Page 35 of Miss Ellis Unleashed

Gerald had been lazy, using his position as heir presumptive to get his way and spending money in the same fashion. “I did not approve of many of his decisions, no.”

Daisy shivered, then pulled her shawl tightly around her. “And yet he still made you guardian to his children.”

“Someone had to be, and I suppose I was an easy choice, since I had experience with you. But it was most likely because he hated me and wished to burden me with a responsibility I couldn’t escape.”

Daisy sighed and then whispered, “Did you hate my father for making you my guardian?”

“Your father died before I even knew about the guardianship. Cursing him in his grave was the best I could manage,” he said with a wry grin.

“I did that, too.” Daisy winced before subtly turning him toward the supper room. There were already dishes set out in readiness for the break in the dancing, but the chamber was more or less empty save for servants setting out platters. “So, you will become a duke one day. You’ll have to start preparing for it now, of course.”

“I’d like to know how I’m to do that?”

Daisy approached a table and helped herself to two small sandwiches. Max followed and added four to his plate, plus a pastry. She headed for a table for two set against a far wall and sat without waiting for his assistance.

He joined her immediately.

As he studied Daisy, the simple act of eating together turned into a pleasurable pursuit. Her sigh of delight when the sandwich met her high expectations amused him, as it had so many times before.

“These are so good I could eat a dozen,” she confessed. “How old are your new wards?”

“Quite young. Both under five.” He gobbled up the first sandwich in two bites but took longer with the second and third. “Delicious, indeed.”

Daisy beamed and picked up her second. “They will need a governess soon, and one who can provide them with an education that matches their future and the lesser position in society they will occupy. After all, they can no longer be groomed to be a future duke’s offspring.”

“That is true,” Max added, eating in silence for a moment. “The pastries are good, too,” he promised, and went to fetch another pair. He offered one to Daisy, but she declined. “What else do I need to think about?”

Daisy sat forward. “The widow.”

Max tensed. “What about her?”

“If you don’t marry her, or want her under your roof when you do marry, you must provide a home for her and the children elsewhere. Perhaps you should bring her to London.”

“She did suggest coming to London in yesterdays letter.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “She wrote to you again?”

He frowned sourly. “It seems to have become a daily event.”

“She is panicking about her future, most likely. Afraid she’ll be cast out, should you marry. When will that be?”

He gave her a sideways glance and then looked around the room to see who was near. The room had begun to fill while they sat together talking. There were far too many ears around now to discuss his exact plans with her. He’d already said too much in public as it was. “We should discuss that later and somewhere with fewer ears.”

Daisy finally glanced around and, seeing people watching them too, nodded. Even more people were drifting into the room now in groups, regarding them with great interest.

She stood abruptly. “I’d best go before the gossips get wind of our affair,” she said quietly. Then louder, “And I really must offer my compliments to Lady Sanderson on the pleasure of her supper tonight. It was a pleasure to speak with you again, Lord Throsby, and thank you for answering my questions. I do hope you enjoy what remains of the ball.”

He inclined his head but was stunned by her abrupt decision to end their talk. He’d been enjoying listening to her voice again. He lowered his own voice to a whisper. “I doubt it could be as enjoyable as being alone with you.”

A soft smile appeared upon her lips, but she went on her way quickly, back to the ballroom and any other suitors she might not have told him about. Max watched her go, but then noticed he was being watched by other women, too.

A few smiled as if encouraged by his solitude. He finished his food and stood, making his way out of the supper room, heading back to the ballroom, though he kept a distance from Daisy now. He did not want to presume upon her time. He also did not want anyone to notice his interest.

But he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her for long. The way she laughed, spoke with others, and danced fascinated him. He’d not planned for it, certainly not expected to crave being in her company so much. The woman had done all she could to pick fights with him over the years.

That was probably why he admired her so much now. She’d not backed down just because he’d had total control of her life. She’d not cowered, or simpered, or tried to weasel her way into his good graces. She’d wanted, demanded to be seen as his equal.

Until now, he’d felt he needed to stand apart from her. Set a good example. But now he was not her guardian, and that need to behave appropriately at all times had diminished. He knew what he wanted and needed. But he could not simply take it or assume. He had to earn her favor, and by degrees.