Page 87 of No Ordinary Lady

“Not now. Perhaps Kimble will do the honors,” he suggested, and his decision sounded so final that Amy’s smile vanished in an instant.

Miss Wilson huffed and spun on her heel, almost stomping her way to the pianoforte. Marian was glad such a woman would not become Daniel’s bride. Amy Wilson was not worthy of the honor of taking Lady Scarsdale’s place. Danny needed an easier woman who would bend to fit into his life here without causing much of a ripple amongst the family.

“Did you have a pleasant afternoon?” he asked.

“I have. Granny wants to teach me to paint watercolors,” she admitted, which seemed to make Danny laugh for some reason.

“You don’t have to do that, or anything else you don’t want to do, you know.”

“A companion does as she’s told, if she wants to be paid at the end of each term,” she quipped. “I’m sure learning to paint will be no great hardship.”

Daniel studied her. “You’re funny, do you know that?”

She shrugged. “I do what I can to bring levity to the world.”

“You do it very well,” he assured her. “I think that’s why I like you so much. You’re amazingly easy on me.”

“You’re no great hardship, either, my lord.”

“Don’t start ‘my lording’ me now. Save that for when we’re back in London.”

“London?”

“Mm, you don’t think I could let Granny unleash you on society without me being there to protect you? There are more dangers in the world than brigands on the road. You haven’t met a duchess in a bad mood yet.”

“I thought you were staying in the countryside?”

“That was when I thought my life had to be a certain way. I’ve revised my opinion on that, thanks to you, and especially about who could be the right sort of woman for me to marry.”

“I see.” Marian froze and didn’t dare glance at Danny. She hoped he was simply thinking out loud and not planning to wed some other woman already. In fact, she wished he’d never discuss his marriage with her ever again.

Thinking of him with another woman made her pea green with envy. She wanted him, and to let no other lady put their hands on him.

She liked Danny just as he was. A bachelor with no ambition to wed a proper lady anymore.

“I should check to see if Granny needs me,” she whispered, and then burst to her feet. “She said she was tired.”

“Did she ask Miss Kimble to play the pianoforte?”

“Yes.”

“Then she’s not tired. She will be dancing with the butler somewhere no one can see them. She’s an original, my grandmother. Likes to do as she pleases. When I was growing up, she always delivered her opinion about something terribly important and then left me alone to ponder her words. She’s always right.”

Marian could feel another flush sweep over her skin. Did Danny love her?

He might, but surely he would not offer marriage that would make her a countess. Surely Granny was mistaken about that.

Gabby rushed over. “Did Lord Scarsdale tell you the news? Miss Trill, will you come to dinner tomorrow night? Lord Scarsdale has already agreed to come, and I must invite another lady to make up the numbers. It will be my first dinner as hostess.”

Dine as if she was a proper lady, travel with Danny alone in a grand carriage? It was hard not to immediately look forward to such an event. “I’d best speak to Mrs. Nolan about it.”

“Oh, she’s already agreed you must come,” Danny promised.

Gabby clasped her hands together before her chest. “Please? I need to practice my skills as a hostess for someone who will forgive any faux passes.”

Marian glanced toward the countess, who inclined her head graciously as if knowing what was running through her mind. She gulped. “I’d be very pleased to join you all.”

“Gabby, are you ready to go?” John Kimble called.