Free When Only a Rake Will Do by Jennifer McNare Page B

Brendon asked with a light chuckle.
    Daphne grinned.  “If this is any indication of the man’s culinary abilities, then I most certainly do.”
    Brendon nodded.  “Just wait until the next course.”
    Even as he said the words, Daphne was already looking forward to it. 
     
     
    By the time the second course arrived, a turbot with lobster and Dutch sauces and a portion of red mullet, the conversation was flowing easily between them and their surrounding dinner companions.  For a time, she even managed to set aside the terrible anxiety that had been plaguing her since her and Thomas’ arrival. 
    In fact, it wasn’t until dessert had been served and eaten, a Neapolitan cake with buttercream frosting and a tantalizing selection of crepes, éclairs and meringue, and the ladies had all risen from the table to accompany the duchess to the drawing room for coffee and tea that her nervousness began to return in full measure.  For she knew that as soon as the gentlemen finished their port and joined them once again, she was going to have to employ some sort of strategy that would, if all went according to plan, enable her to speak with Brendon alone. 
     
     
    As it happened, it was Ashleigh Leighton who unwittingly provided Daphne with just the opportunity she needed approximately thirty minutes later.
    “Brendon,” the duchess called, motioning him over to where they were seated as the gentlemen made their way into the parlor.  “I have just discovered that like you and I, Lady Daphne has a particular appreciation for renaissance art,” she said as he approached. 
    “Indeed?”
    “Quite so,” the duchess continued.  “As such, I was thinking that she might enjoy a tour of the art gallery.”  She turned back to Daphne with an engaging smile.  “Nicholas and Brendon’s grandfather was an avid collector of early Italian renaissance paintings and sculptures, and while most of his collection is exhibited at our country home, there are several pieces on display here as well.”
    “Tis true, it’s quite a collection,” Brendon agreed.  “If you would care to view the works we have here, Lady Daphne, I would be delighted to escort you.”
    “I would love to,” Daphne replied, rising eagerly from her seat on the silk brocade-covered settee, silently praying that none of the other guests would ask to join them.
    Thankfully no one did.
    Offering Daphne his elbow, Brendon had little doubt that Ashleigh’s suggestion had been just another part of her cleverly orchestrated plan to further his acquaintance with Lady Daphne, but as the lovely lady slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, he couldn’t honestly say that he minded.
     
    “So, it appears that you and I share yet another interest,” Brendon commented as he led Daphne in the direction of the second floor art gallery.
    “Indeed, we do seem to have a great deal in common,” she replied with an agreeable smile, though in actuality her interest in renaissance art was at present the furthest thing from her mind.
    “Here we are,” he said moments later as he lead her into a long, narrow gas-lit corridor lined with paintings and intermingled with over a dozen pedestals supporting a variety of sculptures in varying shapes and sizes.
    “Oh my,” Daphne gasped, awed by the incredible, museum-like display that surely only the wealthiest of families could afford to possess.  Seeing it, she could only imagine what amazing treasures their country home held.
    “It is a bit overwhelming, isn’t it,” Brendon acknowledged with a small, self-conscious laugh.
    “It’s incredible,” Daphne uttered as she gazed upon an enormous oil painting depicting the Madonna and Child.
    “Have you a favorite artist?” Brendon inquired as they moved slowly along the corridor.
    “Michelangelo,” she replied without hesitation.  Her mother had been a great admirer of art and of Michelangelo especially, a fascination Daphne had shared.
    “Ah, the divine one.