Daphne resumed pacing, her mind racing. She couldn't deny that learning about Ambrose's past complicated her feelings. Still, it didn't change the fact that he had treated her with such disdain. She was determined to prove him wrong—to show him that she wasn't the meek, easily dismissed girl he thought she was.
Violet's voice broke through her thoughts. "And he's never even courted a lady."
"Surely you are only making things up as you go along now," Daphne cast her friend a look of deep suspicion.
"Oh, what reason do I have to lie to you?" Isadora continued. "Do you really find it so difficult to be true?"
"Judging by the way that he conducted himself – such confidence and entitled – I find it difficult to believe that he has not yet attempted to entrap some poor young girl into his marrying him," Daphne maintained.
"You cannot be further from the truth," Isabella chuckled, shaking her head. "Despite his status, Ambrose has never looked for a wife. In fact, it's well known that he has no interest in marriage."
Daphne crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "How is that possible? A man of his rank should have been inundated with offers."
"Oh, he has," Violet said with a chuckle. "But the Duke is very... particular. He's never found anyone he considers suitable. Not that he's been looking."
Daphne's thoughts spun. The Duke, for all his arrogance and control, had never courted a lady? The very idea seemed almost laughable, yet somehow it made sense. Ambrose was so focused on his responsibilities, so determined to keep everything in order, that he had likely never considered marriage a priority.
"And yet," Daphne said slowly, "he has the nerve to tell me that I'm not suitable for Richard. He hasn't even taken the time to find someone for himself."
Violet smiled sympathetically. "That sounds exactly like him. He's quite protective of his younger brother."
Daphne clenched her fists, her determination hardening.
"Well, he's wrong about me. Richard is a good man, and I know we're meant to be together."
Isadora tilted her head, studying Daphne carefully. "Do you really feel that way, Daphne? Those are some strong words."
Daphne paused, considering her friend's question. Yes, they were strong words. But she had always been like that.
Why should she doubt her feelings?
He was everything a husband should be—reliable, well-mannered, and from an excellent family.
"I feel happy when I'm with him," Daphne said. "He makes me feel at ease, and I enjoy our conversations. I look forward to seeing him."
"But do you love him?" Violet asked gently.
"Love?" Daphne asked, startled by the question. "Violet, it is too soon for me to say that."
Violet shrugged her shoulders. "I only say this so that I can remind you that we made a vow together, remember? That we would only marry for love."
Daphne had almost forgotten about that.
"Of course."
"So do you think you love him?" she pressed, again."
Daphne hesitated. "I... I'm sure I do. What else could it be?"
It was an awkward question, and definitely one that made her think twice.
"It is too early to ask these things," Isadora jumped in, acting as the voice of reason. "Why must you scare her like this?"
"Oh I am not scaring her," Violent shrugged, "I am only voicing my curiosities. In the books, they always know from the beginning if it is love."
"Life is not a book," Isadora replied. "But yes, you should wait for to know for sure."
Daphne frowned. She hadn't considered things so deeply before. She had always assumed that the feelings she had for Richard were enough—that the contentment and ease she felt in his presence were signs of love. But now that her friends had questioned it, doubt began to creep in.
