Summary: After a year from Daphne’s first encounter with Mr. Sinclaire, her feelings for him grew stronger as time passed by. But does he feel the same way?
March, 2017
“One, two, three. One, two, three. Excellent footwork, Daphne,” the choreographer smiled watching Daphne and Annabelle gracefully performing the waltz routine.
“You’re becoming a wonderful dancer partner, Daph,” Annabelle murmured as they glided across the ballroom.
“Wasn’t I a good dance partner before? You lied to me!” Daphne pretended to be wounded looking away and as Annabelle dipped her down, Daphne exaggerated her pose, elegantly resting her hand on her forehead.
Annabelle giggled.
“I know you have a knack for the dramatics, but, Daphne honey, don’t you dare to do this tomorrow or I’ll crush you.” The choreographer crossed his arms and glared at the two friends.
Daphne pouted, still joking. “Andre, why do you always rain on my parade?”
“You rained on mine first, honey. Now, what are you doing? A noblewoman doesn’t slouch, Daphne! Shoulders back!” He shouted.
Both women pressed their lips together to contain their laughter and obliged, swaying in fluid motion as the waltz played in the background. When the song came to an end, the two friends curtsied and were applauded by the choreographer and the dowager countess walking into the ballroom.
“This was lovely, my dear. You’ll do great tomorrow,” Dominique praised, smiling at her granddaughter.
“Thank you, grandmother.”
“If only she had a boy to dance with,” the choreographer chided.
“I’d rather dance with Annabelle. She’s a great dance partner and she already knows the routine.”
“My dear, Andre has a point. You should be dancing with an eligible bachelor on your big night. Don’t forget the Queen will be here to bestow your title.”
“One more reason why I should dance with one of best friends.”
“Daph, I’m flattered, but I just agreed to be your partner for practice,” Annabelle acknowledged.
“Seriously, Ann?” Daphne glared.
“Don’t worry about it, my dear. We’ll find you a suitor in no time,” Dominique gestured to her assistant. “Amelia, call Melissa. We need to check the guests’ list and find a proper suitor for my granddaughter.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the young woman promptly fetched her tablet to make the call.
“One who knows how to dance the waltz. We only have until tomorrow,” the choreographer pointed out.
“Of course. Only the most prestigious men in Europe can dance with my granddaughter,” the dowager countess replied.
“Kill me. Kill me now.” Daphne mumbled under her breath to Annabelle, who simply giggled.
“It was a lovely performance, Daphne. Vincent will be so proud,” Dominique smiled at her and left the room.
A few minutes later, the choreographer finished the class and both girls went to Daphne’s room to take a shower and have some snacks.
“Daph, why don’t you have a dance partner yet?” Annabelle questioned, as she put her flats back on and sat on Daphne’s bed.
“Because I didn’t find any interesting guys to dance with,” Daphne shrugged. “Plus, I had a great dance partner, but she decided to bail on me today.”
“You know I can’t do it. What would my parents think?”
“They would think ‘what a wonderful daughter we have’”.
“No. They would’ve asked me why I am dancing with a girl when I should be looking for a man and I can’t do it. I’m not ready,” Annabelle hissed.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay… But I’m sure you would’ve found lots of interesting men if you weren’t so obsessed with Ernest Sinclaire.”
“What? I am not obsessed with him.”
“Oh, please! There are dozens of guys would kill to have one minute of your attention, but you can only think about Sinclaire. The number of sketches of him you drew because he touched your ankle. The dreams you have after every dinner he comes here and says ‘Good evening, Miss Wang’ or ‘Have a good night, Miss Wang’,” she toned down her voice to reach a low pitched voice similar to Ernest’s.
“That’s not true!”
“Really?” Annabelle cocked an eyebrow.
“We say other stuff to each other during dinner and I didn’t dream about him every single night,” Daphne replied shyly.
Annabelle pursed her lips. “Daph, you should just go and tell him how you feel.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because he called me ‘little girl’. He probably thinks I’m a child. And how am I going to say that? When? He’s so closed off. He just comes here to talk to dad and to my grandmother.”
