But worse than that was the way his thoughts immediately drifted back to Daphne.
No, this was no way to feel. It couldn't be. He shook his head, trying to dismiss the flutter that had lodged itself in his chest since that moment in the woods. He had duties, responsibilities, and getting distracted—especially by someone as spirited and challenging as Daphne—was not part of his plan.
But despite his best efforts, the memory of her face, flushed and determined, wouldn't leave him.
And that, more than anything, troubled him the most.
The sound of the quartet filled the room, soft and melodic. The Dowager had arranged the function as entertainment for her guests. In the grand hall of the Estate, guests lined the seats and there was an on-going murmur of excitement in the air as everyone waited for the main performance to start.
Daphne sat next to Richard, her hands folded primly in her lap, trying to appear every bit the perfect lady she was supposed to be.
In her own way, she had tried her hardest to forget the events from the hunt. It was pivotal for her not to get any more distracted, as she had done so in the past. Even though the thought of a proposal appeared daunting, she reminded herself that it was her original plan.
Whatever she was feeling now was temporary – whatever had almost happened with the Duke had been nothing more than a mistake and it should never be repeated again. No, it should not even be thought of. She must stick to her original plan, which was to secure a proposal before the end of the house party.
For the occasion, she had made an effort to dress up. The gown hugged her figure just right, and her hair, swept into an elegant twist, was adorned with a few carefully placed pearls. She had hoped it would be enough to capture Richard's attention, that he might finally notice her in a way that was more than just polite.
But Richard had hardly said a word to her apart from the polite greeting.
No matter,she comforted herself.Perhaps he has not yet noticed.If anything, it seemed to be a running theme with him. Just like he had not noticed her trailing behind when they had gone together to hunt.
It felt silly now, how much effort she had put into preparing for the evening, imagining for a moment that he might look at her with something more than just courtesy.
"Lovely music, isn't it?" Richard said, oblivious.
"Very lovely," Daphne replied, trying to match his tone.
"I've always appreciated a good quartet," he continued.
"Indeed," she smiled softly, hoping to encourage more conversation, but he merely nodded and returned his gaze to the musicians.
"Are you comfortable?" Richard asked.
"Yes, quite," she replied, forcing a smile. "Thank you for asking."
"Good, good," he murmured, his attention already drifting away again.
Daphne sighed inwardly, folding her hands tighter in her lap as she turned her gaze to the quartet.
Her attention shifted slightly when the Dowager entered the hall, followed closely by the Duke. Daphne glanced at the empty seat next to her.
This was her chance to speak to the Dowager.It was clear enough that she did not have much to chat with Richard, but perhaps the Dowager could serve as the link between the two and facilitate a better conversation.
Besides, it was always a wise thing to maintain a strong relationship with ones mother in law to be.
She fully expected the Dowager to come sit next to her and Richard, but it appeared that the older woman had a different plan. She made a small gesture toward Ambrose, and before Daphne could fully register what was happening, Ambrose was walking toward her.
Daphne tensed, trying her best to hide her discomfort. She hadn't spoken to him since the hunt. In fact, she had gone to great lengths to avoid him altogether. Seeing him walk up to her now made her stomach twist in nervous anticipation.
"Lady Daphne," Ambrose greeted her. "Brother," he nodded at Richard, who only acknowledged him with sparse interest.
"Your Grace," Daphne said quietly, making sure not to meet his gaze as she uttered the words.
"Ambrose, my dear," the Dowager said, "Why don't you sit here with Lady Daphne? I shall sit next to Lady Fawn – it has been a great deal since we got to enjoy a quartet together."
Ambrose looked like he was about to argue, but the Dowager turned to Daphne before he could even get a single word in edge-wise. "That is alright with you, is it not, Lady Daphne?"
Daphne blinked. "Oh... yes, of course," she replied quickly, feeling suddenly off-balance. She glanced at Richard, who seemed entirely unbothered by the whole exchange, and before she knew it, Ambrose had taken the seat next to her.
