Page 14 of Road Trip With a Rogue
“Was your father cruel to her? Is he cruel to you?” A dangerous edge had entered his tone.
She turned and stared sightlessly at the dark hedgerows flashing by. “He wasn’t violent or manipulative, if that’s what you mean. But he didn’t see my mother as anything more than a means for breeding heirs. His cruelty was in his neglect. He ignored her most of the time, and treated her as a brainless fool for the rest.”
“You’ve just described half the marriages in theton.” His tone was deeply cynical.
“Yes, well, after providing him with three boys and putting up with him flaunting a succession of ever-younger mistresses under her nose, I can appreciate why she decided she wanted a little pleasure too. All the luxury in the world can’t make up for being unhappy. She found someone who cared for her deeply. She deserved a chance at love.”
“All the more surprising, then, that you’re pursuing these two runaways with such fervor. Don’t they ‘deserve a chance at love’ too?”
Daisy glanced back at him. “My mother was thirty when she left my father. Violet’s barely eighteen, and Peregrine’s only a year older.” She narrowed her eyes.“People make foolish, rash decisions at eighteen that they’dnevermake at twenty-three.”
His gaze met hers and she wondered if he’d catch the barbed allusion to her own embarrassing mistake. If he did, he didn’t mention it.
She shrugged. “I’m proud of my mother for refusing to accept the path society laid out for her. It can’t have been an easy decision.”
His expression was impossible to define. “But you were an innocent casualty. She left you with the duke, to be brought up by nannies and governesses.”
To be brought up without love.His inference was clear. Daisy shook her head, silently refuting the accusation. Dalkeith might have been incapable of showing affection, but she’d had a surprisingly happy childhood. Especially once she met Tess and Ellie.
“She left me in the best position she could to ensure my future prospects. I would have had far fewer opportunities in Italy. Here in England, I’m part of theton. Plus, I have my brothers, whom I love—despite the glaring flaws in their personalities.” She smiled, then sobered again.
“My father spends most of his time at Hollyfield, and I’m thankful for his disinterest. It’s given me the freedom to work at King and Company where I can do something rewarding, instead of just flitting about, trying to snare a husband.”
Vaughan’s lips twitched, as if she’d amused him. “You don’t want a husband?”
“Not if it means giving up what I love. I’ve yet to find a man who would approve of what I do.”
“If tonight’s an example of ‘what you do,’ then I’m not surprised. No man worth his salt would accept their woman putting herself in harm’s way, no matter how worthy the cause.”
Daisy stiffened. “Precisely my point. I refuse to become a chattel, forbidden to do anything but look pretty and arrange flowers, so I’ll remain unwed.”
“I’d be surprised if your father hasn’t received a dozen offers for your hand, no matter how little interest you’ve shown. There are scores of men out there who’d want the daughter of a duke—despite the glaring flaws in her personality.”
His lips twitched again, but she valiantly ignored the taunt. “Thankfully, he doesn’t need to marry me off to improve the family finances, nor is he interested in making any political alliances. And unlike my brothers, Iearnmy own money. As long as I keep a low profile, he’s content to leave me to my own devices.”
Thank God,Daisy added silently. Ever since her come-out she’d lived in dread of her father accepting an offer on her behalf and simply ordering her to marry, without consulting her at all, as Tess’s father had once done to her.
Her worry had increased every year she’d remained unwed, only tempered by the belief that the older she got, the more firmly she’d be seen as “on the shelf.”
To further deter any potential suitors, she’d tried to cultivate a reputation for being stubbornly independent without doing anything so outrageous that she became the subject of gossip—thereby reminding her father of her existence.
“I doubt the duke will consider shooting a man and haring around the countryside dressed in male clothing as ‘keeping a low profile.’”
Vaughan’s silky drawl jolted her back from her reverie and Daisy scowled.
“Only if he finds out. Which isnotgoing to happen.”
Her tone dared him to contradict her.
He did not.
She nodded. “Right.”
They lapsed into silence again until she bit back a jaw-cracking yawn. “What time is it?”
He checked his pocket watch. “Almost three. Why don’t you sleep?”
She sent him a scornful look. “Here? With you? Ha! Besides, we’ll be at Hatfield soon.”