Page 95 of Road Trip With a Rogue

“Well, the boring way is to just mention it to someone like our host, with plenty of people within earshot, and the news will be around the room in less than five minutes.”

“And the scandalous way?”

His eyes darkened. “I kiss you right here in front of everyone, and let them draw their own conclusions.”

Daisy’s gaze dropped to his lips, and for a terrible moment she actually considered it. But if he kissed her here it would be a sham, a calculated performance, and she didn’t want that. If he was going to kiss her, she wanted it to be just for her. Because he wanted to.

He raised his brows in silent challenge, daring her to be outrageous, but she shook her head and for once in her life took the sensible path. “Just tell Lord Mansfield. Word will get around.”

If he was disappointed at her choice he didn’t show it. He nodded and turned to escort her from the dance floor, but a flurry of excitement by the main doors made them both look up.

Daisy caught a glimpse of Lord Mansfield’s shocked expression, and Mr. Brand’s cheeks pink with delight, a moment before a footman intoned, “Her Majesty, Queen Charlotte.”

Chapter Forty-Five

Daisy’s surprise at the Queen’s unexpected arrival was echoed by everyone in the room, and a buzz of delighted chatter filled the air.

King George was still immensely popular, despite his regular bouts of illness, and his queen was similarly beloved. Many of her subjects admired her steadfast loyalty to her husband, and her stoic forbearance when it came to her extensive brood of scandal-ridden children.

Her Majesty accepted the deep bows and curtseys from those around her with a benevolent smile. It was impossible to tell whether she’d come in costume or not, since she regularly favored dresses embellished with all manner of gems and ribbons, but Daisy bit back a relieved smile as she watched Mr. Brand almost bend himself in two as he bowed and was introduced by Lord Mansfield.

He could have no complaint about the service provided by King & Co.now. The presence of royalty at his party would be the pinnacle of his most fervent hopes and dreams.

Instead of leading Daisy back to Tess and Ellie, Lucien guided her confidently over to the queen, and Daisy sentthe older woman a friendly smile before she ducked into a deep curtsey.

“Miss Hamilton!” the queen said warmly. “How good to see you looking so well. And on the arm of such a handsome partner too.” She sent Vaughan a pleased glance. “Your Grace.”

Lucien bowed, and remained close to Daisy’s side as the queen took a few steps away from their host. Two of her ladies engaged the men in conversation, which gave their mistress a moment with Daisy and Lucien alone.

“I have heard,” the queen said, snapping open her fan and waving it languidly in front of her face, “the mostinterestingrumors concerning the two of you.”

Her brows rose in a perfect arch and her eyes twinkled in a teasing way that belied her advanced age.

Daisy felt her cheeks heat. “Oh, really?”

The queen chuckled. “Oh, yes. Tales of scandalous elopements and even more scandalous engagements.” She glanced over at Lucien, who raised his own brows in a playful, innocent expression, but said nothing.

“Knowing how few rumors have any basis in actual fact—and how certain society ladies are prone to exaggeration”—the queen sent a pointed glance over at Letty Richardson and her little flock, who were fluttering about on the opposite side of the room—“I thought it sensible to find out for myself.”

She turned her inquisitive gaze back to Lucien. “The Archbishop of Canterbury likes to keep me abreast of all the special licenses he’s dispensed. Imagine my surprise when he mentioned thatyou, Your Grace, had requested one.”

Lucien’s lips twitched as he fought not to laugh at her shameless prying. “That’s correct, Your Majesty.”

“In which case, should I infer that the rumor of thetwo of you being already married at Gretna Green is false, but the one about you beingengagedto be married is true?”

Lucien spoke up before Daisy could say anything. “Indeed, Your Majesty. Although we have yet to confirm anything publicly.”

The queen clapped her hands in delight. “How wonderful!” She sent Daisy a maternal smile and lowered her voice to a throaty whisper. “Your secret is safe with me. Have you set a time and a place for your wedding?”

Daisy shook her head. “We have not. But a big, public affair at St. George’s in Hanover Square has never held any appeal for me.”

Lucien raised his brows. “I thought all females were supposed to have dreamed of their wedding day in vivid detail? The dress, the flowers, that sort of thing.”

“The only thing I’ve dreamed of in vivid detail is the cake,” Daisy said.

And the wedding night.

She couldnotsay that in front of the queen.