"Here's to a long, happy marriage," Uncle Sebastian said, laughing joyfully. "You've got your work cut out for you with this one."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Daphne replied, smiling up at Ambrose.
EPILOGUE
"Darling, do you think I look good in this gown?" Daphne asked her husband, who was sat behind her on the sofa, buried in a book. Upon her question, he quickly put the book away and focused all of his attention on his wife.
It was something he did every time they spoke – made sure that he gave her his full attention. It was a small gesture, but it was one that made her heart swell each time he did it. For it made her feel wanted, and appreciated.
It had been a year since Ambrose and Daphne's wedding. Their bond had only grown stronger, and it felt as though Daphne felt deeper and deeper in love with more time that passed between them.
"My dear, is the sky blue?" he said, a teasing smile on his face. "Or does the sun rise from the east? The answers that question will forever be the same – constant and a resolute yes."
He got up from his place, and walked over to Daphne. Taking her hands into his own, he looked her in the eye. "But if you want me to be clearer, then I shall tell you that you look positively resplendent."
Daphne had been preparing for a house party. It was the first one she was throwing ever since she became a Duchess. Even though it felt like a daunting task, Ambrose had been supportive of her every step of the way.
When Daphne blushed at his comment, he doubled down. To this day, he loved to tease her every chance that he had. "Does that answer your question, Duchess?"
"It very well does," she smiled, her eyes raking over his body. He was dressed in a full suit, and looked devilishly handsome. "You look quite nice yourself. Shall we throw more parties so that we dress up more like this?"
Ambrose threw his head back, and chuckled. "Not a chance. While I love seeing you like this, house parties mean that you are too busy with other people. You know how I feel about sharing you..."
Daphne felt a shiver go down her spine at how possessive his tone got. "I know."
He caressed the side of her cheek, "I cannot wait for the day to end already, so that you return to our chambers, and I..."
"Ambrose," she hissed, blushing. Their life inside the confines of their bedroom had been... eventful, to say the least. They could not get enough of each other.
"What?" he smiled, "I am only telling you the honest truth."
"Well, then you must save your honesty for later, as I cannot afford to get distracted right now," she giggled. Knowing herself, she knew that it would not take much convincing for her if he tried just a little bit harder.
But Ambrose respected the fact that his wife had a party to host, and kissed her on the top of her head. "Fine. But remember that I will be thinking about you the entire time."
"And I of you," she smiled. "But we must get going. The guests will start to arrive very soon."
She went over the list of the guests in her mind. She had invited many of Ambrose's closest friends – many whom she would be meeting for the first time.
"Do you think the Duke of Bernight will make his grand entrance before or after dinner?" Daphne mused.
Nicholas was one of the expected guests. From what Ambrose had told her, he was a notorious flirt, well-known for his charm, and Daphne found herself both intrigued and slightly apprehensive about how the evening would unfold with him there.
The last time they had met, Nicholas had nearly charmed all the women in the room.
"Oh, Nicholas always arrives late, just to make sure everyone's attention is on him. I'm surprised he doesn't bring his own fanfare," Ambrose chuckled.
"Well, there will be plenty of lovely ladies for him to sample from," Daphne admitted. "If he wishes to settle down."
Ambrose chuckled. "Playing match-maker, are we?"
"I am just saying it might be a good thing. We fell in love at a house party as well," she smiled. "It would be interesting to witness it happen to others as well. I would feel that I had a small part to play."
"Nicholas is unpredictable," Ambrose said. "So I would not put any prior expectations on him. He does as he pleases."
"Well, there is no harm in trying," Daphne said, her mind drifting to her two best friends. They were still single, and Daphne ached to attend their wedding.
When the guests started to arrive, Isadora and Violet were some of the first to join. Daphne practically ran over to them.
