Page 64 of Romancing Daphne

James’s eyes focused off in the distance. “I fear it may soon be ruined anyway.” A look of amused resignation crossed his face.

Daphne followed his gaze. Scamp darted about the gathered picnickers, most likely in search of a morsel or two. Several maids attempted to shoo him away from the table of food whilst guests did their best to avoid a confrontation with the enthusiastic mongrel.

“Perhaps I should rescue them,” James said.

“Or rescuehim—poor Scamp is outnumbered, after all.”

“‘Poor Scamp,’ is it? I see he has managed to secure your sympathies.” James’s gaze shifted in the direction of his mother.“I do need to rein him in before he upsets too many people.” By which he, of course, meant his mother.

He let out a whistle, then looked a bit chagrined as he apologized for not having warned Daphne and her sister. A moment later, Scamp trotted up next to his master looking as innocent as a lamb. James scratched him behind his ears, earning a very thorough licking of his hand.

“I can see who is in charge in this relationship,” Daphne said.

“The mongrel is,” James acknowledged.“I don’t suppose the Falstone wolf pack has His Grace wrapped around their fingers, or paws, as it were.”

“Hardly.” Daphne stroked the soft fur on Scamp’s back.“The wolves are afraid of Adam just like everyone else.”

Scamp spun about, applying himself to offering Daphne the same affection he’d just bestowed upon his master. When she too scratched behind hisears, the pup leapt enthusiastically onto her lap.

James attempted to scoop up the puppy, but it scrambled from his grasp and went directly back to Daphne.“This scoundrel has absolutely no manners,” he said.

Daphne allowed Scamp to set to work once more licking her hand from every imaginable angle.“But he likes me.”

James smiled at her.“That is decidedly a point in his favor.”

“Are you certain that doesn’t make him dim-witted as well as badly behaved?”

“Not dim-witted at all.”

He kissed her fingers—those on the hand not being accosted by Scamp—just as he had the day before. Perhaps someday that token of affection might give way to an actual kiss. Daphne had often dreamed of kissingJames Tilburn. More frequently of late, in fact.

Scamp apparently found the loss of their mutual attention insupportable. He dashed off, weaving in and around clumps of people, yelping and jumping and generally causing increasing levels of chaos.

James sighed ruefully.“I’d best go gather him up.”

“I think your guests would appreciate that.”

He rose, assuring Daphne he would return shortly, and hurried off after his misbehaving pet.

“Yes,” Persephone said into the silence he left behind.“I believe Adamwould entirely approve of your Lord Tilburn.”

“MyLord Tilburn,” she repeated quietly, watching as James tried to catch up with his recalcitrant puppy.“He is wonderful.”

“So I have noticed.” An amused laugh touched Persephone’s voice.“And he seems to think highly of you as well.”

“Do you think he might love me?” Daphne asked, hoping Persephone would give the same answer she had given herself.

“I believe he is beginning to.”

“So do I,” Daphne whispered, her heart flipping over at the thought.

“I am so very happy for you, Daphne. I truly am.”

Scamp returned in the next moment, sans James. Daphne scanned the gathered guests but did not spot him. Was he still trying to find the little mongrel? Several minutes passed without a sign of him.

“Shall I track down your master?” She rubbed the puppy’s head. James would no doubt appreciate knowing his search for Scamp had been rendered futile. She rose, Scamp following on her heels as she walked amongst the guests. James was not among them.

Scamp abandoned her a moment later, running headlong into a cluster of trees not too far distant.

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