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Placing a hand on the small of her back, Augusta continued to pace the tiled floor. “It is not. It is merely an inconvenience.” She gave Daphne a pointed look. “I couldn’t help but notice you were seated next to Mr. Huxley.”
“I was,” Daphne said ruefully. “I shall have to thank Eliza for seating me next to him.”
Augusta smiled. “Well, someone had to sit next to him, especially since he is Mr. Fitzwilliam’s cousin.”
“I just wish it hadn’t been me,” Daphne responded. “He is just as vexing as I remember from our last conversation.”
“Which time was that?”
“The time he offered for me.”
Augusta giggled. “How could I have forgotten that?” she asked. “If I recall correctly, you didn’t take his offer seriously.”
“I did not, because we hardly know one another.”
“You grew up together.”
“That doesn’t mean we are friends.”
“People have married for much less.”
“That may be true, but I feel no attraction towards Mr. Huxley.”
“Then you must not marry him.”
“I do not intend to.”
Augusta stopped pacing and turned to face her. “You are the last of us to marry,” she said. “I must admit that I will be eager to see the man you choose.”
“Why is that?”
“I worry that you have set lofty goals when it comes to marriage.”
Daphne nodded, seeing no reason to deny it. “I refuse to settle.”
“Nor should you, but I fear you are looking for a man who does not exist.”
“Then I shall not wed, and I will remain a spinster for the remainder of my days.”
Augusta grimaced. “The baby just kicked me when you said that,” she revealed. “I hope that is not a bad omen.”
Daphne laughed. “I do not believe in such things.”
“No, I suppose you don’t,” Augusta murmured. “Shall we return to the wedding breakfast?”
“Must we?”
“I would hate to miss Mr. Fitzwilliam’s toast.”
Daphne stepped closer. “Before you go, I wanted to speak to you about something that is rather important.”
Augusta rested her hand on her protruding stomach and gave her an expectant look. “Is something the matter?”
“My grandmother just informed me that she changed her will, and I am now her heir,” Daphne revealed.
Augusta’s eyes grew wide. “You are an heiress,” she declared.
“I am.”
