“Hello,” he replied, trying not to sigh. He did not currently feel like a lecture on the value of the color pink.
Chapter Fifteen
Lord Merrick was dashing in his own way, Daisy supposed.
She looked up at the kind, well-mannered gentleman whom Lily inexplicably despised and smiled. The smile wasn’t even forced, really. She liked Lord Merrick, and under any other circumstances she would have been pleased to spend time with him.
But right now?
Impatience had her gaze darted over to Griff, who was still standing exactly where she’d left him, only he was no longer alone.
Her eyes narrowed.
The sight had everything in her shouting “mine” in a childish voice. Mine, mine, mine.
If she had any less restraint, she would march over there and shout just that.
“You have nothing to fear, you know.” Lord Merrick’s voice was laced with amusement and it had her tearing her gaze from the irritating sight of the perfectly lovely Miss Pearson flirting with Daisy’s duke.
She blinked up at him. “Pardon?”
His gaze moved meaningfully in the direction of Griff and Miss Pearson, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. “You have nothing to fear there.”
She had no idea how she was supposed to respond to that so she settled on, “Oh.”
“I have known His Grace for many years,” Lord Merrick said slowly. “But I have never seen him like this. It is...amusing.”
She peeked up at Lord Merrick and caught his curious stare. She arched her brows in turn. “Is that why you claimed this dance and teased him so mercilessly back there?”
He tipped his head back with a laugh. “He deserves a bit of teasing, wouldn’t you say? The duke can be entirely too serious, and besides...” His eyes danced with laughter. “I heard he planned to leave tomorrow and that is unacceptable. If he hasn’t realized it yet, he’d be walking away from the best thing that ever happened to him.”
Joy shot through her, along with a blush, at the knowing look he gave her. But then she burst out in a laugh as she realized exactly what Lord Merrick was up to. “Were you trying to make him jealous, Lord Merrick?”
He tipped his head down closer. “Do you think it worked?”
As one, they both looked over to see the duke glaring at them as Miss Pearson talked at him.
She had to smother another laugh as she stumbled over the next steps. “I would say yes.”
“Then my job here is done.” Lord Merrick looked so pleased with himself that she did not have the heart to tell him that she suspected—or rather, she hoped—that his intervention had not been necessary.
She found it difficult to keep her gaze on Lord Merrick when everything in her wanted to run back to Griff and steal him away so she might at long last tell him what was in her heart.
At last, the music came to an end, and their dance along with it.
“Shall I return you to His Grace and Miss Pearson?” Lord Merrick asked as he offered his arm.
She bit her lip. She’d been wondering the same. He wanted a chance to talk alone—and there was nothing she wished for more.
Another dance would not do.
Her gaze headed toward the doors leading to the veranda just as a familiar head of shocking red hair passed through. She grinned.
“I believe I see my friends outside.”
“Then by all means…” He started to steer them through the crowd of dancers. “Are you certain they are out there? The evening is unseasonably cold.”
Her smile grew. All the more reason why they would be out there. “My friends do not enjoy the crush of the crowds.”
“I assume you’re referring to Miss Mary and Miss Laura,” he said.
Something in his tone had her looking up at his expression, but he gave nothing away.
“Indeed,” she said.
He craned his neck for a better view of the glass doors. “I do not see anyone out there.” They were still maneuvering their way through the dancers, but he was right in the fact that it looked from here as though the veranda was empty.
She bit back a laugh. “They are likely hiding.”
“Hiding?” He glanced down at her with arched brows. “I’ve never known Miss Laura to hide from anything.”
She considered that. “Perhaps I should have said, Marigold will be out there hiding. Lily will be keeping herself entertained away from prying eyes.”
Lord Merrick’s laugh was filled with rueful amusement. “That sounds more accurate. That girl has always had a wild streak.”
Daisy’s brows hitched up in surprise at the familiarity with which he spoke of her friend, and the not-so-hidden aggravation in his tone. She had half a mind to ask him what his issues were with her friend but before she could, they were jostled by the crowd around them, taking their positions for the next dance.
“Come, let us find your friends,” Lord Merrick said as he tugged her forward.
Sure enough, they spotted her friends the moment they walked through the doors and Lord Merrick turned to her with a conspiratorial smile. “I will leave you to your friends and take it upon myself to let His Grace know of your whereabouts.”
She grinned. “Thank you, Lord Merrick.”
He arched one brow as he glanced back toward the far end of the ballroom, where Griff and Miss Pearson still talked, not far from her parents. “I cannot promise that your presence will not be missed.”
She glanced over at her friends who’d spotted her and were waving her over. “Do not concern yourself, Lord Merrick. I am certain my friends will assist me there.”
His eyes twinkled with laughter as he bowed and left her.
She wasted no time in hurrying over to her friends. “Lily, Marigold,” she said as she reached them. “I believe I need your assistance.”
“Anything,” Marigold said.
“We are ready.” Lily grinned. “What do you need?”
