Page 33 of Winning Her Duke

“As you say. And you should know that I would never attempt such a thing. And not just because she would break my nose.”

“Or other important parts,” the man added.

“Too true.” They shared a chuckle before Hale sobered again. “Then please tell me why you’ve come.”

“While I’m sure you have no romantic designs on my Gia.” He waved his hand as if the thought were preposterous. “I have heard of the dares and wagers you and your friends make to fill the pages at White’s. I’ve come to ask that you not use my daughter in one of your schemes. While quite sturdy on the outside, my daughter has a soft heart. If she thinks you a friend and finds out you have only used her as part of a cruel jest, she will be hurt and I… Well, I’ll not make threats, but you should know the father of an injured daughter can be a formidable adversary.”

Hale didn’t know which part of this man’s misguided comments to address first. What he did know was that he was angry. And not for anything the man assumed about Hale, but for the way he’d dismissed his daughter as being pursued for anything other than a jest.

As if Hale wouldn’t find her attractive enough to seduce. Had he not been staring out the window thinking of just that thing before the man walked in?

For obvious reasons, Hale couldn’t say any of that in defense of the woman. Instead, he took a calming breath and offered what assurances he could.

“I met Gia quite by accident while inquiring about a horse. In fact, she may be the only person I’ve met who surpasses me for equine madness—something I find astounding as well as enchanting. With your permission, I would consider her a dear friend. Though, you may not want us to be acquainted as I fear we only exacerbate each other’s obsession with horses. But if you’ll allow it, I can promise there is nothing nefarious about my attentions. Just two people who share a passion for horses.”

The man seemed to ponder Hale’s words for a moment before answering.

“I brought her to London to get her head out of the stables and give her the opportunity to meet people. Perhaps, I should consider this a compromise of sorts.”

Hale smiled. “I can only hope we don’t make each other worse.”

“If that were possible.” He shook his head. “If you could do me one thing.”

“If it’s in my power, consider it done.”

“She’s sold a few of her horses. Please don’t allow her to look for them. I don’t want her to go through that pain again.”

Hale winced. “I’m afraid it is too late for that. The horse I purchased from you is here in London. She’s already taken him for a ride and we have plans to work together to ready him for Epsom next month.”

“I see.” The man pressed his lips together and Hale could see how much he cared for his daughter by the concern in his expression.

“If it makes you feel any better, you should know that she didn’t greet my horse with sorrow, but that of a person who was glad to find her friend happy and healthy.”

Lord Waverly smiled tenderly, and Hale was happy to have given him some peace.

“I’m glad to hear it. You don’t know the amount of guilt I feel that she had to sell her horses to recover my debts. She saved us and never once said a thing to make me feel bad for it. But I heard her crying in her rooms afterward, and it broke my heart.”

It shocked Hale not only to hear that Gia had cried—he’d thought her impenetrable. But more so for the way his chest pulled tight at hearing of her pain. He found he wanted to track her down that instant and hold her in his arms to offer support and take away her past pain.

Not only would she not understand his sudden affection, but—as he and Lord Waverly discussed—it would surely earn Hale a broken nose if he touched her inappropriately.

“I do not pretend to know your daughter as well as you, but what I’ve learned thus far is that Gia is a very strong person and doesn’t hold back if she needs to say something. Therefore, I have to think she truly does not blame you.”

The man’s smile was colored by sadness as he stood.

“Perhaps you know her better than you think.” He ran a hand over his forehead. “Now that I’m certain you mean Gia no harm, I want to thank you for offering my daughter your friendship. I’m glad she’s found someone who shares her interests. You are welcome in my home—or rather Lady Tomison’s home—any time.”

“Thank you, my lord.” It was a good thing the man approved of their friendship since Gia had invited Hale to travel with her and her groom to Wiltshire for the Salisbury race the next day.

Lord Waverly had just made it to the door when Hale stopped him.

“May I ask…” Hale paused to collect his thoughts. “Why did you say you knew I had no romantic designs on Gia?”

The man seemed perplexed as he stared at Hale with his head tilted to the side.

“She has had many men approach her in a misguided attempt to seduce her. She knows what people say about her heritage and is on guard for such things.”

“True, but why did you not think I might be considering Gia for more than seduction.”