Page 9 of To Steal a Lyon’s Heart (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #85)

D aisy sipped hot chocolate from a cozy chair by the hearth in her elegant room.

Lady Amelia had lent her a thick robe that consumed Daisy’s short frame but covered her from neck to toe in soft warmth.

Daisy wiped her nose with a handkerchief, worrying she’d caught an ailment from being squished into a carriage with strangers all night.

There was a knock on the door, and a maid entered, bearing a fresh cup of hot chocolate.

“Beg your pardon, miss. Mr. Blakewood instructed me to bring you another cup, and Mr. Petrov is here to deliver a message from his lordship.”

“Thank you.”

Her bother knew how she loved hot chocolate. Daisy would live on the beverage alone if she could. She set her cup aside and the valet approached, presenting the letter.

“You may send a reply at your convenience and Merry will deliver it,” he said.

“Thank you,” Daisy replied.

He bowed and left.

Daisy had spent most of her time for the last few years at their country home or traveling to the homes of her parents’ friends.

She hadn’t seen Lord Alston for two years, but she did remember he was a funny fellow, charming, and playful.

And like an adonis made of marble. She shook her head.

She was silly. She’d been seventeen then, but now she was nineteen and she’d changed significantly in those two years.

Not in height—she was still shorter than most of her acquaintances—but her body had matured to that of a voluptuous woman, much to Lady Claystone’s dismay.

Daisy couldn’t enjoy the current fashions when her bosom overflowed the tight narrow bodices.

It was just another mark against Daisy in Lady Claystone’s ever-growing tally.

It was a wonder her betrothal hadn’t ended already since Daisy was so.

.. unfitting. Was that the cause of the delay?

Or did Cliffton truly find her unattractive?

Daisy wondered how Lord Alston remembered her.

Would he still see her as that younger girl?

Daisy unfolded the letter and read. Her frown of dismay at his description of his injury had turned to a smile by the end.

No one had ever written or spoken to her so candidly. Like he could be a friend. Should she go see him right now? Perhaps not. His injury sounded dreadful and harrowing, and she was also coming down with something. She could feel it in the stuffiness in her head and weariness of her body.

“Lord Alston is quite amusing.”

Merry, who had stayed and busied herself after delivering the hot chocolate, nodded. “He is. He and his sister are the best employers I’ve ever had.”

“He mentioned two other gentlemen in residence,” Daisy said. “With dark hair?”

“Oh, I suppose he means Dr. Sloan. He’s an odd fellow. He talks like he’s smarter than everyone—which he is—and like he’s an impatient schoolteacher. He doesn’t smile, not even at Kitty. He’s immune to amusement and flirtation, to Kitty’s dismay.”

“Oh?” Daisy said curiously. “And the other? You didn’t give his name.”

Merry finished straightening Daisy’s clothing in the armoire. “He’s not a gentleman. I wouldn’t bother with him.”

“But he is here, correct? His lordship warned me that I might see him.”

“Mr. Chase is a business associate from the Lyon’s Den. He isn’t staying here, but he comes and goes frequently. He brings Miss Smith here in the morning.”

Daisy absorbed that information. A business associate? She supposed that was reasonable. Lord Alston still had duties to attend to even while injured.

“What is the Lyon’s Den?” Daisy asked.

“It’s a gaming club. Lord Alston is a master of cards. He always wins. Always. Unless he plays Lady Amelia.”

Daisy raised a brow at that and then asked, “Who is Miss Smith?”

“Lord Alston’s nurse.”

Daisy nodded though she was confused. Why would a gaming club send Lord Alston a nurse? Perhaps Lord Alston was a silent partner in the establishment? That could be it. Either way, it wasn’t her business.

Merry folded her hands and waited for more instruction.

“I’m content here by the fire if you have other things to do. Thank you, Merry.”

“’Tis my pleasure. Shall I return later with more chocolate?”

Daisy considered her full mug. “Absolutely.”

Merry smiled and did a quick bob before excusing herself.

Daisy leaned back in the chair and smiled at the ceiling. All her worries were melting away.

She wondered again if she should she visit Lord Alston.

His chambers were not an appropriate place for her to visit, but he was injured and confined to his bed.

He must be lonely and bored, as he said in his letter.

He remembered that she did needlework, but she was sure that doing needlework by his bedside would only bore him further.

