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" F inally," Daphne said, looking out from the window of her chambers to the driveway of the estate. She was watching a carriage pull over.

Isadora and Violet were scheduled to arrive today, along with some other guests. It had been days since she had seen them, and the thought of their company brought her more relief than she had realized.

Not long after, Violet and Isadora, her closest friends, swept into the room. Their laughter and chatter immediately filled the space, and for the first time in days, Daphne felt like herself again.

"Oh, Daphne!" Violet exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. "It's been ages! How are you?"

"Tell us everything," Isadora added eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "How has it been? The house party, Richard, everything!"

The question made Daphne pause, her smile faltering for just a second. She had been dreading this moment, knowing full well that her friends expected her to be glowing with excitement over Richard. And yet... that wasn't the case.

"It's... it's been lovely," she said awkwardly, her voice lacking the enthusiasm her friends had probably expected. "The estate is beautiful. And, um, the company has been... interesting."

"Interesting?" Isadora shot her a look.

"I thought by now, you'd be telling us that you've fallen head over heels," Violet added, her smile faltering as she studied Daphne's face. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong," she said quickly. "It's just that... well.. I suppose we need to spend more time together, that is all."

"Do we need to brush up on your etiquette lessons? Isadora asked, concerned.

"I have been making sure that I act like a perfect lady," Daphne replied. "It is not that. I just need more time, that is all."

Daphne knew in her heart that her words were nothing more than an excuse. They had spent plenty of time together. But their connection still left a lot to be desired.

She hoped for her own sake that the issue would resolve soon. Perhaps love was just around the corner, waiting to happen any moment now.

It had to.

"How many days left till you have to leave the Estate?" Violet asked.

"Enough," Daphne said. "I understand that the both of you are well intentioned in your concern, but you really do not need to worry."

"What if he is interested in another woman?" Isadora asked. "Have you considered that possibility at all?"

"Isadora is right," Violet nodded. "Not to say that there is anything lacking in you, but perhaps his attention is otherwise divided. Have you seen him speak to any of the other women here?"

Daphne shook her head. In earnest, she could not recall if he had been speaking to anyone. Almost as if she had been paying him no attention at all.

But somehow, she remembered exactly when and who Ambrose had spoken to. The realization warmed her cheeks, and she looked away.

"She is blushing," Violet grinned. "Oh, look at her! Young love."

"If this is any indication of how she feels towards Lord Richard, I suspect that it is not long before we hear wedding bells," Isadora said.

Daphne shook her head. If only they knew. But she decided against correcting them.

The door to the room opened, and Joyce entered with a happy smile on her face. "There you are, girls."

Isadora turned to Joyce with a teasing smile. "Joyce, don't you think Daphne should be spending more time with her husband-to-be ?"

"He is not my husband-to-be just yet. He has not yet proposed," Daphne corrected under her breath but they did not hear her.

"Well, ordinarily, I would agree," Joyce replied. "But today isn't a good day for that. The men are all going on a hunting trip."

"A hunting trip?" Violet asked, raising an eyebrow. "Does that mean Richard is going as well?"

"Of course," Joyce nodded. "I have just overheard them speak about it downstairs."

Isadora sighed dramatically, glancing at Daphne. "So much for romance, then. But it gives us a chance to spend time together."

"Yes, us girls can stay behind and make a day out of it!" Joyce agreed.

But all three of them paused when they noticed Daphne getting up from her place, and heading to the door.

"Where are you going?" Joyce raised her eyebrow.

"To join them, of course. I will need a change of clothes, first."

"Join the hunting trip?" Violet asked.

Daphne straightened up further, her decision already made. "Yes, I think I will. Why should the men have all the fun?"

Violet and Isadora exchanged amused glances, while Joyce let out a small chuckle. "Daphne, you know how these men are. They'll likely scoff at the idea of a lady joining them on the hunt."

"I'm not concerned with their opinions," Daphne shrugged. "Besides, I have no intention of staying behind while everyone else is out enjoying themselves. I can ride just as well as any of them."

"But Daphne, don't you think... it might not be entirely ladylike?" Isadora protested, "Remember what we spoke about?"

