Vanquished

She was still struck in her own fantasy of the night before when there was another firm knock at her door. She jumped with a gasp and quickly folded the card and tucked it within the hidden pocket of her skirts before she patted her coiffure for good measure and walked over to greet the visitor with a neutral air.

This time, it was Baron Kingsworth who stood on the other side. “Papa,” she greeted politely. “I’m ready for breakfast before our departure.” She waved a hand down her dress as if he couldn’t see for himself that she was properly attired.

He chuckled. “Are you planning on leaving without me then?” He walked inside and she shut the door behind him. “I told you that I intended to stay a bit longer in London this time.”

“Well, yes, you did say that,” Delilah agreed. “But I thought you meant we would wait until after the Jockey Club Ball. Although I certainly could understand wanting to remain when we received the Almack’s vouchers, but I thought you would be ready to return home by today.”

“These are lovely,” he murmured, noticing the flowers and approaching them. He bent down to sniff them. “Not much for a scent,” he shrugged. “But they are very beautiful.” He turned to her with a curious brow. “Do you know you sent them?”

She clutched the card in her pocket, but since she had never had a reason to lie to her father before, she didn’t this time. “The Earl of Castlemaine.”

“Ah.” Interest instantly lit his gaze. “He would be a good match for you, and even though his title is Irish, there are still many who treat him with the same respect as a fellow peer.”

Delilah couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of Conor bending down on one knee and confessing his undying love for her. “He’s merely an acquaintance, Papa. Not a suitor.”

“Are you quite sure?” He touched one of the pink blooms. “Flowers take on several meanings and this particular shade of camellia is known to proclaim ‘longing.’”

Delilah’s heart did a little flip of hope in her chest, but she quickly pushed it aside. “Don’t be silly, Papa. I’m sure it has other meanings as well.”

He glanced around the flowers. “Did it not come with a card? That can tell you a lot about the meaning behind the offering.”

Delilah instantly thought of what Conor had written. ‘I am in awe that you offered the wondrous gift of your body to this humble Irishman…’ Her cheeks instantly warmed and she hoped he didn’t notice. “It only had the name of the sender.”

So much for never lying to my father.

“Perhaps he wishes to adopt a subtle adoration for now, but I have faith that with a bit of encouragement, he can be persuaded to change his mind.”

The wide grin that her father wore concerned her. “What are you suggesting?”

“You may not know this, but there is to be a jubilee in St. James’ Park on the first of August to celebrate the monarchy’s reign, general peace, and the glorious battle of the Nile.” He announced proudly. “It is to be a grand celebration with a Chinese pagoda constructed on the bridge with a grand fireworks display, hot air balloons, and many other things that are planned that I am told cannot be missed.”

Delilah blinked, guessing what was coming next. “We’re to stay another four days?”

Some of his enthusiasm dimmed somewhat. He cleared his throat. “Of course, if you don’t want to stay, we can leave early. I just imagined you might—”

“I would love nothing more, Papa.” Delilah walked over and squeezed his arm with a gentle smile. She wanted to be quick to reassure him, since he appeared so crestfallen. She knew that he was doing all of this for her, and it warmed her to know that he cared so much for her happiness.

He must have saw the sincerity in her eyes, for he said, “Capital! I will make the necessary arrangements with the hotel, unless, of course, you’d rather stay with Miss Ames? I imagine she would be glad for your company.”

She shook her head. “I shouldn’t want to leave you here alone. I will have plenty of time to visit with Francesca before we leave.”

His eyes looked suspiciously moist. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve such a wonderful daughter like you.”

In turn, Delilah wrapped her arms around him. “I’m the lucky one,” she whispered, and for the first time since she’d lain with Conor, guilt washed over her. She had gambled so much, and for what? A night of pleasure with a man who was merely there for the entertainment. She had put her entire reputation, and that of her family name, on the line. However magical it had been, she should have stayed in her room instead of taking such a dangerous risk.

At least she knew it wouldn’t happen again. She likely wouldn’t even see him—

“Oh, I nearly forgot.” Her father reached into his jacket and withdrew a printed sheet that he had folded and tucked away. “This is an addition that was added for the celebration, but it will be held at Newmarket. I wanted to note that it involves someone you may just know.”

He offered her a conspiratorial wink and Delilah curiously looked at the printed sheet. Instantly, her heart clenched. “There’s to be a… chariot race?” She glanced up at her father. “I thought those went out of fashion with the Romans.” She attempted to make a jest, when in truth, she was anxious about Conor and the tremendous danger he would putting himself in. Carriage races were one thing, even horse racing, both of which had the habit of ending badly, but chariots were rolling death traps as far as Delilah was concerned. Perhaps there was a reason they hadn’t made a return since the days of the gladiators. Some things were meant to fade into history. “Why would the Regent even consider something so asinine?” she muttered.

Her father tilted his head to the side. “I suppose because he shall be attending the race.”

He took the paper back from her and tucked it away in his vest.

Her mouth fell open. “What?”

The baron snorted. “Is it so surprising? The event will not only be a lark, but for the Regent’s personal charity. It’s bound to draw quite a crowd.”

Delilah didn’t doubt that. Nor did she imagine that Conor had remained in town for the sole purpose of racing. So, what did that make her? A fun way to pass the time?

Her hand curled into fists, but it was her father’s next statement that saved her from saying something that she couldn’t take back. And it wasn’t as though it was her father she was angry with.

“I understand if you don’t wish to go, Delilah. I just thought it would be nice to see two of Hercules’ thoroughbreds in action on the track.”

She stilled for the second time. “We only brought two of his thoroughbreds to London with the mares. Who could have possibly—” But even as she spoke, she knew who had made the purchase, and it would have set Conor back several hundred pounds. Did he even have that kind of money to spend, or was he so consumed by the desire to win, to achieve victory, that he would do anything to ensure it?

“Papa, you must forgive me, but I just realized that I have an important appointment with Francesca this morning.”

“It’s all right, dear. Ladies have certain requirements that need their urgent attention if they are to take the ton by storm.” He smiled warmly. “I’ll see you this afternoon for supper.”

Delilah tried not to choke on her own guilt, for it was the second time she’d lied to her father.