Summary: Daphne returns home for winter break, but unexpected events await her.
Based on the music prompt: Tell Me How
December 2018
Smalls drops of rain fell on the windows of Edgewater SUV, blurring Daphne’s vision of the streets. After months away from British nobility, she thought she’d be anxious, but tiredness certainly was the most prominent feeling. Even though living under the same roof Countess Henrietta meant her moments of peace and quiet time would be rare, she was glad to be back at her family’s estate to see her father, brothers, and grandmother again and sleep all day.
As the car rolled to a stop at the main entrance, the Dowager Countess showed up at the main entrance followed by a few servants. Daphne climbed out of the car and her grandmother broke into a smile. “Welcome home, my dear,” she said, taking Daphne’s hands and squeezing them gently.
“Thank you, grandmother.”
“Did you have a pleasant flight?”
“It was as good as any fifteen-hour flights can be,” Daphne gave her shoulders.
“You must be exhausted. I asked your new maid to prepare you a warm bath and something for you to eat.”
“Don’t go eating everything you see on the table, Daphne. Save some space for tonight’s feast,” Countess Henrietta snickered from the doorway.
“Feast?” Daphne questioned.
“If three years in this family aren’t enough for you to learn our traditions, let me explain: it’s customary to have a feast every time a family member of Edgewater comes back home after a trip. As the daughter of the Earl and someone who still has a title, you are the guest of honor tonight.”
“It’s the same dinner we throw Harry every time he comes to visit us, my dear. Usually, it’s a small one, just for our closest friends, but somehow it became a huge event,” Dominique glared at the Countess.
“I simply improved my dear husband’s idea. It’d be rude of us if we had dinner with fifteen close friends when we could easily have a feast for sixty friends, don’t you think?” Henrietta sneered.
“Sure. You’re not the one paying for it, so why not?” Daphne retorted.
Dominique smirked at her granddaughter.
“You may indulge Daphne into these foolish ideas such as attending university overseas, but she still has her duty to this family and this county,” the Countess hissed.
“She’s well aware of her obligations, Henrietta,” Dominique argued. “Daphne will be ready for the feast at seven sharp.”
“Good. I can hardly wait,” Henrietta smiled slyly at Daphne and walked back into the house.
“We have no time to waste. Get in the car,” the Dowager Countess commanded.
“What?!? But you said—”
“You can eat at the spa and talk to Vincent and your brothers later. We have to buy you a dress, shoes, do your hair…” She took her granddaughter’s hand, inspecting her nails. “When was the last time you had your nails done?”
“Uh… August?” She scrunched her nose.
Dominique pursed her lips.
“Getting nails done is a waste of time and money for an art student, grandmother.”
“I am not discussing this issue with you again. The Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie are coming for dinner and we’re short in time to get you ready, considering the trouble you’ll give to the manicure. Get in. Now.” Dominique pointed towards the open door of the same SUV her granddaughter climbed out just a few minutes ago.
Daphne wasn’t sure if it was the jet lag or the guilt she felt after everything her grandmother and the whole family went through to support her that year, but she didn’t even try to fight it. At least, she could sleep in the car.
…
Her hand slid down the handrail as the Viscountess descended the stairs gracefully. Though she’d rather be in her pajamas sleeping until spring, she managed to look elegant and perfectly fine with a few layers of makeup, a comfortable dress, and heels. At the bottom of the stairs, Earl Vincent grinned as he took his daughter’s hand and escorted her into the living room.
“You look lovely, sweetheart,” he whispered to Daphne.
“Thank you, dad.”
“I apologize for Henrietta. I couldn’t postpone it when the Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie were confirmed their attendance.”
“Dad, you shouldn’t apologize for other people’s doing.”
“Even if I still feel terribly sorry that our duty as nobility sometimes comes before our own wishes to lock ourselves in our chambers and rest?”
Daphne gave him a weak smile. “I understand, Dad. And it’s okay. Fergie and Eugenie are fun to talk to.”
Vincent chuckled. “I knew you enjoy their visit. Either way, our closest friends know you’re tired and you have my permission to rest right after dinner when I call gentlemen for brandy.”
“Really?”
He nodded.
“Thank you so much, Dad,” she beamed.
