Chapter Fifty-two

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

One week later The Earl of Swifdon’s town house, Hanover Square

With Cass and Lucy’s help, Daphne had managed to arrange another ball at her brother’s town house. They’d planned it before she’d left to find Rafe on the sloop. Dressed in a bright pink gown with a matching topaz necklace glimmering at her throat, she stood at the top of the stairs waiting for Pengree to announce her to the crowd inside the ballroom just beyond the double doors. She pressed a gloved hand to her middle where her insides quaked with nerves.

“I feel as if I’m going to be sick,” Daphne murmured.

“Well, you look gorgeous, dear,” Cass said from beside her. Cass was wearing a light blue gown with white trim. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

Daphne smiled at her lovely sister-in-law.

“Oh, please tell me I may throw rose petals at your wedding, Cousin Daphne,” Delilah said, spinning around in a circle beside her. The girl was wearing a bright yellow ribbon on the top of her head and a matching golden gown. Her governess, one in a long string of ladies who became too exasperated with her antics to remain, had just given her notice. As a result, Delilah was quite unchaperoned this evening and she’d managed, as usual, to talk her aunt into allowing her to sneak down to the ballroom.

“I promise you may throw rose petals at our wedding ceremony?” Daphne replied, smiling at the child.

“Not just any rose petals. Pink and white ones. Pink and white are the only sort of rose petals to throw at weddings. They are trés romantic,” Delilah gushed.

Daphne shook her head. Now her twelve-year-old cousin was an expert at weddings? “Very well, pink and white,” Daphne replied.

Cass laughed.

Rafe came sliding through the corridor, slightly out of breath. He stopped at Daphne’s side and gave her a peck on the cheek. He wore impeccably tailored black evening clothes and a starchy white cravat that set off the bright blue of his eyes. Daphne’s heart swelled. He was so handsome, her husband.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he breathed to Daphne, squeezing her hand as Pengree eyed the couple up and down.

“Bonsoir, Capitaine,” Delilah said, giving him her most formal curtsy. “There shall be pink and white rose petals at your wedding ceremony.”

Rafe’s brow furrowed. He glanced at Daphne. “What’s this?”

“Oh, ignore her. Did you talk to Julian?”

“Not yet but he agreed to meet with me in his study later.”

“Well, he can’t very well say no after we do this.” Daphne nodded toward the doors in front of them where they could hear the crowd in the ballroom.

“Ready, my lady?” Pengree asked, tugging on the lapels of his livery.

“Ready!” Daphne replied with a gulp and a nod. She squeezed Rafe’s hand.

Pengree opened the wide double doors, revealing the crowded ballroom. “Lady Daphne Swift,” he intoned.

Daphne released Rafe’s hand and took a tentative step forward. “If I could have your attention, please,” she said in the loudest voice she could muster to the waiting crowd. She paused and glanced back at Rafe, who was hidden from the ballroom by the door she was clutching. “Oh, Rafe. I’m so nervous. What should I say?”

Rafe straightened his cravat and tugged at his cuff. “Say this, ‘A fortnight ago…’”

Daphne turned her head back out to face the crowd and repeated his words. “A fortnight ago…”

“I cheated you out of an engagement ball at this very house by acting foolishly, which was very bad manners,” Rafe continued.

Daphne repeated his words quickly. “I cheated you out of an engagement ball at this very house by acting foolishly, which was very bad manners.”

“But I hope to make it up to you by going through with it now as originally planned,” Rafe whispered.

“But I hope to make it up to you by going through with it now as originally planned,” Daphne repeated, the smile on her face widening. She reached behind her to squeeze Rafe’s hand.

“So, if you’ll all just wait a moment,” Rafe said.

“So if you’ll all just wait a moment,” Daphne repeated.

“I intend to announce my engagement to Captain Rafferty Cavendish.”

“I intend to announce my engagement to Captain Rafferty Cavendish.” Daphne turned to him. “Oh, Rafe are you certain? Are you entirely certain? You’re not just doing this because of the mission and the annulment and everything?”

