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heard Daisy was most appreciative.”
    He grumbled again.
    “Is that an affirmative? Never mind. What happened afterward? I know you remained at your grandmother’s for quite a while.”
    He glared at Ian, annoyed by the interrogation. “Why don’t you ask your spies? They seem to be quite thorough in their reporting.”
    “But it would be so much more interesting to hear the details from you. Ah, but you’re not the sort to kiss and tell. Too bad. I’ll have to watch the two of you at Falmouth’s party and see how you behave toward each other.”
    “Daisy won’t be attending,” he said tightly, her look of disappointment still vivid in his mind. “Seems her gown won’t be ready in time.”
    Ian’s eyes widened as though he were caught by surprise, and then he shook his head and sighed. “Your cousin Graelem warned me this might happen. He and Laurel invited Daisy to stay with them in order to protect her from that chaotic family of hers, but she refused, claimed to be needed at home. Apparently, she keeps the household running. If you ask me, she seems to be doing a terrible job of it.”
    Gabriel clenched his teeth to curb his anger. He knew Ian was purposely goading him and refused to rise to the taunt. “She does an excellent job under the circumstances.”
    “I see.” Ian took a sip of his own drink just delivered by a steward. “So, have you kissed her?”
    “No, and I have no desire to. However, I will gladly kiss the sultry Desiree should she be willing.”
    Ian threw his head back and laughed. “You’ll find her most accommodating.”
     

CHAPTER 4
A rake’s weapon of choice may be a blade or dueling pistols, but a young lady’s weapon is her fashionable gown.
    “DAISY, DO STOP FUSSING,” Eloise gently chided as she and Daisy rode in Eloise’s carriage one week later on their way to Lord Hornby’s ball.
    “I can’t help it.” Daisy wished she’d never been invited to the ball, though the night was perfect, another in a string of unusually warm evenings. The scent of lilac wafted in the air as they drove through the park, filling the compartment with a magical hint of early spring. “I feel like an enormous snowball in this hideous white satin and lace confection. I can’t seem to get comfortable.”
    Eloise leaned forward and patted her hand. “You look perfect and I’m certain there’ll be a dozen young men who’ll declare that very thing to you before the night is through.”
    Daisy seriously doubted it. “Will your grandson be there?”
    “Yes, Gabriel will—”
    “No, not him.” Ugh! “I mean Alexander.” After all, he was the war hero and heir to the earldom. Gabriel, although handsome enough to send any woman into raptures, was an irritating bounder and she hoped never to see him again.
    “Oh, I see. Unfortunately, Alexander is delayed at Trent Hall on important business. But Gabriel–”
    “When will he return to London?”
    “Alexander?” Eloise shrugged. “In about a month, I expect.”
    “That long?” How was she to meet her future husband if he refused to come to London? She hadn’t considered the possibility when she’d first formed her plan. This was a major setback, she had to admit. What was she to do now? Wait for Alexander? But he could be delayed longer than a month, perhaps not make it to London at all this season.
    Well, she could wait out the month, but she would have to form another plan on the chance that her first didn’t work out. It was only prudent, after all. And how hard could it be to keep her eye out for other potential prospects? There were plenty of eligible bachelors around. Just not Gabriel Dayne.
    Eloise let out a soft chuckle. “Gabriel will keep us company until then.”
    “What? Why him?” Daisy sank back in her seat and sighed. Ugh, again! Never him! “Must he? Forgive me, Eloise. I don’t mean to be rude. I know you love your grandson and enjoy his company... that is, when he behaves himself. But he so rarely does. I