Page 30 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
“I am certain that you can find a fitting playmate. Just not her.”
The barrage of insults only made Victor’s smile wider. He could just imagine this idiot’s face in a few hours, if not minutes.
Victor pulled back his horse and drawled, “My good man. You should prepare yourself for apleasantsurprise.” He started to leave then turned his head.
“What surprise?”
Victor ignored his question. “While you are at it, I would advise you never to speak ill of Lady Daphne. Your wings have never been clipped; I will be glad to take that job should you repeat that disrespect.”
Shaking his head, Victor urged his horse to go faster, putting a large distance between him and the flabbergasted man. He was whistling as the wind whipped past him. Everything around him seemed more vibrant, more alive.
Dinner would certainly be a beautiful experience.
ChapterEight
“Are you waiting for someone?” Melanie asked, peering over Daphne’s shoulder.
Daphne almost jumped out of her skin as she turned. “What are you doing skulking about?”
“I was not skulking!” Melanie protested, jumping in front of Daphne. “I have been calling your name for over a minute. That is why I asked why you are waiting so diligently.”
“I was not waitingdiligently.You should be inside. Why are you here?”
“Aunt asked me to look for you. The places are set and they are waiting.”
“Oh. Right, I forgot. I am sorry.” Melanie’s forehead creased in confusion. Daphne slipped her hand through Melanie’s. “Let us go.”
“My lady,” a male voice called behind them.
Daphne’s heart made a wild jump as Victor stepped out of the darkness, deftly separating her and Melanie.
He drew her arms through his and smiled down at her. “Have I kept you waiting?”
He was too magnificent. Maybe it was his height, the dark coat, the gleaming white shirt, his astoundingly handsome face, or the magnetic pair of blue eyes, and the soft curls of his dark hair.
She jerked her gaze away and nodded. In doing so, she caught her cousin’s stunned face. Daphne snapped out of the haze and forced her lips into a smile. “Yes. I was beginning to think you had fallen ill, Your Grace.”
“Forgive me. I had gone riding and went farther than I intended.”
“I understand.”
“I must say, you look ravishing tonight.”
Daphne stumbled on her own dress. He placed a hand on her back and righted her, then lowered his head and whispered. “I enjoy the effect my words have on you.”
Daphne wished to bash her head — no, his head — on the wall. “Behave. Melanie is here,” she said under her breath.
He whispered. “Ah, the performance. Do you suppose it would help if I did this?” He brought her closer and softly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Daphne shivered from his touch and struggled to hide it as she moved away from him.
“Behave,” she warned with a whisper.
Melanie dashed past them and entered the hall. Daphne could almost see her excitedly telling Amelia about the success of their plan.
Her face was scarlet when she entered the teeming hall. Every part of her was stiff as stone, walking beside him. The night was unfolding to be this terrible nightmare. A clear sign that this plan was a devastating failure. A sign that she had to be mad to have suggested a courtship with a man who wanted nothing to do with her.
Her mother was the first to break away from her group and approach them. “Your Grace? What is this? I mean, is my daughter bothering you again?”
