Duke of Chance: Lords of Scandal Read online

  Once they were wed, he’d work on his issues with trust. For right now, he just wanted to make Daisy his.

  Daisy never went back to sleep. She was too full of restless energy.

  When Chance had been holding her, everything made sense, but once he left her alone… She raked a brush through her hair.

  She’d bathed, had tea, dried her hair by the fire, and now she sat in front of the vanity, trying to tame her silky mass of curls. She could call a maid, but the silence soothed her. It gave her space to think.

  She’d given herself completely to Chance.

  In her mind, there was no turning back now, but that knowledge didn’t quiet all her fears.

  There was the fact that he didn’t love her still…

  She shook her head, her hair sweeping over her back.

  There were times when being with him, moving together like they’d been made for each other, felt like love should be. The type of love she had always hoped to share with a partner.

  He planned to quit the club, he’d been seen publicly with Edge for her benefit, and when he held her, she felt the tenderness deep inside.

  Then again, she’d been fooled into thinking a man loved her who didn’t. Look at what had happened with Edge.

  Still, they’d made progress, and she was ready to give herself to him without reserve, fill him up until he could return her affection. Hopefully.

  She sighed, her chin coming to rest on her fist. She scrunched her nose staring into the looking glass. Chance was marrying her, but no one wished to be in a union where only one of them loved the other.

  A knock sounded at the door. Before she even answered, the door swung open, her aunt beaming at her. “Hart has invited us for dinner tonight.”

  She raised her brows as she dropped her hand, and lifted her head. “Has he? I can’t remember the last time we went to see him.”

  “Me either,” her aunt gushed. “Usually he comes here.”

  “I wonder why the change?”

  Her aunt gave her a sideways glance. “I thought you’d know. He said something about celebrating. Are you sure you don’t have something to tell me?”

  Her eyes widened. Had Chance spoken with Hart already? She supposed there was no point in not telling her aunt that she’d officially accepted Chance’s offer. A seed of doubt still threatened to overtake her, but she squashed it back down. Given time, surely Chance would care for her deeply. “I’ve accepted Chance’s offer. I’m going to be a duchess.”

  Her aunt cheered, spinning in place and looking years younger as she clapped her hands. “Oh, that is wonderful.”

  Daisy rose, crossing to embrace her aunt. “I’m sorry for all the trouble, Aunt Mildred.”

  Her aunt waved her hand. “Don’t be. I’m sure I gave my parents fits.”

  “At least they provided for you through it all.”

  Her aunt gave her a kind smile. “As I would have done for you.”

  Daisy caught her breath as she stood. “What do you mean?”

  “This house will be yours when I’m gone. Coupled with the money your mother left you, you could live on your own if you chose.”

  Daisy swallowed. It was a wonderful gesture, but Daisy couldn’t help but wonder why her aunt had waited until now to tell her. “You didn’t see fit to share this with me after Edge?”

  Her aunt pursed her lips as she winced. “You might have run off with him. I know that it was duplicitous on my part, but I knew he wasn’t the right man for you. I could feel it. I have a sense for these things.”

  Daisy didn’t answer. They’d been right, of course. Edge hadn’t been the man for her. But what if Chance was her next bad choice?

  Was he just like Edge? A man who would never love her? But she swept those thoughts aside. They weren’t productive or helpful. She had a plan and she’d see it through.

  Then her aunt’s shoulders drooped a bit. “But I am going to miss you terribly.”

  Daisy swallowed. The truth was that she’d miss her aunt too. And then there was her aunt’s future. Daisy leaned back to look at her aunt.

  She’d have to speak with Chance.

  Thinking of that, a wave of serenity washed through her. If she told him she needed her aunt near, he’d concede with barely an argument.

  What was she worried for? Surely that meant he cared.

  “I’m going to miss you too,” she said taking a step back. “But then again, perhaps he’s already got a dowager house. We’ll have to ask him tonight. I’m assuming Chance is coming to this dinner as well.”

