The ladies seemed especially captivated, their gazes lingering on him for longer than they ought to.
He must be used to this,Daphne thought to herself.Always having people try their hardest to win their approval. Maybe that was why he was so hard to please.
Still, Daphne could not blame them. As infuriating as she found him, she had to admit that there was a certain magnetism in the way he conducted himself. He had a quiet confidence about him, one that needed no convincing. When another one of the guestseagerly engaged him in conversation, Daphne forced herself to look away, rolling her eyes at the effect he had on everyone.
For the rest of the dinner, she decided to keep to herself, focusing intently on her plate. She told herself that it was because she wanted to avoid more interruptions from the duke. But, if she was honest, part of it was because she had simply run out of things to say to Richard.
"I hope you enjoyed the evening, Daphne," Richard turned to her as the dinner drew to a close. It was now time for the entertainment part of the evening, and Daphne was just happy that she would get a chance to escape the duke's scrutinizing gaze.
"I did, My Lord. Thank you for inviting me."
Richard returned her smile, clearly pleased by her response, though he didn't seem to notice the hint of distraction in her voice.
"I've enjoyed your company more than you can know, Lady Daphne,” Richard smiled.
The compliment, though polite, felt hollow—almost as if it were a line he had rehearsed rather than a genuine sentiment. It left her feeling oddly detached.
Daphne forced a smile in response.
Her mind was whirling with conflicting thoughts. On the one hand, Richard was everything she had ever wanted—kind, caring, and gentle. The sort of man any woman would dream of marrying. But then there was Ambrose, with his constant taunts, his maddening arrogance, and the way he had affected her so deeply with just a few words.
He is so irritating.Once again, Daphne found herself consumed with thoughts of the wrong brother.
"I'm glad to hear that, my Lord," she replied, her voice soft. "You've been... wonderful."
"Perhaps we can go for a stroll in the gardens," Richard suggested.
Daphne nodded, trying to shake the lingering tension from her mind. "I'd like that."
"Lovely. Then, I shall meet you in the gardens in a short while," he nodded before being pulled to the side by one of the other men to smoke an after-dinner cigar.
Most of the women made their way to the drawing room, while the men stayed in the dining area to smoke and drink brandy. Just as Daphne was about to leave the dining room, Ambrose appeared at her side, startling her.
"Oh–," she sounded alarmed, bringing one of her hands to her chest, "Your Grace, I did not see you there."
"Yes, I'm well aware that you're not particularly observant."
Daphne glared in his direction, "Are you here to insult me once more?"
"Not at all," he smirked, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "I am here as a friend. Only to offer you a word of advice."
"A friend?" Daphne resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Surely, he was baiting her again, and she had no intention to fall into another one of his traps.
"Yes. One that offers you a sincere word of advice," he nodded, "Perhaps you should hire a tutor. It might help you avoid any... further embarrassments."
Daphne's cheeks burned with indignation, and she turned to face him, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Perhaps you should pay more attention to the ladies sitting next to you, Your Grace, instead of distracting yourself with me."
Ambrose's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile, and he leaned in closer, his breath brushing against her ear as he spoke. "Oh, Lady Daphne, you're far too interesting to ignore."
A shiver ran down Daphne's spine, and she could feel her heart racing in her chest. She wanted to retort, to say something sharp and cutting, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she stood frozen, caught in the intensity of Ambrose's gaze.
For a moment, neither of them moved, the tension between them crackling like firewood And then, just as quickly as he had appeared, Ambrose stepped back, his expression once again unreadable.
"Good evening, Lady Daphne," he said smoothly, before turning and walking away, leaving Daphne standing there, her heart pounding and her mind spinning.
What had just happened?
