"It seems that tea time got much more eventful for you," Joyce grinned, nudging her sister playfully.
"Yes," Daphne said, realizing that she had to force a smile. "Yes – I should go and see what he wants."
A little while later, she found herself in the garden where Lord Richard awaited her.
"Lady Daphne," he greeted, inclining his head. "Thank you for joining me. I was hoping we could walk, if you like."
"I would be happy to."
They began walking, the gravel crunching softly beneath their feet as they made their way along the garden path.
For a while, neither of them spoke, the silence between them feeling more like a formality. But then, Daphne decided to take matters into her own hands.
"I noticed you weren't at breakfast this morning," she said lightly, trying to ease into conversation. "I suppose the previous night took more out of you than expected?"
"I'm afraid so," he admitted. "The excitement, the late night... I suppose I allowed myself a bit too much rest. Overslept, if I'm being honest."
"Well, that is fair. I hope you have rested well now."
"Indeed, I have," Richard replied, cheerfully. "But I do regret missing breakfast, leaving you alone there. I hope that I did not miss out on anything too eventful?"
Daphne swallowed hard. Clearly, he had not heard about Lord Whitby's little comment, nor his brother's intervention.
"I would say you did not," she smiled.
But it was already too late. Her mind had begun to drift. She imagined what Richard would have done, if Lord Whitby had made the same comment in his presence.
Would he have stood up for her the same way that Ambrose had? Surely, he had to say something – for the comment was so blatantly out of line.
He would have been polite, he would have smiled, but would he have challenged Lord Whitby in the same way that the dukehad? It bothered her that she did not know him well enough to answer that question, yet she could answer it about Ambrose.
"I suppose you've been quite busy as of late," she tried to move from the topic. "I did not see you at the card game last night either."
Richard shrugged, "Cards – they are more of Ambrose's hobby. I am not too interested in them."
"Oh, I see," Daphne nodded. A part of her told her that she should agree with him,yes, cards. How useless! I do not enjoy them either.But doing so felt so disingenuous because it was far from the truth.
She did not want to lie just to agree with him.
"I suppose I do enjoy cards," she admitted after a pause, offering a small smile. "Though I understand why not everyone does. It can be a bit... tedious at times, especially if the company isn't engaging."
Richard chuckled lightly, clearly relieved by her honesty. "I'm afraid I fall into that category. I've never been one for games of chance or strategy. I prefer... simpler pleasures, I suppose. A good book or a quiet ride through the countryside."
Daphne smiled, "That does sound lovely. I believe there can be a balance of both."
As they continued their stroll, they were suddenly interrupted by the sounds of footsteps approaching from around the bend. Daphne's heart gave an inexplicable flutter when she recognized the figures approaching from the opposite direction.
Ambrose.
He was walking beside Lady Eugenia, who was chatting animatedly. The very sight of them together sent an uncomfortable knot twisting in Daphne's stomach, though she wasn't entirely sure why.
As they came closer, Ambrose's eyes landed on Daphne and Richard, his expression unreadable. He slowed his pace, and Lady Eugenia followed suit, her gaze now settling on Daphne with mild curiosity.
"Ah, I did not except to run into the both of you here," Ambrose said in a calm voice.
"Well, I suppose you were not the only one who thought the weather befitting for an evening promenade, Your Grace," Daphne answered.
"It was my idea to bring Lady Daphne out here," Richard admitted, nodding.
