A Good Day to Marry a Duke by Betina Krahn

Author:Betina Krahn [Krahn, Betina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-10-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

“What is he still doing here?” The countess stood by the window in Daisy’s room that overlooked the entry court. “Whatever possessed the earl to ask him to stay? After the way he absconded with you the other day—thank Heaven, Redmond had the good sense to insist on going along.”

Daisy stood openmouthed, listening to the first complimentary words the countess had ever aimed her uncle’s way.

The countess drew her to the window to watch Ashton climbing aboard a big roan and setting off for God-knew-where.

“Scandal follows that man like night follows day, and for the same reason. It’s his very nature,” the countess declared. “He’s a scoundrel, born and bred, and he always will be. Not an honest or sincere bone in his body.”

Daisy pursed her lips at that.

“I’m not so certain, Countess.” To forestall her sponsor’s concern, she explained: “He has been nothing but helpful in searching out my possible ancestors, and has behaved in a gentlemanly fashion.” Mostly.

The countess clasped her forehead and gave a small groan.

“He’s used his charm on you, dear. It’s his most potent and treacherous weapon. He’ll have you thinking he’s helpful . . . then secretly noble . . . then selflessly heroic. And it will all be to his purpose, trust me. There are plenty of noblemen of that ilk. Charming wretches whose sole purpose in life is the satisfaction of their base and selfish desires.”

Daisy had thought those very things of him . . . until . . .

“I know he doesn’t want me to marry his brother, Countess. He’s said as much. But, I can’t think selfishness figures into it. Nor my ‘common’ roots, or being from America, or having new money. He simply says the duke and I are mismatched.”

“What?” The countess whirled to face her. “That’s absurd.”

“He believes that sooner or later I would be miserable being a duchess—having to deal with all that propriety and restraint, and the burden and responsibilities of the title. He says Arthur and I have such different natures that we would end up making each other miserable.”

“It’s his misery he’s truly concerned with . . . his lot as his brother’s second.” The countess took her hands and pulled her to a seat on the chaise. “Don’t you see his game? If his brother doesn’t marry and produce an heir, he might still inherit the title himself someday.” She squeezed Daisy’s hands. “Scheming wretch. That’s his motive, mark my word.

“Daisy, dear, you and the duke will get on fine together. He needs your verve and spirit and you need his . . . thoughtful and methodical manner. You’ll provide balance for each other and produce a dignified and harmonious household. You’ll see, dear. Don’t you worry.” She patted Daisy’s hands and rose with a determined nod. “I’ll see that Regina keeps the scoundrel away from you at dinner tonight.”

Daisy sat for a few minutes, ruminating on that, bringing memories of her time with Ashton to mind and scouring them for evidence that what the countess believed might be true.

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