Page 36 of Romancing Daphne

“How are you at fisticuffs?” the duke asked.

After a momentary sputter, James managed a reply. “I’ve never bested Gentleman Jackson. I have never come close, truth be told, though he says I’ve improved a great deal over the past few years.”

“An honest answer. How refreshing.”

It was perhaps the most honest thing he’d said to any member of the duke’s family over the past fortnight. “Are my abysmal skills in that arena about to be called upon?”

“Most gentlemen would have posed that question in terrified tones rather than merely curious ones,” the duke said.

“I am acting under the assumption that if you intended to beat me to a mangled pulp,” James said, “you would simply do so without taking the time to warn me first.” That seemed more the duke’s style.

His Grace made a brief sound of pondering. “That is a far more intelligent observation than most gentlemen ever manage. I find, despite all of my expectations to the contrary, you are not entirely unbearable.” They had reached the far side of the drawing room. The duke motioned ahead of them. “Mr. Finley has been monopolizing my sister-in-law’s attention for a full five minutes, something she doesn’t appear to appreciate. I suggest we dispatch him with all due haste.”

“And you wish me to employ my pathetic boxing skills?”

“Would you if I asked?”

Knowing the duke preferred an honest answer, James gave him one. “I cannot like the thought of anyone being permitted to disconcert Miss Lancaster. What I know of her tells me she is worthy of far better treatment. Though I am not in a position to take up her cause, I will certainly aid you in doing so, though a bout with my fists is more likely to break my nose than save the day.”

The duke nodded in what might have been hesitant approval. “Then, Tilburn, let me show you how it is done.”

He approached Mr. Finley from behind, slowly, silently.

“My cronies and I have heard sums exceeding £35,000,” Mr. Finley was saying to Miss Lancaster. “Your brother-in-law has all of London terrified to so much as speak to you and yet, if rumor is to be believed, wishes to have you married off by Season’s end, necessitating an increase in your dowry. If such is true, I should very much like to know. Any number of us would make a go of it for that amount of money.”

What a pompous, insufferable jackanapes.To say such a thingtoa young lady was absolutely unforgivable.

“If another rumor is to be believed,” His Grace spoke to Mr. Finley with a chilling degree of calm, “I am capable of killing you in six different ways from my current position.”

Mr. Finley turned around slowly, his eyes wide with terror.

“Would you care to test the veracity of that bit of gossip?” the duke asked.

Mr. Finley shook his head vehemently.

“Then know this: should you ever speak to Miss Lancaster again, I will see to it you are very personally acquainted with the reasons why all of London is afraid to address her without my express approval.”

Though the threats were not leveled at him, James acutely felt theirferocity. Looking around at the pale faces in the crowd, he knew he was not the only one. Mr. Finley literally ran from the room, something James didn’t think he’d ever seen happen at a soiree. The rest of the gathering gave the duke, James, and Miss Lancaster a very wide berth.

“Daphne.” The duke motioned her to his side.

James did not at all like the redness that had crept in about her eyes. The poor lady looked on the verge of tears.

“You know the rules,” His Grace said.

She nodded. “No crying,” she whispered.

James was worried anew for her. Mr. Finley had treated her quite poorly.If she felt the need to cry, she ought to be permitted that release.

“Now, Tilburn, here is where you come in.” His Grace never spoke with anything less than absolute confidence. “Take Daphne for a turn about theroom, several if necessary. And do not under any circumstances allow herto be annoyed by any of the guests until she has recovered sufficiently to beequal to enduring them.”

“It would be my pleasure, Your Grace.” James would even shield her from the duke himself if need be. “Shall we, Miss Lancaster?” He held his arm out to her. She accepted it without so much as glancing up at him and allowed herself to be led away.

“I see your mother is well enough to join us this afternoon, Lord Tilburn,” she said after they had wandered a bit.“I hope she is recovered from her illness of a few evenings ago.”

“She is much improved, thank you,” James answered.

“That must be relieving.”Miss Lancaster’s blush heightened as she spoke. Her witty conversation of two evenings before seemed to have deserted her, owing, no doubt, to the added company of a great many people. He needed to remember she was timid and would likely benefit from quieterattentions and conversation.

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