“You’re welcome, dear. Now go enjoy the party. I’ll see later,” he said as he kissed her cheek and joined a conversation with a few of his business associates.
The guests invited to the dinner party socialized at the lounge area, where drinks and appetizers were served whilst some of the most traditional families of nobles and richest people in Great Britain chatted. Daphne was used to dealing with her stepmother’s attempts to make her look like a fool in front of all British nobility and her father’s business associates with grace and poise, even after all the scandals. However, managing to keep conversations or even staying awake while she was jetlagged was a hassle, especially because the Countess chose to throw a sit down dinner party on purpose.
Daphne walked around the room, trying to engage in different groups of people, fighting yawns that were getting stronger at each champagne flute that was offered to her. The dizziness and the lack of sleep were making her cranky, impatient. She had to get out of there. Excusing herself to have some fresh air, she went outside, sat on the rim of the fountain and kicked off her shoes to dip her feet into the cool water.
“The Viscountess Foredale still likes to sink her feet into the main entrance fountain. Interesting.”
Daphne froze in place as she recognized his voice. Ernest arrived at the party and talked to Earl Vincent and other noblemen, but simply exchanged polite greetings with her. As she changed from a group of people to another, he did the same thing, avoiding being in the same circle she was. After what happened between them, they stopped speaking to each other and attending the same events. Given that they lived on different continents, it wasn’t so hard to keep it that way. That night, however, something was different about him.
“Old habits die hard,” she shrugged.
“Did you hurt your foot again?”
“No. And the first time I dipped my feet in here it wasn’t my fault.”
“Will you ever forgive me for that?”
“I’m still debating on it.”
“Seriously?”
“Consider yourself lucky. You ran over my foot and I did nothing. I’ve hit people in the head with a tennis ball for a lot less.”
He chortled. “Fair point.” He said, taking a seat beside her on the rim of the fountain.
She raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t see your girlfriend tonight.”
“Felicity is indisposed.”
“Jet lag?”
“Almond allergies.”
“Send my best to her.”
“Do you mean it?”
“I may loathe her for several reasons, but it doesn’t mean I want her to die because she didn’t ask the waiter if the gravy had almonds.”
He cocked an eyebrow.
“I’d rather see her choke on her own venom.”
He pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh.
“Gee, Sinclaire! Defend your girl’s honor.”
“After all the things I’ve heard her saying about you, I’d rather not. Let’s call it even.”
She smiled ruefully.
“How’s art school?”
Why is he making conversation with me of all people? “It’s everything I hoped it would be.”
“I still can’t believe Lady Dominique agreed to it.”
“Well, it’s not like I’m the rightful heir to Edgewater. The least she could do was to cut me some slack and support me when I decided to move somewhere I feel more comfortable and study whatever I want.”
He nodded.
“How’s your mother?”
His expression grew somber.
“Crap! I’m so sorry,” her cheeks flushed crimson. “I didn’t mean to pry, I was just making conversation because you started it, even though you don’t like idle conversations.” Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! “I can leave if you want.”
She took her feet out of the water fountain and reached for her sandals, but he placed his hand atop hers. Their eyes met for a second, but she quickly looked away.
“It’s fine. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“Have you?” Her brows knitted together.
“Yes. I know we agreed to stay away from each other so both of us could move on with our lives, but…” He hung his head, elbows resting on his knees. “I don’t know who else I can talk to.”
Daphne gazed at him, gauging his expression. “Ernest, is everything okay?”
He shook his head.
“What is it?”
“My mother’s cancer… It’s spreading inside her body,” he swallowed hard. “She’s thinking about giving up on cancer treatment.” His blue eyes went glossy.
“Why?”
“She says I’m just wasting money in an expensive treatment that is worthless, it makes her nauseous, tired all the time. I don’t know how to persuade her.” A wrinkle formed between his brows as if he was trying to search for the right words. “Should I even try? Wouldn’t it be selfish of me put her through a treatment she doesn’t want to receive?”
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched him fight back his own.
“I’m sorry, I…” he brushed his fingers over his eyes. “I just figured you would understand.”
“I do.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. “Has she talked to anyone else about this?”
“My aunts. They think she’s desperate.”