She could read to him, though. She loved reading more than anything in the world.

Daisy decided to write back to him and ask what sort of books he preferred.

Daisy moved to the writing desk near the window and searched for some paper, an ink bottle, and a quill.

She sat down at the writing desk and started her letter.

She wasn’t sure what to say to a man like Lord Alston.

She hardly knew him, and there was nothing similar about them.

They may as well be from two different countries.

She did remember how he had towered over her.

However, everyone was tall compared to her.

She’d inherited her grandmother’s red hair and small frame, while both her parents and brother were taller than the average.

From what she remembered of Lord Alston, he was fair and blue-eyed like his sister—they were twins, after all.

Dear Lord Alston,

Thank you for your kind welcome. I am delighted to have some time with my brother and become better acquainted with you and Lady Amelia.

I am sorry about your accident and relieved to hear you are recovering well.

I fear my hands are weary from needlework, but I do love to read.

If you would like, I could read to you. Do you have any favorite authors?

I’m afraid I’m not very entertaining. You see—

Daisy halted her pen. She had been about to go on and write about Cliffton and his awful mother.

She’d written to Cliffton repeatedly, but, though he had never replied even once, Lady Claystone wrote to Daisy frequently.

She kept Daisy aware of Cliffton’s whereabouts and activities, claiming he was incredibly busy.

Too busy to write or visit. But soon they would marry.

How soon remained a mystery. Daisy had been told soon for two depressing years.

Daisy shook her head. She didn’t want to think about her betrothal anymore. Not when it only made her feel inadequate. For just a little while, while not under Lady Claystone’s thumb, she could be herself here. She scratched out her last couple words and began a new thought.

I’ve been traveling for quite some time.

I dread sitting in carriages for long travel.

To tell you the truth, I’m glad I was ousted from Mrs. Miranda’s traveling party, even though her lady’s maid took all the money I had and then abandoned me.

The ride to London was the most gratifying experience I’ve ever enjoyed.

Though it was uncomfortable and frightening, I had never imagined I could do something like that, silly as it seems. People do it every day, even women.

I wasn’t the only woman on that carriage.

And yet I feel as though I have proved something to myself, something I hadn’t realized I needed proof for. I’m sure that sounds odd to you.

My brother has spoken of your many unique accomplishments and now you’ve also been deemed a medical miracle. How fortunate you are.

Regards,

Daisy Blakewood.

Daisy rang for Merry to deliver her message, and the maid came promptly. Daisy’s stomach was in knots now that she’d sent the note. What if he found it boring? Childish?

Daisy pressed a hand to her forehead as wooziness came over her.

She climbed into the bed and burrowed under the heavy coverlet.

Daisy didn’t remember when she fell asleep, but she was woken by a pounding in her head.

She pushed back the blanket and sat up, the internal pounding seeming to shift to a noise coming from her door.

Daisy cleared her scratchy throat. “Come in.”

Lady Amelia came in, smiling, but when she spotted Daisy on the bed her smile fell. “You’ve taken ill.”

Daisy rubbed her eyes. “I’m only tired. I did not sleep well in the carriage.”

Merry followed Lady Amelia in with a super tray.

“Merry, fetch Miss Smith.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Daisy couldn’t help but notice Lady Amelia hadn’t moved any closer. “What will happen if I am sick? Will I have to be sent away?”

Lady Amelia frowned. “Heavens, no. But I will ask you to remain in here. I don’t want my brother to get sick while his constitution is so weakened. I’ll have the fire built up. Are you chilled?”

“No, but my head is aching.”

“A headache powder and tea will fix that. You may be right, and you could wake tomorrow feeling well, but just in case...”

“I am happy to stay in this room,” Daisy assured her. “I’m perfectly comfortable. The last thing I would ever wish to do is cause your brother more harm.”

Lady Amelia smiled and drifted closer. “You’re so sweet.”

Daisy sat up straighter. “I don’t like to be a burden to others.”

“I don’t think that is possible. Your brother has nothing but praise for you. My brother, I’m certain, wished to send me to a nunnery, or Bedlam, at many points in our youth.”

Miss Smith entered with Merry. “I was summoned?”

The dark-haired woman was beautiful and young, not at all what Daisy would have expected from a nurse.

“Miss Smith, this is Miss Daisy Blakewood. She is clearly in the early stages of falling ill,” Lady Amelia said. “Miss Blakewood, this is Miss Smith, Lord Alston’s nurse.”

