She Hid Under a Table to Escape a Matchmaker — The Duke Was Already There
Chapter 16
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By autumn, they had discovered less flattering things, as well. Gilbert became absorbed in work and answered questions that had not been asked. Daphne could announce that something was ridiculous when she meant she found it frightening. They were both capable of saying they did not mind a thing and then behaving as though the other had failed to notice a notice placed in the road. The difference was that they began recognizing the behavior before it occupied an entire visit."I believe you have answered the wrong question," she told him one afternoon.He looked up from the letter in his hand. "What was the right one?""Whether you wanted to stay for supper.""Yes.""You have given me a detailed account of tomorrow morning instead."He smiled, set down the letter, and stayed.On another occasion, she made a joke when he asked whether a particular invitation would make her uncomfortable. He waited. She tried another joke, found him still waiting, and admitted that she would rather go somewhere they might be allowed to speak to one another. They went somewhere else. The sky did not fall. Her mother remained disappointed for approximately twenty minutes, and then found somebody else to take.There were visits to Lethbury, sometimes with her parents, sometimes with Winnie and Osric. Daphne saw the Duke's ordinary days: letters before breakfast, an appointment that ran long, a disagreement about a repair, the pleasure he took in hearing that something troublesome had finally been done.He showed her the little room with the ugly chairs. She inspected it seriously."A very good hiding place.""It has served me well.""The chairs explain a great deal. Nobody would suspect you of choosing them.""They are comfortable."She sat and discovered that they were. There was a long window seat as well, with a faded cushion and a view over a less impressive part of the garden. She liked it immediately."You could tell people you wanted half an hour alone," she said."I could. Have you tried?""Occasionally, and they generally leave me for twenty minutes, and then send someone to ask whether I am quite well."She began laughing. He sat beside her, pleased with the discovery that this room could be improved by the presence of one person without becoming less restful.By November, Gilbert had discovered that planning a proposal was much easier than beginning one.They were walking back towards the house after a morning outside. The last leaves had gathered against a low wall, and Daphne had just been describing an invitation from Winnie with an enthusiasm he found difficult to interrupt. He stopped beside the path. She went another two steps, noticed, and turned."What is it?"He had imagined doing it in the drawing room, in the garden, after dinner, before someone could interrupt, and at several other suitable moments that had become unsuitable as soon as they arrived. Now she stood looking at him with cold fingers tucked into her muff and a loose strand of hair blowing against her cheek. He wanted to go on hearing what she had been about to say. He wanted to hear the next day's account as well."Will you marry me, Daphne?"