  Her aunt beamed at Daisy giving her another hug. “Oh, dear girl. What would I have done without you?”

  “Oh posh, you would have danced every night away, I’m sure.” She smiled, giving her aunt a wink. “Now tell me something. I’ve never asked. How did you know that you were in love with your major?”

  Her aunt’s brows rose. “Before I answer, I need to know if we’re talking about your feelings for Chance or Lord Edgemere?”

  Heat flooded her cheeks. “Chance, of course. I can’t deny my feelings anymore, and I…” How did she explain?

  But her aunt linked her arms through Daisy’s. “Well. He was all I could think of. Even when other, very handsome men came around, I hardly noticed. It was as though he’d filled every corner inside me.”

  Daisy nodded as she listened to her aunt. Chance had most certainly filled every corner inside her.

  And she had to learn how to do the same for him.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chance stood in front of Hart as his friend glared. “Start over.”

  Chance stared back at Hart, resenting having to explain. While he’d started pursuing Daisy for Hart’s benefit, Chance and Daisy had become something that had nothing to do with her brother. He thought of holding her in his arms, making love to her. He didn’t want to explain the depth of feeling swelling inside him to anyone. “I’m marrying your sister. She’s accepted my offer.”

  “I understood that part. And it’s wonderful news.”

  “Is it? Because I thought you wanted our engagement, but yesterday, you made it clear you weren’t certain.”

  Hart scrubbed his neck. “I didn’t mean it like that. Obviously, I’ve been in support of the match. But Daisy being with you means she’s entered my world in ways I’ve been attempting to keep her from doing for years. I didn’t realize until she appeared last night at the club.”

  “I know,” Chance said, shaking his head. He’d had the same revelation. “I don’t want her to be part of this either. Thieves, criminals, drunks, ruined men who’ve been broken down by failure or the world.”

  Hart winced. “It’s damn ugly sometimes.”

  Chance looked down at his boots, leaning back on the table. “I agree. Which leads me to the second point I came here to make. I’ve decided to sell my shares in the club.”

  Hart shifted, sitting up. “That’s the part I don’t understand.”

  “Why not?” Chance’s gaze snapped up to his friend’s. “You said it. It’s an ugly world that Daisy should have no part in. And I’m uglier for participating in it. If I’m going to be a better man for her sake, it ought to start with the company I keep.”

  Hart’s jaw flexed, his teeth grinding together. “I see. Does that include me too? Are we not to spend time together anymore?”

  Chance lifted his brows. “Of course not. You’re my oldest friend. You and Arabella are family, and our bond will never change.”

  The contours of Hart’s face softened, a glint of affection flickered in his eyes. “You just don’t want to be part of this club anymore?”

  Chance gave a single jerk of his chin. “Exactly.”

  Hart shook his head, letting out a long sigh. “How am I going to do it without you?”

  Chance cringed. Hart had been raw the past several days. Clearly, this entire situation had been difficult for him too. “Did you ever think that little Daisy would be the one to break us down?”

  “
Who’s broken?” Hart said, his chin snapping up but then he scrubbed his face. “No. I didn’t. And she hates being called little, remember?”

  Chance smiled. She did.

  “Perhaps it’s this place.” Hart looked around. “There’s a shocking trend of the owners reforming. Do you think it’s cursed?”

  Chance’s brows lifted. “If you and Arabella end up settled, I’ll consider that a viable possibility. Until then, I say, hogwash.”

  “Hogwash? You’re rewriting your entire life, and I’m the one full of swine remnants?”

  Chance looked down at his feet. Daisy really had turned him upside down, but he wasn’t afraid of it. In fact, he liked this cleaner version of himself. Those feelings he’d been attempting to deny filled his chest.

  Hart frowned, glancing around again. “By the way. Dinner at my home tonight. Daisy and my aunt will be there.”

  Chance smiled at that. “Good.”

  Hart frowned. “You want to spend time with my aunt?”