“Daphne, he’s five older than us. That’s not a huge age gap. He’s just one of those people who had to handle things on his own at a very young age. It’s like my sister says: he has an old soul.”
“How is that supposed to make me more confident about talking to him, Ann?” Daphne paced around the room. “He’s five years older, he’s the vice-president of his family’s insurance company, he deals with influential people on a daily basis. I can’t… He’s way out of my league.”
“Will you stop? He’s a human being just like you. And you had a moment with him. A year ago, of course…” Annabelle rolled eyes. “But still. You were much younger back then and you still had a moment. You can do this. Call him.”
“No.”
“Just call him.” Annabelle gave her the phone.
“No… What am I going to say to him?”
“You’re going to personally invite him to your party to celebrate that the Queen is granting you a nobility title and say you want him to be your dance partner for your first dance as Viscountess Foredale.”
“I can’t do that.”
“If you don’t call him, I will,” Annabelle picked up her own phone and tapped the screen, searched for his phone number.
“Ann, please. I can’t do it.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not ready. He’s the first guy I’ve ever really liked and I don’t know what I would do if he says no,” Daphne frowned.
“But you could be missing out a chance to go from a platonic crush to an actual romantic relationship.” Annabelle took her friend’s hand and squeezed it gently. “Daph, you owe it to yourself to, at least, try.”
“I will.” Daphne nodded. “But not today. Or tomorrow.”
Annabelle rolled her eyes but agreed. “Fine. I won’t push you to do it.”
“Thanks.”
“I have to go now. My sister is waiting for me. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“See you tomorrow, Ann.”
Annabelle gave her a hug and left the room, fishing her phone out of her pocket. “Not ready my ass…” she mumbled.
…
The party to celebrate Daphne’s title was a festive event the people of Edgewater hasn’t seen in a long time. Noble families and gentry folk from all Europe attended the party to witness the rise of the young Viscountess of Foredale, title granted to her, four months after she officially added her father’s name to hers. Unlike most of these parties, this time she greeted the guests and joined with a genuine smile on her face. She didn’t think she would feel so honored and giddy that night. Especially considering how nervous she was about the ceremony and how she truly felt about the person she’d have her first dance with.
“So? Where is he?” Briar rose on her toes to look into the crowd.
“There,” Daphne pointed with her glass of sparkling cider. “Tristan Richards III. Rich, but not noble. Godson of the Duke of Karlington.”
“Did you rehearsed the dance with him today? How was he?”
“Uh…” Daphne struggled to find words to describe such an arrogant, condescending and entitled prick without showing any sign of repulsion. “He’s okay.”
“That’s it?”
“What? I was hoping to dance with Liam. He’s a great dancer. But he injured his foot at a benefit rugby match yesterday. Apparently, his best friend is a bit too competitive and knocked him out.”
“Wait, are you talking about Liam, the Crown Prince of Cordonia?!? Oh my god, he’s so dreamy. Is he here? Can’t he just pretend to be dancing with you? He would be so perfect for you,” Briar swooned.
“He’s walking with a crutch.”
“I read on Trend’s blog he’s going to get married this year. Oh, Daph… You could be a princess!”
“Are you insane? He’s my fourth cousin.” Daphne gave her a disgusted look.
“Geez, what a baby… Fine, I’ll be his princess then. Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Hiding from crazy women like you, perhaps?”
“Hey!” Briar scowled.
“Besides, weren’t you interested in someone else?” Daphne gave her a sideways glance.
“Yes, but he’s currently dancing with Theresa Sutton to fulfill the countess’s whims.” Briar rolled her eyes. “Now, excuse me. I have a prince to charm.” She adjusted the red lace bodice of her dress and walked away.
“You were right. Your friend is intense.” Liam smirked as he limped out of a room and one of his bodyguards closed the door. “Thank you, by the way.”
Daphne giggled. “You’re welcome. But don’t push your luck. Some of the women at this party can be far more intense than Briar and you can’t run with a crutch.”
