"No, I'm quite alright." The Duke cleared his throat. "If only Bradford would hurry with my water."
Marcus scanned the crowded room. “He’s on his way.”
In another moment Bradford had reached them. He extended the crystal water glass to his father. “You seem rather wore out, Father.”
The duke took a drink before glancing back up at him. “Yes, indeed. Perhaps I will retire.” The duke started to stand, wobbled and sank back into the chair.
Bradford jolted forward. “Father!”
The duke held up one hand, halting Bradford and said, “I’m quite alright.”
“Allow us to assist you.” Marcus came to stand on the opposite side of the chair. “These over-stuffed contraptions can be bloody difficult to get out of,” Marcus added the later to sooth the duke’s ruffled feathers for it was clear he did not want the help he needed.
The Duke nodded. "Too true. Very well, gentlemen, give me a boost.”
Bradford took one arm while Marcus hooked his elbow under the other. The pair hoisted the duke to his feet then released him. Bradford exchanged a worried glance with Marcus as they watched the duke amble away.
“I’m worried about him,” Bradford said, his attention still on his father. “I should see him to his rooms.”
“Is there a reason to worry?” Marcus swallowed back his own concern. “If not you will only injure his pride and perhaps anger him by playing nursemaid.”
Bradford chuckled. “I suppose you are right. Even if it was more than old age, and both he and mother insist it’s nothing more, he’d not want me fretting.”
Marcus nudged Bradford with his elbow. “Shall we find a drink?”
“I don’t suppose anyone will notice if we are missing long enough to fill a flask.” Bradford strolled toward the door. “And I could use something stronger than lemonade.”
Heaven knew Marcus could as well. His attention returned to Daphne as he made his way across the room. Her hair was not the only thing different. Her full breasts were near to spilling out from the confines of the low-cut décolletage of her clinging gown. He had the sudden urge to go to her and drape his jacket over her voluptuous body.
Her gaze met his and a becoming flush creep over her chest and bloomed on her round cheeks. His groin tightened in response. She may well be innocent, but she was proving a temptress as well. He pulled his attention from her and hurried his steps more in need of a drink now than he’d ever been.
Chapter 7
With her set at an end, Daphne stood and gave a curtsey. Her body was aflame with heat from the way Marcus had been watching her. Where had he gone and why had he been studying her in such a jarring fashion?
The moment the applause ended, she made her way to the refreshment table. She lifted a glass of cool lemonade to her lips and drank greedily. With any luck, he would not return to the music room. Her actions from the other night made it far too hard to be in his presence now.
“You played beautifully.” Mr. Ashe smiled.
Daphne lowered the glass and smiled back at him. “Thank you.”
“I should enjoy hearing more of your music. I’d wager it rivals the angels.”
Daphne giggled, her cheeks warming all over again. “I dare say I could never rival such heavenly creatures.”
Mr. Ashe trailed his gaze over her. "Oh, but you do."
Daphne's head swam at his attention to the point she feared she may faint. Her instincts told her to excuse herself, but her mind demanded she remain by his side. For heaven’s sake, a man was flirting with her. If she could manage to pull herself together, she may well get her kiss.
Her gaze found Natalie’s and her cousin gave a bright reassuring smile. Natalie nudged Pippa who stood beside her and she too gave encouragement. “I’m rather warm,” Daphne said, setting her glass back on the sideboard with shaky hands.
“It would be my pleasure to escort you out of the room for a bit of space.” Mr. Ashe proffered his arm.
Daphne’s insides trembled as he led her into the hall. The air proved a bit cooler away from the crush of guests, but her body still burned and a decided dizziness infested her mind. What was she to do now that she had Mr. Ashe in private? She would not dare ask him for a kiss. She’d learned her lesson on that score with Marcus.
Think, think, think.She chided herself as Mr. Ashe led her down the bright hall. Her gaze darted around at the chairs, tables, and alcoves they passed. Perhaps she should ask him to sit with her? And then what? Mercy she was out of her element.
“Are you feeling better?” Mr. Ashe patted her hand where it rested at his elbow.
