Chapter Nine #2
“He was very sure of himself when he left for London,” he said.
She gave him a wicked look. “I certainly hope he didn’t give the bishop an exorbitant amount of money for a special license that’s never to be used.”
“I doubt he did. The earl is short on funds.”
Putting her hand on his arm, they began the procession to the dining room. Arthur was glad his sister’s house party was almost over. It had been, by all accounts, a smashing success and it would be the talk of the ton when everyone returned to London.
As they arrived in the dining room, everyone stood, waiting for Arthur to sit.
There was also a buzz in the room. He noticed guests watching him and Daphne.
Lady Daphne noticed it as well and decided to make the most of it.
As everyone sat down, she placed her hand on his forearm and leaned into him to say something. All the while smiling lovingly at him.
“I believe there’ll be no mistaking we’re courting now.” She removed her hand and sat back in her chair, waiting for the meal to begin.
“You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?”
“Oh yes. Immensely,” she replied with a wicked grin.
He nodded as a footman poured a glass of wine. “I’m glad you are. You’ll make a wonderful duchess, just as I imagined.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was meant as one.”
The soup was the first course to come out.
A bowl of delicate turtle soup was placed before them.
Arthur wasn’t a fan of this favorite, but he forced himself to take a couple of spoonsful before putting his spoon aside.
Daphne, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying it immensely.
As he waited for the bowl to be taken away, he looked around the table to see if there was any change in the seating and if people were talking as they ate.
Some avoided his gaze, others acknowledged him.
For once he wished he was able to hear what was being said.
Glancing at Daphne from the corner of his eye, he noticed she was engaged in conversation with his brother-in-law, Graham.
She seemed to be enjoying whatever they were talking about.
He turned to his left where the Countess of Brenton sat.
She had lowered her spoon to the side of the plate and was reaching for her glass of wine.
“I’m sorry the earl couldn’t make it. Business sometimes does that.”
She took a sip of wine before she spoke. “He promised to be here tomorrow for the masquerade ball.”
“I look forward to seeing him,” he replied. He and Brenton had attended Oxford together. The earl hadn’t been in his trusted group of colleagues, but they shared some classes together. They lost touch after graduation. Part of life’s cycle.
Soup dishes were removed, and moments later, the main course was set down in front of everyone. Tonight’s meat was quail cooked in a delicate white wine sauce. Small, seasoned potatoes with asparagus accompanied the quail.
Dinner continued for the next two hours.
After, the ladies left the men to their port and cigars while they enjoyed tea in the drawing room.
Arthur was relieved when they cut it short to begin the final sets of dancing.
He had two left with Daphne, and he could feel his body give his thoughts away as his cock began to harden.
He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms again.
He promised a dance to Lady Katherine before his first dance with Daphne. Lady Katherine was quite tall, unusual for a woman. She carried herself regally and didn’t pay attention to any remarks made about her towering height.
Due to the lively nature of the dance, it once again kept him from frivolous conversation.
Lady Katherine seemed to enjoy herself immensely.
She thanked him when the music ended and placed her hand at the crook of his arm.
He returned her to her waiting mother and, with a bow, thanked Lady Katherine and left.
By his second dance with Daphne, Arthur barely noticed anyone else in the room.
He wasn’t aware eyes were on them since it was the third dance between them.
People were trained on the couple, whispering their conclusions about the couple.
Arthur only had eyes for Lady Daphne, and she was just as engrossed with him.
As the final waltz was coming to an end, Arthur felt a sadness for the evening coming to a close. “Would you like to go riding in the morning?”
“Yes, that would be quite enjoyable,” she replied demurely. “I know my mother; she will want me to rest and all kinds of silly things before I dress for the ball.”
“Then I’ll be your knight in shining armor.”
“I suppose so; saving me from my mother, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.”
They made their plans and finally, Arthur returned her to her anxious mother who was patiently waiting for her daughter to return to her. He bowed to both women.
“I look forward to our ride in the morning, Lady Daphne.”
“As do I, Your Grace.”
All this time her mother was desperately trying not to smile, but her eyes were glowing at the news she just heard. The duke had asked her daughter out for a ride. It was a start.
Arthur joined the men in a card room Graham had set up. A footman brought him a glass of brandy which he immediately indulged in. He needed to find Graham before he left. His brother-in-law found him and clapped him on the shoulder.
“Another glass?”
“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home.”
“Why so soon?”
“I’m tired and will have a long day tomorrow. I’m taking Lady Daphne riding.”
A huge grin spread over Graham’s face. “Is this getting serious?”
“Too early to tell.”
“Well, I expect a full report tomorrow evening.” Graham snickered.
“Go ahead, have your fun. If you would let my sister know I’ve left, I’d appreciate it.”
“She’s not going to like it.”
“She can scold me later,” he replied. He turned to walk out of the room. Heading to the front door, he gathered his hat and greatcoat from a footman. The weather was cooling, especially at night. But he wasn’t cold. Lady Daphne left his blood running hot.