Page 36 of Love and the Shameless Lady

All too soon they drew up before the front door of Garrison House. The nausea which had gradually subsided during the drive made itself known once again.

Sir Julian took her hand in his. She flinched, uneasy at the warmth of his touch. It aroused a disturbing mixture of emotions—anxiety, longing, desire . . .

“Yes, it will be a bit of an ordeal, but you’re not alone. We’re going over this particular hurdle together.” He squeezed her hand gently.

How did he know? He actually seemed to understand.

That’s ridiculous, she told herself. It was just superficial sympathy, not true understanding, and she shouldn’t like it.

But she did enjoy the simple comfort of being touched. She didn’t get much of it lately, with Colin and his family away in Ireland.

“Think of it as a story,” he said. “We’re madly in love and ecstatic about our upcoming marriage. We don’t give a tinker’s damn what your family or mine think about it, but we anticipate that Lord Garrison will be supportive, as will his wife. I knew Melinda Garrison in London, before her marriage. She’s a pleasant lady.”

Daisy imagined being in love and shuddered, removing her hand from his. A story and real life were entirely different. “The one and only time I fell in love, my life was ruined.” Curse it, she wished she hadn’t said that. It revealed too much. “Ecstasy is a bit beyond me, I’m afraid.”

“Contentment will do. I’ll be the ecstatic one.”

That she could manage. She liked Sir Julian and could be content in his company, as long as she didn’t allow herself to lust after him. As long as marriage wasn’t actually involved.

A footman came out to open the carriage door and let down the steps. Daisy didn’t recognize him. No surprise, as she hadn’t visited Garrison House in years. Then Reams the butler appeared in the doorway. His jaw dropped as she descended from the coach. Good to know she hadn’t changed too much to be recognizable.

She steeled herself, laid her arm firmly on Sir Julian’s, and trod firmly up the steps.

“Miss . . . Miss Daisy!” Reams didn’t bother to hide his perturbation.

“A pleasure to see you, too, Reams,” she snapped. “Sir Julian Kerr and I are here to see Lord Garrison.” She marched through the door before he could block their way.

“His lordship is not at home, miss,” Reams said.

Daisy narrowed her eyes, ready for battle. She would not allow a mere servant to deny her entrance to the family seat.

“When will he return?” Sir Julian asked mildly.

The butler turned to him with evident relief. “This evening, sir. His lordship is visiting tenants on the far side of the estate.”

“Very well,” Julian said in a calm, pleasant, authoritative voice. “We’ll see Lady Garrison now, and meet his lordship when he returns.”

“Er . . .” the butler dithered.

“You’re not going to tell me she’s away from home too, are you?” Daisy demanded, and immediately regretted her tone of voice. She shouldn’t take her fury out on poor Reams.

“No, she’s here, Miss Daisy, but I fear that—”

“Capital!” Julian said, the picture of a hearty, confident English gentleman. “I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with her.”

“Who is it, Reams?” A pretty redhead tripped into the Great Hall. “Heavens, if it’s not Sir Julian Kerr!” She held out her hand to him. “What a charming surprise. It’s been ages. And . . .” She smiled at Daisy.

“Miss Desdemona Warren,” Julian said. “My betrothed.”

“Desdemona . . .” Lady Garrison repeated, frowning now. “You’re Daisy? Of whom I’ve heard so much!”

Daisy tightened her grip on Julian’s arm and said coolly, “Yes, I imagine you’ve heard a great deal.”

Lady Garrison blushed. “Oh dear, that probably sounded like an insult, but it wasn’t meant that way. I’m so pleased to meet you at last. And you’re to marry Sir Julian! I couldn’t be happier for you. Come join us, we’re about to have tea.” She beckoned them to follow her.

Reams coughed. “Er, my lady, I don’t think—”

“Whatever is the matter, Reams?” her ladyship asked. “His lordship will be delighted, I assure you.”

“Aye, my lady, but—” His gaze darted to the room from which she had just emerged.

Lady Garrison’s brows drew together. “Yes, I daresay, but regardless of the opinions of others, I shall begin as I intend to go on. Assume that there will be two more for tea.”

She motioned to Daisy and Julian to follow her into the drawing room. “I have the most stupendous news,” she proclaimed. “Our dear cousin Daisy and my old friend Sir Julian Kerr are betrothed.”