“But it is hard nonetheless. I understand.” Phoebe reached for Daphne’s hand and gave a squeeze. “Do you have someone in mind?”
Daphne shook her head. "I have been thinking about remarrying for quite some time, but only just made up my mind."
Phoebe's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as her grin widened. "We will help each other find the perfect spouses. It will be great fun.”
Daphne gripped the warm teacup tighter, and forced a weak smile as Phoebe prattled on about what fun they would have. She felt her throat constrict with emotion, but she kept her gaze fixed on the half-empty teacup and refused to allow herself to think about Alex and the ache in her chest that seemed to grow more intense by the minute.
Twelve
Alex read Daphne’s letter again, not quite believing the words scrolled across the page. His jaw clenched as he crumpled the parchment into a tight ball and threw it into the roaring fire. "Devil take her," Alex stormed across the great hall, his fists curled so tightly that his knuckles were bone-white.
If nothing else, the dratted woman should be concerned for Henry. He would not allow her to put the boy's future in peril. Not when he had gone out of his way to secure it.
Alex hastily donned his coat before marching outside. He stormed across the bailey and through the castle gate toward Chesterfield house in a fast determined gate.
He would see to Henry. And Daphne, as well. It mattered not whether she wished for his aid. She had no other choice beyond appealing to Lord and Lady Chesterfield, which she had made perfectly clear was not an option she was willing to take.
And what of his feelings? Did they hold no sway with her? He cared for her and Henry as much as a man without a heart could. He certainly did not want to see them struggle. More than that, he wanted - no, needed more time with Daphne.
She could not push him away. Could not cancel their wager at will. He would not allow her to.
With his heart pounding and blood hot, Alex reached Lord and Lady Chesterfields’ front door. The exertion of his walk had done nothing to cool his emotions. He knocked at the door, doing his best to appear relaxed as the butler swung it open.
“Lady Gilford, if you please.”
The butler bowed. “This way, my lord.” he showed Alex to a parlor then offered him refreshment, which Alex refused, before going to see if Daphne was in.
Alex glared out the window, his tapping fingers conveying his impatience. He checked his pocket watch for the third time in as many minutes. Where was she? He had been standing here waiting for close to an hour now, and with each passing minute his anger swelled deeper.
He had half a mind to wring Daphne’s neck, though he knew he would never actually hurt her. But if she failed to show herself in the next few minutes, he may well seek her out and let his anger be known.
At last, Daphne appeared in the doorway, a scowl marring her features. "I had hoped you would honor my wishes," She said, her tone tart. "I thought I was quite clear in my wish to end whatever arrangement we had."
“And what of my wishes?” Alex peered at her, his chest tight as waves of anger and hurt crashed through him. “What of honoring our wager?”
Her countenance did not alter as she came deeper into the room. Her eyes remained firm, her shoulders squared. “Do not speak to me of honor. You got what you wanted from our wager. Let that be enough.”
Alex's anger simmered as he approached her. She stood tall, her head high and a scowl on her face. But as he got closer, he noticed the slight tremble in her hands, balled into tight fists at her sides. He could tell she was trying to put up a strong front, but he saw through it. "I want more," he said firmly, his voice laced with frustration and yearning.
She drew in a breath as she peered at him. “I haven’t any more to give.”
Her voice broke mid-sentence sending a sharp spear through his heart. He could no longer refrain from coming closer. Alex drew nearer, his gaze searching hers. "I care deeply for you and Henry. I have no wish to see our time together end so soon, and every desire to secure your futures."
“We are not your responsibility.” Her voice cracked and she averted her gaze, though her spine remained stiff.
“What if I want you to be?” Alex stroked the back of one finger across her smooth cheek.
“Are you proposing marriage?” She glanced back up at him, steel in her blue eyes.
“No.” He exhaled, shaking his head. “I would only bring you misery if I did.”
"Then it is as I thought, and we have nothing left to discuss." She took a step back, putting distance between them. "I do hope you find happiness." She stepped around him and strode toward the door.
“Daphne, wait.”
She pivoted and met his gaze, a sheen of unshed tears clouding her eyes. "I cannot."
In three long strides, he positioned himself between her and the door. “At least allow me to fund Henry’s education.”
