Page 72 of The Dreaming Beauty
“He is a good husband, but do not pay him any heed,” Lady Cadogen said. “He was the one who insisted we come. He is nothing but loyal to those he cares about.”
Marcus shifted, wondering how long he would be tortured by Tansy’s presence. She had to know what she meant to him. Perhaps that was why she appeared so ridiculously happy getting the Cadogens to express their devotion for each other in front of him.
“Did you come to visit His Grace as well?” Tansy asked.
“I confess I am not well acquainted with Mr. Taylor’s brother,” Lord Cadogen said.
“Oh, but you must get to know him better. He is the best of men. In fact, if you have not seen one of his paintings, you are denying yourself the sweetest pleasure. His talent is incomparable.”
“I had no idea he painted.” Lady Cadogen seemed intrigued.
“He is all kindness too. I admire him greatly.”
The sigh in her voice irked Marcus. He loved his brother, but if Tansy complimented him one more time, he would regret every single wish for their future happiness. He turned glowering eyes on her, but she was chewing the side of her lip and searching the grounds. “I see him just now by the garden. I really should go greet him. It was a pleasure to meet you both. Excuse me.”
Marcus watched Tansy go, his hands coming together behind him in a tight grip.
“She is a delightful woman, Marcus. It is a shame she cares for your brother.” Lord Cadogen tsked his tongue.
“Not at all,” Marcus said, forcing down the bile in his throat. “She and my brother are meant for each other.”
Lady Cadogen gave him a sad smile. “With an attitude like that, no wonder she was so eager to leave your side.”
* * *
Tansy resisted turning around to see if Marcus showed any signs of regret. It was better she imagined he did than to be disappointed by his indifference. She had allowed him a chance to take back his words and had done all she could besides groveling, and she had too much pride for that. She had believed every word she had spoken about Simon. He was an incredible man, but in saying anything nice about him, she had surely fueled Marcus’s reasons to abandon her to his brother. She glanced down at herself. Not even her pretty dress had helped her case.
Aster found Tansy before she reached Simon. “Now, where did you hurry off to? His Grace has been searching everywhere for you. The treasure hunt is about to start, and you are on a team with him and Daisy.”
“What about Lady Melbourne?”
“She has another headache and excused herself as soon as she saw us arrive.” Aster pinched her mouth as if she had eaten something sour.
Iris flanked Tansy’s other side. “Forget her. We will have much more fun today without her lording over us. Besides, everyone wants to be our friends now that they know we are related to you and the duke.”
Tansy avoided the stares, the sudden bows and curtsies, and the strange smiles as they walked across the lawn. As for Lady Melbourne, Tansy couldn’t let her absence bother her now. With so many stares, she would have to hold her emotions together. Even if she was battling an overwhelming wave of defeat. Too much had changed in her life in such a short time, and she could barely comprehend what subtracting Marcus from her life would mean. She had depended upon him to be her rock.
To her aunts she said, “I will go ahead and gather Daisy so His Grace can start.” Simon had put so much work into this celebration; she would not selfishly spoil the afternoon with her disappointed hopes.
“Look in the drawing room,” Aster suggested.
Sure enough, she found Daisy inside the drawing room, playing with the polished rocks.
“There you are. Is it too chaotic outside for you?”
Daisy shrugged. “After the lawn party at the Bellvues’, I do not wish to speak to anyone.”
Tansy knew exactly how she felt. She wished to speak to only one person. “Will you be all right participating in the treasure hunt? I would not want you to be uncomfortable.”
Daisy dropped the rock in her hand into the bowl and sighed. “I will do my best.”
Together they walked back outside to find the duke. Every time Tansy had glanced over at him, he had been swarmed by people. When he saw her, he excused himself and met them by the roses.
“Finally, I have someone beautiful to look upon instead of the dull faces surrounding me. I have heard nothing but insipid compliments all afternoon, and your presence is most refreshing.” He grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it. “Happy birthday.”
Her grin was real. She did like His Grace. He was open and honest. And there was no argument against him except that he was not Marcus. The more she was with Simon, the easier she was in his company. And since today was her birthday, she ought to enjoy it, even if it was spent with the wrong brother.
“I did not see you when the rules to the game were explained, so let me repeat them for you.” His Grace moved to her side and offered her his arm. They began walking toward the fountain. “There are five pink ribbons, each with a clue and a number on them. We must find each one to finish the treasure hunt. The first clue I have already read to the group.”
