The Eve Of Departure

I t had been a long time since Daisy had fantasized about a possible announcement of her engagement to a worthy man, but patriotic duty hadn't figured large in her imaginings. She had to be patient—a virtue she'd never possessed—but it might have been nice if he'd spoken of his feelings for her, or even uttered her name.

She could justify Rowan's behavior. He was a complicated man for whom marriage hadn't been a priority. She got the feeling his mention of her new standing as a Marchioness was for his own satisfaction. After all, he couldn't be blamed for wanting his title included as part of the announcement.

Struggling to control her disappointment, she drained the glass of champagne someone had thrust into her hand and pasted the false smile back on her face.

Warm breath on her nape sent a shiver down her spine.

"Forgive me, my love," Rowan whispered as he snaked his arms around her waist. "I ranted on about all the wrong things. I'm a thoughtless fool."

She turned to face him. "I'll miss my fool while he's away."

"I wish I wasn't going," he admitted.

The crowd applauded their kiss.

Breathing heavily and highly aroused by the blatant sexuality of Rowan's possessive kiss, Daisy knew she could forgive him anything. She and Rowan brought out the best in each other. Love had changed her, given her courage. She just hoped that courage would sustain her if anything untoward happened to Rowan during the coming war.

Niven waited until the happy couple broke apart after their steamy kiss. He'd never seen a grown man blush as fiercely as Rowan, but it pleased him to see Daisy happy at last. He had every right to the same happiness with Willow.

He swallowed the knot of jealous resentment constricting his throat and extended a hand to Rowan. "Congratulations to ye both," he said.

Rowan accepted the gesture. "Thank you," he replied, bristling when Daisy threw herself into Niven's arms, nudging her fiancé out of the way in the process.

"I'm happy for ye, Cousin," he said, trying to extricate himself from her grip.

"I know your wishes are genuine, Niven," she replied. "I trust we'll always be friends."

"O' course we will," he replied, hoping Rowan's clenched fists weren't about to connect with his jaw.

"I'm sure you'll find your true love someday," Daisy gushed.

His head buzzing, Niven stiffened his spine and turned to Rowan. "And I wish ye Godspeed as ye embark on the campaign, my lord. We'll all be prayin' for ye and yer brothers."

"Yes, well," Willow's brother replied, suddenly looking sheepish. "My thanks. Now, if you'll excuse us, people are waiting to offer their congratulations."

Niven nodded and watched the couple walk away arm in arm, puzzled by the abrupt change in Rowan's demeanor. Was it guilt that had flickered for a moment in those hard eyes?

Willow was truly happy her elder brother had found a woman he loved and who loved him in return. But it was still very unfair that a man could chose his life partner, whereas a woman wasn't allowed to. Her father would never change his mind.

She watched Niven congratulate the newly-engaged couple. She knew he was genuinely happy for Daisy but he too must be seething with resentment, and she was proud of his self-control.

It was tempting to march right up to him and kiss him like Rowan had kissed Daisy, right here in front of everyone, the consequences be damned. However, that would cause a scandal, upset her father and anger her brothers. She didn't give a fig about upsetting the Three Trees, but didn't want to hurt her dear Papa.

That notion was sobering. He would be dreadfully hurt when he discovered she and Niven had defied him and eloped.

It was torture being in the same room as her beloved yet forbidden to touch him. Even speaking to him might bring her siblings rushing to separate them.

On the morrow, her brothers were scheduled to board a ship bound for Europe, then she and Niven could begin their life together. She'd longed for the day so couldn't fathom the reason she dreaded the dawn.

Kenneth's feelings were mixed. He admitted as much to his friend as they stepped down from the dais. "I'm glad to see my sister happy," he told Withenshawe. "I just wish your son wasn't going off to war."

"As do I. Understandably, I'd like to see Rowan settled, with sons of his own."

"Still, his desire to return to Daisy should keep him going through the worst of it."

"I hope so," Halstead replied. "Napoleon knows this is the last chance to reestablish his empire. He isn't going to give up easily."

Kenneth noted the odd exchange between Daisy, Rowan and Niven. Thanks to Cat, he was aware of Niven's feelings for Willow Halstead, but wasn't sure if his friend had noticed. "Looks like Rowan might punch my cousin for hugging my sister," he chuckled.

"He needn't worry," Halstead replied with a sigh. "You must realize Niven's no longer interested in Daisy."

"Nor she in him, as we can plainly see."

Suddenly, Halstead's smile fled and he gripped Kenneth's arm. "Do you consider Niven a man who might take drastic measures if…"

"My dear friend," Kenneth replied, alarmed by Withenshawe's pallor. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing. Forget this tired old man said anything. This is an evening for celebration."

Left alone, Kenneth dismissed the idea Withenshawe was old and tired. He may have been ill, but he was far from doddery. He studied Niven who was walking away from the newly engaged couple. His cousin's gaze sought Willow Halstead. The unmistakable longing that passed between them when their eyes met confirmed his duchess' opinion. His heart plummeted. Niven and Willow might be in love but he sensed his fellow duke opposed the union and it likely wasn't going to end well.