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If her tone had not been so solemn, Pierce would have dismissed her comment as being intentionally coy. “You truly believe that, don’t you?”
“Yes. However, in their defense, I’ve done little to encourage them.”
“I see. And why is that?”
“Many reasons.” Another furtive glance at her father, who was now heartily congratulating himself on a huge win in the final race. “Suffice it to say, I’ve been preoccupied with other matters.”
Pierce noted Tragmore’s glee from the corner of his eye. “Too preoccupied to seek a life of your own?”
Daphne paled at Pierce’s softly spoken question. “I’m perfectly content with my life, Mr. Thornton. But I thank you for your concern.”
If Pierce hated Tragmore before, the stark terror on Daphne’s face multiplied his enmity threefold. With visible effort, he retained his composure, settling back in his chair. “I fear we’ve missed quite a bit of the—”
At that moment Tragmore stood. “We should be taking our leave now.” It was a command, not a request.
Instantly, Daphne and her mother rose.
Slowly, Pierce came to his feet. “We have winnings to collect, I believe.”
“Uh, yes, we do.”
Pierce turned to the marchioness. “Your husband and I will settle our accounts and order your carriage brought around. Should I not see you again, thank you for your kind hospitality, my lady.”
“You’re quite welcome, sir.”
“Lady Daphne.” Pierce bowed, acutely aware of Tragmore’s presence beside him. “You’ve been most gracious, not to mention an astute wagerer. ’Twas a pleasure to enjoy the races with you.”
“And you, Mr. Thornton.” Daphne’s smile was genuine, although, once again, her curious gaze darted from Pierce to her father.
Striding off with Tragmore, Pierce waited only until they were out of earshot. “How fortunate for you the last race turned out as it did. No need to collect your winnings, though. They belong to me.”
“What?” The marquis stopped dead in his tracks.
“Interest, Tragmore, remember? You owe me quite a bit.”
“You miserable son of a—”
“Careful,” Pierce warned quietly, “else I might be forced to ask why a man who is one step from the gutter can afford to provide his daughter with so costly a necklace.”
Sweat broke out on Tragmore’s brow. “It’s an inexpensive copy of—”
“On the contrary, the pearls are very real. And very valuable. Had Lady Daphne a shred of your loathsome nature, I wouldn’t hesitate to remove them from her neck and count them among my day’s profits. But it so happens she’s charming, as is your wife. Therefore, consider the necklace a gift from me to you and your family. Surprised? Don’t be. On occasion, even I have a heart. To those who deserve it, that is.” Pierce plucked the marquis’s winning ticket from his hands. “I’ll take this. You go summon your coach. My solicitor will contact you tomorrow to arrange a meeting. See that you make it. Unless, of course, you want the entire world to know just how penniless you are.” A biting smile. “Enjoy your comforts, Tragmore. For now.”
2
THE SUN WAS SLOWLY making its ascent. The church pews were still shrouded in shadows when a solitary figure eased her way through the wooden door.
“Vicar, I’m here.”
The announcement echoed through the silent church, summoning Alfred Chambers from his quarters. Adjusting his spectacles, he emerged, shaking his head in indulgent worry as he watched the spirited young woman who was hastening down the aisle toward him.
“So I see,” he returned, scowling. “And before dawn, no less. Daphne, my dear, I doubt even the lark has sung his first note.” The reprimand was halfhearted, the lines about the vicar’s eyes soft with warmth and tenderness. “How many times have I warned you that it is unsafe to roam the streets of the village before day has broken?”
“Countless.” Calmly, Daphne halted before him, easing the huge basket she carried to one side and slipping her hand beneath the hem of her petticoat to extract a six-inch blade. “But you have nothing to fear. See? I’m well protected.”
“How comforting. And precisely how many times have you used your lethal weapon to defend yourself?”
She gave him a dazzling smile. “None. I haven’t had occasion to. Which only goes to show how safe the village truly is.” With a flourish, Daphne restored the knife to its original hiding place. “In any case, I didn’t come here to argue with you, my dear friend. Today is too special for that. Besides, you didn’t really expect that I would shut an eye last night, did you? Not with our morning visit to the school tantalizing my thoughts. Why, I could scarcely stay still through yesterday’s Champion Stakes. All I could think about was the children I’m finally to meet. Which reminds me.” Triumphantly, Daphne held up her basket. “Wait until you see what I’ve brought.” Oblivious to the dust that settled on the fine layers of her morning dress, she sank down onto her knees, swiftly removing her treasures, one by one.
