A Simple Case of Seduction

Lavinia put her hand to her chest. “Two days before the … the wedding, Tobias fell off his horse and broke his neck.” Her expression turned sour. “And that pathetic excuse for a brother inherited everything. He’s dead now, of course, and his wastrel son took the title.”

“So Maria was with child when Tobias died,” Helena clarified. She placed her hand on her slightly swollen stomach and rubbed gently. “How dreadfully sad.”

Lavinia gestured to Daniel. “And there stands the man who would have made a far better marquess.”

Daphne glanced at Daniel who was still engaged in an animated conversation with Lucas Dempsey. The story had to be true. Why else would he despise the aristocracy? Why else would he create a new persona, one who possessed power and strength, the ability to ruin men overnight?

Just when Daphne thought the story could not get any worse, Lavinia said, “Of course, the family denied Tobias was the child’s father. There was nothing they could do about the house he’d bestowed. They spread false rumours about Maria’s many lovers. Painted her as a harlot.”

“Society can be cruel.” Once more Helena’s eyes drifted to Mr Dempsey. “It does not take much to ruin a fragile reputation.”

“And what happened to Maria?” Based on Daniel’s often cold countenance, Daphne suspected things had not ended well.

“Maria spent years trying to prove the paternal connection. She never married. When a lady loves a man like Tobias, no other could ever compare. Maria died when the boy was young. I’m not sure what happened after that.”

Daphne had an idea what happened. The dark, brooding Daniel Thorpe was born. The boy had grown into a man, set to wreak havoc on the landed gentry and pompous peers. He took power from the privileged. He sought justice for those incapable of doing so for themselves. And so he used his disguise: no fixed place of abode, a false name, altered his physical appearance, all in the hope of doing what? Protecting his true identity, or running away from it?

If only Tobias had eloped with his love, married her before their child was born. Why were men so terribly foolish and stubborn?

With a wistful sigh, Lavinia stared at the floor, her mind lost in memories of the past. Daphne’s thoughts were drawn to the schoolboy who no doubt bore the brunt of his parents’ misfortune. Helena’s glum face only brightened when Mr Dempsey approached, took her hand and brought it to his lips.

“Aunt. Mrs Chambers.” He inclined his head, his captivating blue eyes settling on Daphne. “How do you find Elton Park, Mrs Chambers?”

“It is everything a grand house should be and more,” Daphne replied, grateful for the distraction. “Your great-grandfather built it, I hear.”

Mr Dempsey nodded. “While the house boasts many elegant features, the gardens give it a sense of grandeur. Thorpe is planning a walk outdoors this evening. There’s a picturesque spot by the lake that’s not to be missed.”

Daphne smiled. “I shall bear that in mind should the gentleman invite me to walk with him.”

“Oh, I am assured he will. With the garden being so vast, no doubt he has a full evening of entertainment in mind.” Mr Dempsey leant down and whispered, “I do hope you like peacocks?” Offering a confident grin, he turned to his aunt. “Heavens, this is a wedding, not a wake. Why do you all look so miserable?”

“We were talking about the old days,” Lavinia said. “Remembering that not everyone is as lucky in love as you and your brother.”

“Well, while you’ve been sharing sad stories, Thorpe has kept me highly entertained,” Mr Dempsey said in his usual rich drawl. “Had I known he possessed such a wicked sense of humour I’d have sought his company earlier.”

Daphne turned to catch another glimpse of the man who monopolised her thoughts, but the space was empty. Daniel Thorpe was nowhere to be seen. “Indeed, Mr Thorpe is full of surprises.”

Chapter 19

When Daphne finally dragged herself away from Lavinia, she went in search of Daniel. She had no idea what she would say to him. The man had always been a conundrum, so opaque, so complex. Now she could see that every action stemmed from a need to right the wrongs of the past.

But nothing could repair the damage done.

Surely a man of his intelligence knew that.

Daphne wandered out onto the terrace, descended the stone steps and followed the gravel path only to find the garden deserted. She returned to the house, searched the library and billiard room, but they were empty, too.

Walking back out into the hall, she stood at the foot of the grand staircase. Searching the bedchambers was the only other option. And she considered racing up the stairs before any of the guests noticed.

“Do you need any assistance, madam?” Chadwick appeared at her side, squinting through his poorly fitted spectacles.

“No, thank you, Chadwick.” Daphne had been so lost in thought she’d not heard the butler approach. “I was looking for Mr Thorpe.”

“Are you referring to the tall gentleman with dark hair you were walking with earlier?”

“Yes. Have you seen him?”

“I believe he went upstairs, madam. Shall I see if he is available?”