Wilhelmina took a step closer to their mother, her hands curled into fists at her sides.
“You are a terribly twisted woman! You were willing to sell your own daughter to a despicable man to uphold your pathetic place in Society. You’ve been wrong so many times before, when you’ve gone against our own choices, but you never learn!”
Daphne was no longer upset. The outrage seeped from her gradually so that it disappeared entirely before long. She felt a strong resolve growing within her that allowed her to place a steady hand on Wilhelmina’s arm. She stared at her mother, feeling devastatingly cold inside.
“The more you act this way, Mother,” Daphne said quietly but firmly, “the more easily we will forget you when you pass from this world. You already made it too easy for us to hate you. You may truly believe you are protecting the family name, but you are merely ensuring that when we speak of our home, Grisham, we speak of the children, and not its mother. Not anymore.”
The Dowager visibly flinched but kept her head high. Daphne could swear her mother’s lower lip trembled. But she was not sorry and would not apologize. She was done being sorry.
“You may leave, Mother. I will soon inform Daniel of your behavior. He will decide what must be done with you.”
That was what made the Dowager Countess’ composure break. She glared at both of her daughters. Then she rose, picked up her gloves and left the house in a huff.
She left behind Wilhelmina and Daphne, who had to deal with the fact that their own mother could betray them so easily just like that.
Meanwhile, Adrian was still trying to recover from Caleb’s visit. He had another drink and went to the music room. It was a big mistake. His eyes went to the piano where theCassandrapiece lay.
A deep curiosity pulled him toward it. He sat and pondered the lines on the sheet music.
Then, he began to play.
He knew Daphne played the piano far better than he ever could.
The sound broke him, though. It sounded like how Cassandra was. Her whole essence. It was not just music, but a presence.
His mother and his sister would want him to live, not ruin himself. The truth had been there all along, and it hurt that Caleb had to be the first to realize that.
He ran out of the townhouse, not even bothering to take a coat with him.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Adrian did not hesitate this time. Daphne belonged to Wolfcrest. She belonged with him.
He ran down the street recklessly, jumping over curbs, and dodging around passersby. It didn’t matter to him if he felt cold at the moment. The frosty temperatures and curious looks he garnered from others did not faze him in the slightest. What mattered was to see her once more, in the flesh right by his side.
When Adrian exhausted himself and could run no further, he darted into the street and flagged down a driver. The coachman knew just what to do, perhaps seeing the urgency on his face. They rode hard on cobbled streets, a danger to those walking there and themselves. Then again, people expected that the Wolf would be a source of danger, for anybody.
He rapped at the door hard, shouting, “Hurry! We must be there soon! Soon!”
The last word was emphasized. He didn’t have to, though. The coachman knew what he meant and made haste. The horses flew over the roads until they reached Wilhelmina’s and Gerard’s home.
Upon arrival, the Duke of Wolfcrest had to pause to calm his frayed nerves and hurtling heart. The main door felt massive in front of him. Still, his fist connected with the wood, pounding hard without needing the brass knocker.
The whole affair called for something more personal. It needed pain.
A stern butler opened the door, followed by a young, indignant boy. Little Hector stood there, glaring at him.
Oh no.
The boy was loyal to his stepmother and her family and would do anything for them. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave his most accusatory glare.
“You’re the Duke my family has been talking about,” Hector declared. “I’ve met you, but we have not really talked to each other. You hurt Aunt Daphne. She came here miserable and Mama said it’s your fault. You are not welcome here, Your Grace.”
Normally, the polite way of using his title might have amused Adrian, especially coming from a boy who obviously hated him.However, Hector would not appreciate his chuckling. He was in deep trouble.
Soon, Wilhelmina appeared. Her response was even worse than Hector’s.
“Your Grace, it’s time to leave,” Wilhelmina said.
