Page 63 of Romancing Daphne

“But you do like her?” Ben pressed.

James nodded.“Quite a lot, actually.”

“Well, that is a start, I suppose.”

“Given time, I hope we can find something more than that.” James wassurprised at the strength of that hope. He wanted to find reason to believetheir connection was based on more than lies and misplaced trust. He likedDaphne far more than he’d expected to. It confused him and pushed himforward all at once.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Even the most talented landscapeartist could not have captured the perfection of the meadow to which the Techney House butler led Daphne and Persephone. Though several other guests had been invited, Daphne knew James meant the picnic for her. She could not remember a time when something had been planned purely for her enjoyment.

“What do you suppose inspired Lord Tilburn to have a picnic?”Persephoneglanced at Daphne, a teasing glint in her eye. “Perhaps merely a passing fancy?”

“I think it is a splendid idea.” Daphne smiled, caring not at all that her cheeks glowed a revealing shade of red.

“I will say this, Daphne: Adam has his misgivings about this courtship, but I believe if he had been here to see the change in you these past few days, he would wholeheartedly support Lord Tilburn’s suit.”

“Once Adam has returned and we resume our afternoons together, Iintend to tell him how wrong he was,” Daphne said with a laugh. “The Dangerous Duke doesn’t often find himself being fed humble pie.”

Persephone’s eyes shone with amusement. “I cannot say it is a dish he enjoys.”

Daphne watched as James made his way to where they sat on largecushions beneath the cooling canopy of an ash tree. She hoped Adam reallywould come to see how wrong he had been about James. He was goodand kind. Though his courtship had caught them off guard, his regard hadproven sincere.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted upon reaching them.“May I join you a moment?”

“Certainly.”

He sat nearest her seemingly without hesitation. Daphne’s heart fluttered frantically in her chest. The awkwardness of their earliest interactions had melted away over the course of the past week. A comfortable contentment had settled over her and a growing excitement. She had loved him for years, and finally, he had begun to feel the same for her.

“I believe your picnic is a success,” Daphne said.

James smiled at her. She managed to hold back the delighted gigglethat sight inspired in her.“This isyourpicnic, Daphne, despite the plethoraof extra attendees. My father could not allow an opportunity for lordingabout to pass. He added significantly to the guest list. I hope that hasn’t ruined it for you.”

“Not at all. Everything is perfect.”

He shook his head, though the gesture struck her as one of disbeliefrather than negation.“Is she always this easy to please?” he asked Persephone.

“Daphne is, perhaps, the least demanding person I have ever known.”

Why did Persephone’s response not feel entirely like a compliment?

“I can see I have embarrassed you.” James leaned closer, taking her hand in his, which had become a gesture he engaged in increasingly often of late.For her part, Daphne loved that he had adopted such a tender gesture.

“I blush very easily. You need not always assume I do so because you have embarrassed me.”

“Have I though?” His gaze met hers.

Hearing herself being discussed had ever been an uncomfortable experience, and ithad, in all honesty, been a little embarrassing. His words, however, were kind, unlike many conversations about herself that she’d overheard.Mrs. Hammond in the neighborhood where she’d grown up had alwaysincluded in any reference to Daphne the phrase“the short, plain one.” Mrs.Cole, from whom she’d collected the sewing they had taken in, had seemedparticularly fond of the wordunpromising.

“Daphne?” James’s voice captured her attention once more.“Have I upset you?”

“Not at all. And the picnic truly is perfect, regardless of what my sister says of my complacent nature.”

“I had not meant to imply that you are complacent,” Persephone said. “You are certainly not that. You are sweet natured, a trait that is decidedly a good one.”

“Hear, hear.” James nodded firmly.

“The two of you will have me blushing furiously,” Daphne warned. “And that would ruin this lovely picnic.”

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