Page 22 of To Steal a Lyon’s Heart (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #85)

T he sun sparkled off the pond water and blinded Daisy for a moment.

The sun kissed her face, the ducks quacked merrily—or so it seemed—and Daisy had never felt so numb.

Shielding her eyes, Daisy looked to where Amelia was pointing.

Under the protective umbrella of a willow, a mother duck sat with six little ducklings around her.

“You can’t have one,” her brother hurried to say to Amelia, and Daisy grinned, despite her growing trepidation. Her brother had joined them at the last moment. Daisy wasn’t sure if this was a blessing or not. He seemed to always know when there was something bothering her.

Amelia sighed. “I know. I don’t need ducks when I have swans.”

Graham’s gaze skipped over Amelia’s head and caught Daisy.

Her throat tightened. She was running out of time to explain to Amelia the true reason for this walk.

She’d always wanted a sister, someone other than a mountain of a brother to talk to about silly things like buttons and important things like the pains of womanhood.

She had her mother, but a mother didn’t always count.

And her mother didn’t discuss private things.

Her mother didn’t understand Daisy’s desire to feel like she belonged with her female counterparts.

So Daisy was mostly alone. Set aside like old furniture. She should wear a white sheet over her head so that she won’t be dusty when Cliffton eventually came to fetch her.

“What a lovely day for a walk,” Amelia said. “You’ve spent so much of your time here indoors at Alston’s side. I hope you don’t feel like you are obligated to spend all your free time entertaining him.”

Daisy shook her head. “I don’t. Not at all. I’ve had a lovely time, and I’ve enjoyed the reprieve from traveling. But I know it cannot last. My parents will return, and I’ll have to explain everything and they will take me home.”

“You don’t have anything to explain,” Graham said. “None of this is your doing, and you shouldn’t be punished for our actions, our swift marriage. Mother and father are reasonable. They won’t blame you for what Mrs. Miranda has done, either. Her actions were reprehensible.”

“I know. I can see that now, but it doesn’t change the situation I’m in. There is a reason I wanted to take this walk with you. I need your help.”

Amelia stopped and turned to her.

Daisy licked her lips, searching for courage. “A little while ago, I received a message from Lady Claystone. She wants to meet me here in half an hour to discuss—”

“This is the woman who is friends with your mother?” Amelia asked.

“She’s more than that,” her brother said. “Daisy? What’s wrong. Is it Cliffton?”

Amelia cocked her head. “Who is Cliffton?”

Daisy fisted her hands. She had to get it all out before the meeting. “Cliffton is my betrothed, and Lady Claystone is his mother. She asked to meet me here to discuss what happened with Mrs. Miranda.”

Amelia raised her brows. “You’re engaged? How—” Her brow flattened. “You don’t look happy about it.”

Her brother coughed to cover a laugh and Daisy glared at him.

“It’s a longstanding betrothal. I did what was expected of me, and as a young girl the notion of being betrothed was exciting and romantic, but over time those feelings have changed.

For so long I thought it was what I wanted, truly, and I was able to reason away any misgivings.

I clung to the hope that things would be different once we were married, and the marriage contract was signed just before my parents set off for their trip.

I thought I’d feel different after that.

Excited that it was finally moving forward. Instead... I feel dread.”

“I see,” Amelia said. She turned to Graham. “You never mentioned this to me, and more importantly, I can’t believe you’d let your sister marry someone who doesn’t make her happy.”

“If Daisy asked me to interfere, I would, but she hasn’t. I don’t meddle where it’s not wanted, Amelia .”

Amelia rolled her eyes. “Tell me what you need from me, Daisy. I am at your disposal.”

“If you could lend me a bit of your courage... I think she will ask me to leave Alston House, and I won’t. I cannot live with that woman.”

Amelia gave her a firm nod. “We won’t let that happen.”

“You have our word, Daisy,” her brother said.

Amelia took her arm. “You know, asking for help is an act of courage.”

“It is?”

“Indeed.”

“Whatever this woman says to you, we will be with you,” Graham added.

“I’m worried about what she will say to you,” Daisy admitted.

