Page 31 of Romancing Daphne

“I believe she needs sleep more than anything else.”

They had very nearly reached the drawing room.

“I know of several tisanes she might take. I will write a few of them down so your cook can choose the one she has the ingredients for.”

“You know several by memory? A lady of hidden talents.” His lightened tone did her heart good. Perhaps she had eased some of his worry.

“If she is still unwell tomorrow or is bothered by new symptoms, I hope you will send word to Falstone House. I likely know of something that can help.”

Then James Tilburn smiled at her, the very same smile he’d offered to a twelve-year-old girl hiding in the shadows of a balcony. It was soft and caring and infinitely charming.“That is very good of you,” he said. “Thank you.”

Her heart fairly sang at the realization that he hadn’t brushed aside her offer. As a girl, her attempts to help the family had been met with insistence that she was too young or too incapable of making a difference. Even after she’d proven herself more than adept at tisanes and herbal remedies, the family had been hesitant to come to her when ill. And now, though she was quite grown up, they still tended to dismiss her suggestions or tell her not to trouble herself. James had done neither.

They stepped inside the drawing room. Daphne vaguely noted the other occupants. James’s company was too distracting.

“Allow me to introduce you to my father and brother.” James stepped with her in the direction of their gathered family members.

Daphne felt a moment’s concern—introductions always made her uncomfortable. But James was with her. She trusted him.

Chapter Twelve

When James had first calledat Falstone House, he’d expected Daphne Lancaster to be grasping and pampered, a young lady who could have anygentleman for the taking at a mere snap of her guardian’s fingers. He’dquickly discovered otherwise. She was quiet and vulnerable and fragile. She was also, he had realized during their short walk to the drawing room, good-hearted.

She had offered, without hesitation or any degree of pretense, to helphis mother. She had listened to his confessions about being the pastekeeping his family together—a confession he’d not intended to make—with sincere concern and interest.

She’d proven entirely unspoiled and inherently likable. That made the ruse he was enacting all the more despicable.

He led Miss Lancaster across the drawing room. The Duchess of Kielderappeared to be listening to whatever Father had chosen to expostulate on,though James could not guarantee the accuracy of that evaluation. Theduchess’s social mask was far more polished than Miss Artemis’s, who lookedunmistakably bored and inattentive at her sister’s side.

The duke never had bothered to hide his annoyance with people. He didn’t do so in that moment either.

Does Father have any idea how little His Grace cares for his company?

James guided Miss Lancaster to where Ben stood a little apart from the rest of the group.“Miss Lancaster, may I present my brother, Mr. Bennett Tilburn.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Tilburn.”

“Miss Lancaster.” Ben dipped his head but only the smallest bit.“Welcome.”

His distinct lack of enthusiasm could not have been more apparent.The show of incivility was uncalled for.Miss Lancasterlooked a touchconfused, and though the high color in her cheeks remained, the rest of her countenance turned a bit pale.

James skewered his brother with a look of warning. No matter the injustice of the situation, mistreating Miss Lancaster would help nothing.

“Please forgive my brother’s lack of manners, Miss Lancaster. Our riding master regularly tossed him from his pony during childhood, and I’m afraid the experience had a profound impact on his mental capacity.”

“How tragic.” Miss Lancaster managed a tone of near sincerity with just the right amount of irony. She had grasped James’s intent quickly.“Reliable help has always been difficult to come by.”

James nodded gravely.

“Are you still afraid of ponies?” she asked Ben.

The slightest twitch tugged at his brother’s lips.

“Sweets generally stave off any truly juvenile behavior, Miss Lancaster,” James said, enjoying watching the obvious struggle required for Ben to not be entertained by their humor.“I have also found naps are very efficacious.”

“That works with my four-year-old nephew as well.”

A smile finally broke across Ben’s face.“Enough, you two. You win.” Ben executed a very respectful and proper bow, then spoke to Miss Lancaster.“I apologize for the incivility of my initial response to our introduction. I can offer no excuse beyond my own weariness. Life has been tumultuous here as we have prepared for this dinner party a scant three days after arriving in Town.”

---