“Very well, indeed,” Camden said, then nodded at his cousin. “Alex has been a great help. In fact, he was late arriving because he stayed behind to supervise the builders.”
Phoebe twirled one of her curls around her finger. “It is wonderful of you to help, and most unusual considering your station. I cannot imagine that you are accustomed to working with your hands.”
“On the contrary.” Alex took a sip from his glass. “I do not care for idleness.”
"How refreshing." She smiled at him. "Though I imagine you take a lot of chiding from your peers."
Camden poked a teasing elbow into Alex’s side. “My cousin has never much cared for what society dictates.”
Daphne could not stop herself from studying Alex during the exchange. Surely, there must be some good in a man who was willing to get his hands dirty for those he loves. After all, Phoebe was correct. It was most unusual for a lord to do physical labor and very much frowned upon in their circle.
She studied him from the corners of her eyes. Somehow, it did not surprise her that Alex did as he pleased in all aspects of his life. A part of her envied him for his devil may care behavior.
She nibbled on a finger sandwich as they continued to chat. Her gaze wandered across the lawn to where a group had collected for a game of lawn bowls. As she watched them play, she relaxed, allowing herself to enjoy the picnic.
Rebecca stood, pulling Daphne’s attention away from the game. She glanced from Phoebe to some point near the house. “Come along, Sister. I have spotted someone we simply must greet.”
Phoebe followed her direction, her cheeks turning pink once more. Then she stood and the pair of them sauntered off.
Camden smoothed his cravat. “If you will excuse me, I would like to speak with Lord Chesterfield.”
“Of course,” Alex said.
And in a heartbeat, Daphne found herself alone with the rogue. Her mind raced as she searched for a reason to excuse herself. She averted her gaze back to the group playing lawn bowls. "I think I should like to join a game."
“What a fine idea. Tell me which game interests you and I shall play, too.” Alex’s smooth baritone washed through her.
Daphne sighed. “I was thinking lawn bowls but it looks as though the game is full. Perhaps, I should join Lady Chesterfield and see if she requires any assistance.”
Alex leaned closer, sending her belly into a fresh round of flutters. “Or you could honor the bargain we made and allow me some time in your company. I hear the gardens are rather impressive.”
Daphne flushed, her neck and face growing warm. She should have suspected he would see through her thinly-veiled excuses. Begrudgingly, she turned to him. “If that is your wish, I would be happy to accompany you.”
Alex stood then reached a hand out to assist her. “Come along. I promise not to debauch you.”
“What a ghastly thing to say.” Daphne shook her head but placed her hand in his all the same. He merely chuckled at her reproach as he led her toward the garden path, her hand looped around his elbow.
She slanted a glance toward him. He strolled with a relaxed confidence she only wished she felt. But how could she relax knowing he would soon expect to collect a kiss?
More importantly, why was she fretting so much? It was not as if she had never kissed a man before. She had been married for Heaven's sake. A few kisses would not scandalize her.
She swallowed past the dryness in her throat, then said, “Did you mean what you said before about being idle?”
He looked over at her as he turned them down a path lined with flowering bushes, "Indeed, I did. I cannot tolerate sitting around doing nothing."
She was not surprised by his answer, though her curiosity grew by leaps and bounds. “How did you learn the necessary skills for building?”
Alex drew her to a stop near a hedgerow and turned to face her. "As a boy, I spent most of my time outside. I had a curious nature and often followed the servants around as well as tradesmen on my father's estates. By the time I completed school, I was well adept at both managing and caring for estates."
“And your parents allowed this?”
“They did not know. Neither of them was overly concerned with my pursuits.” He shrugged.
Daphne gave a nod. His words explained far more than he'd likely intended. Perhaps his parents’ lack of concern led him to become the rakehell he was. She touched her hand to his shoulder. "I am sorry."
“There is no reason for sympathy. I had the freedom to do as I pleased outside of the house. All children should be able to follow their passions. It was not as though I lacked for affection. Mother doted on me and father thought of me as his prodigy.”
“Oh.” All at once, Daphne felt foolish for her assumptions. She dropped her hand from his shoulder and nodded down a path. “The fountain is straight ahead. Let us continue. While we walk, you can tell me how you keep busy when you are in London or at your estates, for I must admit I find your desire to work fascinating.”
