“Oliver is taking Harry to the Egyptian exhibition.”
“He is four. Surely an ice and a romp in the park would have been better?”
Thea had soft gray eyes and hair the color of a night sky. She was every inch a duke’s daughter until she saw her husband and children; then she was just Thea. She was loyal and honest and the most forthright person he’d ever encountered. If she felt something needed to be said, then she said it, no matter the consequences.
“And you could find no other poor soul to accompany you? None of your sisters- or brothers-in-law were available?”
“I wanted you to accompany me?” She waved as a carriage passed. “I enjoy your company, Daniel.”
“As I do yours, however, why do I believe there is an ulterior motive? In fact, you duped me, Thea.”
“Daniel, I’m hurt you would believe that of me.” Her sly smile told him he was onto something.
“Okay, let’s hear it. The fact that I am seated beside you while society preens around us is making my skin itch.”
“Charming. I have no idea why you loathe society so much.”
“I don’t loathe it; it is just not for me. Now tell me why you wanted me here with you today.”
“There is nothing sinister in my invitation, I assure you. I merely wanted to invite you to accompany us to the Wither Estate on Friday.”
“Why?”
“You are family, and we enjoy your company.”
Daniel tipped his hat as a horse and rider passed.
“I enjoy your company also, Thea, however I rarely if ever enter society, and I happen to know that there will be a picnic at Wither Hill with many of society’s finest present.”
“Oliver said you’d say that. He added that you may not walk in society, but you know a great deal about its movements.”
“Many of my clients are there.”
“But you will enjoy a day out with us. Many of your friends will be there.”
“I know what you are about, Thea. You will desist in trying to marry me off. My mother and sisters have yet to succeed, so I doubt you will.”
“I know.”
Daniel laughed at her deflated expression.
“Please don’t tell me you and your sisters-in-law have been putting your heads together about this?” A shiver of awareness travelled through Daniel as his eyes settled on two ladies strolling away from him. There was something familiar about the shorter one. Could it be her?
Abby.
“We want you happy.”
“As I am, Thea.” Daniel dragged his eyes from the woman and focused on others promenading around her. Was this to be his lot in life now? Was he to see her everywhere he went? Would he see the curve of a cheek or hear a laugh and think of Abby?
He had to find her.
“Daniel!” Thea tapped his hand.
“Sorry, I thought I saw someone I knew.”
“We wish to see you happily married, and there is no reason that the right wife for you is not of noble blood. They are not all silly, surely?”
“Not all, no, I’ll give you that, but I have no wish to wed one,” Daniel said, hoping that was the end of the discussion yet doubting it would be that simple. “I will know when the time is right, and I assure you, it is bound to be someone of my class rather than yours, Thea. You and my brother are the exception, not the rule.”
He’d dreamed about Abby last night, and when he’d woken, his first thoughts had been for her.
Had she arrived home safe?
“Dear lord, what are they up to now?” Thea was looking at the group of four men approaching on horseback.
“Who?”
“The Deville brothers. Each handsome and intelligent in their own right, but they know how to cause a disturbance. Your brother says they are good men, but only because he has business interests with them.”
“I know them. They are shrewd, and we have had a few dealings. Each does seem a fair man, but I do not know them in a social capacity,” Daniel said, looking at the men riding toward them. “Oliver and I helped them with an investment several months ago.”
A person could not help but look. Tall, broad shouldered, they all sat their horses well. Clothed as gentlemen ought to be, they were comfortable with who they were. Wealthy, titled noblemen, the sons of an earl.
“Lord Raine, the eldest, has broken many hearts. It is said that Lady Mary Hatton took to her room for days when he told her his intention was