Page 25 of Betting on a Baron
Daphne was good at word games. “Sounds like fun.”
“For years you have followed Lord Harlowe about.”
She didn’t hesitate to answer. “True.”
“Lord Harlowe stood by your side for years.”
She opened her mouth to refute the statement. But when Lady Osbourne’s eyes narrowed, Daphne heeded the woman’s warning and paused to think. She riffled through thousands of memories. It was she who stood by him—wasn’t it?
Lady Osbourne drummed her fingers over the arm of the chair. “Need I remind you of who came to your aid when those nasty girls had you cornered at the Royal Art Exhibition, or when your pup went missing in Hyde Park, or the time you nearly fell…”
Blast Lady Osbourne and her excellent memory. Daphne rolled back her shoulders and raised her hand. “There is no need to continue.” She released a sigh and admitted, “It is true – Lord Harlowe has always come to my aid in times of distress.”
“Last question, Harlowe deserves a second chance, true or false.”
If what Madame Sinclair had shared in her note was true, then the answer to Lady Osbourne’s statement would also be—“True.”
Lady Osbourne picked up a sandwich and nibbled on it. “Harlowe is much like a cucumber sandwich: simple, refreshing and understated.”
Ambrose was far from simple, and those who knew him well knew the man was resoundingly unforgettable. Daphne laughed and replied, “False.”
She picked up a sandwich and ate in comfortable silence as her mind raced, reflecting upon past memories. When she considered Ambrose’s past actions from an objective point of view, their entire relationship hadn’t been as one sided as she had believed. She’d have to seek out Ambrose one more time.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Travel weary, Ambrose stood in front of the looking glass and loosened his cravat. Delayed a day due to muddy and washed-out roads, Ambrose was more than ready to find Daphne and beg for an audience. No, he’d kidnap her if she avoided him.
He squared his shoulders and left his chambers to collect Alice to join the revelry in the music room. His mind was set. Before he left the Osbourne house party, he was going to be an engaged man, and nothing was going to prevent him from succeeding. Nothing.
He scratched on his sister’s door. “Alice, are you ready?”
His sister’s maid opened the door and said, “Oh, yer lordship, Miss Alice accompanied Lady Daphne below a half hour ago.”
Ambrose shook his head and mumbled, “She’s going to be the death of me.” Halfway down the stairs, he was still shaking his head. He himself wasn’t even certain whichshehe was referring to. His wayward sister or the woman who he wished to marry.
He spotted Archbroke milling about at the foot of the stairs.
“Glad to see I’m not the only gentleman who is tardy this eve.” Ambrose greeted the last man he expected to see at one of Lady Osbourne’s house parties.
“My dear wife instructed me to wait for you.” Archbroke held up a hand and added, “Don’t inquire as to why, for I have no inkling.”
“Pray send my thanks to Lady Archbroke, but I have matters in hand.”
“I hope that is the case and that whatever scheme you have devised is better than your last.”
If his plans for the night succeeded, his ruse would cease and those who cared for him and Alice could cease to worry. Ambrose asked, “Have all the guests arrived?”
“I certainly hope so, for the house is overflowing with members of the ton I’d hoped to…” Archbroke shook his head. “I won’t finish that unflattering thought, for both our sakes.”
With Archbroke at his side, Ambrose made his way down the hall and entered the music room. He immediately began to search the crowded room for Daphne. He’d denied his feelings for Daphne way too long and placed his happiness at risk. He took a step forward into the crush of guests, prepared to prove to Daphne he was worthy of her love.
Archbroke nudged him in the ribs. “Your sister and Lady Daphne are over by the terrace doors.”
“By god, Lady Osbourne has half the ton in attendance.” Ambrose rolled onto the balls of his feet and peered over the elegant coiffures to plot a path to the woman he was determined to have.
Archbroke, who was slightly taller than himself, said, “I suggest you go to the left and keep to the outskirts.”
Ambrose did a double take. Archbroke’s authoritative tone was laced with the confidence of a man who was accustomed to barking orders… covert orders. He blinked away the random thought and forged forward. He needed to reach Daphne before the meddlesome Lady Osbourne paired her up with one of the many eligible bachelors present.