“Okay…” he furrowed his brows and took a seat beside her. “I’ll ask for reinforcement then.”
“Good call.”
“I’m sorry about the dance though.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault. I blame your friend.”
Liam chuckled. “I blame him too and I’ll make him pay later. Who’s your new dance partner?”
“Tristan Richards.”
“Duke Godfrey’s godson?”
“Yeah…Do you know him?”
“Unfortunately, I do. You can’t dance with me.”
“Grandmother already set me up with me.”
“He’s not a good guy, Daphne. Trust me, you don’t want to dance with him.”
“But I can’t back out now. I don’t have a dance partner.”
“Can’t you find somebody else? Anyone can be a better dance partner than him.”
“I know! I had two great dancers partners. But one is a woman and the other one can barely walk. I’ll just dance with him and get this over with.”
“Did you meet him?”
“This morning, during the final rehearsal.”
“How was he?”
“Forward, handsy…gross.”
“Then you know he won’t be satisfied with one dance, don’t you?”
She looked down and nodded.
“I can’t let you dance with him.”
“But you can’t dance. What are you going to do?”
“Don’t worry about it. Go mingle and be your enchanting self. I’ll figure it out.”
“Okay…” Her brows furrowed, but she didn’t protest and walked away. It was a relief to know someone else disliked that guy and would help her get rid of him, yet she still had to find somebody to dance with.
While Liam took a refreshment from a waiter passing by, Annabelle approached him. “So you’re the prince with the broken foot.”
“I guess I am. Liam.” He extended his hand.
“Annabelle.” She shook his hand.
“The female dance partner, I presume?”
“Exactly. Can you really get rid of Mr. Buttmunch Richards?”
“Yes, I can. In fact…” Liam said before turning to his bodyguard. “Bastien?”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“Mr. Richards’s presence is disturbing me. Will you escort him out of the party?”
“Yes, Sir.” Bastien walked across the room and grabbed Mr. Richards by the arm without anyone noticing.
“Impressive,” Annabelle admitted.
“Thank you. I’d rather handle him myself, but my men can easily take care of this matter for me when I can’t. Now I have to find Daphne a dance partner.”
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I got that covered.” Annabelle winked.
…
The guests watched the ceremony mesmerized. It isn’t customary to have ceremonies to acknowledge when a viscountess received a title, but the dowager countess was friends with the Queen and wanted to ensure the British nobility knew the county of Edgewater would remain on the family, not going to Earl Vincent’s stepson as everyone expected. Daphne would’ve refused the ceremony, but Edmund insisted she went through with it, reminding her about how honored she should feel and how he was happy to pursue his career and help with the family business.
After the Queen placed the crown on her head, Daphne stood up and turned around smiling to the crowd applauding her. Although it was merely a courtesy title, it also meant she had an important role in the future of the county. As her eyes scanned around the room, searching for familiar faces, one particular person stood out. Marching across the ballroom, Ernest stopped before her, kissed her knuckles and led to the dancefloor for her first dance as a noblewoman.
The guests admired Ernest and Daphne swaying across the room whilst the band played her favorite waltz, yet she barely noticed anyone else. She only had eyes for him, dressed in an indigo blue tuxedo and smiling fondly at her.
As the song came to an end, he bowed to her then leaned close, lowering his voice. “Will you join me for a walk through the gardens, my lady?”
“I’ll be happy to.”
Taking his hand, they discreetly left the party and stepped outside wandering among the round shaped bushes, purple pansies, and pink winter daphnes.
“Thank you for the dance, Mr. Sinclaire.”
“You are most welcome. Though I should give some of the credit to Ms. Parsons, since I wasn’t planning on coming here tonight.”
“Oh…” her heart sank, but she did her best to keep it together. “I’m so sorry. I hope she didn’t disturb you with this request.”
“No, I’m glad she called me. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I couldn’t prevent you from steering clear from a cad like Richards,” he said, his tone slightly annoyed. “But let’s not talk about him.”
