Page 61 of Romancing Daphne

Chapter Twenty-Three

For three days, Daphne walkedabout Falstone House with a smile just beneath the surface. She could not remember a time when her heart had been lighter. James had come to call every day since Lady Techney’s illness, and the previous evening at the ball, he’d even danced with her. And when engaged with others that night, he’d still looked over at her occasionally from across the room.

Daphne’s smile could not help but peek through her usual reserve at the memory of those brief connections. She brushed her fingers across the tips of several flowers on a bush near the entrance to the small park where she knew James walked his small dog.

The gentleman she had fallen in love with during the past half dozen years was falling in love with her. She came remarkably close to squealing right there in a public green, an uncharacteristic urge she’d felt a remarkable number of times over the past few days.

Turning a corner, she spotted James just ahead. He tossed a stick, andthe puppy he’d named Scamp rushed after it. Sitting on a stone bench nearbywas Lady Techney.

James spotted Daphne in the next moment, smiling at her as always. He waved as they approached.“Good morning, Daphne.”

“Good morning,” she offered in return.“And to you, Lady Techney. You appear to be feeling well today.”

“I am, and it is a very pleasant change.” She fussed a moment with her lap blanket before resuming her stitching.

Daphne had learned during her long vigil at Lady Techney’s bedside that James’s mother was very fond of embroidery; she had mentioned it several times. Daphne’s own mother had filled their home with stitchery during the short years of her life.

James walked with Daphne a few paces away, where Scamp was happily gnawing the already slobbery stick.

James took her hand in his as he’d done in the carriage a few days earlier. The gesture had so quickly become natural and easy between them.The feel of his touch momentarily robbed her of the ability to respond. She simply breathed and committed the moment to memory.

“I know my mother well enough to realize she is not likely to give you the thanks you deserve for the throat tonic you provided for her.”

“Your cook has the recipe and can prepare it for her whenever she is in need of it.” Daphne managed to get the words out whole despite the fact that James had not yet released her hand.

“I do believe you would put to shame any apothecary in the kingdom.” He squeezed her fingers.“You’ve done wonders for Mother.”

“I am so pleased she is feeling better.”

He took up Scamp’s stick with his free hand and tossed it away for the pup to chase. “Have you had word from Shropshire?”

“My father is quite ill, unfortunately. In mind as well as body.”

“I am so sorry.” He adjusted their position so her arm was threaded through his, pulling her closer to him. She accepted the thoughtful andsupportive gesture and leaned a little against him. “Has your brother-in-law offered any specific information?”

“No.” She sighed as he set his hand on hers where it rested on his arm.“But Father’s situation is not at all hopeful.”

“Do you and the duchess need to travel to Shropshire? I would be happy to help you make any arrangements.”

She felt her telltale blush return but did not fight against it. By now, James knew her tendency to color and did not seem to mind. “We will wait to hear what Adam recommends.”

“It seems, then, that you are in need of diversions,” he said.“Anything you would like, Daphne. An afternoon carriage ride, a trip to Greenwich Park. Whatever you choose.”

Anything she wanted. Would he think her odd or overly sentimental if she confessed to wanting nothing so much as an hour or two of his company? She had no desire to seem pathetic. A carriage ride about Hyde Park could be undertaken in relative privacy, but a longertripto Greenwich Park would involve a great many servants, and Persephone would be required to attend for the sake of propriety.

“I am not sure,” she said, trying to think of a third alternative.

“There must be something you want to do but haven’t.”

“I have been surprisingly happy here, James. Indeed, this Season is the first time I have ever come to Town when I haven’t been desperate to escape.”

“Escape.” A broad smile spread across his face.“You have given me the perfect idea.”

“What is it?”

His excitement proved infectious.“Tomorrow afternoon you are going to have a picnic.”

He had remembered that fleeting moment of conversation. She hadn’tbeen on a picnic in ten years. The very thought rekindled long-forgottenmemories of happy times and worry-free moments with her family, of shedding the weight of responsibility and hardship.“Oh, James, that would be wonderful.”

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