Read Scandal in Spring for Free Online

between Mr. Swift and his relations because he hardly ever speaks of them. And he rarely travels to Massachusetts to visit. So even if Mr. Swift's father does object to his son inserting himself into someone else's family, we would never know about it."
    The four women were quiet for a moment as they considered the situation.
    "We'll find someone for Daisy," Evie said. "Now that we are able to look beyond the peerage, it will be much easier. There are many acceptable gentlemen of good blood who do not h-happen to possess titles."
    "Mr. Hunt has many unmarried acquaintances," Annabelle said. "He could make any number of introductions."
    "I appreciate that," Daisy said, "but I don't like the idea of marrying a professional man. I could never be happy with a soulless industrialist." Pausing, she said apologetically, "No offense to Mr. Hunt, of course."
    Annabelle laughed. "I wouldn't characterize all professional men as soulless industrialists. Mr. Hunt can be quite sensitive and emotional at times."
    The others regarded her dubiously, none of them able to picture Annabelle's big, bold-featured husband as being sensitive in any way. Mr. Hunt was clever and charming, but he seemed as impervious to emotion as an elephant would be to the buzzing of a gnat.
    "We'll take your word for that," Lillian said. "Back to the matter at hand— Evie, will you ask Lord St. Vincent if he knows of any suitable gentlemen for Daisy? Now that we've expanded our definition of 'suitable,' he ought to be able to find a decent specimen. Heaven knows he possesses information about every man in England who has two shillings to rub together."
    "I will ask him," Evie said decisively. "I am certain we can come up with some presentable candidates."
    As the owner of Jenner's, the exclusive gaming club that Evie's father had established long ago, Lord St. Vincent was rapidly bringing the business to a height of success it had never reached before. St. Vincent ran the club in an exacting manner, keeping meticulous files on the personal lives and financial balances of every one of its members.
    "Thank you," Daisy replied sincerely. Her mind lingered on thoughts of the club. "I wonder…do you think Lord St. Vincent could find out more about Mr. Rohan's mysterious past? Perhaps he's a long-lost Irish lord or something of the sort."
    A brief silence sifted through the room like a flurry of tiny snowflakes. Daisy was aware of significant glances being exchanged between her sister and friends. She was abruptly annoyed with them, and even more with herself for mentioning the man who helped manage the gaming club.
    Rohan was a young half-gypsy with dark hair and bright hazel eyes. They had only met once, when Rohan had stolen a kiss from her. Three kisses, if one wished to be factual, and it had been by far the most erotic experience of her entire life. Also the only erotic experience of her entire life.
    Rohan had kissed her as if she were a grown woman instead of someone's younger sister, with a coaxing sensuality that had hinted of all the forbidden things kisses led to. Daisy should have slapped his face. Instead she had dreamed about those kisses at least a hundred thousand times.
    "I don't think so, dear," Evie said very gently, and Daisy smiled too brightly, as if she had made a joke.
    "Oh, of course he isn't! But you know how my imagination is…it wants to plunge into every little mystery."
    "We must remain focused on what is important, Daisy," Lillian said sternly. "No fantasies or stories…and no more thoughts of Rohan. He's only a distraction."
    Daisy's initial impulse was to utter some biting reply as she always had when Lillian became bossy. However, as she stared into her sister's brown eyes, the same spiced-gingerbread color of her own, she saw the flicker of panic in them and she felt a rush of protective love.
    "You're right," she said, forcing a smile. "You needn't worry, you know. I'm going to do whatever it takes to stay here with you. Even marry