Page 37 of Romancing Daphne

“I had been told this evening’s gathering was meant to welcome your brother home,” he said. “I have not yet spied anyone in a navy uniform. Is he in civilian dress this evening?”

“Linus’s ship has not yet made port. It seems they hit a patch of bad weather and are behind schedule.”

“I am sorry to hear that.” They continued their slow circuit of the room. “I know you were looking forward to seeing him again.”

“Adam has promised Persephone that he will commandeer a shiphimself and go fetch Linus from the middle of the ocean if need be.” The smallest hint of a smile returned to Miss Lancaster’s expression. “She has always been like a mother to all of us. She worries terribly when any of us are away.”

“Your description casts me in the role of mother to my family,” he said. “Iworry aboutthemwhen I am away.”

Miss Lancaster turned her attention to the small reticule hanging from her wrist. She pulled a slip of paper out.“I’ve written down recipes for three different tisanes that are very soothing on a sore throat.” She held the paper out to him.“If Lady Techney is still feeling a little unwell, she might find any one of these helpful.”

James took the paper, grateful for her thoughtfulness. “The tonic you provided to Cook the night of the dinner has proven exceptionally helpful. I do not believe Mother has slept so well in years.”

Out of the corner of his eye, James saw the duchess watching them with concerned curiosity. From the other side of the room, Ben and Mother did the same. Father stood beneath the tall windows looking utterly pleased withhimself. James didn’t dare search out the duke’s expression.

“I realize my brother-in-law is very demanding,” Miss Lancaster said after the silence between them had stretched out. “You needn’t continue walking about with me if you would rather not.”

The cowardly part of him was tempted to accept her offered escape. But Mr. Finley’s unkindness sat too fresh in his mind. He would not treat her ill as well. “I have had the misfortune of knowing Mr. Finley for several years.”

“Have you?” she asked quietly.

“He has always been something of a lackwit.”

That brought a touch of a smile back to her pale face. “I know I shouldn’t allow his comments to wound me, but there is something so belittling about knowing people talk about me that way, as though I were so burdensome and worthless that Adam had to raise extra funds just to rid himself of me.”

He set his hand atop hers, where it rested on his arm. “No one cares to be treated like a commodity, worthless or otherwise.”

“Does your family treat you that way?” she asked.

“My father certainly does.” He was making confessions to Miss Lancaster he hadn’t to anyone else. Even with her reticence and his discomfort over their situation, he found her an easy person to talk with. “I am the heir, you must understand. He feels the future of our entire family depends on me toeing the line and doing as he commands.”

“That belief is not an uncommon one,” she said. “It has been instilled in the aristocracy for generations. My grandfather was a baron who was raised by a baron who was raised by a baron.” She moved her hand in circles, indicating the pattern continued on beyond even those generations. “Persephone heard Grandfather’s lecture on the topic of family name and pride anytime she suggested she should find employment to support our family.”

Father would have apoplexy if James ever hinted at taking a position for pay. “My grandfather was the first Earl of Techney. My relations neededonly one generation to become insufferably obsessed with family pride.”

Far from being shocked or dismissive, Miss Lancaster simply nodded her understanding. “Perhaps your grandfather feared being rejected as an upstart, so he clung ever more fiercely to those dictates.”

James hadn’t ever thought of it in those terms. Perhaps Father’s father had been just as persistent and unfeeling on these matters as Father was. He could almost feel sorry for the young man Father had once been.

“Are you suggesting I ought to be patient with my father?” He madecertain his tone held no censure, as he meant the comment as a self-recrimination and not a scold.

“I suppose I am simply accustomed to looking for reasons why people do the things they do. It helps me think better of them.”

“Are you this forbearing with your brother-in-law?” He was likely a difficult person to think the best of.

“Adam is not a bad person. He is simply very accustomed to being obeyed.” She spoke of the fearsome duke with a very real fondness in her voice and a smile in her eyes.

What kind of a young lady must she be to see good even in a man whose well-earned reputation set the entire kingdom to trembling?

“Your mother appears ill at ease,” she said.

“She grows anxious over social gatherings,” he explained. “I suppose she has been away from Society too long.” While the explanation was not a full one, it was honest as far as it went. Telling her all of his mother’s insecurities felt too much like a betrayal. The duchess had just taken a seat besideMother. “Your sister is kind to sit by her, even if only for a moment.”

“She need not fear ill-treatment whilst she is a guest of the Duchess of Kielder.”

James watched from a distance as the two ladies interacted. Her Grace said something. Mother nodded. Another comment from the duchess brought a look of palpable relief to Mother’s face. A moment later, Mother was the one speaking. She still appeared uncomfortable, but the borderline panic that had been there upon their arrival at Falstone House had eased.

“Would your mother be overset if we paused a moment to speak withher?” Miss Lancaster, though timid herself, intended to help alleviate hismother’s worries.

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