Read Online The Lucky One (Brethren Of The Coast #6) by Barbara Devlin - Free Book Online Page B

dance. That would give you the opportunity to meet with the townspeople, and we could provide a substantial meal to those who refuse to accept your charity.” To avoid rousing suspicion, he had to induce her to follow his lead. “Of course, I know not of any venue that would suit, as the inn has no room large enough to accommodate us. Perhaps it was not a good idea.”
    “On the contrary, it is a marvelous notion. And Courtenay Hall has a grand ballroom, although it has been vacant for some years.” She pushed from the table and stood. “If you would care to join me, I will show you the space.”
    “If it is not an imposition.” A double-door entry on the side wall, which he had not noticed until he followed in her wake, opened to reveal a cavernous chamber. Grasping a candelabrum, he scanned the vicinity and was stunned to discover another gem concealed amid the timeworn structure. “Miss Daphne, this is magnificent.”
    As was the case with the residence, the ballroom boasted the signature Rococo décor, albeit in much better condition, including mezzo-frescoes reminiscent of Tiepolo, vivid pastorals, and gilt-bronze floor to ceiling mirrors framed with abstract and asymmetrical stuccowork unlike any he had ever seen. But the pièce de résistance was a ceiling mural composed of an impromptu outdoor celebration. In the majestic, colorful scene, the gentry frolicked amid the woods, and couples hid amid the trees, engaging in passionate trysts, while chubby cupids flew overhead, firing arrows into a blue sky. For some reason he could not explain, he smiled as he studied the images.
    “We held spectacular parties here, before my mother died.” With sadness investing her delicate features, Daphne gazed into the darkness and sniffed. “She permitted me to stay up past my bedtime, when I was but ten and six, and I drank my first champagne at one of our galas. Mama always promised me that, some day, I would dance in the arms of my beloved in this ballroom. To know it will never happen just breaks my heart.”
    “Why so sorrowful, love?” Her despair struck a blow, and Dalton ached to comfort her. “You are young, and it is—”
    “Sir Dalton, I asked you not to address me as such, unless you meant it.” She thrust her chin, in a now-familiar affectation he found quite endearing, and how he admired her spirit. “It is strange how we covet whimsical dreams and aspirations, far and away beyond the point of madness. Yet we cling to our fantasies, praying for a miracle, which might save us from the cold hard reality of our circumstances.”
    “Daphne, will you not share your burden?” As he neared the same precipice, the solution to her confounding riddle, he approached with care. “You have my word, as a gentleman, I would do whatever you require. I could write the King and ask to be appointed interim governor, until your father returns.”
    “Why would you do that, Sir Dalton?” Robert asked. “What do you hope to gain? And what are your intentions, regarding my sister?”
    “I believe you misconstrue my motives, lad. So I am prepared to look past the slight.” Caught with his hand in the cherry compote, Dalton could only feign innocence. “Given your sister’s altruistic proclivities, and your father’s unexplained absence, my cause is just, and my aim is true. I wish to maintain order in Portsea, provide protection for your family, and recover the brooch.”
    “If you contact the King, you could sabotage my sister’s efforts to locate your precious heirloom, as you are a stranger in these parts.” Dalton had grossly underestimated the elder brother, and Robert evoked comparisons with Dirk. “What would you do then, Londoner ?”
    “I understand.” The scamp’s tone defined the referenced city as an epithet, but Dalton refused to take the bait. It was then he discovered himself the subject of Daphne’s scrutiny. “I could forgo a letter to the Crown, if you permit me the use of your home for the