Page 53 of Matters of a Duke's Heart
“Yes,” Felicity admitted. “More than anything.”
“Then you must listen to me. I believe the two of you are rather in love. More than either of you will admit, but that does only make you rather suited to one another, does it not?” Daphne giggled into her teacup as she sipped.
Felicity found herself smiling, already eager to return to Spencer’s side, as much as she loved being with Daphne.
“And as for you,” Felicity urged. “Do not think you are escaping your own gossip updates. The last I heard you were being courted by Lord Graham, yet our parents are meeting with the Greenvilles.”
“I confess I do not know who I like more,” Daphne said, echoing her former sentiment. “Lord Graham is kind, and very gentle, but I fear he looks at other ladies while we are out in public. When I speak, he makes me feel as though I am the only lady he is listening to but the minute I stop speaking, I feel his gaze wandering. I do not quite know what to make of it. Furthermore, the Marquess of Greenville is a wonderful option. He is also most charming and thoughtful, and we played chess on the terrace of his library only last week. I returned home positively flying, but I cannot ignore my attraction to Lord Graham.”
After a moment, Daphne frowned. “You must think I am inconsiderate, gushing about my options that I cannot choose between when you…”
When you did not have many was the rest of the sentence that her sister bit back.
When you were forced into your marriage.
But Felicity found that there was no jealousy or bitterness where there had once been.
“Who does your heart say to look for?” Felicity asked gently.
Daphne bit her lip. “The marquess, Lord Dominic. But… Lord Graham has been there for longer.”
Felicity adjusted herself to take her sister’s hand and clasped it comfortingly. “Sometimes those who have been there for longer are not the ones who mean the most. If you are worried that Lord Graham’s eyes may wander now, I worry for his behavior in your marriage.”
Daphne nodded as though she had thought that too. Sitting there in her sky-blue gown, her hair prettily styled in an updo, and her green eyes glistening, Felicity thought she looked so young, so lost.
“Is there anything else?” Felicity asked. “Something that is upsetting you?”
“No,” Daphne muttered. “No, not at all. Lord Radcliffe has continued to be a bother but that is no matter—”
“Lord Radcliffe?” Felicity asked sharply. “But… Spencer warned him away from us both.”
“And it has been successful—mostly. Lord Radcliffe is persistent, but there always seems to be a lord there to draw him into conversation whenever I am bothered by him. It is a distraction enough for me to escape, but he is rather persistent. I dare say it is almost like somebody is looking out for me.”
Her eyes caught Felicity’s, and she offered a small nod that it was indeed Spencer’s doing, trying to keep Daphne safe.
“It is nothing, like I said,” Daphne concluded. “Besides, Lord Dominic has also protected me against Lord Radcliffe’s bothersome advances, and Lord Graham has in the past, as I mentioned. So I am well-guarded.”
“Guarded or not you should not have to keep enduring this.”
Despite her sister’s dismissive words, Felicity saw the worry there. She saw how Daphne’s hands never quite relaxed where she gripped the silk napkin that she had dabbed her mouth with after sipping her tea.
“I will speak to our parents about this,” Felicity decided. “I know our mother can get… overexcited at any prospect, and once encouraged me to pursue Lord Radcliffe, but this is becoming a problem. I will get them involved.”
“No!” Daphne insisted. “No, please… please do not. It will cause more issues, I think, and if Lord Radcliffe thinks he is being publicly rejected he might get worse. For now, I am protected and well. I am fine, Felicity.”
Her words came out insistent, but not harsh. Despite Felicity wanting to insist more measures to be put in place, she relented. Her sister was strong, and she was not naïve. She had suitors willing to protect her, and both Felicity and Spencer, too.
All would be fine.
She had to trust that, if Daphne really did not want their parents involved.
“Fine,” she agreed. “But at the first sign of more trouble I will do something. I am not able to settle knowing your safety is jeopardized.”
“Lord Radcliffe is likely just bored,” Daphne dismissed. “He has not danced with many ladies recently. As soon as one catches his eye the attention will be off me, at least. Until then, I knowhow to keep myself well and safe. Trust me, Felicity. I can handle this.”
Despite her worries still gnawing at her, Felicity nodded, but she couldn’t quite keep the worried frown from her face for the rest of their visit.
“How are things with Alexander?” Daphne asked when they had finished their tea. Felicity was looking at the new books that had been added to their family’s collection. There were several new encyclopedias and maps.
