Page 64 of Love and the Shameless Lady

Lord and Lady Garrison appeared in the doorway to welcome the new arrivals.

“My dear Philippe, how lovely of you to come,” Melinda said. “And I am most glad to see Antoine again. I bought some exquisite lace from him in London last winter.” She smiled at the valet. “I hope you have brought more today?”

Antoine bowed, the insolence utterly concealed. “But yes, my lady.”

“Excellent. Perhaps you could come to the drawing room after dinner, before the gentlemen join the ladies.”

“I should be most happy to do so, my lady.”

“And in the meantime, I shall write to a few other ladies who live nearby. My neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, wishes you to show your wares to her maid, and I believe the vicar’s wife would appreciate a visit as well.”

“You are most kind, my lady,” the valet said.

Gloriana marched over to Daisy, wearing her habitual frown. “How do you come to know the marquis?”

“Why shouldn’t I know him?” Daisy said. “We have met before.”

“It sounded to me as if you are very well acquainted.”

“And that sounds to me like an insult,” Julian retorted.

“Almost everything Gloriana says is insulting,” Daisy said. “Pay no attention.”

“It would be unkind to do so. If she doesn’t stop scowling, her face will be permanently marred by unpleasant lines.” The words were out before he could stop them, not that he wanted to. It must be the influence of the Warrens. It was rather fun to say exactly what crossed his mind.

Gloriana ignored him and rounded on Daisy. “How do you come to know him?”

Julian answered for her. “He and I share a friend in the village where Daisy lives. It was through him that we became acquainted with your cousin.”

“Humph.” Gloriana stalked away.

The marquis chuckled. “Miss Gloriana would like to rid the world of me and everyone like me. We disagree at every turn.” He made a dismissive movement. “But that is a tedious subject. On to happier matters. From now on, you must call me Philippe.”

“Indeed I shall.” Daisy lowered her voice. “I saw how concerned you were when you realized I was here, but I shan’t reveal your alias.”

She’d misread the dismay, Julian thought, for she didn’t know of any other reason for it. Or maybe he had misread it. No, for both master and servant had reacted. But why? Daisy’s books never mentioned smuggled silks and lace such as Antoine bought and sold.

“Thank you,” Philippe said. “I am seriously thinking of renouncing my title and becoming Mr. Bonaventure in truth.” His gaze settled on Gloriana as she marched up the steps. “Perhaps I shall announce it in the presence of Miss Warren. An enticing notion, non?”

Julian snorted. “If you enjoy baiting her, certainly.”

“Poor Gloriana,” Daisy said. “She wasn’t always like this, you know. She used to be fun.”

Philippe raised a cynical brow, and they all trooped indoors.

“Why do you dislike him?” Daisy murmured to Gloriana, as Reams whisked the marquis away to the bedchamber which had been prepared for him.

“He’s a detestable man,” Gloriana said.

“I disagree,” Daisy said. “He is honest and forward-thinking, and he didn’t treat me like a pariah when he learned I was a ruined woman.”

“Is that so,” Gloriana said sarcastically. “How frightfully noble of him.”

“Just because I deserve to be shunned, it doesn’t mean I enjoy it,” Daisy retorted. If Gloriana’s disdain was a pose, it was a far too convincing one. It hurt.

“You do not deserve to be shunned, or mistreated in any way,” Julian said. “Stop demeaning yourself, Daisy.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Gloriana muttered, a flash of contrition in her eyes, but immediately she resumed her act, demanding again that Daisy get rid of that filthy apron, which was hardly soiled. She then announced that she intended to remain near the front doors, waiting for the earl to arrive.