Her sisters would laugh and cover for her when she was missing from the endless tea gatherings and insipid drawing-room conversations. “Daphne’s in the library,” Felicity would say with a wink, even though she knew what the truth was.
And whenever she was scolded or caught for her “unladylike” behavior, her sisters always found a way to soften the blow. Joyce would whisk her away before their aunt could launch into a lecture, distracting Daphne.
It was as if they knew that Daphne did not quite fit the mold that other ladies seemed so eager to conform to. But instead of chastising her for it, they appreciated her for her individuality.
It was no wonder, then, that she stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the other ladies of theton. Which they wasted no opportunity to remind her of.
"Is she lost?" Daphne overheard as another pair of young ladies passed her by.
"In life?" another laughed in response. "Yes, I would say so. But I would not be surprised if she was directionally challenged as well..."
Ignore them, Daphne.That was the advice that her sisters always gave her.Those that judge have little better to do with their lives.
And so, it was easy for Daphne to cut past them, even though she could feel their lingering gazes on her as she went. But with each step, their taunting laughter faded into the distance until she could no longer hear it. She stopped when she reached the water's edge, letting herself get swept away by the serenity of the water body in front of her.
“Finally,” Daphne sighed, letting the tension ease from her shoulders as she stared out at the quiet expanse before her. “Some peace at last.”
Daphne loved nature. Being surrounded by it was one of her favorite things to do in life. It served as a reprieve for whenever her life felt a little chaotic. She sought refuge in the gentle calm of some natural wonder around her.
She crouched down, brushing her fingers lightly over the water's surface, the coolness of it grounding her. Time seemed to fly past her, and she could not say in earnest justhowmuch time she spent just sitting there like that.
But like all good moments, it had to come to an end.
Joyce might be wondering where I've drifted off to. I should head back.
But as she stood and took a step back, her foot landed on a loose stone, sending her off balance. The ground beneath her seemed to tilt, and before she could catch herself, she felt her body lurch forward toward the water.
A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she flailed, her arms reaching out in a desperate attempt to steady herself. Panic gripped her being – Daphne could not swim.
Simply, no one had taught her to all her life. The lake was far enough from the main park that no one would even hear the sound of her desperate wails to come save her, if she could even manage to before the water filled her lungs.
Daphne's brief life seemed to flash in front of her eyes for a moment as she felt herself falling backwards towards the water.
Oh, but I have not seen anything yet. I have not even found my Prince Charming....
Just as she braced herself for the icy shock, the thunderous sound of hooves pounded the earth, sharp and sudden. Out of nowhere, a large, dark horse burst through the trees, galloping toward her with speed and precision. The wind from itsapproach whipped around her, pulling her hair from its pins as it tore through the peaceful quiet of the lakeside.
Before Daphne could process what was happening, a hand shot out and caught her arm with an unyielding grip, pulling her back from the brink. The force of it sent her spinning, and for a breathless moment, she found herself crashing against the firm chest of a man—her rescuer.
The world seemed to tilt and blur as she blinked up at him, dazed. His horse skidded to a halt behind him, its nostrils flaring as it pawed at the ground, the air still thick with the sound of thundering hooves.
"I've got you," a low and commanding voice spoke to her.
The man who had just saved her.
His arm was wrapped securely around her waist, steadying her. The sensation of solid ground returned as her feet steadied beneath her, the sharp sting of fear replaced by a sudden warmth.
Daphne blinked, her heart still hammering in her chest, as she found herself face-to-face with the man who had saved her. He was tall, his hand still gripping her arm with a reassuring steadiness.
"I....."I was about to fall...The thought lingered, but instead of the cold shock of water, she was met with the warmth of his gaze.
She stared up at him, momentarily dazed. Daphne was the shortest amongst her sisters, and therefore used to looking up when making conversation. But he was tall—taller than anyone she had ever seen—with broad shoulders that made him appear even larger. As they stood, he towered over her with ease.
"Are you all right?" his voice was now tight was impatience, and what she recognized to be a touch of...concern?
His brow furrowed slightly as he gently released her arm.
Daphne nodded, though her breath came unevenly. "I—yes, I think so," she managed to say, though her heart was still racing. "Thank you. I didn't—" She swallowed, the words jumbling in her head. "I didn't see the stone."
