Page 13 of Her Infuriating Earl
“I have a sister, Miss Wilson,” he repeated, disarmed by the abrupt transformation in her, like stumbling upon the mirage of an oasis, only to find harsh, hot sand. “I understand the fears you have. I understand that it is not easy to allow someone into the life of someone you care for so deeply. I am already dreading the moment that Caro debuts in Society, wondering how I might make the years until then longer, but… I am a good man. My intentions are well-meaning. And I promise that I shall replace the gowns that I have ruined, not as a favor to your sister, but as a less… wilted apology to you.”
Phoebe’s expression hardened. “I do not trust you, My Lord.”
“You fear I might be clumsy in your sister’s presence, and ruin one ofhergowns? I assure you; you are the sole exception to my usual grace.” He tried to jest, but it was akin to a captive trying to joke with his captors.
Phoebe shook her head. “That is not why I do not trust you. I have heard things, My Lord—things that make it impossible for me to accept this suit of yours.”
“Might I be so bold as to ask what things?” Daniel replied, tilting his head to the side. “One should not believe the idle tributaries of rumors without asking the source first.”
Phoebe held her flowers to her chest and took a deep breath. “I have heard about the antics you have indulged in throughout your extensive travels,” she said. “What is more, the fact that youdojourney to far-off places so often is a cause of great concern.”
“I intend to remain in England for the foreseeable future,” he countered, keeping a polite smile on his face. “If abandonment is your worry, please be reassured. Moreover, you are jumping too far ahead. I only wish to court your sister. I am not here to propose a date for a wedding. Not yet, at least. Now, might you detail what these ‘antics’ entail, for I am rather confused.”
A beautiful flush of pink colored her cheeks, her gaze turning down toward the tulips, her fingertips stroking the petals as if for comfort. “I heard that you—”
“My Lord!” A second figure hurtled out of the manor, followed a second after by another. “Why did you not write to say that you would be visiting? I am not appropriately attired!”
Daniel observed Joanna’s state of dress. If anything, she was overdressed, looking as if she was on her way to a ball instead of spending an ordinary afternoon at her residence. The silky coral gown differed reasonably from the fine yellow muslin of her twin but stood in glaring contrast to the simple white dress that Phoebe wore, a few subtle stitches and patches showing where it had been repaired time and time again.
She wears such things so that her sisters can have new garments whenever required,he realized with a start, guilt churning wildly in his stomach.
Considering his wealth, his own sister wanted for nothing. If she desired a new gown, it was purchased for her. If she wanted jewels to accompany the garment, they were bought without hesitation. He had already felt terrible about ruining Phoebe’s gowns. Now, he felt sick with remorse.
“You look… very respectable,” Daniel said, at last. “Although, I wish I had chosen flowers to complement the color. I do hope you will accept these, regardless.” He extended the bouquet of daffodils and pink roses. “It means new beginnings and gentleness.”
Joanna’s nose wrinkled slightly as she took the blooms, but she soon had a smile on her face again. “They are delightful, My Lord. I shall put them in water immediately.”
“And something for you.” Daniel offered the last bouquet, made solely of lilacs, to Ellen. “They mean joy of youth.”
Ellen took the blooms, a genuine smile on her face. “You are too kind, My Lord.” She inhaled, her eyes closing for a moment. “Goodness, they smell wonderful!”
“You ought to put them with mine,” Joanna insisted, eyeing the lilacs enviously, making Daniel wonder if he was planning to propose a courtship to the wrong sister. Then again, he could see why the lilacs would be more enticing to a young lady.
Ellen gasped. “Did he give you those tulips, Phoebe? They are exquisite!”
“Um… yes, he did,” Phoebe replied quietly, that wistful smile returning.
Has no one ever given her flowers before?
Joanna’s expression transformed from mild envy into outright jealousy. She grabbed for the tulips, and Phoebe released them without protest.
“They look so much lovelier with the daffodils and roses,” Joanna declared, arranging them in a more complicated bouquet. “And the lilacs make the whole thing perfect.”
Phoebe nodded. “You are quite right. Now, go and place them in water before the tulips droop further. His Lordship and I were in the middle of a conversation, and I should like to finish it before he departs again.”
“You are departing so soon?” Joanna looked crestfallen. “Surely not. Phoebe, do not be rude—invite him in for tea.”
Daniel cleared his throat. “Actually, I thought that a turn around the gardens or, perhaps, somewhere nearby might be pleasant. I should prefer to stretch my legs for a while before being cramped in the carriage once more.”
Phoebe’s eyes flared with warning. “We have already walked today, My Lord.”
“The park!” Joanna cried excitedly, forgetting her chagrin over the flowers.
In hindsight, Daniel could see how the tulips and lilacs might have seemed more exciting than baby’s breath and pink roses, so he could not feel too dismayed by her response. Indeed, the enthusiasm that he had admired in her seemed to have returned with a vengeance.
Daniel smiled. “The park?”
“There is a beautiful park nearby. Phoebe, we simply must show him,” Joanna urged, her tone pleading.