“What should we talk about then?”
“We should talk about how stunning you look tonight.” He brushed his thumb on the back of her hand. “Your poise and beauty are astounding. You certainly did your family proud.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”
He cocked his head to the side, taking her in. “Well, that’s new…”
“Huh?”
“I didn’t think I’d ever see such confident young lady as yourself blush,” he said with a ghost of a smile.
“I’m not–” she touched her cheeks embarrassed. “It’s just cold out here.”
“Allow me then,” he removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. His fingers brushed on her neck and jawline, sending shivers down her spine.
“Thanks,” she replied and took a seat on the bench near the lake.
He sat next to her, keeping a respectable distance.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“Why weren’t you coming tonight? People say you dislike social events and barely have friends, yet you’re always here.” Daphne turned to the side to look into his eyes. “You were the first guest invited. Why didn’t you want to come? ”
“I–” he rubbed the back of his neck.
“So?”
“Because it’s too much!” He blurted. “Being next to you is too much sometimes… I’m losing will power.”
She squinted her eyes. “I don’t follow…”
“You’re right. I don’t like social events, I loathe idle conversations and gossip, but I can endure anything if it’s an opportunity to see you. When I heard you were going to dance with the Cordonian prince, I went mad. I couldn’t stand seeing you with somebody else.”
“Wait… Did you just say you came here every night to see me?” She stared at him, taken aback.
“I may be friends and business associates with Earl Vincent, but most of the time I just wanted to see you smiling when you dance, watch you singing with Miss Parsons, to hear your snarky comments whenever a guest said something obnoxious.” The corners of his mouth quirked up.
“I didn’t think you saw me like that…”
“I regret all the early assumptions I made about you based your background. You are the most intriguing and beautiful woman I laid eyes upon, Lady Daphne.”
Pulling him close, Daphne pressed her lips on his. He stiffened for a moment, but soon one of his hands were cupping her cheek, caressing it as their lips moved slowly. As they pulled apart, he touched his forehead on hers, brushing his thumb on her cheekbone.
“What about the prince?”
“He’s family, Ernest. After he broke his foot and found out I was going to dance with Mr. Richards, he orchestrated the plan to kick him out of the party,” she explained.
“Did I ever mention how much I like your family?” He said as a smile played on his lips.
Daphne giggled and leaned into his touch, relishing the warmth of his hand on her face, the closeness to him. His hand slid down, fingertips lifting her chin up so their lips met again in a passionate kiss.
She moaned as he peppered kisses on her jawline, her neck, her collarbone and made his way back to her lips. His hands traveled down her arms and rested on her waist, pulling her closer. Smiling mischievously, she sat on his lap.
“Oh!” His eyes widened.
“I’m sorry if I’m being too forward, but I’ve waited long enough to this and I’m not wasting any chances.”
“Really?” He smirked. “How long?”
“Since you dried off my foot with your handkerchief.”
“I’ll have to agree then. It’s been far too long… ” he smiled, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“I thought I was just a little girl to you.”
“You were. A surprisingly smart one, but you still were an underage girl.”
“I was just two years younger back then. I didn’t change that much in one year and five months…”
“You’re giving art classes to elderly people living shelters, I saw you at the soup kitchen during the Holidays. You didn’t simply change, you grew up and became this intelligent, driven and compassionate woman.”
“I think you changed more than I did. You’re loquacious now,” she teased.
“That’s a side of me I’ve been saving only for the ones I truly care about,” he murmured, kissing her shoulder.
“Good to know,” she smirked and leaned in to kiss him.
As each kiss grew deeper and sweeter than the last, his hands rested on the small of her back and her fingers delve into his hair. They pull away breathless.
“Can we never leave here?” She whispered.
“Unluckily, we can’t stay forever, but I’m not ready to share you with the world just yet.”
“Right back at you,” she beamed, wrapping an arm around his neck.
Unwilling to return to the party, they stayed outside, tangled in each other’s arms.