“Not a chance, Grey.” He winked at her.

Daphne turned to Cass. “Maid of honor?”

Cass’s eyes were filled with tears. “I’d be delighted.”

Daphne turned to Delilah. “Attendant?”

“Mais bien s?r,” Delilah replied with another formal curtsy.

Daphne turned back to the crowded ballroom. “Yes. I’d like to formally announce my engagement to the most wonderful man in the world. Captain Rafferty Cavendish.”

***

Later that evening, Daphne and Rafe sat on the settee in the middle of Julian’s study holding hands. In addition to her pink gown, Daphne wore a sparkling ring on her third finger. She hadn’t tugged at it in days.

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.”

Rafe and Daphne sat down again while Cass took charge of the silence. “Well, now. Enough crying. This should be a happy occasion. Donald would want as much.”

They all nodded.

“Agreed,” Julian said. “We must plan how we’ll go about making your marriage appear to have been planned all along. We’ll have a wedding for appearance’s sake.”

“And Mother’s sake,” Daphne added.

“Precisely. We’ll pretend as if the first marriage never happened,” Julian said.

“I don’t care what we do as long as we can tell everyone we’re married.” Daphne squeezed Rafe’s hand.

Rafe kissed her atop the head. “Don’t worry, darling, no one will ever pull us apart. Besides, we already—”

“Ah, ah, ah,” Julian said, putting up a hand, palm first. “Please spare me.”

Rafe gave him a devilish grin and so did Daphne. Cass giggled.

“I was only going to say that we already got permission from the War Office to use the True Love for our honeymoon. We’re sailing off,” Rafe said.

“To France?” Lucy asked.

Rafe shook his head. “No, not France. I don’t care if I ever see that country again.”

A muted gasp came from the other side of the door.

“Delilah,” Daphne called. “You might as well come in. I know you’re there.”

A few seconds passed before the door opened and Delilah came marching in. She was wearing her pink ballet costume and had a triumphant smile upon her face.

She took a seat on the settee next to Daphne and grinned at the married couple.

“Don’t you look like the cat who ate the canary?” Daphne said, unable to repress her smile.

Delilah clasped her hands together near her cheek. “Oh, j’adore a happy ending and I just want to state for the record that I did it. I did it all!” She stood quickly and performed a pirouette.

Daphne’s mouth fell open. She plunked her hands on her hips. “What did you do, you little urchin?”

Delilah curtsied to her, lifting the edges of her skirt daintily. “Why, I chased away that abominable Lord Fitzwell, of course, and ensured that you and Captain Cavendish were together. Though I’ll admit Aunt Willie helped a bit, but I was quite instrumental.”

“And ever so modest,” Cass said with a laugh, taking a sip of her tea.

“Why should I be modest? I’m exceedingly proud of myself,” Delilah replied, her nose in the air.

“As you should be,” Rafe added with a laugh.

Delilah beamed at him. “Merci beaucoup, Capitaine.”

Lucy’s brows shot up. “I do believe I’ve discovered my own little disciple,” Lucy said. She patted Delilah on the hand. “You’re already quite good at plotting things, dear, and you’re only twelve. Just imagine the trouble you could get up to when you’re our age.”

“It boggles the mind to consider,” Daphne said.

Derek stood. “I was waiting till all was settled before I mentioned this, but I had an interesting audience with Wellington and the Prince Regent earlier today.”

Daphne’s eyes went wide. “What did they say?”

Derek bowed and spread his hand out in front of Rafe. “Meet the newest viscount of the realm, my lady.”

Rafe shot Daphne a sly look and grinned. “It’s true.”

Daphne clapped her hands. “Oh, Rafe. You’re a viscount now? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Rafe shrugged. “Apparently, torture and heroics will get you a viscountcy these days. And I didn’t say anything because I wanted your brother to accept me as your husband without a viscountcy. The same way you did, my love.”

“Ha. Now you’ll have to accept us blue bloods, Cavendish,” Julian said with a laugh, clapping his new brother-in-law on the shoulder.

