She Hid Under a Table to Escape a Matchmaker — The Duke Was Already There
Chapter 5
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"Quite pleasantly. Lady Marcia is relieved to be free of an attachment neither of us had formed.""Oh." He looked at her. It was an absurdly small sound to give him so much pleasure."And Mr. Dunford has proved unexpectedly agreeable since I stopped being afraid he might like me. A useful discovery.""I am trying to improve, too."They carried their plates to a small table by the window. Winnie and Osric were already there, discussing ribbons with an earnestness that suggested the color of the world had become temporarily negotiable. Gilbert asked what needed doing. Daphne reached for the list in her pocket.They spoke at the same time:"The flowers will arrive at 11:00.""I have told the gardener where to put the stands."Winnie looked from one to the other. "I should like to show you.""There is no need to trouble," Daphne said. "We have it all in hand.""I know. I should still like to show you."An hour later, they stood in the room where the wedding breakfast would be served. Two men had brought in the first of the large potted ferns Daphne had approved. Their fronds spread magnificently across the space intended for a table.Gilbert examined one. "How many?""Twelve," Daphne said.He looked at the room. "Shall we feed the guests elsewhere?"She suppressed a smile. "They looked smaller in the drawing.""Most things do."Winnie came to stand beside the largest fern. "I asked for a few leaves around the doorway. The man said this would be more effective."Daphne replied, "It is extremely effective."Osric said, "I can no longer see my bride."Winnie pushed a frond out of her face. "I wanted yellow roses on the tables and room to talk."Daphne looked at her list. The yellow roses were there, underlined twice. Somewhere between hearing her sister and making the arrangements, she had begun imagining what everyone would admire when they entered."We can change it," she said.Gilbert glanced towards the man waiting with the second fern. "Keep those outside for the moment.""I don't want them spoiled," Winnie said quickly."Nor do I," Daphne assured her. "I have already done enough for their reputation."They walked through the room again, this time with Winnie choosing where things would go and Osric moving chairs so she could see. The result was less grand than either helper had intended and much more pleasant to stand in.The wedding flowers were to come from the village. The order could still be adjusted if somebody went at once. Gilbert said he would go. Daphne said she would come with him. Both offered so promptly that Winnie became interested."You have met then?""Last night," Daphne said, "at supper."Gilbert picked up his hat. "In the vicinity."They traveled to the village in an open carriage, accompanied by a large empty flower basket that proved better at occupying space than either of them."Shall it sit between us?" Daphne asked.