"Of course I am!" Daphne grinned. "This is my chance, Joyce. I can feel it."
Joyce's expression softened as she watched her sister's excitement, her own smile growing more sincere. "I'm happy for you, Daphne. But I have never seen you eager like this before."
Daphne tilted her head slightly, a curious look in her eyes. "What do you mean? Is this not a good thing?"
Joyce gently took her sister's hand, squeezing it lightly. "It is. But I just do not wish for you to lose yourself in the process of impressing them. You're already wonderful as you are. Don't try too hard to fit into their world, or you might forget that."
Daphne shot her sister a confused look. "Oh – do not tell me this. I have preparations to make...."
"I am only looking for you," Joyce continued. "I do not mean any harm by it, surely."
But Daphne was not having it. She was already thinking about plans of her own.
"Oh, I have to make the best impression possible. Every gown, every hairstyle—it all has to be perfect!"
This is my moment, she thought, her heart swelling with hope.Everything is finally falling into place.
CHAPTER 8
The grand façade of Greymont Estate loomed in front of Daphne as the carriage pulled to a stop.
"Are you ready?" Joyce, who would be her chaperone at the house party, asked. "The next few days could very well decide your fate in marriage."
Daphne forced down a swallow, smoothing the delicate lace on her gown to steady herself. It was not lost on her that this was going to be an important occasion, however she could do without the constant reminder that it was.
"Defineready."
"Ready to find your love match," Joyce chuckled as the two ladies made their way out of the carriage. "Ready to impress, ready to open your heart to the possibility of love entering it?"
Daphne's throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, the involuntary gulp betraying the nervous tension she tried to hide.
"I suppose I am as ready as I shall ever be...."
Sensing the unease in the youngest born Carter, Joyce touched Daphne's shoulder lightly. "I am telling you, you do not need to worry about impressing anyone. You are very good as you are."
Daphne appreciated the sentiment, she really did. It had always been her sister's nature to encourage her, making her feel as though there was nothing that could be improved about her. But right now, she needed someone to be honest to her if she was going to win over Richard's affections.
And provethat Dukewrong.
"Let's get going then," she nodded to Joyce, and they began walking towards the entrance, arms linked.
"Oh – the Greymonts do not spare any expenses when it comes to opulence, do they?" Joyce commented as both of them looked around the Estate. It was even more impressive than she remembered, its sprawling grounds meticulously maintained.
At the entrance, a line of impeccably dressed staff stood waiting to receive the guests, their uniforms crisp. Footmen and maids were stationed near the grand doors, ready to assist with luggage, while others stood by, prepared to escort visitors totheir rooms. It was clear that no detail had been overlooked in ensuring that each guest was treated with the utmost care.
"Indeed they do not," Daphne replied. As they entered the hall, it bustling with guests—ladies in exquisite gowns, gentlemen in fine coats, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries.
I was not aware that there were going to be this many people in attendance.All eligible ladies, vying for a spot as the daughter in law to the one of the most established households in the city.
A flutter of nerves danced in Daphne's stomach at the thought. Of course, there was always going to be competition. She knew that before, too, but seeing it in the flesh had a different impact.
But before she could ruminate for too long, she spotted Richard standing a few feet away from her. He stood there, impeccably dressed in a deep navy coat, his eyes scanning the incoming guests with polite interest. It took him a moment to spot her, but as soon as he did, his expression softened and he made his way over to her.
"Lady Daphne," Richard greeted warmly, "I am so glad that you have made it. I feared that you might not come."
"How could I possibly miss such an event?" she replied quickly, fingers pressing into her palm. "Besides, I could never refuse an invitation from you."
Richard's smile remained warm, but instead of returning her flirtation, his attention shifted seamlessly to Joyce. "And how wonderful is it to also see Lady Riverton here as well. I trust that your journey was a pleasant one?"