“Of course she is. It’s her life for crying out loud,” she fumed. “Here’s what you’re going to do. Ask her if she really meant that and on her next appointment to the doctor, you can talk about her prognosis and all the possibilities she’s got. Encourage her to make questions, observe her to see how she’s taking all the information. Then allow her to process everything. But most importantly, be there for her. Whatever she decides, support her.”
Ernest nodded.
“And if you need anything, books, research, someone to talk to, call me.”
His forehead creased.
“I don’t care what your girlfriend thinks, by the way. I just don’t want you to face this alone.”
“I was actually wondering what your boyfriend would think.”
Her brows furrowed. “How do you know I have a boyfriend?”
“The same I way I’ve always found out any gossip involving your name,” he gave her a knowing look.
Daphne pursed her lips at the thought but replied without hesitation. “He’ll understand.”
“If you say so…” He got on his feet and turned to her. “I have to go now.”
“Aren’t you staying for dinner?”
“No. I just wanted to stop by and talk to you. Thank you for listening.”
“No problem. Take care of yourself and Mrs. Sinclaire.”
“I will. Have a good night, Daphne.”
“Good night, Ernest.”
Once he was gone, Daphne put on her sandals and returned to the party.
…
It was a quarter past 11 P.M. when Daphne excused herself to rest. After removing her makeup and taking a quick shower, she changed to her favorite nightie and proceeded to moisturize her skin before going to bed. Of all people she expected to meet that night, Ernest was the last person she thought she would have talked to. And she couldn’t help but think how lonely and heartbroken he was.
Just then, Hamid’s contact picture popped on the screen of her phone while it buzzed unceasingly on her dresser. She smiled, taking the phone with her to bed before answering the video call. “Hey, I thought I wasn’t going to talk to you until tomorrow.”
“That was the plan, but I’ve been sleeping for the last ten hours and I missed you, so I thought I should call you and wish you goodnight.”
“Aww… I miss you too. I envy you a little because you slept all day and you look so nice and well-rested while I’m here looking like a hot mess.”
“You always look stunning to me. Even when you have those dark circles under your eyes,” he teased.
“Hey!” Daphne scowled, hiding the slightly dark area under her eyes with both hands.
He cackled. “I’m joking. You look as lovely as always and the reason I think you should go to sleep is completely unrelated to your beauty.”
“I’m letting this slide just because I miss you, but don’t get used to it,” Daphne berated, lying on her stomach. “Talk to me,“ Daphne pouted, giving her best puppy eyes impression.
“Of course, my little angel,” he grinned. “How was the party?”
“The food was great, obviously. Fergie and Eugenie were here and they’re great people to talk to.”
“Agreed. But I doubt you only had to socialize with them.”
“Yeah,” she rolled eyes. “Ugh… I was so bored. Each time someone offered me a champagne flute, I got more tired and bored,” she whined.
“Sounds like most parties I’ve been invited to attend since I became a diplomat.”
Daphne giggled, but her smile quickly faded. “There’s something else I want to talk to you about. I talked to Ernest tonight.”
“Hmm…” Hamid’s expression grew serious. “How was it?”
“Not good. But it wasn’t about us. His mother is thinking about quitting her cancer treatment. He didn’t know who else to talk to.”
“It makes sense. You both have friends from the same inner circle and you were the only one who lived a similar situation to the one he must be facing now.”
“Exactly. I gave him a few pointers of what to do next and told him to call me if he needs help.”
“I’m sure Felicity will be thrilled.” A corner of his mouth quirked up.
“He thought you were going to be a problem.”
Hamid made a face.
“I know, right?”
“I have to admit I’m not happy you’re keeping in touch with the man you were engaged to, but this is a sensitive matter for you and I can’t ignore it.”
“I’ve told you about how much I wished I had somebody who truly understood everything Mama and I went through. He seemed so lost… I couldn’t turn my back on him,” she looked away from the screen.
“You did the right thing.”
“You’re not mad, are you?” Daphne frowned.
“I’m nothing but proud of you.”
“Thank you…” she replied timidly, then rubbed a hand on one eye.
“You should get some sleep now. We can talk in the morning.”
“Okay,” she stifled a yawn, shifting on her side to rest her head on the pillow. “Good night, Hamid.”
“Sweet dreams, aşkım,” Hamid smiled softly before he disconnected, so both of them could go to sleep.
