrail, and Daisy was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow
“Ach, the poor dear lady was fair exhausted, weren’t she then,” Kate commented to herself as she bustled about straightening up her mistress’ things and then made her way to her own trundle bed, ready enough herself to take her rest.
~~~
The next day dawned bright and clear, and Daisy felt much more prepared to face her concerns after being fortified with a good long rest. After Kate helped her to dress appropriately for the country pursuits Bess had spoken of the previous day, Daisy made her way down to the dining room where the morning’s repast was spread on the sideboard, a veritable feast, much to Daisy’s delight.
The only other occupant of the room was Jasper. Daisy felt as though her heart skipped a beat when she saw the viscount sprawled rather inelegantly, sipping his tea and staring out the window. When he caught sight of Daisy hovering in the doorway, he leapt to his feet with a feeble grin. Daisy remembered from previous days that the viscount was most definitely NOT a morning person. She tried to contain her amused smile so as not to offend him. He was trying to be gallant after all.
“Good morning, Miss Daisy, you look particularly fetching this morning.”
“Why thank you, my lord, how very kind of you to say. Please have a seat. I will just be a moment. Everything smells delicious. I think your sister’s cook was expecting rather more guests than there are — just look at the bounty she has spread.”
Jasper was chuckling softly behind her, amused over her enthusiasm for the meal. She turned and pulled a face at him, which only served to make him laugh all the harder. Daisy could not understand why he found her enjoyment of the morning meal so amusing. She considered breaking her fast to be highly important. And just like Jasper could not function without his cup of tea first thing, she could be downright surly if she was not fed as soon after she rose as was practical.
Daisy filled her plate and sat down near him, ignoring his face full of laughter as he gazed in mock awe at the mound of food she had piled onto her plate.
“It amazes me that you have managed to remain so tiny with how much you are able to eat every morning.”
“For one thing, my lord, surely you realize governesses do not eat like this on a regular basis. For another, I do not eat like this at all meals. The morning meal is of particular interest to me. I cannot help it. I am ravenous after a night of sleeping. It makes little sense, but it is a fact nonetheless. I would appreciate it if you would allow me to enjoy it without your mockery.”
“I am not mocking you.” Jasper huffed despite the grin still on his face. “It is charming to see a lady enjoying her food.” He paused for a second as horror dawned on his face. “Wait a minute, did you say you would go hungry when you were working?”
“No, no,” Daisy soothed. “I was always fed, of course. It was just that the Sadburys did not spread such a feast for their servants. I strongly doubt that anyone does.”
“But could you not have gone to the kitchens and had the cook make you something if you were hungry?”
“I no doubt could have, but it would have been uncomfortable for everyone. A governess is in an awkward position. She is not a servant, but she is not of the same class as the master and mistress. It would have caused discomfort in the kitchens. Besides, I was kept rather busy with the children. I could not go wandering around the house looking for food.” Daisy knew the viscount wished to argue the matter, but she cut him off. “Do not think that I went hungry. The kitchen always sent up plenty for the children’s meals. I was well satisfied, I promise you.”
Jasper looked unconvinced, but he allowed the matter to drop, resuming his examination of her as she forked up the delectable food. She began to feel embarrassed over his scrutiny. Finally, she put down her fork. She could feel the heat in her cheeks, and her mouth had gone dry. It was impossible to eat with him watching her like that. His gaze had turned from amused to interested, and she could not decide which was worse.
“Are you finished? Your plate is still half full.”
Daisy could not believe Jasper actually had the nerve to look confused. She allowed a huff of annoyance to puff through her lips. “How could I possibly enjoy my meal with you sitting there watching me? I feel as though I am going to do something vulgar like chew with my mouth open, or you are going to see something stuck in my teeth. It is highly uncomfortable.”
Jasper had to laugh. “Oh Daisy, I am so sorry! Please, do not allow me to stop you. Would it make you feel better if I was eating, too?” At her short nod he quickly got up from the table, went to the sideboard, and loaded up a plate for himself. When his back was turned she began to eat again, and they continued in companionable silence for a few minutes. Finally, Daisy had eaten enough and pushed back her plate with a contented sigh.