“How do you do?” Daisy asked.

“I am feeling better than you, I suspect.” Miss Smith approached and touched her forehead. “Can you tell me what you feel, Miss Blakewood?”

“I feel warm, and... my head is woozy and aching.”

“I have headache powder.” Miss Smith turned and fixed a cup of tea, mixing in a powder from her apron pocket. “I predict a fever will set in by morning,” Miss Smith said.

“A fever?” Lady Amelia said in alarm.

Daisy accepted the cup of tea and took a sip.

“I don’t anticipate any severe symptoms,” Miss Smith said. “I think this is just a minor cold.”

“But she should stay away from Lord Alston?” Lady Amelia asked.

Miss Smith looked between them. “That would be wise once the fever sets in.”

“Thank you, Miss Smith,” Lady Amelia said. The nurse left them, and Lady Amelia sighed.

“Don’t worry over me,” Daisy said. “I’ve had sniffles and coughs before. I’ve never been severely sick.”

“I’m sure that is true, I just can’t stop this constant worry I feel for my brother.

If you could have seen him just a week ago, you’d understand.

You’re a sister, too. As much as a brother can be a nuisance to our social lives, they are our first friend.

My brother is all I have left of my mother and father. ”

Daisy’s throat tightened with emotion, and she bit her lip anxiously.

Her brother was a giant to her, in more than just height.

She’d always looked up to Graham for his unshakable confidence and integrity.

He was her protecter, her playmate, and he’d grown into her idealistic image of a hero.

If she ever saw him on the brink of death, she’d be inconsolable.

“If I need to go—”

“No,” Lady Amelia said. “You will stay here, and I will care for you just as diligently as I did my brother. Likely, I’m being overly concerned, and you just need another day of rest. Who doesn’t need those from time to time?

Oh! I almost forgot to tell you. Your brother is sending a letter to your parents and thought you might like to add your own.

If you do, give it to Merry and we can send it in the morning. ”

“I will.” Daisy felt a tickle in her throat. “I think I’ll eat and go back to sleep.”

“That is wise. I’ll check on you in the morning.”

Merry returned with a supper tray and Daisy moved back to the desk to eat her soup and pen a letter to her parents. She held the quill over the paper as she pondered what to say and a drop splattered on the paper.

“Drat.” She sighed. But she didn’t know how to explain what had happened.

It was all so surreal. Her mother and father would not be pleased to learn she’d taken the night coach and—Lady Claystone!

Daisy would also have to tell Lady Claystone what happened and where she was, wouldn’t she?

Daisy winced and set the quill down, using a scrap of paper to blot the drop of ink.

She sighed heavily, not feeling at all up to writing a letter to Lady Claystone, but it must be done.

The longer she put it off, the harsher Lady Claystone’s response would be.

Starting with fresh paper, Daisy gave her parents a quick description of her change of circumstances, positive her brother would be more forthcoming.

Then she pulled out a fresh sheet of paper to write to Lady Claystone, careful not to drop a single speck of ink as she began.

Lady Claystone,

It is with humility and concern that I write to you.

Mrs. Miranda found my company to be unsuitable for her daughter after my brother’s recent marriage to Lady Amelia Clark, sister of the Earl of Alston.

Many despicable rumors are circulating about the circumstances of their marriage, but I trust you know, having been such a close friend to my mother, that my brother is always and irrefutably an honorable man.

He assisted Lady Amelia and the earl through a difficult time which required his constant presence in their home.

He and Lady Amelia developed an affection and decided to marry hastily while her brother still lived.

He was grievously injured from a horse-riding accident but now is recovering.

Since my parents are traveling, I am now residing in my brother’s care at Alston House, waiting for my parents to return—

Daisy’s stomach tightened. She prayed Lady Claystone wouldn’t insist on making Daisy stay at Claystone Terrace instead.

To have to endure Lady Claystone’s constant scrutiny would be a nightmare.

She could only hope that Lady Claystone would choose to have nothing to do with Daisy and end the betrothal all together.

Daisy smiled as she finished her letter and blew the ink dry.

She folded it and left it on the desk, then climbed back into the bed.

She closed her eyes, trying not to picture Lady Claystone’s reaction, but instead what her life would be like if she were no longer engaged to Cliffton. She’d be free.