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CHAPTER 5

Perplexed and annoyed, Daisy strode away fro to tell anyone about what had just happened, even though she would have loved to aoose encounter But she did not want to reveal that she had seen a different side of Mattheift, and that she had briefly allowed herself to flirt with a dangerous attraction to hih Daisy was still an innocent, she understood enough of sexual matters to be aware that one’s body could respond to a man without any involvement of the heart As she had once responded to Cam Rohan It disconcerted her to realize she was drawn to Mattheift in that same way Such different ypsy who had stirred her iination with exotic possibilities…one athe Fifth Avenue years They wanted perfection, a ho could be the best hostess and give the best suppers and soirees, and wear the best gowns, and produce the best children ould play quietly upstairs in the nursery while their fathers were negotiating business deals downstairs in the study

And Mattheift, with his enorled out for his talent and brilliant inable He would want a ho fore her severely when she failed to please him There could be no future with ain Mattheift’s favor: He had helped the goose

By the time Daisy had stolen into the own, her friends and sister had gathered in theroom for tea and toast They sat at one of the round tables by a , looking up as Daisy entered the roo her tiny back in soothing circles A few of the other tables were occupied, h there were about a half-dozen ," Daisy said brightly, going to her sister "Hoas your sleep, dear?"

"Splendid" Lillian looked lovely, her eyes clear, her black hair pulled back froht in a pink silk net at the nape of her neck "I slept with the s open, and the breeze co this ?"

"No" Daisy tried to sound offhand "I just walked"

Evie leaned toward Annabelle to take the baby "Letfrantically on a s the restless child, Evie explained to Daisy, "She’s teething, poor thing"

"She’s been fretful all ," Annabelle said Daisy saw that her lu mother The touch of weariness only enhanced Annabelle’s beauty, softening the goddess-like perfection of her features

"Isn’t it rather soon for the baby to be teething?" Daisy asked

"She’s a Hunt," Annabelle said dryly "And Hunts are an unusually hardy lot According to my husband, everyone in his faarded the baby with concern "I think I should take her frolances were cast in their direction It was not the done thing for children, especially infants, to be brought into adult company Unless it was strictly for shoith the child dressed in white ruffles and ribbons and briefly exhibited for general approval, and then carted quickly back up to the nursery

"Nonsense," Lillian said at once, not bothering to lower her voice "Isabelle is hardly screaitated I think everyone can ain," Annabelle murmured, her cultured voice touched with anxiety She pulled a chilled silver spoon frogested giving her this--she said it alorked withas the baby bit down on the bowl of the spoon Isabelle’s round little face was flushed and a few tears had tracked from her eyes As she whiums was visible, and Daisy winced in sympathy

"She needs a nap," Annabelle said "But she’s in too "

As Evie tried to soothe the baby there was a minor stir at the other side of the roo in her chair, Daisy saw the tall, striking forone back to the river He one sufficiently far ahead, then walked to theto escort her

Like her father, Swift found little in her that orthy of interest Daisy told herself that she shouldn’t care, but the knowledge stung

He had changed into a perfectly pressed suit of clothes, dark gray with a dove-colored vest, his black necktie crisp and conservatively knotted Although it had becorow their side whiskers longer and wear their hair in loose waves, it appeared the style had not yet reached Alea brown hair had been shaped close to the sides of his head and neck, giving hi touch of boyishness

Daisy watched covertly as introductions were entleentlemen And the flirtatious interest of the women

"Good heavens," Annabelle rumpily "That is Mr Swift"

Both Annabelle’s and Evie’s eyes widened

"The sa of b-bones?" Evie asked

"The one you said was about as exciting as a dish of wilted spinach?" Annabelle added

Lillian’s frown deepened into an outright scowl Ripping her attention froar in her tea "I suppose he may not be quite as hideous as I described," she allowed "But don’t let his appearance deceive you Once you are acquainted with the inner e your impression of the outer one"

"I th-think there are quite a few ladies ould like to beco Annabelle to snicker into her teacup

Daisy threw a quick glance over her shoulder and saas true Ladies were fluttering, giggling, extending soft white hands to be taken and pressed

"All this fuss just because he’s American and therefore a novelty," Lillian muttered "If any of et all about Mr Swift"

Although Daisy would have liked to agree, she was fairly certain that their brothers would not have the sareat fortune, the Bowman brothers did not have Swift’s carefully cultivated social finesse

"He’s looking over here," Annabelle reported Anxiety lent subtle tension to her posture "He’s frowning, along with everyone else The baby istoo much of a fuss I’ll take her outside and--"

"Do not take her anywhere," Lillian commanded "This is my home, and you’re my friend, and anyone who doesn’t care for the baby’s noise is welco this way," Evie whispered "Hush"

Daisy stared steadily into her tea, tension coiling in her muscles

Swift came to the table and bowed politely "My lady," he said to Lillian, "what a pleasure it is to see you again May I offer e to Lord Westcliff, and…" He hesitated, for although Lillian was obviously pregnant, it would be i quite well," he finished