When the next day arrived, Daphne dressed in her finest clothes and arrived at the lake ahead of time. Her sister Joyce had poked fun at her for being so eager, but Daphne did not care.
For it wasn't just the thought of walking with Richard that excited her—it was the possibility that today might bring them closer.
Perhaps if things go well, he might even think to ask for my hand in marriage.
The two of them had met twice in total now. It was enough for her to think of him as a promising candidate for marriage. The question remained – did he feel the same?
Her curiosity was soon to be answered, as she spotted Richard in the park, waving at her from afar. She quickened her pace, grateful for the company.
"Lady Daphne," Richard greeted warmly, taking her gloved hand and pressing a light kiss to it. "You look radiant this afternoon."
"Thank you, my lord," she replied with a smile, "And what a pleasant day it is for a stroll.”
"And indeed, you are correct," he said, offering her his arm. Always the perfect gentleman.
Together, they began to walk, the pleasant hum of conversation flowing easily between them. It was exactly the sort of day Daphne had imagined.
They started with the usual pleasantries, the kind that Daphne had heard a thousand times at balls and dinners.
"Have you attended the latest soirees, Lady Daphne?" Richard asked politely, his voice carrying the same gentle tone it always did. He was athoroughgentleman after all.
"Oh, just the usual," Daphne replied, trying to keep her smile bright. "Nothing particularly worth mentioning, I'm afraid. And you, my lord? I imagine you have been quite busy."
"Yes, quite," Richard said with a nod, though his eyes seemed to drift as they spoke. "The season is always bustling, as you know. There's never a shortage of invitations, and one must always keep up appearances."
Daphne nodded, though inwardly, she felt a flicker of disappointment. She had hoped their conversation would be more... meaningful, perhaps even intimate. After all, he had written her that beautiful letter. She had imagined them laughing and talking about more than just the endless social obligations that came with their position in society.
Couples that she had observed at balls she had attended came to mind. Daphne had pitied them for going through the obvious motions of courtships. Was she doing the same here? The realization lodged itself heavily in her throat, and she gulped it down with some difficulty.
No. We are only in the early stages of getting to know each other. It is too soon for judgement.
"And how is your family, Lady Daphne?" Richard asked, oblivious to her inner debate.
"They are well, thank you," she replied. Another predictable topic. "You know how it is with ball season. It seems we are always in a constant state of preparation these days."
Richard chuckled softly. "Ah, yes. It is quite the happening time of the year for ladies of theton. I am happy that you have something to keep you occupied.”
Daphne willed herself to smile though she felt a faint sense of disappointment creep up on her.
She did not wish to discuss pleasantries with him like this, and become a caricature of the same people that she had always frowned upon. She wished to know him on a deeper level, removed from the superficialities of polite exchange. After all, what was the point of meeting like this?
Never one to give up easily, Daphne was adamant to steer the conversation in a more interesting direction.
"Do you ever feel, my lord, that these events become rather repetitive?" she asked with a renewed sense of hope.. "It seems we are always attending the same parties, seeing the same people, and having the same conversations."
Richard glanced at her, his expression slightly puzzled. "Repetitive?" he repeated. "I suppose, in some ways, yes. But they are necessary, of course. The social season must be observed."
"Yes, of course," Daphne agreed, half-heartedly. She had hoped for a different answer. "But one cannot… help but want more sometimes. Have you ever felt that way?”
Richard shrugged. "It is what is expected. And I am of the opinion that if we all adhere to what is expected of us, society functions smoothly. It is more than just an expectation, it is a duty.”
Daphne's heart sank at the word.Duty.
That word seemed to sum up everything about Richard—he was kind, polite, and well-mannered, but he was also bound by duty. It was clear that his world was neatly ordered, with no room for the kind of spontaneity or depth that Daphne longed for.
She had imagined their walk to be full of laughter and witty exchanges, perhaps even a quiet moment where they shared something personal, something that made her feel closer to him. But instead, they were walking side by side, discussing nothing of consequence.
"Yes," Daphne murmured, trying to hide her disappointment. "Of course."
