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Daphne eyed him curiously. “Is that so?”
“I was wrong for treating you so deplorably.”
“Why the sudden change of heart?”
Phineas rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m afraid I took the news that Grandmother was disinheriting me rather poorly.”
“She isn’t disinheriting you.”
“I know,” he replied. “She explained that she still intends to leave me a portion of her estate, and I should be grateful for that, especially given my recent behavior.”
Daphne shifted on the bench to face him, unsure of what to say.
Phineas dropped down onto the settee. “I have felt lost these last few years,” he admitted. “Ever since my father died, I have struggled to carry on.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“It comforts me to know that you understand what I am going through,” Phineas said, his voice soft.
“I do.”
Phineas met her gaze. “I suppose my reckless behavior has been a result of me attempting to bear my great responsibilities.”
Daphne attempted to gauge Phineas’ sincerity. His words were spoken smoothly enough, but they almost seemed rehearsed.
“That is why I have decided that I am going to change my ways,” Phineas announced. “I am no longer going to make stupid choices. It is time that I live up to our family’s name.”
“I am happy to hear that.”
Phineas bobbed his head. “But I can’t do it alone,” he said.
“No?”
“I need your help.”
“How can I help you?” Daphne asked skeptically.
Phineas glanced back at the door before saying, “I need you to speak to Grandmother on my behalf and convince her to make me her heir again.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because we both know that you don’t truly need the money,” he said. “Your parents left you an inheritance, and I would ensure you wouldn’t want for anything the rest of your days.”
“You would take care of me?”
Phineas gave her an indulgent smile. “It would be my pleasure,” he said. “After all, we are family.”
Daphne pursed her lips together. “You are unbelievable.”
His smile dimmed. “In what way?”
“I’m not going to talk to Grandmother,” Daphne said, rising. “It is her choice who she wants to leave her estate to.”
“But I need that money!” Phineas shouted.
“And why is that?”
Phineas rose from his seat. “It is rather expensive to run an estate, and I’m on the verge of losing all that I have if I don’t get some money.”
