Daphne rolled her eyes. Joyce was being ridiculous.
"In any case, another day has passed and I am no way near closer to my goal of winning over the affections of Richard. I did not even see him all day," Daphne said. "Tomorrow, this will change."
She quickly discovered that this house party was not going to be as straightforward as she expected. Greymont Estate was full of distractions – annoying, irksome, smirking distractions. She had to reel back in her focus if she was to get what she wanted.
CHAPTER 11
"Ambrose, dear, Lady Eugenia has recently returned from Bath. She tells me she's been quite the sensation this Season. Isn't that right, my lady?"
It was breakfast time, and all the guests were seated at the table. Edith had insisted that Ambrose sit next to her, which he now understood the reasoning behind.
It was so that she could properly introduce him to Lady Eugenia – one of the most sought-after women of theton– clearly hopeful for a match.
"You're too kind, Duchess. Bath was delightful, though I must say the Season in London always holds a certain charm that's hard to match," Lady Eugenia retorted, her voice holding a sweetness that matched her reputation.
"Yes, I mean... London is difficult to compete with," Ambrose muttered, curtly.
Eugenia smiled, clearly expecting more engagement, but Ambrose's gaze had flickered toward Daphne, who was seated right across from them. Though she was doing nothing remarkable—nothing that should have warranted his attention—he found himself studying her movements.
Richard had not made an appearance this morning – perhaps that had to explain why Daphne's posture seemed so stiff as she quietly picked at her breakfast, not making conversation with any of the people seated next to her.
Was she disappointed that my brother had not made an appearance?It was not unlike Richard to skip breakfast – often a reason for chastisement from their mother. He had never really spared it a second thought... well, before this morning at least.
Now he found himself distracted by the thought of his absence. Or more, Daphne's reaction to it.
"Your Grace," Lady Eugenia's voice pulled him back to the present. He had been so wrapped up in his thoughts that he had scarcely made out a word of what she had said to him.
He cleared his throat, "Um, I must apologize, my lady. I am not sure if I caught what you said."
Lady Eugenia fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Oh, I was just discussing with the Duchess about the importance of charitable work. There are so many worthy causes that often go unnoticed, don't you think?"
Ambrose inclined his head politely. "Indeed, there are many who could benefit from more attention."
"Oh, I believe that it is our responsibility to do more!" Lady Eugenia nodded, "Just last year, I helped organize a charity ball to raise funds for a new schoolhouse. It was such a rewarding experience. Nothing like it, really."
The Dowager nodded, impressed. It was impressive, of course. Such traits were quite befitting a duchess. But there was something about the conversation that seemed so practiced – so rehearsed – that Ambrose was unable to fully engage in it.
"It's certainly admirable work," he replied in a polite fashion, his interest in the conversation waning.
"I knew that you would understand, Your Grace," she smiled, "I have heard much about your own charitable ventures. Surely, you are one for the people."
Though Lady Eugenia meant well, her words ended up having a less than positive result.
Ambrose did not enjoy being praised for his philanthropic efforts—it was not something he wished to have flaunted in conversation. It was something he felt should be done in private, and not flaunted. For he had seen too many people take that route, and he always saw them as boastful.
The idea of being labeled‘one for the people'made him inwardly cringe. He did not wish to have some label, he was only doing his part.
"You're too kind," he said curtly, forcing a small, restrained smile.
"Oh, but it's refreshing to see someone truly dedicated to making a difference," Lady Eugenia continued brightly.
Ambrose shifted in his seat, the praise beginning to grate on his nerves. "I do not do it for recognition," he said, meeting his mother's gaze who quickly caught on to her son's discomfort.
"Yes – well, I am certain that there may be other things that the two of you share in common," the Dowager interjected. "Perhaps the two of you might enjoy a promenade later this afternoon? The weather is perfect for it."
Ambrose felt his shoulders stiffen. Of course, he had no intention of courtinganyone– no matter what his mother thought. He opened his mouth, fully prepared to refuse, when something caught his eye.
Across the table, Daphne was looking in his direction, her expression carefully neutral as she sipped her tea. But something about the way she watched him—half-curious, half-irritated—made his refusal falter on his lips.
