“I’m not coming.”
The words came out of Edith’s mouth before she could think. But she didn’t regret them. The affair with the painting had been a lesson she wouldn’t forget.
“Neville will be there, too.”
Edith folded her arms across her chest. “One more reason for me not to come.”
Daphne scrunched up her face. “You lost a bet. I think you should give him what he wants.”
“And I think you should leave.”
Daphne burst out laughing. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not.” She held the door open. “I have no intention of going anywhere or being anywhere near Neville.”
Daphne pushed herself from the wall and walked to the door with measured steps while keeping her sharp stare on Edith. “Is it because of Perry?”
“Please, Daphne, leave.”
Her eyebrows spiked. “I would give Neville what he wants if I were you. He can be quite frightening when provoked. Not to mention that he’s going to be the next Earl of Ravenscroft soon.”
“No, Perry isn’t going to pass his title to Neville.”
“He will, and Neville will get everything. Ask yourself if you want to remain on the side of the loser or be with the winner.” She patted Edith’s cheek before heading for the entry hall.
Edith closed the door and leant against it. Despite the bravado she’d shown when she’d been with Perry, she was worried; she couldn’t deny it. And what was all that talking about Perry being the loser? As if it mattered. She would always remain by his side.
