Page 16 of The Duke I Wished For
He was a duke, after all.
But when she flashed him a dimpled smile, her look conspiratorial as if they shared a private joke…
Well. Perhaps he rather liked being teased.
A girl’s voice in the hallway startled them all. “Daff? Are you down here?”
He arched his brows. “Daff?”
To his surprise, she blushed and rushed toward the door. Toward him. “In here, Isabelle!”
Ah, of course. He blinked and turned toward the door where a willowy brunette hovered hesitantly. “Pardon me,” she said. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Not at all,” Daffodil said quickly. Though he suspected the apology hadn’t been intended for her.
Isabelle smiled at him. “I must be off, I’m afraid, but I do so appreciate your assistance with my endeavor, Your Grace.”
He nodded. He’d been introduced to the girl by her father nearly a year before. “It’s a wonderful idea. I’m happy to be of assistance.”
Daffodil seemed to be edging toward the door like she was eager to escape. He frowned. He didn’t want to see her leave, which…was odd.
He glanced over at Clarissa, who looked as crestfallen as he felt. She liked Daffodil.
Blast it all, he liked Daffodil.
All at once he understood perfectly why his brother had laughed so hard when he’d shown him that silly list.
Daffodil had spelled it out for him in no uncertain terms at their first meeting. What a daughter needed was a mother who was kind, and compassionate, and…
He swallowed hard as Daffodil turned toward Isabelle and whispered something. He only just barely caught himself from reaching out to her.
What was happening to him?
But he knew…of course he knew.
Daffodil was everything Clarissa could want in a mother. And what was more…
She might just be everything he could ever desire in a wife.
“Lady Isabelle,” he said, so abruptly, both women turned to him with wide, startled eyes.
“Y-yes?”
He took a deep breath, his gaze darting to Daffodil, who was giving Clarissa a sweet little wave. “I can’t imagine you finished cataloging my library so quickly. If you’d like to return…”
“Oh, yes, I would like that,” Isabelle said on a rush of air.
He turned his gaze to Daffodil. “I’m sure I’m not speaking out of turn when I say my daughter would be delighted to host you for tea again as well.”
Clarissa clapped. “Yes, please!”
Daffodil’s laughter felt like cool rain on a hot summer’s day. She turned her brilliant smile to encompass Clarissa. “I would love nothing more than another tea party.”
“Good.” His voice was far too gruff as he led them out of the playroom and toward the front door. “Then I’ll expect a visit soon…from both of you.”
5
May Day dawned bright and sunny, excitement pulsing through Daffodil. She slipped from her bed as everyone still lay asleep and quickly dressed, making her way outside.