  Chance shrugged. “What are the odds your aunt moves in with me and Daisy?”

  “What has my sister done to you?” Hart’s foot thumped on the ground as he stared at his friend.

  Chance chuckled at that. “Daisy says that your aunt has been a second mother to her and that they’ve needed each other’s companionship.”

  Hart’s grimace deepened. “I know what you’re doing. You’re going to have my aunt living with me soon enough.”

  Chance had to smile at that. “It’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”

  “Daisy has poisoned your mind.” But Hart didn’t look angry as much as resigned. “And it’s all my fault.”

  Chance took two steps toward Hart and gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. “I’d say that’s true. At least the part about it being your fault. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to, but I’ll see you at dinner tonight?”

  Hart stood too. “Oh no you don’t. I can’t stop you from quitting, but I do need you to finish this investigation into the thefts.”

  Chance stopped, realizing he’d nearly forgotten all about them. No wonder he was quitting. With Daisy in his life, he hardly had the mental capacity for anything else. “What about it?”

  “First of all, Daisy was right. Edgemere caught him taking the cash from the back of the box.”

  Chance nodded, a ripple of satisfaction settling in his stomach at the knowledge that Daisy had known the problem. They might not want her in the world, but he had little doubt she’d flourish. “You should tell her.”

  Hart groaned. “Don’t make me.” Then he ran a hand through his hair. “The larger issue is that when we brought him back here and hid him in the back, we told everyone else he got away and that you were still chasing him. He stayed behind a curtain and identified Sir Thomas as the man who’d hired him.”

  Chance let out a low curse. He’d never liked that man. “Sir Thomas?”

  “I need more evidence than one thief’s word. What do you suggest?”

  Chance scrubbed his jaw. “And we’re sure Sir Thomas is the only one responsible?”

  “You mean like Lockton, or Clubs, or Ace?” Hart shook his head. “They’ve been solid allies thus far.”

  Chance sat down too. “I know they have, but it’s still possible. Which means you only trust Arabella for now and East when he returns. And in the meantime, bring Edgemere back. Let’s see if another thief lands at the tables.”

  “And the back of the boxes?”

  “Leave them open. If Sir Thomas thinks we never caught the thief, he might not realize we know the trick. It will make the next criminal easier to catch.”

  Hart nodded. “Got it.” Hart shifted. “Can you stay on long enough to help me resolve the thefts?”

  “Very well.” Chance gave Hart another thump on the shoulder before he rose again. “I’ll be here tonight, but now I’ve got an errand that can’t wait.”

  “What?” Hart asked rising too.

  Chance looked back at Hart. “I’ve got to buy Daisy a ring.”

  Hart stood too, reaching out to shake Chance’s hand. “I just want you to know that I’m glad you’re marrying Daisy.”

  Chance gave his friend a small smile. “We’re going to be brothers.”

  Hart shook his head. “England won’t be able to hold this family.”

  Chance had to laugh at that. Hart might be right. But he couldn’t worry about that now. His first priority was marrying Daisy. His stomach dropped again at the idea of making her his. As he turned to the door, he had to acknowledge that feelings he’d never meant to have were creeping in and they weren’t even married yet.

  It was time to share those emotions with her.

  Daisy sat at Hart’s table, Chance just to her left, her aunt across from them as Hart sat at the head.

  Candles flickered about them as servants silently ladled soup into their bowls.

  Beneath the table, Chance’s hand found hers, his fingers weaving through hers. She squeezed his, glad for the comfort of his touch.

  She had so much she wished to say, to ask, but holding his hand in hers, those voices quieted as his thumb stroked over her skin.

  Drawing in a deep breath, she leaned over, whispering in her ear. “After the next course, can we take a walk?”

  One of his eyebrows raised up. “A walk?”

  Tingling settled in the pit of her stomach, but she squeezed his hand again. “I mean an actual walk. We’ve several topics that we need to discuss. It’s just that every time we’re alone…” A blush infused her cheeks.

