“You just want me to do what you say,” Daphne teased.
“I didn’t have to tell you that to make you give in, and you know it, Duchess.”
“The sheer arrogance!” she exclaimed, wondering if she’d end up shedding the gown she had just put on with the help of her maid.
Their first priority was to reconnect with Daphne’s family, while they were in the throes of honeymoon bliss. They hosted a dinner at the townhouse, where all Brightons were welcomed.
Cautious relief and blatant curiosity dominated the atmosphere. Wilhelmina’s eyes shone as she met Daphne’s own.
“You look happy,” she mouthed, while the others were preoccupied with their own conversations.
Victoria seemed mischievously quiet. Her smirk seemed to say, “You must tell me what’s going on, twin sister.”
Daniel, as Daphne’s older brother and Marquess of Grisham, seemed to be sterner than the others, but that was not wholly unusual. For many years, really once he had become the head of the family, Daniel’s demeanor had taken on a serious and protective edge. So, he kept his tone cool throughout the evening and no one questioned him.
“I hope that you will remain vigilant, Wolfcrest,” he advised his brother-in-law at one point while the first course was being cleared and there was a brief lull in the more energetic bits of conversation. “I’ve heard about your newfound domesticity. I hope that it does not compromise your strategy. I know that you, uh, have your various businesses to attend to and a villainous Earl willing to barge at your door.”
Adrian did not take offense, Daphne could tell. Her husband remained calm and jolly. He met her brother’s gaze with his amber stare.
“Oh, I am even more careful now, Grisham. I do not trifle with the safety of those I care about. Daphne’s security is always the priority.”
“While I have no plans to marry anytime soon,” the Marquess of Amberwell began with a laugh, as he raised his glass, “I am simply happy for Wolfcrest, who is spending more time with his wife than his ledgers these days. At least, that is what I heard—for I rarely see him anymore. Yes,” he simpered playfully, “pity me, for I am the lost and broken friend who has been cast aside in favor of a beautiful, brighter companion.”
Victoria laughed loudly and lifted her own goblet high. “I’ll raise a toast to that!” She indicated all the others should join her. “To seeking beauty and enjoying oneself with the brightest and most charming companion!”
“Here, here!” roared Dominic playfully. The others chorused the chant, then quaffed their cups.
The rest of the dinner went well, with everyone welcoming and accepting Adrian into the family with more warmth than before.
And, every time Daphne’s eyes met her husband’s, she was filled with pleasure—pleasure like she had never known before.
Later that week, Daphne urged Adrian to follow her to the music room. She sat at the piano forte, fully aware of the way her husband’s eyes widened expectantly.
“I have something for you,” she said softly. “You have shared so much of your pain, and your life before you became the Wolf that I want to give something back to you.”
“You’ve given me so much more, Daphne,” he reminded her.
She smiled, then, and proceeded to play the small composition she’d written. It began with wistful, melancholic notes, ever so gentle. Then, the melody progressed, turning into sorrow. She felt her tears fall to her cheeks as she imagined what it must have been like for her husband to lose someone he loved, someone so pure. The notes later soared to something more hopeful and uplifting, like an emotional resurrection.
When she finished, she could still hear her heart pounding hard in her chest and in her ears. The final, perfect chord faded into delicate silence. She chanced a look at Adrian. He was sitting on the edge of his chair, his face a mixture of emotions: sadness,awe, and, perhaps, hope. The hope that she had tried to add to the musical composition.
He rose to stand next to her, his fingers fumbling for the sheet music. He nodded as if finding his confirmation when he saw the title of the piece:Cassandra.
“It’s beautiful,” he finally managed. Even though he tried to hide it, Daphne could still detect the thick emotion behind his words. “The music—it… it sounds like her. Itisher. Thank you, Daphne.”
He reached for her hands and kissed her knuckles and then her palms. She’d been praised for her music before. Men admired her skills and applauded her efforts so they could get closer to her, but Adrian did not have to do that. What came out of him was more than anyone had given her: appreciation, understanding, and worship.
Daphne knew that she would do anything for him, if only he’d let her.
“I am glad,” was all she could say then.
Chapter Nineteen
“Ithought you trusted and respected me enough,” Daphne protested.
Adrian and Daphne stood in the middle of the drawing room, like two conspirators or two lovers meeting for a tryst. The couple no longer hid their change in their status. Most of the servants had felt the shift between the two of them. “Still, you think me so fragile that I cannot be shown your world?”
“It’s not a matter of fragility, Daphne, and I believe you know it,” Adrian retorted, his jaw clenched. His amber eyes flashed. Then, they clouded with worry. She could read him better now, or at least she’d like to think so. “It’s a matter of knowing my enemies. Didn’t I marry you to ensure your safety from some of them? The Obsidian Card attracts people worse than Briarwood. It’s built on filth that I have promised to keep from you.”