“The official reason for the title was for bringing justice to the Earl of Swifdon’s killers,” Derek said. “And there are lands and monies that come with it.”

“I insisted upon being a spy viscount of course,” Rafe replied. “At least, I intend to help whenever I can, but I think I’ll stick to English soil from now on. I may be expected to spend my time at gentlemen’s clubs, but I’ll feel useful if I’m able to help here in London.”

“What did the Prince Regent say about that?” Daphne asked.

“He said he thought it was perfect because he could use a member of the aristocracy who is a spy and whose wife just happens to speak Russian,” Rafe replied.

“I quite agree with him. We are a fine combination,” Daphne said with a laugh, clutching her husband’s hand to her side.

Rafe turned to her, his face solemn. “I explained to the prince that you were the real hero, Daphne. He said as you’re already a lady and married to me, that shall suffice. Though he does agree you should be rewarded with a medal for your bravery.”

Daphne leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I don’t want a medal or a viscountcy. All I ever wanted was you.”

Delilah sighed dramatically. “Ah, amour .”

“But it’s you who should be knighted,” Rafe insisted to Daphne.

“I am already a lady. And now you are a lord.”

“Oh, I’m a lord now, am I? Not a rogue?” Rafe grinned at her.

Daphne patted his shoulder. “You’ll always be a rogue, my love. My irresistible rogue.”

The butler entered the room and cleared his throat. “There’s someone here to see you, Captain,” Pengree said, directing his gaze toward Rafe.

“Someone came here to see me ?” Rafe pointed at himself.

“Yes,” Pengree replied. “I must say, he’s quite—well, he’s…”

“Who is it, Pengree? Did this visitor give a name?” Julian asked.

“A Mr. Daffin Oakleaf, my lord.”

Daphne looked at Rafe. “Who is Daffin Oakleaf?” But Rafe’s face was turning a mottled shade of red she’d never seen before. He was angry.

“Show him in, Pengree,” Julian replied.

They all waited a few minutes for Pengree to return with the guest. When the man walked into the room, Daphne gasped. Cass clapped a hand over her mouth. Lucy’s eyebrows shot up straight. Claringdon blinked. And Julian looked twice.

Rafe’s face was a mask of stone.

The man looked exactly like Rafe.

“There are two of you!” Delilah exclaimed, her eyes wide as saucers. She looked as if she might faint.

Claringdon was next to speak. “Either the government has learned how to duplicate people or I’d say we’re about to meet your twin, Captain.”

The man bowed. “Daffin Oakleaf, at your service.”

“We both know that’s not your name,” Rafe said through clenched teeth.

“Of course it’s not. But I can hardly go by Cade Cavendish any longer,” the man replied, and Daphne noticed that he had the same cleft in his chin as Rafe did. She kept glancing back and forth between them. The only way she could tell the difference was that Daffin, or Cade, or whatever his name was, had much longer hair. “Rafe, this is your brother?” she asked.

“Yes,” came Rafe’s monotone reply. “My twin brother.”

“That’s right,” Cade said. “I must say, I’m thrilled that you’re claiming me. Though I suppose with our looks, you don’t have much choice, do you?”

Rafe narrowed his eyes at the man. “I thought you were dead. That is, until that blond climbed into my bed unexpectedly last spring.”

“Yes, sorry about that,” Cade replied. “Amanda told me you were not particularly excited to see her. She sends her apologies. She did think she’d found me. Not knowing I was a twin of course.”

Daphne’s mouth fell open. She gaped at Cade. “That was your blond?”

“One of them,” Cade replied with a grin even more devilish than his brother’s.

Daphne turned to Rafe. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a twin?”

Rafe shook his head. “It’s such a long story. I don’t know where I would even begin. As I said, I believed he was dead.”

Cade marched over to the sofa, plopped down, and put his boots on the table, crossing his feet at the ankles. Then he folded his hands behind his head and leaned back, comfortable as you please. “Why don’t you start at the beginning, dear brother? We have all the time in the world. For the time being, I’m back.”