Page 38 of Romancing Daphne

“I believe she would appreciate that,” he said.

There was a generosity in Miss Lancaster that could not be denied. And better still, this was the first conversation he’d had with anyone in years in which nothing was demanded of him and nothing required. He could easily grow very accustomed to that.

Chapter Fourteen

Daphne stepped inside Persephone’s sittingroom late in the morning a week after the gathering at Falstone House. During that time, James had come for an obligatory morning call and had spoken to her only briefly at the two social engagements they’d both attended. His interest seemed tohave quickly waned, and Daphne was growing worried.

Artemis lounged on the window seat. She leaned her head against the glass, gazing out over the street below.“I do not understand why I am not permitted to go anywhere.” She managed to sound as though she were being terribly ill-treated.

Did the girl never have a drama-free moment?

“You go any number of places,” Persephone answered from her seat nearer the empty fireplace. She didn’t look up from her stitching.

“But not to a ball. You are all going tonight without me, and it is horridly unfair.”

Daphne remained near the door. Neither of her sisters had seen her yet.

“When you are old enough for your come-out, we will run you every bit as ragged as you please.”

With a sigh, Artemis seemed to resign herself. Now was the time for Daphne to speak up.

“May I speak with you a moment, Persephone?” she asked.

“Of course.” Persephone motioned her over.“What is on your mind?”

I cannot believe I am doing this.“I want to try doing something different with my appearance. I am not certain just what, but something more . . . pretty.”

Persephone didn’t laugh as Daphne had worried she might.

Artemis spun so fast on her cushion that Daphne half expected her to tumble to the floor. In a flurry of fabric, the girl rushed to her side, hands waving in unfettered excitement.“I knew it! I just knew you’d blend into the walls. I was so very, very certain of it.”

“Hush, Artemis.” Persephone’s gaze never wavered from Daphne.“What is it you’re wanting to do?”

Daphne didn’t like how doubtful her sister sounded. Still, she needed to do something.“Not anything drastic,” she said.“I only want a little change, something simple I could try.”

“Oh, but there is nothing simple about it.” Artemis took hold of her arms just above the elbow, her gaze boring into Daphne’s.“A complete and utter change is absolutely necessary. A new wardrobe, a new coiffure, perhaps a touch of rouge.”

“Artemis Psyche Lancaster!” Persephone actually sounded shocked. Artemis’s antics seldom surprised any of them.“If you are so much as considering using face paints, I promise you that Adam and I will never let you out of this house—”

“Not forme, Persephone. For Daphne. She is the one with the complexion of snow.”

Daphne slumped in her chair. This was exactly the reason she’d come to Persephone for assistance and not Artemis.

Persephone chose to ignore their youngest sister.“What if we tried a new hairstyle? Perhaps even a different cut. It need not be drastically different. Merely a touch more—”

“Flattering,” Artemis said.“And fashionable.”

Meaning Daphne’s current style wasunflatteringandunfashionable. She preferred to think of it as practical. But practicality did not appear to be what a certain gentleman noticed in a young lady.

She generally wore her hair up in a simple knot at her neck. What precisely did Artemis have in mind? Certainly not the very short curls worn by some of the faster ladies of theton. For one thing, Daphne’s hair did not curl. For another, she had no desire to connect herself in any way to the more scandalous in Society.

“Artemis, would you go look forlornly out the window again, please, and leave us to talk in peace?”

Artemis obliged but only after a look of utmost annoyance.

“Daphne.” Persephone possessed a knack for saying her name in such a way as to convey warning, firmness, and kind concern all in the space of two short syllables. “Why do you wish to undertake this change?”

“I have noticed other ladies wear different—”

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