“What?” Daphne asked.
“This book.” Mama slid a volume from the top of the desk.
“Oh, that.” Daphne nearly sighed in relief. “It’s just my copy ofThe Adventures of Miss Calliope Cauldwell. I found it in the back of my desk drawer earlier while I was looking for the fichu.”
“I remember it now. This used to be your favorite book, dear,” her mother murmured.
Daphne made her way over to stand next to her mother and stared down at the old, worn cover. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Mama was right. It had been her favorite book. Back when she dreamed of things like adventures and spying and—
Fiddle. None of that mattered now. She’d been on an adventure—thank you very much—and it had been positively dreadful. She opened her desk drawer and slid the book inside. Then she shook her head. “I know it’s been exceedingly busy downstairs today, what with preparing for the party,” Daphne said. “Why, I must have heard the knocker at least a half-dozen times. I promise to come down right away to assist you.”
“That’s not necessary, dear. Pengree and I have been seeing to all the callers, except—”
“I know, Mama, but I insist upon helping.”
Her mother’s smile was cheerful. “Nothing to worry about, my dear. I’m in my element. Notes are coming from all corners of London and the countryside. The party tomorrow night is sure to be a smashing success. All of our relatives, friends, and acquaintances are eager to wish you well on your potential engagement to Lord Fitzwell.”
Daphne swallowed. Why did it still sound so foreign to her ears?Engagement to Lord Fitzwell.This is what she’d been planning for weeks. She’d been spending time with Lord Fitzwell, allowing him to escort her to events about town, riding with him in the park. It was time. It was past time. She was soon to begin her third Season out. But now, now that it was finally about to happen, the knots in her belly were forming an army. “The engagement has not been announced formally, Mama.”
“Of course not, dear. Not yet, but everyone knows that the ball may very well turn into your engagement ball.”
Daphne put the back of her hand to her forehead. “Is it hot in here?”
“Oh, dear. I do hope you’re not coming down with something.”
Daphne shook her head. “Oh, no, no, no. I’ll be fine. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve taken to bed ill. Besides, I have a myriad of duties I should be attending to, like helping you with the party preparations, Mama.” Daphne bit her lip. The lovely, thoughtful, expensive party that would no doubt be difficult to call off.Notthat she wanted to call it off. No, she did not. She was going to have this party and accept Lord Fitzwell’s suit, if he proposed, of course, and nothing was going to stop it. Nothing save— There went the dread rising in her throat again. She gulped.
“The reason I came up is because you have a visitor, dear,” Mama said quietly.
“Mama, you needn’t have troubled yourself. You should have sent Pengree or one of the footmen.”
Her mother pressed her lips together. “I wasn’t certain you’d want to see this particular visitor.”
Daphne whipped her head around, her brow wrinkled. “Who?”
“Who?” Delilah echoed.
Mama’s kind eyes searched Daphne’s face. “It’s Captain Cavendish, dear.”
Delilah’s eyes rounded and her mouth formed a wide O. Daphne sucked in her breath but quickly shook her head and concentrated on keeping her face still. She mustn’t allow her mother to see how greatly the name affected her. But she’d just named the one person who stood to ruin the entire party, indeed, the entire engagement. And her mother didn’t even know why.
Captain Rafferty Cavendish.
Daphne’s husband.
CHAPTER TWO
Daphne turned to Delilah who still sat on the bed, now with a catlike smile pinned to her gamine little face. “Why didn’t you tell your mother that Captain Cavendish sent you that gift?” Delilah asked as soon as Mama had left the room. “Why did you hide it?”
“It’s quite a long story and one I don’t have time to explain, now—”
“Oh, pleeease tell me, Cousin Daphne. I do soj’adorea good mystery.”
“If you enjoy a mystery, then my telling you will rob you of the pleasure of solving it. And I hate to mention it, but I don’t think you’re usingj’adorecorrectly in all instances.”
Delilah tapped her cheek. “I am still learning French, cousin. And you are right about the mystery. Very well. I shall settle for a hint. A good one, if you please.”
Daphne couldn’t help but shake her head and smile. “No, Delilah, not now. It’s something complicated that only adults should discuss.”
