Page 16 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
“Robbery?” he chuckled, his entire face lit up. Those eyes brightening. “I assure you, I met my share of robbers on the ship. Chaps will claw out your eyes for a coin.”
Daphne’s lips became a thin line. It was a slap in the face that he would act willfully ignorant.
“Step aside, Your Grace.”
“Too descriptive? I apologize. I forgot that you are alady. It is much for your soft ears.”
“I amnotweak, if that is your implication, you condescending…” Daphne said tersely. He cocked his left eyebrow, waiting for her to complete the sentence. God, he was infuriating.
She yanked out her chair and plopped down on it, almost tripping on her dress.
He leaned down, pretended to take a fork, while whispering in her ear, “My, you still blush beautifully.”
Thrilling chills traveled down her spine as his voice breezed past her. She refused to look at him as he settled on his chair and twirled that fork nonchalantly between his fingers.
Just then, Harry and Amelia emerged. Victor’s attention was taken by Harry, while Daphne stewed into the plates in front of her. Finally, Melanie and her mother broke apart from the group with which they were chatting. More guests were filling the seats, and Daphne’s blood throbbed with annoyance.
“You will not believe who I just met!” Melanie said, dropping in next to her.
“I believe you,” Daphne said in a surly tone. “What is it?”
Melanie noticed the person seated next to her and her expression cleared, “Do you want to switch seats?” she whispered.
“No. Who did you meet?”
“If you are certain…” Melanie said. She flattened her palms on the table, her face glowing with excitement. “I was talking to Lady Elizabeth. She’s Sir Wilberforce’s mother. She told me about his search for a wife. She said I would be the perfect fit for her family. Oh, I can hardly wait to be introduced.”
Daphne smiled, “I am happy for you, dear. When does she plan to introduce you?”
“The day after tomorrow. He will join the hunt. Mother says he is very good at it.”
“Mother?”
Melanie grinned, “Yes. She asked me to call her mother. Oh, can you believe it? I will be married soon!”
Daphne took her hand, “Melanie, slow down. You have to meet him first. He could be…”
“Some brave people admire risk, even court it,” a dark, amused voice whispered by her side. Daphne ignored him.
She continued, “… outside your taste.”
“Taste? Daphne, have you seen his mother? I hear he takes after her. I have never laid my eyes on a more gorgeous woman. Well, except you of course.”
“Patronizing, you are far gone.”
Victor said, “I know the man; she’s right. He exceeds your peacock fiancé in every way.”
Daphne dropped Melanie’s hand and faced him. “Your Grace, it is impolite to eavesdrop on people.”
“When you are speaking that loudly, I doubt if it qualifies.”
What fiancé?
“I amnotloud…” Daphne screeched. Her sharp voice attracted her sister’s eye. Amelia glared at her. Her mother gave her a look, too. Harry called the attention of the room by clinking the glass with his knife.
He made a short speech, welcoming his guests and thanking them. He invited them to enjoy the food. Once the greetings ended, Harry took his seat and utensils got busy on the plates.
Daphne’s fingers were balled up in her lap. She stared at a bowl of soup, having lost her appetite.
