Oh. What if she had spent the day with Ambrose?What if they had been together all this time, somewhere secluded and quiet, enjoying each other's company? The idea made Daphne's blood boil.
Her mind whirled with questions and jealousy so intense it made her chest ache. Before she knew it, she was rising from her seat. She had to find out for herself. Otherwise, she ran the risk of going entirely mad.
"Excuse me, ladies," Daphne murmured, offering a polite smile as she made her way across the room toward Lady Eugenia.
Eugenia noticed her approach and turned, her expression pleasant but a little surprised. "Lady Daphne," she greeted warmly, "how lovely to see you."
Daphne returned the greeting with a smile and tried to keep her voice as light as possible. "And you, Lady Eugenia. I hope you've been enjoying your time here."
Eugenia's smile widened. "Oh, absolutely. The Dowager is a gracious hostess."
Daphne nodded, considering her words. She needed to tread carefully. "I'm glad to hear it. It's been quite a lively day, hasn't it?"
"Yes," Eugenia agreed, "Though I've spent most of the day enjoying some quiet time."
Daphne's heart thudded in her chest. *Quiet time?* That could mean anything. She forced herself to keep her voice steady. "I imagine you've had plenty of company. There are so many interesting people here."
That was the perfect question, Daphne felt almost proud of herself for coming up with it. It was neither too specific as to give her intentions away, nor too general that it could make Lady Eugenia go off on an entirely unrelated tangent.
"Yes, I've had the pleasure of speaking with a few guests, but nothing too extravagant today." she nodded and then, almost too casually, she added, "I haven't seen much of His Grace, though. I assume he's been occupied?"
Daphne's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Ambrose, but she masked her reaction, nodding in a bid to appear nonchalant. "Yes, I've noticed his absence as well. I imagine he's been busy."
"Well, I suppose it is not a surprise. I imagine the Dukedom keeps him plenty busy."
"Indeed, it must," Daphne smiled sweetly. "Well, I do hope you've had a pleasant day regardless."
"Oh, absolutely," Lady Eugenia replied with a graceful nod. "I enjoy a bit of solitude from time to time."
The subtle implication sent a pang of uncertainty through Daphne. Was Lady Eugenia trying to imply something more?Was this her way of hinting that she had spent the day with Ambrose, but was too discreet to say it outright?
The thought made Daphne's jealousy flare up again, but she bit back her retort.. She couldn't risk letting her emotions show.
"Well," Daphne said after a beat, "I suppose I'll see you at dinner."
Eugenia smiled pleasantly. "Indeed. I look forward to it."
Daphne excused herself and quickly retreated, her heart pounding in her chest as she made her way out of the room. Her mind was spinning with jealousy.
She hadn't learned anything concrete from Lady Eugenia's words, but the suspicion gnawed at her, relentless. The idea that Ambrose had spent the day with someone else—even if it was unfounded—made her feel an anger she hadn't expected.
Joyce pulled Daphne to the side, her eyes narrowed with concern. "What is going on with you?" she asked, her voice low but firm, as she pressed a glass of water into Daphne's hand.
"I'm fine," the latter replied, not in the mood to discuss anything.
"No, you are clearly not." Joyce wasn't buying it for a second. "You are almost foaming at the mouth. Did something happen with Lady Eugenia?"
At the mention of Eugenia's name, Daphne's grip tightened on the glass, her knuckles turning white. For a moment, she looked as though she might crush it in her hand. "No," she said, her voice sharp. "Nothing did."
Joyce raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Really? Because you seem ready to shatter that glass with your bare hands. If it's not Lady Eugenia, then what is it? Is it Richard? Did something happen between you two?"
"Nothing's happened, Joyce. Please, just drop it."
But Joyce wasn't convinced. She folded her arms, studying her sister with growing suspicion. "Then where were you last night?" she asked, her tone careful but probing. "I didn't see you retire with a book as you claimed. You seemed rather... occupied."
Panic shot through Daphne, her mind racing.Did she know about the kiss? Could she possibly know?
Her pulse quickened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could formulate an excuse, a voice cut through the air.