Amelia smiled. “You’re so sweet.”

“I think I see her,” her brother said. They all turned, and Daisy held her breath. There by the farthest end of the pond stood Lady Claystone with her maid.

“Let’s not keep her waiting,” Amelia said.

Sweat trickled down Daisy’s back at the same time a chill swept through her body as they approached the countess. Daisy wished her ladyship hadn’t brought her maid. Lady Claystone could be exceptionally cruel when she had an audience of any sort.

Her white hair was twisted back into her extravagant bonnet.

Her pinched face was made more austere by her red-painted lips.

In the shade of her bonnet, her brown eyes were so dark they appeared black.

She had a long, lean figure and had dressed herself in a white dress with thin vertical black stripes that made her look taller and more intimidating.

“Mr. Blakewood, it’s a pleasure to see you again. It has been some time. I was... intrigued to hear of your swift wedding.” Her frigid stare gave the statement a meaning far beyond the words she uttered.

“Lady Claystone, I present my wife, Lady Amelia,” her brother replied, unmoved by the rankled disappointment coming off Lady Claystone in waves.

Daisy tucked her hands behind her back. She was not wearing gloves. Lady Claystone never left her home without gloves and expected the same of Daisy as her protégé.

Amelia smiled. “Good afternoon, my lady. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m surprised we’ve never met before.”

Daisy held her breath as she watched the silent appraisal Lady Claystone made of Amelia, who also did not wear gloves and was committing the sin of wearing the wicked color of yellow.

“I only circulate in certain circles of the peerage. Felicitations on your marriage, my lady.”

“Thank you,” Amelia replied.

Amelia was the antithesis of a woman like the countess. She smiled with genuine affection and laughed freely. Whereas being in Lady Claystone presence was like standing under the glare of a vulture.

“And your brother? You don’t appear to be in mourning. One must then assume the news of his demise is fiction.”

“He was injured in a riding accident and is now recovering well,” Amelia replied.

“Splendid, I will pray for him.” Lady Claystone held her smile wide, until it resembled more of a snarl. Then she turned her soulless eyes to Daisy. For a woman of such devout faith, she still exuded sinister wrath in a single glance.

“Miss Blakewood, I was troubled to receive your letter. A most unfortunate series of events has occurred. I informed Cliffton of everything immediately and insisted he abandon his work in Winchester and return to London at once.”

Cliffton had been in Winchester? That was only a day’s ride from Weybridge. Had he been that close and not bothered to see her? It hurt, to be so... disregarded. Even if the thought of seeing him made her nauseated. It was the principle.

Lady Claystone continued. “You must imagine my surprise at learning you were residing with your brother in the house of the Earl of Alston.” she said. The chill in her words froze Daisy where she stood.

“An ‘unfortunate series of events’ is not the phrase I would use for the heartless action of forcing a young lady to make her way home alone and unprotected,” Amelia said as her dazzling smile faded and her eyes hardened. “Blakewood and I were all too happy to take her in until her parents return.”

“Her wellbeing was not properly tended to,” her brother added.

Lady Claystone blinked as her freezing gaze fixed on Graham.

“I was not made aware of that. Mrs. Miranda said you were with her most trusted lady’s maid and I trust her word.

” Lady Claystone swung her attention back to Daisy and Daisy did not flinch.

If Amelia could withstand her, then so could Daisy.

“Such conflicting stories. I will have to address the matter thoroughly and confer with your mother. What will she think of all this?” Lady Claystone said.

“I’m certain she will agree that I am being well cared for by my brother and his wife.”

She raised a brow. “In a house with and unwed lord.”

“Yes, my brother, the Earl of Alston, now part of Daisy’s extended family,” Amelia said pointedly.

“I suppose that is true.” Lady Claystone cocked her head. “But given the circumstances,”—she flicked a glance toward Amelia and Graham—“as a dear friend of your mother, I think it would be better for you to come stay with me. Your reputation could be salvaged by my show of support.”

Daisy’s stomach knotted. She’d rather swim in the Thames than stay with Lady Claystone.

