Page 25 of Brix

“I know,” she smiled. “Your mother gave me a knife to secure at my thigh. I really like her style. Besides, there’s nowhere else I want to be, Brix. Nowhere.”

Daphne felt the eyes of everyone turn toward the large group of people. Not just in number, but their overwhelming size and stature had everyone whispering. She took note of the appreciative glances from the women and the ogling eyes of the men.

As she stepped inside her childhood home, a feeling of dread and nausea swept through her. The sheer number of floral arrangements, hired servants, and trays of appetizers and champagne seemed overwhelming and unnecessary. There was no telling what her mother had spent on this event, but had she only just written a check to the charity, it would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.

“Your mother really likes to do things in a subtle manner, doesn’t she?” whispered Brix.

“Subtlety was never her thing,” said Daphne.

“Daphne!” said her mother from the steps. “I’m so glad you decided to come.”

“I told you we would be here, Mother. All of us.”

“Yes, I can see that,” she said through a forced smile. She took the steps slowly and carefully, reaching the bottom and extending her hand. “Brixton, isn’t it?”

“I’m sure you’re well aware that my name is Brixton, Lady Bishop. After all, I’m the dreadful American that married Daphne.” Her face pinched into a tight expression, and she turned to her daughter.

“Daphne, I need you to make the rounds and ensure that everyone sees that you’ve returned,” she ordered.

“Mother, I will be mingling with my family. I have not returned. I’ve come home for a visit. That’s it. I’ve come home to let you and everyone else know that I am married to this beautiful, amazing man. End of story.”

“This really must stop, Daphne!” Lady Bishop said through clenched teeth. “You cannot stay married to this American!”

“I can and I will, Mother. If you say one word about him or any of these good people, I will make sure that we leave before anyone knows I was here. And if you force me, I will ensure that the aristocracy becomes aware of your pathetic secrets.” Her mother stared at her as if daring her to back down. Daphne was no longer afraid.

“You know, I’m curious, Lady Bishop, why you sent your little lap dog, Marshall, to see your daughter when you knew he would be violating a restraining order,” said Zulu. “We could have him arrested.”

“Don’t be foolish!”

“I assure you, ma’am, I am anything but foolish. Just try me,” frowned Zulu. She had the common sense to swallow and take a step back.

“I was wondering, Mother. Do you have any information about your family history? I’d like to start a scrapbook for our children,” smiled Daphne.

“You’re pregnant?” she gasped.

“Not yet, Mother. But I will be soon. As I told you over the phone, there’s nothing wrong with me or my ability to conceive.” Her mother just stared at her, but Daphne could tell that she was seething on the inside.

“I’ve got to attend to my guests. Excuse me.” She rushed off so quickly Daphne barely had a chance to catch her breath.

“Well, that was exciting. Let’s see what’s up for auction,” grinned Hazel.

For the next hour, they moved from room to room, then out onto the grounds to inspect the items that were up for auction. When Sebastian walked toward Daphne and Brix with a frown on his face, they knew it wasn’t good news.

“Daph? I think you need to see this, honey.”

She nodded, following her husband’s friend into the drawing room where a dozen paintings were on display. In the corner was one with a beautiful woman seated, her hands folded on her lap. In fact, she was someone very familiar.

“That’s me.”

“Look at the description, Daphne,” said Sebastian

Mary Elizabeth St. Valary – painted six weeks before the sinking of the Costina

“Oh my God. That’s my mother.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Mary Elizabeth St. Valary,” whispered Daphne. “That’s my mother’s name.” She stared at Lady Bishop, who was glaring at the auction house employee.

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