Page 40 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
Victor treated the other man as though he were a pesky fly on the wall. Percy’s count was nowhere near Victor’s.
“Excuse me…” a woman said at her side.
Daphne turned and blanched. The feminine copy of Victor’s face was by her side. His mother angled her head to the side, much like her son. “May I speak with you?”
“Your Grace,” Melanie curtsied, having seen the resemblance and heard the scathing remarks from the previous night.
Daphne hurried to do the same. The woman was effortlessly elegant. Although there was a haunting look in her eyes, like a person who had been through hell and back. Still, she carried herself with unbreaking dignity.
Daphne’s parents had yet to notice the newcomer, so immersed were they in the sport below. If she knew her father, he had probably gambled a small amount to make it more exciting.
“I will get those drinks. Enjoy your day, Your Grace,” Melanie curtsied once more and fled.
Daphne thought she saw her cousin’s retreating back more than anything these days.
She swallowed hard and faced the intimidating woman. She was a head taller than her and carried an elegant fan which she moved at a slow pace, one side at a time.
It was a slight, Daphne knew. To court her son, without so much as acknowledging her presence, when they were at the same event. She had just felt it would bring more complications. How would she ever face the woman if Her Grace found out that it was fake?
Daphne started to apologize, stumbling over her words. Victor’s mother held up that intricately designed fan, signaling Daphne to shut her mouth.
“I know you will hear many things regarding my son and our family, some of which might cause you to have second thoughts. I want to assure you that he is an exceptional man. It might sound a little unbelievable, coming from his mother. However, I know that from a young age, I have been reliant on his strength, more than I should have and he has never failed me. Not once.”
Daphne was struck silent. She could only gape at her. She had expected chastisement rather than this indirect plea to stay with Victor. When the woman spoke of her son, it was as though something came alive inside her.
Daphne remembered again that night when he saved her. He had been chivalrous, a complete gentleman, and not at all like people professed him to be. If only she had not heard him disparage her, her heart would have been deeply moved by the Dowager Duchess’s words.
Daphne struggled to draw out a sunny smile. “I know, Your Grace. He is exceptional.”
“Where did you two meet? I assume it cannot be this wedding. I have never seen my son so invested in another’s affairs as he is with yours.”
“You mean when we quarreled?” Daphne was flabbergasted.
“Especially when you bickered. It has taken years, but I am glad that my son has finally found someone who he can rely upon. Someone to make him smile. Does your family approve?”
“My… my family?” Daphne stuttered.
She gave a faint knowing smile that made Daphne wish to run and hide. “I see.”
“You misunderstand…”
“I doubt that I do. Do you love my son?”
Daphne’s throat constricted. Now how to answer the question? She hesitated, drawing circles with her foot under her dress.
“It does not matter. I was madly in love with my husband when we married. He was a charming man, much like Victor, I dare say. That is where their similarities end. You may require more time before you love him, and you will be grateful that you do. He already loves you and, in my opinion, these things are best when the man is truly besotted. I must take my leave now, Lady Daphne. Good day and enjoy the performance.”
Daphne remained stuck at the part where she thought her son loved her. “Why do you think he loves me?”
The dowager duchess smiled, looking toward her son. “Oh, I know.” Daphne’s heart missed a beat. The dowager came closer, carrying a scent of lavender. “That girl; your cousin, I believe. What is her name?”
“Melanie? Melanie.”
“Delightful girl. I have been watching her. A diamond in the making. Will she be at the Queen’s ball with the other young maidens?”
“Definitely,” Daphne bobbed her head. “I will ask her to prepare.”
She nodded once, flipped her fan, and melted into the crowd. Daphne’s face alternated between big smiles and deep longing. She could hardly wait to relay the Dowager’s words to Melanie.
