Daisy sobered. “I suppose that is true.”
“I have faith that something good will happen. You won’t be marrying that man.”
Daisy sank lower in the water. “I hope you’re right.”
“If it were me, I’d run away and marry someone else. You can’t get married twice.”
Daisy frowned. “But what about your family?”
“If they love me, they’ll forgive me. Yours will too. That brother of yours will not let you be miserable.”
“He isn’t a rule breaker.”
“He broke all the rules and then some to be with Lady Amelia.”
“He did?” Daisy supposed she knew this, but it was hard to imagine her brother behaving recklessly. She was sure if he bent a rule, it was because the rule was faulty, not him. But he did seem different now. Not as rigid, and he smiled more.
“But it was so romantic. The wedding they held at Lord Alston’s bedside could melt the coldest of hearts. We filled the room with candles and flowers, and though we were already grieving, to see them wed brightened the house with a little hope. I’d never seen two people so in love.”
Daisy lay her head back as her hair sank into the water. “I wish I could have seen it.”
Merry stood and collected the pins. “If there is one thing worth fighting for, it’s love. I learned that by watching them. Love is what drove Lady Amelia to save her brother at any cost, and love is what brought Lady Amelia and Mr. Blakewood together. Love is powerful. I’ll leave you to your bath now.”
“Thank you, Merry.”
Daisy looked up at the ceiling and pondered Merry’s words. If love was so powerful, then maybe it would be strong enough to fight Lady Claystone and Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Maybe it would be powerful enough that her family would forgive her.
Hours later, Daisy had put herself back together. Her talk with Merry had done wonders for her and given her something to grasp instead of falling headlong into the unknowns of her worry. Daisy wondered what Sam was doing, if he had been saddened by her sudden disappearance, but he had not come to her. Or maybe he couldn’t? He would have sent a note, wouldn’t he?
When the knock fell on her door Daisy’s heart leapt, but it was Amelia on the other side. Her smile and eyes were lit with joy.
“Are you coming to dinner?”
“Yes, am I late?”
“No, but we’ve had a change of venue.”
“Oh, yes. Lord Alston switched rooms.”
“Yes, he did, but tonight we’re all dining in the downstairs and celebrating.”
Daisy swallowed. Had he told them already? Without her? Did she want to be present for that conversation? Daisy tried to marshal all these questions.
“Come quickly. Cook has made roast duck in orange sauce, Sam’s favorite.”
“It is?” Daisy loved duck. “I didn’t know that.”
“Why would you?”
“I don’t know. I spend so much time talking to him, but it has never come up.”
“How often have you talked about food specifically?” Amelia asked with a teasing smile.
“Well . . .” Not much. If at all.
“Does he know about your hot chocolate fascination?”
“Yes, he noticed I asked for it quite a bit. I haven’t seen him eat duck.”
