And while he did not concern himself with what she did in her private life, it was an issue if she was to marry into his family.
Richard responded with an easy chuckle. "I didn't realize my choice of company bothered you so much, brother. You are all riled up."
Ambrose's hands curled into fists at his sides. "I have every reason to be. Our family’s reputation is not a game." he said through gritted teeth.
Richard's smile faltered slightly, but only for a moment. "Oh, Ambrose. I understand that you have chosen never to marry. But that does not give you license to police my choices.”
Ambrose took a step closer, his towering frame looming over Richard. "You will embarrass this family," he said coldly. "Daphne is not fit to be a duke's wife, let alone your companion at these events. You are the son of a duke. You know better."
Richard met his brother's gaze without flinching. “Yes, I do know better, and that is why I am perfectly capable of choosing my own bride. You may control many things, but that is not one of them."
Ambrose's scowl darkened. "Well, I would think doubly before making such a statement. Marrying the wrong person can have... drastic consequences for not just you, but for all of us."
Ambrose was never one to threaten his brother like this, but he felt that this was his last resort. Richard was clearly taken aback by the menacing undertone in his brother's words, and his expression faltered momentarily.
"Brother, I worry that you are taking this a bittooseriously," he tried to jest, but Ambrose brushed off his hand from his shoulder. “Mother has always maintained that marriage will be a personal choice. Do you forget that?”
"I am certain that Mother will share my opinion, once she becomes aware of your choices.”
“Must you be so pessimistic?” Richard frowned.
“It’s not pessimism. I am reminding you that we live in a society where reputations matter.”
“Well, then those are consequences that I shall deal with…” Richard trailed.
Ambrose had not expected his brother to put up this much of a fight. He thought that single conversation would be enough to deter him. But it seemed that Richard had decided to be particularly obstinate about this.
“I have made my feelings about the matter clear. Now, if you had any sense to you, then you will proceed accordingly.”
With that, he left Richard standing there with his mouth slightly agape. Being so harsh with his younger brother did not leave a nice taste in his mouth, but the last thing we would do was let him make an unwise decision.
CHAPTER 3
There was a knock on Daphne's door.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened gently, and the maid stepped in, holding a delicate cream-colored envelope in her hands. "A letter for you, my lady," she said, presenting it with a small curtsy.
Daphne's curiosity piqued as she took the envelope, her fingers brushing over the elegant seal bearing Richard's family crest. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Thank you," Daphne said, her voice soft as she carefully broke the seal.
The maid nodded and exited quietly, leaving Daphne alone with her thoughts and the letter. She unfolded the parchment with eager hands, her eyes quickly darting across the page.
Dearest Lady Daphne,
I hope this letter finds you well. I write to ask if you would join me tomorrow for a promenade by the lake. The weather looks to be fine, and it would be my honor to share in your company for a short while. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Lord Richard.
A smile tugged at her lips as she read the words aloud in a soft whisper, her heart thudding in her chest. "A promenade... by the lake," she mused, her voice barely above a whisper.
She leaned back, "How lovely it would be," she murmured to herself, imagining the scene. "Just the two of us...”
And nothing – especially not the duke – to distract them. Her heart fluttered with excitement and anticipation. This was exactly what she needed.