  He gave a low chuckle, his cheek brushing her forehead.

  “What are you two whispering about over there?” Aunt Mildred asked, raising her glass. “Making wedding plans already?”

  Chance winked at her aunt. “The ceremony will be soon.”

  “Something I should be concerned about?” Hart asked, sounding irritated, as his voice growled out.

  “Of course not.” Aunt Mildred patted Hart’s arm. “What we need be concerned about is what I shall do with myself when Daisy is gone.”

  Hart let out a long sigh. “Chance and I discussed that very topic today.”

  “Did you?” Her aunt beamed at both men.

  “And I’ve decided that you should come stay with me for part of the year.”

  “How wonderful,” Aunt Mildred gushed. “I can help you find a wife, Hart. It’s going to be such fun.”

  Hart let out a low groan as he glared at Chance.

  Chance pressed his lips together, clearly holding in a chuckle as Daisy’s chest swelled with emotion. But his next words stole her breath. “And you’ll stay with us for part of the year as well. I’ve a lovely dowager home that was built for my grandmother.”

  Aunt Mildred clapped. “Oh, this is exactly like Christmastide.”

  Daisy’s chest filled with warmth as she pulled Chance’s hand into her lap. She’d like to hug him close for that comment.

  He slid back his chair. “Do you mind if Daisy and I take a quick walk?”

  Hart’s brows drew together. “During the soup course?”

  “You and Aunt Mildred have all sorts of plans to discuss,” Daisy said as Chance pulled out her chair too. She placed her hand in his elbow as they started for the doors.

  “Sorry to pull you away so soon,” he said as they turned into the hall.

  Daisy waved her hand. “I’m glad to talk. I…”

  Chance stopped, the hall deserted as he turned to her. “You told me you loved me last night.”

  Her stomach dropped as she looked up at him. “Yes.”

  “And I didn’t say the words back.”

  She gave a nod. “I understand. You told me that your marriage was difficult.”

  He shook his head. “Marissa was in love with someone else before she married me. The man she then had an affair with. The man who was father to the only child created in our match.”

  Daisy gasped in a breath. “Oh, Chance…”


  He shook his head. “I want to believe we can create a child, but what if I can’t give you that either?”

  His earlier insistence that she stay by his side until a child was conceived suddenly made sense as did his reserve. She reached for his cheek, holding his face in her hands. What he needed now was comfort. “I do want children, Chance, but more than that…” She wanted his heart.

  “What?” he asked, hooking an arm about her waist.

  “I want you.” She couldn’t state it anymore plainly.

  His eyes searched hers. “When I told you I couldn’t love you, I assumed that you were still in love with Edgemere and that I was essentially repeating the same mistake.”

  “Oh.” Daisy moved closer, pressing against him. “That is terrible.”

  He shook his head. “Even knowing that I might be making the same mistake, I couldn’t stay away from you. You have to believe me.”

  She reached up on tiptoe and kissed him. Those words alone were enough. “Our feelings can grow in time.”

  He cupped her cheek, rubbing his nose to hers. “I don’t need time, Daisy. I already know that I love you.”

  She gasped as shock made her take a half step back. “But…”

  A small smile curled his lips. “I know. I have protested to the contrary a great deal. But I was afraid.”

  She wrapped her arms about his neck, holding him close again. “I understand.”

  “Do you?” This time he kissed her. A quick press to her lips that left her breathless. “Because if I was being honest, I think I might have fallen in love that very first moment I saw you in your bedroom. And everything you’ve done since has proven to me that my heart made the right choice.”

  Tears filled her eyes as she blinked them away, looking up at him. “Really? I was worried that I was making the same mistake again too. Marrying a man who didn’t love me.”

  Chance squeezed his eyes shut. “I can’t believe I’m going to be the one to tell you this, but Edgemere really did care for you.”

  She pulled her chin back in surprise. “What?”