The Irresistible Rogue (Playful Brides #4)(88)

Cass was curled into a chair near them drinking a cup of tea with a knowing smile on her face. Wearing his own formal black evening attire, Julian, however, had his hands folded behind his back and was pacing in front of his sister and her husband.

“Julian,” Daphne began. “I promised Rafe that you’d be reasonable.”

Julian hadn’t said a word. That worried Daphne more than if he’d raised his voice. He continued his silent pacing.

A knock sounded at the door and Daphne turned her head to see who it was. Lucy and Derek Hunt, also wearing their formal attire from the ball, came striding through the door.

“Thank heavens,” Daphne breathed.

Julian didn’t acknowledge them.

“We came as soon as we received your note, Daphne,” Lucy explained.

Cass raised a brow. “Called for reinforcements, did you?”

Daphne nodded so vehemently that one of her curls came loose from her coiffure and bobbed along her forehead.

Carefully stepping around the pacing earl, Lucy and Derek took seats in front of Julian’s desk but not before they turned the chairs so they could be a part of the conversation.

“What have we missed?” Lucy asked, smoothing her hands over her green skirts as she settled into her chair.

“Nothing yet,” Cass replied. “Just a lot of pacing. He seems to have been struck dumb.”

Julian stopped his pacing directly in front of Rafe. The earl’s hands remained folded behind his back and he braced his feet apart. Rafe’s hand tensed in Daphne’s.

“I have just one question for you,” Julian said, eyeing Rafe down the length of his nose.

Rafe nodded and met his gaze. “Anything.”

“You’ve professed your disdain of so-called blue bloods over the years. In light of that, how do you feel about being a part of this family?”

Rafe swallowed and stood, too. He was about a foot in front of the earl. “I would be honored to be a part of this family. If you’ll have me.” He bowed slightly at the waist.

“No more making light of blue bloods?” Julian asked, his face a mask of stone.

Rafe squared his shoulders. “Your brother gave his life for our country. You nearly did as well. And your sister is one of the most steadfast patriots I’ve ever known. The Swift family may be noble, but you’re also brave. I can only hope I make this family proud and don’t bring disgrace upon it.”

Daphne glanced around. All of the occupants of the study appeared to be holding their breath.

Julian turned abruptly on his heel and marched around to the front of his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out a letter. He returned to the settee and handed it to Daphne. “You need to see this.”

Her brow furrowed, Daphne took the piece of parchment from her brother’s outstretched hand. “What is it?”

“A letter,” Julian said. “From Donald.”

Daphne’s eyes widened. She gulped back a sob. “Donald?”

Julian nodded toward the paper. “Read it.”

Daphne pulled it close with a shaking hand. “You must read it too, Rafe.”

Rafe sat back down and read over her shoulder.

My dearest sister Daphne,

I asked Julian to give this to you after you and Cavendish had finally come to your senses and decided to remain married. I would never have allowed the marriage in the first place if I hadn’t thought Cavendish the best man for you and you the best lady for him. It was obvious since I met him that you and he would suit. I know he’ll make our family proud and you two will be happy together. Not to mention produce some fine-looking children.

Daphne blushed. Rafe grinned at her.

As I’m certain you’ve guessed, it wasn’t entirely necessary for you and Cavendish to marry before you set off on the mission, but I suspected it would keep you two together long enough to realize that you were well matched. If you’re reading this, you have discerned as much. Please know you have my blessing and I can only hope Julian agrees with me. I expect he will. He’s wise, our brother. Best wishes for a happy life together, Daphne. With all my love to you and your new husband.



Yours,



Donald

Daphne’s eyes brimmed with tears. She turned her face up to her brother. “Do you, Julian? Do you agree?”

Julian gave them a wide grin. “Wholeheartedly.”

“And so do I,” Cass added with a nod.

Rafe stood again and Julian held out his hand. Rafe shook it heartily. Both men were smiling.

“But how did you get this letter, Julian?” Daphne asked. “When did you get it?”

“Someone from the War Office sent it over,” Julian explained. “Seems our brother had a premonition. I think he always knew he wouldn’t return from France. He knew you both well enough to know you’d capture the men who killed him and he knew you two were meant to be together.”

“I never realized how intelligent Donald was,” Lucy said, dabbing at her eyes and handing a spare handkerchief to Daphne.

“He seems like he was both intelligent and kind,” Derek added.

“He was both,” Daphne said, wiping away her tears. “I loved him so much.” She stood and hugged her brother.

Julian hugged her back. “So did I. So did I.”