“Daisy?” he asked, drawing in a sharp breath. “There’s nothing to—”
“There are several things to say. I heard about your walk this afternoon.” Tom stepped closer.
Blake features drew tight. “I shouldnae have walked away. As soon as I have a chance, I’ll apologize.”
Tom scrubbed his jaw. “We don’t know each other, and it’s likely not my place, but I’m going to tell you something that I’ve never shared with anyone. I met Daisy the very day their cousin forced them out of the house. She wasn’t quite seventeen and, while all the girls were tearful, Daisy looked…” he looked up to the sky, “haunted.”
Blake clenched his fists at his sides. “She told me about what happened. She was verra strong.”
Tom gave him a sideways glance. “She told you. That’s a good sign.” He swung his hands in front of his body, clasping them again. “My point is that Daisy was so young and she had to be very brave, protecting her sisters when no man was there to do the job, and now…” His mouth twisted. “Now she’s scared. Frightened of being hurt again. She’s naturally vivacious so men are attracted to her, but she has yet to allow one of them close. She was so hurt. And I believe she has been choosing men whom she won’t actually develop feelings for because it’s easier.”
Blake grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. He’d thought her fickle but that wasn’t the case, she was just afraid. Damn, he was a fool. “Thank ye fer explainin’ that tae me.” He stopped scrubbing. “I will confess tae ye that I have strong feelings fer her too. But if she’s as scared as ye say, can she return them?”
Tom shrugged. “She’ll require patience. Can you give her that?”
He coughed. Patience? That was one of the virtues he’d never had. “I can try.”
“Good.” Tom reached over, then slapped him on the back. “I’m certain with a bit of time, Daisy can see herself through her fear.”
Blake’s chest ached and he rolled his neck, trying to relieve the tension. She needed the one thing he’d never been able to deliver.
Chapter Eight
Daisy shifted in her chair only half listening to Fiona and Rose as they caught up on life. Blake had been about to speak with her before Tom had interrupted. What had he wanted to say? What was she going to ask? Unable to sit any longer, she started to push out of the chair.
Rose stepped in front of her. “What are you doing?”
“Getting up,” she answered, trying to stand. Her shoulder was sore but she’d live. “I’m not going to sit all night.”
“You should be in bed still,” Rose answered, crossing her arms.
Lord Price entered the room, looking fresh and rested. Clearly, he’d recovered from their walk. She wished she’d remained in her seat as he made his way straight for her.
“Lady Daisy,” he called, waving his hand. “So good to see you.”
She gave him a thin smile, suddenly wishing she were in bed. How had she ever found this man attractive? “Lord Price. I see the air didn’t do you too much harm after all.”
He stopped, his lips pressing together. “No. I’m quite all right.” When he started again, he gave her a beaming smile his lips pulling thin. “May I take you for a walk about the room?”
She nodded, her neck sore, as she placed a hand in his. They set off, neither starting the conversation. She only had one man she wished to speak with.
Reaching a quiet corner, Lord Price slowed his steps, glancing over at her. “I’ve wanted to have a private discussion with you since I arrived.”
“Really?” She shifted away, stifling a groan. A day ago, those were the only words she’d wished to hear.
“Seeing you again has made me realize that I made a mistake all those years ago. I should have pursued you then.” He moved closer and she stumbled back. “But my future was uncertain and yours in such turmoil.”
“So you did know?” she replied before she could think about it. “About my father. My cousin.”
His eyes grew wider. “I learned of it later.”
She shook her head, taking her hand from his arm. “Forgive me, Lord Price. I just don’t think—”
“No. Please.” He grabbed her elbow. “I made a mistake but I wish to court you now. We could make such a lovely couple. I’ll have to return to England for bit. I’ve got some business—”
She tugged her arm. “I don’t need your explanation. My home is here and I’ve no intention of leaving.”
He gave her a rough pull forward, making her shoulder throb in pain. “But I wish to make you my wife. Can’t you understand?”
“I reckon ye’d best remove yer hand from her arm,” Blake rumbled, his hand coming to her waist. She snapped up her chin to see him standing next to her. “The lady said no.”
Tom stepped up next to Blake. “Besides, how can you propose, Lord Price, when you’re already married?”
“Married?” she choked. “You’re married?”
His face paled. “A widow who is at death’s door.”
She shook her head. That was supposed to make her feel better? “How would your wife feel if she knew you were already proposing to another woman?” Her gaze narrowed as a detail clicked in her mind. “Earlier, you asked about my dowry. You did upon our first meeting as well.” She stood taller. “You married a widow for money, didn’t you?”
His lips thinned to a razor-sharp edge. “You people can find a different piece of land to bring in your wool,” Lord Price said. “I’m done with all of you.”
Blake’s hand tightened at her waist. “How disappointing,” he rumbled, sounding anything but disappointed. In fact, she thought she heard laughter in his voice.
Daisy moved closer to his side. Once again, a man had let her down. Lord Price was exactly like so many she’d met before. Though, if she were being honest, the way Blake had stormed
