“Shall we all go in?” the duke asked.
“I’ll excuse myself,” Daffin said. “I plan to eat with the servants today.”
“Nonsense.” The duke slapped his hand against the arm of his wheeled chair. “You’ll eat with us as an honored guest.”
“As you wish, your grace.” It would be rude of Daffin to turn down the offer. Regina couldn’t be more pleased. It didn’t rid them of the Earl of Dryden, but at least Daffin would be with her.
The earl stuck his nose in the air. “I thoughtIwas the honored guest today, your grace.”
“Of course,” Uncle Edward began, looking flustered.
“No matter.” Lord Dryden waved his hand dismissively. “I’m certain there is room fortwohonored guests at your table, your grace.”
“Itisa terribly long table,” Regina interjected.
Nicole snorted.
“Shall we?” Grandmama said before Dryden could add anything else.
As the party made their way from the salon to the dining room, Mark made a show of occupying the earl. He pointed out to him some of the portraits along the walls, and theyspoke while they walked. Nicole rushed forward and grasped Regina’s arm. “Oh, dear, he does seem arrogant.”
Regina nodded. “I know.”
“And he’s already mentioned the land,” Nicole replied.
“Of course,” Regina answered miserably. “I cannot go riding with him. He’s certain to propose.” She watched Daffin’s back. He was several paces ahead, slowly walking next to the duke with Grandmama on his other side.
A splendid Christmas feast filled the large table in the duke’s grand dining hall. Roast duck, suckling pig, goose, watercress soup, mince pie, gingerbread, and all sorts of spiced puddings filled the air with warm, delectable fragrance. Timothy and Matthew, the footmen, pushed the duke’s chair to the head of the table and everyone took their seats. Regina, sitting across from Daffin, glanced up at him as another footman placed her napkin on her lap. The hint of a smile still played around his lips, and his brows shot up as he glanced pointedly between her and Dryden, who sat beside her.
“This is a lovely feast,” Lord Dryden began. “Nearly as lovely as the dinners at Dryden Hall. I daresay once I have a proper countess, the dinners shall be even more resplendent.”
“Oh, are you looking for a countess?” Daffin asked, blinking innocently and raising the wineglass to his lips.
Regina tried to kick him under the table, but the expanse was far too wide. Blasted huge fancy table. Instead, she settled for glaring at him over the rim of her own wineglass. Today’s dinner certainly called for more wine.
“Yes, indeed,” the earl thundered. Regina winced. She had also forgotten how veryloudthe man could be. “I’m looking for the perfect countess and I think I may have found her.”He turned to Regina and forced another smile. He looked positively pained.
Regina looked away and downed more wine. She couldn’t help but smile when she considered how quickly the earl would probably grab his hat and coat and head home if he knew what she and Daffin had done last night.
“I know some lovely ladies in London,” Nicole offered quickly from her seat beside Daffin.
The duke frowned at Nicole while Lady Harriet fanned herself rapidly with her handkerchief and held her wineglass aloft to be filled again.
As the dishes were passed around, Regina concentrated on keeping her head down. The less she said to the earl, the better.
After everyone’s plate was filled, Nicole turned to Daffin. “Earlier we were talking about things we find unpleasant. For example, I know a girl who laughs like a donkey. Can’t bear to listen to it.”
Grandmama gave Nicole a look indicating she believed she’d lost her mind.
“What do you find particularly unacceptable, Daffin?” Nicole added, ignoring Lady Harriet’s pointed stare.
Daffin arched a brow. “I’ve always found men who are violent to women and children unacceptable.”
“Egad!” Lord Dryden exclaimed. “I thought we were discussing frivolous things like donkey laughs and puppies.”
“Puppies? Who doesn’t like puppies?” Daffin frowned.
“Lord Dryden said he doesn’t care for dogs,” Regina interjected. “I, however, adore them.”
