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Oh, he is insufferable, Daphne thought, her jaw tightening. But no matter how much she tried to ignore him, she could sense that Ambrose was not someone that was easily forgotten.

He had that an air around him – something quite unexplainable – which made you want to look twice in his direction. Even if it was begrudgingly so.

"You seem distracted still," Richard continued, and Daphne caught just the faintest hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Distracted?" Daphne replied, hurriedly. "No, no. Perhaps I just find speaking difficult when you are around. It might just be nerves."

She had learned one lesson from the older ladies of the ton – it was that if you wish for a man to stop asking you questions, you must learn to flatter him.

And it worked like a charm, as Richard nodded.

"Oh, is that the case?" he smiled, happily, "Well, I do not wish to make you nervous, my lady. That was not my intention at all."

"It is no worry," she smiled back. "I do not fault you for anything."

How could she? He had been nothing but a proper gentleman towards her.

Richard chuckled, though Daphne found herself searching for the Duke once again. She spotted him. Even though he stood at quite a distance, there it was again – something quite imposing about his presence.

If she had thought that Richard was quite striking when they first met, then Ambrose trumped him manyfold.

Richard was almost unimpressive in comparison to his brother.

She wondered if it had something to do with his title, but quickly realized that she felt the same even before she knew about him being a duke.

No, it was not just his title then. It was something… innate.

That she was thinking that way stunned her, but it was too late. Her curiosity had already been sparked.

"I have to say, though, my lord," Daphne continued, albeit hesitantly. It was not proper to speak about another man with someone whom you wish to be courted by. She knew that she had to choose her words carefully. "I am quite surprised to find that you are related to the Duke."

Richard let out a small laugh, as if he was used to the comparisons. "Is that so? I tend to think we look quite similar. Our genetics are blatant."

"I mean more so in terms of mannerisms," Daphne clarified. "You are such a thorough gentleman and your brother..." she trailed off, knowing that it would be best not to articulate what she truly felt.

"My brother is what?" Richard asked, amused. “I see that he has made an impression on you already. Not a surprise, he has a tendency to do that.”

“Does he?” Daphne asked.

“He has strong opinions,” Richard chuckled. That much was blatant, Daphne did not have to be told twice. “So what is it that you think of him?”

“Oh – well, I have only had a short interaction with him…” Daphne covered up.

“You can tell me,” Richard smiled. “I will not hold your opinion against you.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but before any words could come out, the dance drew to a close.

Thank goodness. She thought to herself as their conversation got left mid-way, and they exited the dance floor.

Even though she wanted to criticize Ambrose for the irksome and judgmental man she thought him to be, she figured that perhaps it would cast a bad impression for her to do so early on.

Perhaps after we are married, I can let you know what I really think about your brother....

Ambrose Harris, the Duke of Greymont was not a man who was troubled easily.

If anything, he was deemed to be quite impenetrable by those around him. So it was quite curious that tonight someone had ruffled his feathers.

He stood by the door, his gaze sharp as he waited for Richard to step away from Daphne after the dance. The moment Richard approached him, Ambrose wasted no time.

"What exactly are you doing ?" Ambrose asked, his voice low but dripping with irritation. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes narrowed as he regarded his younger brother with barely concealed disdain.

"Walking?" Richard replied, aloof.

"You know fair well what I am referring to," Ambrose chided roughly. "What on earth were you doing sharing a dance with Lady Daphne?"

"Oh, we are only trying to get to know each other." Richard waved his hand dismissively.

"She is not the kind of lady you should be courting. You should be seeking someone suitable for your rank, not wasting time with a wallflower."

"A wallflower, you say? I hadn't noticed." His tone was light, almost playful, but Ambrose's scowl only deepened.

"Don't play coy," Ambrose snapped. "Everyone knows Daphne Carter is known for her lack of manners and social grace. If you have any sense, you'll stop this nonsense immediately."

Ambrose was never one to pay attention to gossip, but even he had heard this much. Ladies of the ton loved to speak about others, and he had overheard more than a few conversations concerning Daphne. Nothing salacious, but more to do with how she paid little heed to social customs.

And while he did not concern himself with what she did in her private life, it was an issue if she was to marry into his family.

Richard responded with an easy chuckle. "I didn't realize my choice of company bothered you so much, brother. You are all riled up."

Ambrose's hands curled into fists at his sides. "I have every reason to be. Our family’s reputation is not a game." he said through gritted teeth.

Richard's smile faltered slightly, but only for a moment. "Oh, Ambrose. I understand that you have chosen never to marry. But that does not give you license to police my choices.”

Ambrose took a step closer, his towering frame looming over Richard. "You will embarrass this family," he said coldly. "Daphne is not fit to be a duke's wife, let alone your companion at these events. You are the son of a duke. You know better."

Richard met his brother's gaze without flinching. “Yes, I do know better, and that is why I am perfectly capable of choosing my own bride. You may control many things, but that is not one of them."

Ambrose's scowl darkened. "Well, I would think doubly before making such a statement. Marrying the wrong person can have... drastic consequences for not just you, but for all of us."

Ambrose was never one to threaten his brother like this, but he felt that this was his last resort. Richard was clearly taken aback by the menacing undertone in his brother's words, and his expression faltered momentarily.

"Brother, I worry that you are taking this a bit too seriously," he tried to jest, but Ambrose brushed off his hand from his shoulder. “Mother has always maintained that marriage will be a personal choice. Do you forget that?”

"I am certain that Mother will share my opinion, once she becomes aware of your choices.”

“Must you be so pessimistic?” Richard frowned.

“It’s not pessimism. I am reminding you that we live in a society where reputations matter.”

“Well, then those are consequences that I shall deal with…” Richard trailed.

Ambrose had not expected his brother to put up this much of a fight. He thought that single conversation would be enough to deter him. But it seemed that Richard had decided to be particularly obstinate about this.

“I have made my feelings about the matter clear. Now, if you had any sense to you, then you will proceed accordingly.”

With that, he left Richard standing there with his mouth slightly agape. Being so harsh with his younger brother did not leave a nice taste in his mouth, but the last thing we would do was let him make an unwise decision.