Page 9 of Romancing Daphne

“It is a miracle any gentlemen are ever seen socially,” he answered.

Persephone smiled.“Indeed.”

Daphne sat miserably mute in her chair. James Tilburn had come to call only to find an echoing cavern of a drawing room. He must think her the most pathetic of figures. Though Adam had denied as much, she fully suspected he had in some way forced the visit.

Persephone kept their visitor engaged in conversation. Every possible comment that came to mind, Daphne quickly dismissed as inane or unforgivably doltish. The few times she thought of a remark that might have reflected well on her, she spent too long convincing herself to speak and the opportunity passed.

The allotted time for visiting came to an end without her speaking more than a half dozen times, few of those remarks constituting more than a word or two. James Tilburn rose, making the expected farewells.

Daphne’s heart sank to the very soles of her feet. Her one opportunity to make the acquaintance of a gentleman she had admired so long from afar and she’d made a mull of it, just as she likely would her entire debut. Why could she not have been blessed with even an ounce of her sisters’ social graces?

She curtseyed in response to James Tilburn’s bow.“Thank you for calling on us, Lord Tilburn.” Another phrase she’d memorized before embarking on her come-out. Greetings and farewells occurred so frequently thatthey needed to come from a place of habit rather than thought.

He replied with“A pleasure,” a phrase so common Daphne suspected he too spoke from memory.

She looked over at Adam as James Tilburn made his way to the drawing room door. She was sinking in her own misery. How was it she managed to fail at every single social encounter? Adam gave her his“screw your courage to the sticking place” look.

At the door, James Tilburn turned back. He looked from Adam toPersephone.“I will confess I am not at all certain who is the proper one to ask, but I wondered if I might be permitted to take Miss Lancaster for a drive tomorrow in the park.”

All the blood seemed to drain from her face before rushing back with force. Her heart pounded so hard in her ears she could hardly make out Persephone’s response. Permission was granted and a time arranged.

“Until tomorrow, then, Miss Lancaster.” James Tilburn bowed at the door.

Daphne had never before been invited to take a drive and, not havingever expected to receive such an invitation, hadn’t a ready response. Shemuttered something even she didn’t understand and managed a creditable curtsy.

A moment or two passed in silence. Likely Adam and Persephone were as shocked as she was. The couple stepped from the room, walking arm in arm. Persephone gave her a broad and happy smile. Adam simply nodded,looking both surprised and intrigued.

Chapter Four

James arrived at the Dukeof Kielder’s residence for the second time in as many days. His horses whinnied in irritation from the street behind him. He completely empathized. An afternoon drive with a complete stranger was hardly on his list of preferred excursions. He’d asked permission at the very last moment the day before only after realizing he’d done very little toward truly making Miss Lancaster’s acquaintance. Indeed, he’dspoken hardly a word to her.

The Falstone House butler took James’s card, his very disinterested and professional demeanor only adding to the intimidation one felt at the stately residence. Resisting the urge to tug at his suddenly tight cravat, James indicated he had come to take Miss Lancaster for a ride and added rather hastily that he was expected.

Hat in his hands, he followed the silent servant inside and up a flight of stairs. His nervousness mounted as he reached the open drawing room doors. He was not to have any kind of reprieve. His Grace sat in a chair inside, watching as James stepped into the room.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

“Sit.” The duke motioned to an empty chair with a quick flick of his hand.“You are taking Daphne for a ride in Hyde Park this afternoon.”

James nodded. His Grace did not look particularly pleased by the arrangement, though he hadn’t vocally objected the day before. He, in fact, had set this entire thing in motion.

“If you overturn your carriage with her in it, I will shoot you dead.” The duke made this pronouncement without a hint of hesitation and with every appearance of sincerity.“Dead,” he repeated with emphasis.

“I will endeavor to drive carefully, I assure you.” James had no intention of earning the ire of theDangerous Duke.

“See that you do.” His Grace’s posture changed not a bit, but his gaze grew infinitely more cutting. James kept himself still, determined not to squirm despite his growing discomfort.“And know this”—not a hint of friendliness touched his voice—“if I hear you have hurt her in any way, I will personally cut your liver out with a spoon, instruct my chef to prepare it with onions, and will enjoy eating it immensely. AndthenI will kill you.”

“I was raised to be a gentleman and have every intention of living up to that ideal.”

The duke raised an eyebrow. That was all the change his expression underwent, but the effect was chilling. His web of scars tugged at his features, rendering the already frightening gentleman terrifying. James had never fully believed the rumors surrounding the Duke of Kielder, but the sight sent a ripple of unease through him. For the first time, he began tobelieve His Grace might truly be capable of all his reputation credited himwith.

“I assure you, Your Grace, your sister-in-law will come to no harmat my hands.” He tried to sound and look convincing. The weight of the duke’s glare made him terribly uneasy.

“You will find I do not put much store by the word of a gentleman with whom I am not well acquainted. I require proof of his reliability.”

It was a warning, if James had ever heard one. The duke would bewatching him. Not a particularly comforting thought. And a confusing one at that. Had not the duke asked James to call on his sister-in-law? Father saidHis Grace had gone so far as to suggest James court the young lady. Why,then, did the duke act as though he distrusted James as much as he would a shifty-eyed snatch-thief?

“I will see if Daphne still wishes to go driving with you.” His Grace gave no indication that he expected Miss Lancaster to do anything but give James the cut direct or, if she was feeling particularly good-natured, cordially invite him to take himself off.

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