A Simple Case of Seduction

“Does that mean you’ll smile and partake in mindless conversation about the weather?”

“It means I shall make an effort simply because you’ve asked me to.”

They turned through the impressive sandstone piers and wrought-iron gates — the main entrance to Elton Park — and followed the guests up to the house.

“Lord above,” Daphne gasped as she surveyed the giant Doric columns that were almost as tall as the house itself. “Lord Harwood’s home is rather stately and majestic. The effort required to maintain such a grand place must be great indeed.”

Thorpe scanned the rows of windows on the facade. “Running an estate of this size takes considerable work, time and money.”

“Good heavens, Mr Thorpe. Did I catch a hint of admiration in your tone?” She enjoyed teasing him. “Are you saying that not all peers sit around idle?”

“The viscount and his brother, Lucas Dempsey, are exceptions. I respect any man willing to fight for a cause.” His gaze softened. “I respect any man who dedicates himself to one woman. And if one thing is abundantly clear, both brothers are in love with their wives.”

So, fidelity, honour and integrity were traits Daniel Thorpe valued. What more could a woman want from a man? What more could a woman want from a husband?

Love!

“Experience has taught me love is vital in marriage,” Daphne said. Without love to bind a couple together, everything fell apart. “Duty is important, but a partnership based on deep affection and shared passions is necessary if one wants to be truly happy.”

Daniel’s gaze travelled over her face. “I could not agree more.”

“Were your parents in love?” Daphne’s father grieved the loss of her mother every day for ten years. “Do you think it is better to love for a short time than never at all?”

He ground to a halt and turned to face her. From his dull eyes and empty stare, she expected him to say no.

“My parents were deeply in love. To them, nothing else mattered.” He put his hand to his throat as though the words pained him. The gravel crunched under his feet, and he shuffled awkwardly.

“And what of my second question?” Her heart raced as their eyes locked.

“In answer to that, I believe love is all there is.”

Daphne stared at him. The man was baffling. Why make her an offer a few years ago? Why cite duty and responsibility as good reasons to marry if he wanted something more?

She glanced over her shoulder and noted the guests entering the house. They were alone on the drive. At any moment someone would come to escort them inside. But she was desperate for an answer to a burning question.

“If love is everything, why offer to marry me out of a sense of duty? Love played no part in your decision.”

Daniel’s gaze dropped to his boots. Sucking in a deep breath, he glanced up. “Daphne, I offered marriage because I wanted to bed you. There, that’s the truth of it. I offered marriage because you fascinate me. Because I hoped our friendship would develop into something more.”

He wanted to bed her? She had no idea he felt that way.

“Then why did you not say so?” Would her answer have been different if he’d made a more passionate appeal? Probably not. Her heart had been too full of guilt, too full of grief. “Why did you not try to explain your position?”

Daniel removed his hat and pushed his hand through his hair. “Because I thought you loved Thomas, that yo

u’d never love another. Foolishly, I thought you needed someone to take care of you. A life companion.”

“You would have made that sacrifice?”

He exhaled slowly, but before he could answer the butler hobbled over to greet them.

“Good day, sir, I’m Chadwick, the butler.” The old man pushed his spectacles up to the bridge of his nose. “As it’s such a pleasant day, we’re to serve drinks on the terrace. If you’d care to follow me.”

“Thank you, Chadwick.” Daniel inclined his head. His tone conveyed a hint of relief rather than frustration. “A drink would be most welcome.”

It appeared Daniel’s fears were unfounded. The wedding was an informal affair, with the viscount the only peer in attendance. Thank the Lord he didn’t have to look at Pulborough’s pathetic face or listen to his jibes and taunts. One wrong word from the arrogant marquess and the celebration would have turned into a brawl.

The wedding breakfast, too, was a casual event. Various breads, buttered rolls, meats and cheese covered the long table which sat twenty without the fear of one banging their neighbour’s elbow. The addition of chocolate and a wedding cake were the only things to mark the special occasion.