A short while later, Daisy was alone on the veranda, waiting in the darkened shadows as Griff finally appeared. His eyes were darker than the night itself as he approached, his nostrils flaring as he eyed her from head to toe. “Have I told you how beautiful you look this evening, Daisy?”
She tilted her head back to meet his gaze when he stopped just short of touching her.
“Tell me,” he said, before she could respond to his compliment. “Are you to thank for the sudden interruption in my conversation with Miss Pearson?”
She grinned outright. “Did Lily and Marigold steal her away? How unfortunate.”
His laugh was a low rumble. “You saved me from a rather long-winded monologue about the make and cut of her gown.”
“Well,” she said, inching closer. “I figured perhaps it was my turn to save you.”
“My hero,” he teased.
She knew she was smiling like a fool. Her cheeks ached from this beaming grin, but she could not help it if she tried. The warmth in his eyes as he looked at her, the way he was so close she could go up on tiptoes and kiss him….
This was enough for now. This moment was more than enough. If he needed time, she would give it. She would go to the ends of the earth and back to ensure that when he was ready to come to her with an open heart, she would be waiting.
“I have so much I wish to say to you, Daisy,” he said, his voice low and gruff.
“And I have so much to tell you,” she said.
He reached for her hands and gripped them tightly. “Please, let me speak first.”
She nodded, her smile fading as nerves struck her all at once. He looked so...serious. She wasn’t certain at what point she’d grown used to his smiles, but seeing that once-familiar glower now, she was struck with sudden fear and she found herself gripping his hands just as tightly as he held onto her.
“I was so wrong to propose to you the way I did last night.”
She blinked, her lips parting as her stomach turned with sick dread. That was...exactly what she’d feared he would say.
He cut her off with a kiss that was light and sweet and breathtakingly perfect. “Please,” he whispered against her lips. “Let me continue.”
She gave a small nod, her lips still tingling with warmth from his kiss.
“I was a fool to speak of marriage with you as though it was just some sort of business transaction,” he said. “I was even more foolish to believe that I could be near you, that I could spend time with you...and not lose my heart.”
Her lips parted as a rush of air escaped, her heart racing erratically in her chest. “So you...does that mean you…”
“I love you, Daisy Merriweather.” His voice was so low, his expression so serious, she did not know whether to laugh or swoon.
She ended up doing both. A choked laugh escaped as she fell against him, his arms closing around her and pulling her tight against his chest. He nuzzled her temple and his breath tickled her ear. “I love you so much. I knew from the start that I had to have you. That there would never be another for me but you.”
“Really?” It slipped out on a breath and his arms tightened around her.
She tipped her head back to see the look in his eyes and love stared back at her. A fire seemed to blaze in his eyes and the intensity of it stole her breath away.
“I tried to convince myself that I could keep my distance, that I could have you without losing my heart. But I was wrong.” He closed the distance between them and dropped another tender kiss on her lips. “I was so very wrong, my love. Can you forgive me?”
She opened her mouth to respond but he cut her off, his brows drawing down in a scowl. “No, do not answer that yet. I don’t deserve your forgiveness or your love, not until I show you the sort of husband I can be.”
She blinked dazedly, her head spinning with these words that seemed too good to be true. “Are you certain you...That is...I know you have been hurt by love and—”
“That was not love,” he said. “I know that now. What I felt toward my wife was an infatuation, based on falsehoods and tricks. I never knew her well enough to feel something as meaningful as love.”
“But you…” She drew in a deep breath as she tried to focus on words as her body responded to the feel of his arms surrounding her, his body holding her upright as her knees grew weak. “You know me well enough to...to love me?”
His smile was slow and heart-achingly seductive. “I do. Everything about you is genuine and true, and the more I get to know you the more I want to know. You are kind and intelligent and witty…” He reached a hand up to cup her cheek. “You make me laugh—at myself and at the world around me. You make me see beauty where I did not know it existed. You make me….” He shook his head as if for a loss for words. “You make me happy.”
Her heart was racing so rapidly, she thought her chest might explode from sheer joy. “You love me.” She had to say it aloud to believe it.
“I love you.” He leaned his head down until his lips were so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. “I know this is sudden. I realize that you likely need more time. You wanted a love match and you deserve romance, and I vow to you that this is precisely what you will get.”
“Griff, I—”
“I know you did not think you could find love with me, but I hope to prove you wrong.” His brows drew down. “I will prove you wrong. Just give me time, I beg you. Let me court you and woo you and—”
She cut him off with a kiss. What she lacked in skill, she made up for with passion as she pressed her lips to his. When she pulled back to meet his gaze, his eyes were comically dazed.
“I apologize for interrupting, but you wouldn’t let me speak,” she explained.
His lips curved up and his eyes lit with amusement. “You may interrupt me at any time if that is how you go about it.”
She laughed, wrapping her arms around her neck as she went up on tiptoe so she could get as close to him as possible. “I love you too, Griff.”
