"But Daphne, don't you think... it might not be entirely ladylike?" Isadora protested, "Remember what we spoke about?"
"I'll be perfectly ladylike, Isadora. Besides, it's just riding, tracking, enjoying the fresh air—nothing scandalous about that. And think of it this way," she added with a glint in her eye, "it gives me more time to spend with Richard."
Her friends gave her a skeptical look, but after a moment, they both nodded in reluctant agreement. But it did not matter to her, anyway.
She had already made up her mind. It was a good thing she packed her riding attire.
The men gathered for the hunt. Horses were saddled, rifles prepared, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Ambrose was at the center of it all.
"You will have a great time today, Uncle," he said to Sebastian, who looked enthusiastic.
"I have no doubt about it," he patted his nephew on the back. "Hunts with you are always something to remember."
"This one will be even better. Shall we get going then?"
Just as the men were about to mount their horses, a voice from behind interrupted the morning's steady rhythm.
"I'm coming with you."
Ambrose turned sharply at the sound of Daphne's voice. She was dressed in her riding clothes, her chin held high.
"Excuse me?" Ambrose said, incredulous. "Should you not be indoors, Lady Daphne?"
"I want to come along," Daphne replied, calmly.
"Ambrose blinked at her, utterly thrown by the suggestion. "Youwantto come along? Lady Daphne, you see how none of the other ladies have opted to join us? It is because it is too dangerous out there for you."
Daphne seemed to scoff at the suggestion but maintained a smile. "I do not believe it is dangerous as you think. I used to accompany my father all the time. I may not shoot, but I'm excellent at tracking."
"That doesn't change the fact that this is no place for you," he replied, his tone firm. "There are risks involved. This isn't a leisurely ride through the countryside, Lady Daphne. You could get hurt."
"I'm well aware of the risks, Your Grace. And I'm not some helpless damsel who's going to faint at the sight of a rifle. I'm more than capable of keeping up."
Ambrose was about to continue his argument when another voice interjected, one that made his irritation spike.
"Well, I think Lady Daphne should come along," Uncle Sebastian said, clearly amused.
"Uncle, you do not know what you are talking about...."
"I do not know what I am talking about?" Sebastian chuckled loudly. "Son, I have been hunting since before you were even born. I believe I know a thing or two about what I am talking about."
Daphne's face lit up, "Thank you, Lord Sebastian. I am happy that you are able to see reason in ways that the duke isnot."
"With your spirit, I feel that you may even be a useful addition to the hunt," Uncle Sebastian nodded.
Ambrose did not look too pleased about the whole thing. But before he could argue more, Richard came over, strolling over with his usual grin.
"And what are we discussing here?"
"If Lady Daphne should join us on the hunt," their uncle explained. "What do you have to say on the matter?"
"She's more than capable, and I'd be more than happy to make sure she's well looked after," Richard shrugged his shoulders.
"I think you are overestimating her abilities," Ambrose replied, irked.
It was clear to him that his brother was only saying this to spite him. Perhaps it was because he was the younger sibling, but he often liked doing things that were directly opposite to what Ambrose had said.
Had he truly wanted her to come along, he would have invited her himself.
