Three
Daphne relaxed a fraction as Miss Nevelton disappeared through the great hall's arched doorway. It had been an exceedingly long afternoon. She had done her best to focus her attention on the interviews but, much to her dismay, her mind kept roaming back to Lord Brunsford. Even now, thoughts of the rogue were swimming in her head, causing her blood to warm and irritation to peak in equal measures. She sighed and tipped her head back, closing her eyes for a moment.
Rebecca shifted in her chair, her skirt rustling with the movement. “I believe that was our last interview. Now we need only decide which of the candidates to hire,” she said.
“They all seem qualified, but Mr. Harvel stood out. I think he would make a wonderful butler.” Phoebe moved to the tea tray where she began to pour them each a cup.
As Daphne watched Phoebe add a lump of sugar then a splash of milk, she could not help but wonder how Lord Brunsford took his tea. Probably with whiskey, she mused, a grin tilting her lips.
“Daphne, do you agree?” Rebecca asked, cutting into her thoughts.
Drat! She’d been woolgathering again and hadn’t the slightest idea what Rebecca was referring to. Daphne smoothed her skirt, reluctant to admit she hadn’t been paying attention.
Phoebe approached and handed her a teacup. “Of course you do, right?”
Daphne released a pent-up breath. "I must confess that I was not paying attention."
“You have been distracted ever since you arrived this morning. What has you so addlebrained?” Rebecca took a sip from her teacup while she watched Daphne through curious eyes.
Phoebe tilted her head a fraction. "I noticed it as well, but you are wrong. She's been woolgathering ever since you arrived at Almerry." She turned equally curious eyes on Daphne. "Do tell us what's going on."
“Oh, very well.” Daphne slumped back on the sofa, defeated. She should have known the pair of them would notice something off and press her about it. After all, they were her sisters, even if only by marriage. Still, she found it hard to put her distraction into words.
“I know what has her distracted.” Phoebe leaned forwarder gaze meeting Daphne's. “It’s Alex, is it not?”
Embarrassment warmed Daphne’s cheeks. Rather than confess, she turned her frustration on Rebecca. “Why did you warn him away from Phoebe but not pay me the same kindness?”
Rebecca's forehead creased, her eyes turning uncertain. “Whatever do you mean? Phoebe is a debutante and far too young for him. I did not want him to charm her into false hopes.”
“But you have no concerns that he might do that very thing to me?” Daphne asked, her voice heavy with accusation.
"Of course not." Rebecca waved a dismissive hand, the corners of her lips tilting up. “You are far wiser and have experience dealing with men.”
“Indeed, enough to know that I want nothing to do with a bothersome ruination-seeking rake.” Daphne replied firmly, chin raised in defiance.
"Not even an extraordinarily handsome one?" Phoebe arched one chestnut brow, her hazel eyes twinkling.
“Most certainly not,” Daphne said. Hoping to end the ridiculous conversation, she lifted her teacup for a sip.
“Well, I believe he would make a wonderful husband,” Rebecca said. "For the right lady."
Daphne choked, nearly spit her tea across the great hall. “You cannot be serious.”
“Oh, but I am.” Rebecca slid closer. “He’s wealthy and titled. Not to mention handsome. He’s not given to excessive drink nor does he gamble overmuch.”
“You forgot to mention that he is completely lacking of morals,” Daphne said. "A self-proclaimed scoundrel. What did Phoebe call him? A connoisseur of women?"
Rebecca shook her head, blond curls bouncing with the movement. “That is not true. Well, not all of it. You should see the way Alex is with his family. He’s generous beyond belief and very protective of them. There is nothing he would not do for the people he loves.”
Daphne set her teacup down. "Be that as it may, he is a rogue. Not the marrying type."
“She has a point. He does call himself the connoisseur of women.” Phoebe grinned. "And you yourself said he was not given to marriage, Rebecca. You said it was the reason you and Camden warned him to stay away from me."
Rebecca waved a dismissive hand. “Many a rogue has changed his ways after marriage. I wholeheartedly believe Alex will as well.”
Phoebe’s gaze softened and she released a wistful sigh. “I have heard they make the best husbands.”
Daphne huffed. “Utter nonsense, I am sure. If any woman ever brings Lord Brunsford to heel, she’ll come to regret it when he strays from the marriage bed. A man like that is incapable of fidelity.”
