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" L ady Daphne," Rosalie said, bowing slightly as she entered the room. "A letter has arrived for you."

Daphne's heart gave a little flutter as she glanced up from her bed.

"A letter? Give it here, then."

She could tell by the quality of the envelope and the neat, elegant handwriting that this wasn't just any letter. The crest pressed into the wax seal confirmed her suspicion: the Harris family.

She quickly took the letter, her pulse quickening. With slightly trembling fingers, she broke the seal and unfolded the thick parchment inside. Her eyes scanned the words, her excitement building with each sentence.

Lady Daphne,

You are cordially invited to a house party at Greymont Estate, hosted by the Dowager Duchess of Greymont.

The gathering will be an intimate affair among close friends and family, giving us all the opportunity to further our acquaintance in a more relaxed setting.

We hope you will honor us with your presence.

The event will take place from the 12th to the 20th of this month. Please inform us of your availability at your earliest convenience.

With warm regards,

Edith, Dowager Duchess of Greymont.

Daphne's heart practically leaped in her chest. A house party! At Greymont Estate! And for several days!

She couldn't believe her luck. This was the perfect opportunity to spend more time with Richard, away from the prying eyes of society, and perhaps get to know him—and his family—even better.

Without a second thought, Daphne shot up from her seat, the letter clutched tightly in her hand. She had to tell someone. She hurried through the corridors of the house, her excitement bubbling over as she called for her sister.

"Joyce! Joyce!" she called, her voice echoing through the halls.

Joyce peered her head out from her door, her brows raised in amusement at her younger sister's obvious excitement. "Good heavens, Daphne, what on earth is the matter?"

Daphne practically skipped over, breathless by the time she reached her sister. "Look!" she exclaimed, thrusting the letter into Joyce's hands. "It's from Greymont Estate!"

Joyce's eyes widened as she unfolded the letter and began to read. "A house party?" she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Well, this is rather exciting, isn't it?"

"Exciting? It's absolutely wonderful!" Daphne's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Do you know what this means, Joyce? I'll get to spend days at his Estate. Time with Richard—without the constant watch of society!"

Joyce gave her a knowing look as she handed the letter back. "It's certainly an opportunity. But, Daphne, are you sure you're ready for such an occasion? A house party isn't exactly the same as a casual visit."

"Oh, I'm ready," Daphne said, nodding fervently. "This is my chance to show them all that I belong there. To show Richard—and yes, even Ambrose—that I can handle this life."

Joyce raised an eyebrow, her smile becoming a bit more teasing. "Even Ambrose? I thought you couldn't stand the Duke."

Daphne wrinkled her nose, folding the letter back into its envelope. "I can't," she admitted. "He's insufferable. But if I can win over Richard, then surely Ambrose will have to admit that I'm a good match."

Joyce chuckled softly, clearly amused by her sister's enthusiasm. "You're very determined, aren't you?"

"Of course I am!" Daphne grinned. "This is my chance, Joyce. I can feel it."

Joyce's expression softened as she watched her sister's excitement, her own smile growing more sincere. "I'm happy for you, Daphne. But I have never seen you eager like this before."

Daphne tilted her head slightly, a curious look in her eyes. "What do you mean? Is this not a good thing?"

Joyce gently took her sister's hand, squeezing it lightly. "It is. But I just do not wish for you to lose yourself in the process of impressing them. You're already wonderful as you are. Don't try too hard to fit into their world, or you might forget that."

Daphne shot her sister a confused look. "Oh – do not tell me this. I have preparations to make...."

"I am only looking for you," Joyce continued. "I do not mean any harm by it, surely."

But Daphne was not having it. She was already thinking about plans of her own.

"Oh, I have to make the best impression possible. Every gown, every hairstyle—it all has to be perfect!"

This is my moment , she thought, her heart swelling with hope. Everything is finally falling into place.