“That was quite lovely,” she said, her smile happy and her face devoid of any ill will, but then a look of guilt flashed across her face. “Was I terribly grumpy, my lord? I fear I owe you an apology. I just cannot manage pleasantness until my fast has been broken.”
“Pay it no mind, my dear. I will just be sure to keep that in mind for the future.” Jasper paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in, watching the emotions chase themselves across her face. “Are you ready to hear what the messenger had to say?”
Daisy’s jaw dropped open slightly in her shock. “Merciful heavens, I actually forgot for a moment. Yes, please, right away, my lord. What have you found out?” Daisy leaned toward him, eager to hear every word despite the nerves that began to tremble in her belly. She wondered if knowing would be worse than not knowing but then dismissed that, as her ignorance was maddening.
She tried not to fidget as Jasper searched her eyes; she surmised he was looking to see if she really was prepared to hear what he knew. She gritted her teeth. “My lord, I beg of you, get on with it. You are not making it better by prolonging the suspense.”
Jasper grinned at her words. “I apologize, my dear. I was just trying to prepare myself. I hope you will not be terribly disappointed. I cannot find any connection between him and you to explain directly why he would be endeavoring to regain control of you specifically. But I have been able to find out that he runs in the same circles as Lord Gerard Wright, which is bad news indeed.” At Daisy’s audible gasp Jasper paused, his eyebrows elevating in question. “Are you familiar with Lord Wright?”
The blood drained from Daisy’s face as she wondered how much to tell him. With a sigh she finally admitted, “He is why I left the Sadburys. He made an effort to be overly familiar with me. Lord Sadbury did not defend me. I quit.”
Daisy was surprised to find a smile forming on her lips when she saw the anger emanating from Jasper’s face. She could tell he was trying very hard to contain it so as to not hurt her with it, but the clenching of his fists and the grinding of his teeth revealed to her that he would dearly like to hit something. He kept his voice low, but it trembled slightly as he asked, “Did the bounder hurt you? I will hunt him down and tear him limb from limb.”
Daisy put her hand out, soothing one of his clenched fists. “I managed just fine, my lord, thank you. My father’s grooms had been quite thorough in teaching me what to do if I was ever in a difficult position with a
man with questionable intentions. Lord Wright was made most uncomfortable as payment for his unwelcome advances. It would have gone even worse for him if I had not been concerned about the children witnessing such violence.”
“The children were there, and he still made advances?” Jasper was incredulous.
Daisy shrugged. “I had been successfully keeping him at bay by means of their presence. I guess he decided he no longer cared if they were there.”
“And you said Sadbury did nothing? I am shocked that even if he did not have a care for the governess, I would think he would be angered that his children were subjected to such a display.”
“His indifference toward his children is why we knew he could not be telling the truth when he sought me out at Abernathy claiming to wish to hire me back because the children were missing me,” Daisy reminded gently.
Jasper’s response was a growl. “I should have planted the bounder a facer when I had the chance.”
Rather than finding his threat of violence unnerving, Daisy was amused by it. She felt protected and cared for, which was a sensation she had sorely missed since the death of her parents. She gazed speculatively at the viscount; she knew they had more to discuss about Sadbury, but she realized there was a pressing matter she wanted to ask him about.
“Jasper, the first day I met you, you appeared to be bosky. And yet, since we have been away from London I have not witnessed you overindulging at all. Which is the aberration?”
Daisy was surprised to see the colour high on his cheekbones, as Jasper sought to find an answer to her question. “Why would you ask me such a question at a time like this?” Jasper’s incredulous, slightly belligerent tone caused Daisy to have to bite her lip to keep her amusement from showing.
She shrugged and did something she usually despised; she skirted the truth to get what she wanted. “I do not feel quite ready to discuss Lord Gerard Wright. I want to talk about something else for a minute, and this question popped into my head.”
A Dangerous Debut: A Sweet Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 5) Page 19