And Daisy didn’t need to read Lady Claystone’s mind to know she thought Amelia had married down by marrying her brother.

She had always thought the same of Daisy’s mother even though they were friends.

A girl must always travel upward , she’d preach.

Which was why Daisy was supposed to feel so positively honored to marry her absentee son. A future earl.

“As Daisy’s only blood relation in London, she will stay with me,” her brother said. “I won’t entrust my sister’s reputation and welfare again to strangers who treated her so callously.”

Daisy wanted to wilt with relief, but Lady Claystone stiffened, glaring at her brother like he was beneath her.

“Mrs. Miranda is a dear friend of mine. You dare question her character?”

Daisy would not let the insult stand. “She sent me away at dusk with her lady’s maid who then robbed me of the little coin I had and put me on a mail coach to London. Is that the character you speak of?”

Lady Claystone stepped back as if shocked Daisy could speak at all. “While inadvisable, I must respect she was protecting her own daughter from association with scandal and excuse the error in judgment. As should you.”

“Miss Blakewood is hardly at fault for the perceived scandal of our marriage,” Amelia said. “Anyone who would punish her and put her safety at risk is not a person who can be trusted. You arranged the traveling party for Miss Blakewood, is that correct?”

Lady Claystone pressed her lips together in a thin line and did not answer.

“She did,” Graham said. “My mother will determine what actions will be taken next for Daisy once our parents return to London. We must return to the house now. Good day, Lady Claystone.”

She dipped her chin in recognition, but her gaze was pinned to Daisy. “Is that what you wish? Do you not see the benefits of removing yourself from Alston House? Cliffton cannot visit you there when he returns.”

Daisy stood frozen as fear clutched her heart in a vice. If Cliffton was coming home, did that mean that she would have to marry him soon?

“I will stay with my brother and wait for my parents to return,” Daisy said.

Lady Claystone’s lips turned pale as she forced a smile.

“Very well. I will speak to your parents upon their return, and we will come to a decision about your future. I look forward to it. Good day, Lady Amelia, Mr. Blakewood, Miss Blakewood.” She turned away, walking slowly under the parasol her maid held over her.

Daisy put her hand on Graham’s sleeve, and he patted her hand.

“Why did that sound like a threat?” Amelia said once Lady Claystone was far enough away not to hear.

“Because it was,” her brother said. He looked down at Daisy in concern. “Are you all right? You’re pale.”

Daisy couldn’t feel the warmth of the sun on her cheeks any longer.

She was cold inside and out. She’d spoken up for herself, but that would only infuriate Lady Claystone and make matters worse.

She was running out of time. Once her parents returned, she’d have to leave Alston House, and she’d lose her friendship with Alston.

Her brother turned them away and they began their walk back. “I hope we will hear from mother and father again soon.”

“What the devil is wrong with that woman?” Amelia asked as they passed the gate.

“She’s a woman of strict values,” Graham said. “I haven’t had to spend as much time in her company as Daisy has, but it has been plenty. I don’t know how you tolerate her.”

“You poor thing,” Amelia looked past Graham’s broad chest to her. “We must put an end to this engagement. I won’t allow it. She reminds me too much of Aunt Ruth.”

Graham cast Daisy a quick glance.

What could Daisy say? She didn’t have a choice, did she?

Lady Claystone wanted Daisy to marry Lord Cliffton to—as she’d put it before— correct her mother’s mistake.

Daisy didn’t want to disappoint her mother.

For too long Daisy had pretended she wanted to marry Cliffton.

Now... she’d rather lose a limb than wed him.

Daisy had never revealed to her brother or to her parents how truly miserable she’d become.

There was once a time when Daisy dreamed of having a marriage with Cliffton that grew into a love like her parents’.

She was no more than fifteen at the time.

For a long time, Daisy had hoped that their eventual marriage would somehow lessen Lady Claystone’s influence in her life.

But she knew better now. She was no longer that hopeful and na?ve girl.

Cliffton did not care about Daisy at all, and Lady Claystone would control every aspect of Daisy life until her last breath, and even then, she might haunt Daisy.