The Irresistible Rogue (Playful Brides #4)(26)

A few of the diners looked up to see them leave the room together. Delilah made as if to follow them. “Not you, Delilah,” Daphne said, pointing her cousin back toward the seating.

Delilah wrinkled her nose in a pout but flounced back over to the table where she grabbed another teacake from a new platter that had just been brought from the kitchens.

Keeping her head high, Daphne marched out of the breakfast room, down the short corridor, and into the drawing room. Rafe followed her.

As soon as the door was closed behind them she turned to him, her arms crossed over her chest. “Please tell me you intend to leave immediately after breakfast.”

“I do not,” he said simply.

Daphne’s face heated. She forced herself to count three. “What do you mean?”

He casually slid a hand into his pocket. “I mean I have no intention of leaving after breakfast or anytime today actually.”

Counting three wasn’t sufficient. She wanted to scream at him like a fishwife. She forced the words through her clenched teeth. “What about our agreement?”

“You mean the agreement in which you promised to give me a memorable kiss?”

More face heating. “Yes.”

“I daresay that momentous occasion, although admittedly well on its way to being memorable, was unfortunately interrupted.”

Daphne clenched her fists. “That was hardly my fault,” she snapped, though she was somewhat mollified that he agreed it was memorable.

“I didn’t say it was your fault. It’s simply a fact.”

“Are you mad? You’re going to use that as an excuse as to why you refuse to leave?”

“It’s not an excuse. I did leave. Last night. I’m back. I’ve also decided that the agreement was foolish. I need to keep an eye on you.”

“Keep an eye on me?” She fought the urge to stamp her foot. “In a house where my mother, brother, and sister-in-law reside? Truly?”

“They all seem to like this Fitzhorton chap. I don’t trust him.”

“And you’re the person to judge him? Not my family?” Daphne pressed a hand to her forehead. A headache was quickly forming behind her eyes. She was going mad. She could feel it. It was not possible that she was standing here having this absolutely infuriating conversation with this man. It defied logic.

“I’ve been trained, Daphne. I’ve seen quite a lot of human nature. Your brother is astute, no question, but he’s been trained for war, not for assessing the details in human behavior. Spying is a very different line of work.”

“Your arrogance astounds me. I cannot fathom how you think you’re the best person to judge someone with whom I should keep company.”

“I feel an obligation to your family.” He paused. “And to you.”

Daphne’s heart wrenched. That’s all she was to him. An obligation.

“So you refuse to leave?” she forced herself to ask.

“That’s right.”

She clenched her teeth and stomped past him. “Fine. But stay out of my way.”





CHAPTER SIXTEEN




Rafe took a brandy glass from Swifdon, who had just finished handing another to Claringdon. The three men stood in Swifdon’s study. Rafe had asked them to have a drink with him. Swifdon and Claringdon were both privy to the secrets of the War Office, having been high-ranking military officers as well as current members of Parliament.

“My thanks. I needed this.” Rafe lifted the glass and tossed half its contents into the back of his throat.

“I thought you might. You look a bit worse for wear. A house party is not exactly your preferred venue, is it, Cavendish?” Swifdon took a seat behind his large cherrywood desk and gestured to the other two men to sit in the dark leather chairs that rested in front of it.

“You’re right,” Rafe replied.

“I wondered why you stayed for the weekend,” Claringdon added. “You’re not that fond of free liquor.”

“Lady Daphne would disagree with you,” Rafe replied. He glanced up to see Swifdon and Claringdon exchange a look.

“My sister’s opinion matters to you so much?” Swifdon wanted to know.

Rafe shook his head. “Isn’t it obvious she doesn’t want me here?”

“That’s an understatement.” Swifdon laughed. “You told me she was angry with you, but until seeing her in the breakfast room this morning, I didn’t realize how serious you were.”

“You feel it’s necessary to stay, though?” Claringdon asked.

Rafe took another sip. “I don’t want Lady Daphne to change her mind about the mission, but there’s something else.”

The two other men exchanged another quick glance. “Yes?” Swifdon prompted.

“I don’t particularly care for this Fitzwell chap.”

“Can’t say I know him well, myself,” Claringdon said.

Swifdon pushed back in his chair and let out a long sigh. “Daphne’s usually daring and free-spirited but in this case she made a list. A long list of eligible gentlemen. She rated them and ranked them. Apparently, Fitzwell had the highest score.”

Rafe nearly spat his drink. “She scored them?” She actually gave them scores?” Rafe gaped. “I can’t believe it.”