Page 16 of Betting on a Baron
Involving himself unknowingly in one of Alice’s schemes was one thing, but to do so knowingly was an entirely scary venture. If that was what it took to win Daphne’s affections, then that was what he’d do. “I appreciate your support, sister, and I shall happily escort you to the Archbroke affair.”
Alice skipped out of the room and then popped her head back in to say, “Be sure to wear your forest green cravat today.”
Forest green was a rather specific request. He rarely paid much attention to what his valet selected or helped him don each day. He rolled out of bed, padded over to his changing room, and pulled out the drawer that housed his cravats. He ran his forefinger over the rows of neatly folded material until he came to the section that held all his green cravats. He lingered over each one as flashes of Daphne’s eyes triggered a series of memories associated with the various shades of green. Damn his crafty sister. Each memory reminded him of brief interludes that he’d not given much thought to at the time, but he realized those small precious moments all had been building to this unrelenting need to make Daphne his.
CHAPTERTEN
The carriage marked with her family seal carried her to her favorite destination in town—the Archbroke townhouse. On the edge of her seat, Daphne peered out of the window. When the large stone portico came into view, a bubble of excitement formed within Daphne. The Earl and Countess of Archbroke were Daphne’s favorite couple of the ton for a variety of reasons, but mostly because their union appeared to be based on mutual respect and not the volatile emotion of love. Her weekly visits to the Archbroke townhouse, which was twice the size of Daphne’s family’s London residence, had been the highlight of her week for the past two Seasons. Lady Theo was the type of wife she wanted to become one day. Respected by her husband who boasted to one and all of her skills at managing the household and him as well. Daphne remembered the days when many considered Archbroke a dandy with no chance of attracting the attention of a woman of Lady Theo’s caliber. Her quiet presence exuded power and resilience. Only a fool would mistake Lady Theo’s silence for meekness.
The hack came to a stop, and Daphne practically ran up the path.
The front door opened and the ever-composed Archbroke butler waved her into the foyer.
She’d managed to divest herself of her cloak when Lady Theo appeared. “Lady Daphne!” Her host wrapped Daphne in a hug and then released her. “I’m so looking forward to continuing our discussions today.” Lady Theo’s warm welcome was unconventional and reserved for a few close friends. It warmed Daphne’s heart to know she was among the few who Lady Theo trusted and welcomed at the Archbroke home day or night.
“Ah, so we are to continue to discuss Ms. Radcliffe’sThe Mysteries of Udolphothen.”
“We are indeed. I was sharing your opinions with Archbroke over dinner last week and he has decided to attend today. You’ll also see some other new faces to the group.”
“Oh. Who are these new recruits you have invited?”
“Since Alice mentioned she’d be bringing her brother along, I coaxed Lord Foxton to attend and join us for a lively literary discussion.”
Daphne wasn’t in the least surprised that Lord Foxton had accepted Lady Theo’s invitation, although she wondered what Lady Theo’s true motivation was for inviting the man. It wasn’t as if he was known for his literary prowess.
Arm in arm, they entered Archbroke’s spacious drawing room. The pristine white walls were covered with gorgeous paintings of the countryside. The curtains were fashioned from breathtaking jewel-toned blue silk. The room spoke of wealth but held a warmth that Daphne rarely experienced in the homes of her father’s peers.
To her surprise, it appeared she was the last to arrive. Even Lady Phoebe, who always arrived fashionably late, was comfortably seated sipping tea. Daphne let Lady Theo lead her around the circle of chairs arranged so all the guests could converse as a whole until she came to the empty seat in between Lord Foxton and Ambrose.
Daphne took her seat and watched her host make her way all around the chairs until she sank into the chair next to Lord Archbroke, which happened to be directly opposite Daphne. What was Lady Theo up to?
“Is everyone here, shall we begin?” Lord Archbroke asked his wife.
“Welcome everyone, so pleased you could all join me today.” Lady Theo glanced and smiled at each guest in the circle. Daphne smothered a bolt of jealousy as her host’s gaze lingered a moment longer on Ambrose than the others, which was ridiculous since she knew Lady Theo was more than happily married.
Lady Theo continued, “Let’s begin where we left off last week. I believe we were discussing Mr. Thompson’s assertion that Emily was foolhardy in refusing to escape with Morano and remaining loyal to Valancourt.”
Alice raised her hand and said, “And I countered that Emily would have been a fool to leave with Morano.”
Ambrose leaned over and whispered, “Do you agree with Alice?”
Daphne stared Ambrose in the eye. “Yes. Only a fool would give up on true love.” She’d refused to give up loving Ambrose, and every tear shed over the years was worth it for this moment. His gaze was filled with emotion and passion held in check. If Ambrose were to grab her hand and haul her out of the room out to the gardens, she’d follow without question regardless of whether it would result in scandal or not.
Lady Theo clapped her hands twice, breaking the mesmerizing trance Daphne found herself in.
“Lady Daphne, you know the rules. No side conversations.” Her host wagged her forefinger side to side. “You and Lord Harlowe may continue your discussions…” Lady Theo glanced out the glass planes of the terrace doors. The sky was clear and blue.
Daphne half expected Lady Theo to banish them to the terrace or the gardens, but the woman never did what was expected.
Lady Theo continued, “In the library. I believe I have an extra copy of the novel Lord Harlowe may borrow and refer to.”
* * *
Ambrose had heardof Lady Archbroke’s skill at stratagems. He followed his host's gaze and reasoned that the woman wished to grant them privacy, which banishing them outdoors would not have accomplished. Lady Archbroke had even provided a reasonable explanation so as not to raise concerns over their departure. Ambrose darted a glance at Lord Archbroke, whose lazy grin made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Ambrose wasn’t sure if he should be worried or grateful for the couple's assistance in gaining a private moment alone with Daphne.
Daphne rose and dropped into a curtsy in the direction of Lord and Lady Archbroke. The couple commanded respect without demanding it like so many undeserving titled couples of the ton. He rose alongside Daphne and followed her out of the room to the library.
The library walls were lined from floor to ceiling with shelves all filled with books. The massive chandelier in the center of the room provided light in the windowless room. Two large settees faced one another in the center of the room. Side tables with unlit candles flanked the oversized furniture.
