"No, no, nothing's wrong," she said quickly. "It's just that... well.. I suppose we need to spend more time together, that is all."
"Do we need to brush up on your etiquette lessons? Isadora asked, concerned.
"I have been making sure that I act like a perfect lady," Daphne replied. "It is not that. I just need more time, that is all."
Daphne knew in her heart that her words were nothing more than an excuse. They had spent plenty of time together. But their connection still left a lot to be desired.
She hoped for her own sake that the issue would resolve soon. Perhaps love was just around the corner, waiting to happen any moment now.
It had to.
"How many days left till you have to leave the Estate?" Violet asked.
"Enough," Daphne said. "I understand that the both of you are well intentioned in your concern, but you really do not need to worry."
"What if he is interested in another woman?" Isadora asked. "Have you considered that possibility at all?"
"Isadora is right," Violet nodded. "Not to say that there is anything lacking in you, but perhaps his attention is otherwise divided. Have you seen him speak to any of the other women here?"
Daphne shook her head. In earnest, she could not recall if he had been speaking to anyone. Almost as if she had been paying him no attention at all.
But somehow, she rememberedexactlywhen and who Ambrose had spoken to. The realization warmed her cheeks, and she looked away.
"She is blushing," Violet grinned. "Oh, look at her! Young love."
"If this is any indication of how she feels towards Lord Richard, I suspect that it is not long before we hear wedding bells," Isadora said.
Daphne shook her head.If only they knew.But she decided against correcting them.
The door to the room opened, and Joyce entered with a happy smile on her face. "There you are, girls."
Isadora turned to Joyce with a teasing smile. "Joyce, don't you think Daphne should be spending more time with herhusband-to-be?"
"He is not my husband-to-be just yet. He has not yet proposed," Daphne corrected under her breath but they did not hear her.
"Well, ordinarily, I would agree," Joyce replied. "But today isn't a good day for that. The men are all going on a hunting trip."
"A hunting trip?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow. "Does that mean Richard is going as well?"
"Of course," Joyce nodded. "I have just overheard them speak about it downstairs."
Isadora sighed dramatically, glancing at Daphne. "So much for romance, then. But it gives us a chance to spend time together."
"Yes, us girls can stay behind and make a day out of it!" Joyce agreed.
But all three of them paused when they noticed Daphne getting up from her place, and heading to the door.
"Where are you going?" Joyce raised her eyebrow.
"To join them, of course. I will need a change of clothes, first."
"Join the hunting trip?" Violet asked.
Daphne straightened up further, her decision already made. "Yes, I think I will. Why should the men have all the fun?"
Violet and Isadora exchanged amused glances, while Joyce let out a small chuckle. "Daphne, you know how these men are. They'll likely scoff at the idea of a lady joining them on the hunt."
"I'm not concerned with their opinions," Daphne shrugged. "Besides, I have no intention of staying behind while everyone else is out enjoying themselves. I can ride just as well as any of them."