"I'll be perfectly ladylike, Isadora. Besides, it's just riding, tracking, enjoying the fresh air—nothing scandalous about that. And think of it this way," she added with a glint in her eye, "it gives me more time to spend with Richard."

Her friends gave her a skeptical look, but after a moment, they both nodded in reluctant agreement. But it did not matter to her, anyway.

She had already made up her mind. It was a good thing she packed her riding attire.

The men gathered for the hunt. Horses were saddled, rifles prepared, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Ambrose was at the center of it all.

"You will have a great time today, Uncle," he said to Sebastian, who looked enthusiastic.

"I have no doubt about it," he patted his nephew on the back. "Hunts with you are always something to remember."

"This one will be even better. Shall we get going then?"

Just as the men were about to mount their horses, a voice from behind interrupted the morning's steady rhythm.

"I'm coming with you."

Ambrose turned sharply at the sound of Daphne's voice. She was dressed in her riding clothes, her chin held high.

"Excuse me?" Ambrose said, incredulous. "Should you not be indoors, Lady Daphne?"

"I want to come along," Daphne replied, calmly.

"Ambrose blinked at her, utterly thrown by the suggestion. "You want to come along? Lady Daphne, you see how none of the other ladies have opted to join us? It is because it is too dangerous out there for you."

Daphne seemed to scoff at the suggestion but maintained a smile. "I do not believe it is dangerous as you think. I used to accompany my father all the time. I may not shoot, but I'm excellent at tracking."

"That doesn't change the fact that this is no place for you," he replied, his tone firm. "There are risks involved. This isn't a leisurely ride through the countryside, Lady Daphne. You could get hurt."

"I'm well aware of the risks, Your Grace. And I'm not some helpless damsel who's going to faint at the sight of a rifle. I'm more than capable of keeping up."

Ambrose was about to continue his argument when another voice interjected, one that made his irritation spike.

"Well, I think Lady Daphne should come along," Uncle Sebastian said, clearly amused.

"Uncle, you do not know what you are talking about...."

"I do not know what I am talking about?" Sebastian chuckled loudly. "Son, I have been hunting since before you were even born. I believe I know a thing or two about what I am talking about."

Daphne's face lit up, "Thank you, Lord Sebastian. I am happy that you are able to see reason in ways that the duke is not. "

"With your spirit, I feel that you may even be a useful addition to the hunt," Uncle Sebastian nodded.

Ambrose did not look too pleased about the whole thing. But before he could argue more, Richard came over, strolling over with his usual grin.

"And what are we discussing here?"

"If Lady Daphne should join us on the hunt," their uncle explained. "What do you have to say on the matter?"

"She's more than capable, and I'd be more than happy to make sure she's well looked after," Richard shrugged his shoulders.

"I think you are overestimating her abilities," Ambrose replied, irked.

It was clear to him that his brother was only saying this to spite him. Perhaps it was because he was the younger sibling, but he often liked doing things that were directly opposite to what Ambrose had said.

Had he truly wanted her to come along, he would have invited her himself.

"Am I?" he looked over to Lady Daphne.

"If anything, His Grace is underestimating my abilities," she said, sharply.

It got a chuckle out of their uncle, who seemed to be gazing at Daphne with an impressed expression.

"Fair, the lady has spoken," his uncle said.

Richard shrugged, clearly enjoying the moment. "I'll be with her the whole time," he said, a note of challenge in his voice. "What's the harm in letting her join?"

"You are correct, Lord Richard," Daphne said, lighting up. "I can help you track, as you hunt."

"That is a splendid idea."

He exhaled sharply, knowing that if he pushed the issue further, it would only give Richard more satisfaction. And his uncle more fodder to laugh over.

"Fine, do as you please," he muttered. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

"Come on, Ambrose," Uncle Sebastian slapped an arm on his nephews shoulder, "No need to be such a spoil sport."

Daphne smiled triumphantly, which sent a strange ripple of emotions through him.

It was small victory for her. He was learning that Lady Daphne was quite good at getting what she wanted. It only flared his own competitive spirit.

She gave him a nod of thanks, then turned to speak with Richard as they prepared to join the hunt.

"My Lord, what sort of strategy do you employ when you hunt usually?" she asked him.

Ambrose wanted to scoff. Richard had agreed to take her on a hunt, but he had always been the weakest hunter in their family.