Page 31 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
Victor grinned, oozing with charm. “On the contrary, your daughter’s presence is an absolute delight.”
Her mother beamed. There was no higher compliment than when her children were praised, especially in front of her, and by a duke no less.
“I am glad.”
“I wanted to introduce myself earlier but since we are here, I want to ask permission to court your daughter.”
Daphne’s eyes widened, and at the same time her mother gasped. “You want what?”
“To court Lady Daphne.”
Her mother blinked once before finally speaking. “Her father is around here, but I think he would give his approval. Please come. He would be delighted to hear such wonderful news.”
“I would be delighted as well,” Victor said as her mother led them to the side of the ballroom, where her father was standing.
“Darling, I believe His Grace would like to speak to you,” her mother said.
“Oh, good evening, Your Grace,” the Earl of Wallace greeted Victor, and glanced at Daphne with confusion in his eyes.
“Good evening, my lord. I am here to ask your permission to court your daughter, Lady Daphne,” Victor said with a polite nod.
Her father’s eyes widened in shock. “Court Daphne? W-when did this happen? Your-Your Grace, do you truly have interest in my daughter?”
“I do, sir. I hope our courtship brings forth positive results. It is my dearest wish to see her happy,” Victor said, his tone so sincere that it would fool anyone.
“You were at each other’s throats until recently,” her father pointed out.
“Affection has various ways of revealing its presence. That was one of our ways.”
Victor reached out his hand and Daphne took it. He was such a good actor.
“Still, Your Grace, your reputation worries me more than a little. You should know that we cherish our daughter. If this is some plot to merely toy with her, you should cease immediately, lest this escalates to a deadly duel,” her father interjected.
Daphne swallowed hard at her father’s not-so-subtle threat. This was why she did not want to have this conversation with her family. When they would eventually end the courtship, they would also hold him accountable.
“I cherish her, just as much,” Victor replied. “And please, call me Victor.”
A high-pitched squeal made Daphne jump and she turned around to see Melanie and Amelia standing behind her with the biggest grins on their faces. She had not even heard them approach until now. Harry also stood beside them, and he aimed a speculative glance at Victor.
Before her father could respond, Percy suddenly stepped forward, his voice seething with anger as he blurted out, “What is this nonsense I am hearing?”
“Percy, not now,” Daphne started.
Percy glared at Victor, who stood beside her, barely hiding the animosity in his face.
“Oh, dear, Percy. How wonderful to see you. Shall we grab ourselves a refreshment?” Daphne’s father offered, his face red with guilt. After all, Daphne was aware that he had been invited for the sole purpose of courting her.
“Surprised?” Victor snickered at Percy, earning a questioning glance from Daphne.
Percy’s lips became a furious line as his face darkened at the taunt.
“Yes, a drink! How lovely! I shall join you as well,” her mother said, positively shooing both gentlemen in the opposite direction.
“Can you all not see that something is clearly amiss?” Percy growled.
Victor had the indecency to laugh quietly. Daphne drew him away before the situation deteriorated further. Her hand was soaked with sweat. She tugged it away from Victor’s hold. It was much harder to deceive her family and Percy.
Victor picked up her hand again, with a soft smile at her. He acted as though there was no sweat on her hands. His confidence began to seep into her. To anyone looking, he was a besotted man in love.