His brows hitched up. “You do? Are you…” He cleared his throat. “Are you certain?”
She nodded quickly, his rare display of vulnerability making her heart ache with tenderness. “I am quite certain. Griff, the reason I said no—”
“Was because you wanted a love match,” he finished. “And you did not think you could find that with me.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Will you please let me speak?”
He let out a huff of laughter. “My apologies.”
She smiled up at him. “I feared I would not find a love match with you, yes. But I did not fear that I wouldn’t love you. I feared you would not love me.”
His eyes widened with understanding. “Daisy,” he sighed.
She gave her head a little shake. “The only fate I could imagine that was worse than a loveless marriage was one that was based on unrequited love. The thought of spending a lifetime loving a man who could not love me back…it was more than I could bear.”
He kissed her again, and this time his kiss was slow and thorough and it spoke of regret and new beginnings more eloquently than any words.
“I’d like to try again, if I might,” he said with a little grin when at last they came up for air.
She laughed. “I should like that.”
He cupped her face in his hands and gazed at her with such love she thought her heart might melt. “Daisy, my love, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
She nodded quickly, tears in her eyes. “Nothing would make me happier.”
He grinned, stealing a kiss before pulling her into his arms and holding her tight. “Good. Because there is no one in the world who could make me as happy as you do.”
She tilted her head back. “Does this mean you will not be leaving in the morning?”
He laughed. “And allow the likes of Lord John and Lord Merrick to dance with my future wife? I think not.”
“Oh thank goodness.” She grinned. “The toes of potential suitors everywhere will thank you.”
His laughter was filled with affection and love and all the joy she was feeling as well. “Tomorrow I will speak to your father to make it official and after that…”
She arched his brows in question.
His answering grin was devilishly wicked. “Prepare to be swept off your feet.”
“Oh my love, you’re too late,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve already fallen head over heels.”
Epilogue
Two months later…
The morning dew covered the grass, thick after the cool fall evening. Daisy bounced on her seat, excitement coursing through her despite the early hour.
The day had finally come. Today was her wedding day.
She parted the curtain of the carriage, watching the green fields of her home, Heartland Manor, roll past her as they approached her family’s chapel. The morning sun sparkled off the dew, giving a fresh glow to the world that nearly stole her breath.
“Dear, you are fidgeting,” her mother softly admonished from the seat next to her. Her hand reached out to still Daisy’s constant movement.
“Mother,” she said as she dropped the curtain, hiding the view as she pressed her hands together. “How can you be so still on such a momentous day?”
Both her parents chuckled, her father seated across from them. “I can assure you, she was most fidgety on our wedding day. I still remember the way her hands shook in mine.”
That made Daisy laugh, joy bubbling out of her.
Her parents, three decades later, both appeared quite content in their match. Their bond had strengthened over time and her heart swelled to think of her and Griff, twenty-five years from now, escorting one of their children to their wedding. “Were you, Mother?”
Her mother shook her head. “Perhaps I was. It was so long ago.” She reached for her daughter’s hand, squeezing it in hers. “But I am glad you are so happy, dear, and…” Her mother held up a finger. “I am thrilled you will remain so close. To think y
ou will spend most of the year just on the neighboring property. How could a mother hope for more?”
Daisy was glad too. Though she thought Griff might have some doubts about being so close to his mother-in-law. But today, even that made her laugh as the carriage stopped in front of the chapel. She just could not contain the happiness that flowed inside her.
Her father stepped out and handed first her mother and then Daisy out of the carriage. Marigold and Lily both waited for her and she hugged each of her friends, glad beyond measure to find them already arrived.
“It’s finally here,” Marigold gushed, giving her another squeeze.
“I know.” The smile that split her face pulled at her cheeks as heat flushed up her neck despite the cool air.
“It feels as though we’ve waited forever for this wedding to actually happen,” Lily said from next to her.
Daisy pulled away to hug Lily again. “The best part is that this is not the last wedding we’ll participate in this fall. We’ve two more to go.”
Both of her friends laughed, Marigold blushing while Lily fluffed her hair. “That is very true. Thank you for delaying your honeymoon.”
Daisy waved her hand in the air. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Truth be told, any place where Griff was would feel like a romantic trip to her.
They’d seen each other nearly every day since she’d accepted his offer but to finally be married, to be together always... She could hardly wait.
Lord Merrick stepped out of the chapel, grinning at Daisy. “You’re here. Excellent. The Vicar is nearly ready to start.”
She gave a tentative nod as Lily and Marigold followed Lord Merrick inside, her parents taking their position.
The organ began to play and her mother made her way into the church first, as Daisy placed her hand in the crook of her father’s arm.
He smiled at his youngest daughter. “I’m happy for you, Daisy.”
“Thank you, Papa,” she replied.
“You’ve done a wonderful job choosing a husband.” He squeezed her hand and they started up the stairs and through the doors.
A Wallflower's Wish Boxed Set: Three Regency Romances Page 12
