back over, leaving her free. She entered the room where Cook had set up the lavish buffet. Both she and Anna had spent hours with Cook, talking about a blend of hearty country dishes and some which were more refined. The buffet looked elegant and the room had been decorated to perfection. She gazed out and saw many happy faces and knew the ball had been a success.
“Would you care to dine with me?” Rhys asked. “Dez and Anna have a table over to the left and asked if we wished to join them.”
“I can think of no others I’d rather spend the meal with.”
Rhys and Dez left her with Anna as they went to make plates for them.
Anna turned to her. “The ball is certainly a success and you are a large part of that, Dalinda. You dancing with Mr. Morrison also made a huge difference. He hasn’t been shunned but rather embraced by those present.”
“I am happy that Rhys is meeting his neighbors and showing his tenants how much he cares for them.”
“And what about how much he cares for you?” her friend asked.
A hot blush spilled across her cheeks. “You are mistaken, Anna. There is nothing between us.”
Anna snorted. “Not from the heated glances I have seen him toss your way. Have you rejected his attentions? Are you not over Gilford’s death yet? I know you cared for your husband a great deal.”
“Gilford has nothing—and everything—to do with it,” Dalinda complained. “Rhys thinks that, as a duchess, I am too far above him. He cites his humble origins and everything Gilford was and had that Rhys claims he is not. Yet it is his beginnings and what he has done with his life that impress me so. He has made the most of every opportunity given to him. He will make for an excellent earl.” She sighed. “But he thinks himself beneath me and claims that I want a lord with a lofty title and numerous properties.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“When all I want is to find love.”
Anna took her hand. “Perhaps the old saying may prove true—absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Anna squeezed her hand. “You have been a constant presence in Rhys’ life, helping him put Sheffield Park back together. Once you are gone, he is bound to miss you.”
“He may but he is a very stubborn man, as I am sure you can tell. He would rather wed a stranger and wealthy bride than me, keeping his new wife at a polite distance in a marriage of convenience.” Dalinda shook her head. “Gilford left me quite well off. Besides the Laurelwood property and providing for Arthur and Harry, I have access to an obscene amount of funds. I could easily help shore up Sheffield Park and barely make a nick in what Gilford provided for me.”
“Give it time, Dalinda,” Anna advised. “Here they come.”
“No word of this to Dez,” she pleaded.
Anna grinned. “Do you think my husband would box his closest friend’s ears for having taken his sister to bed?”
Dalinda gasped.
Her friend nodded. “I knew I was right. Don’t worry. I haven’t said a word to Dez. He hasn’t a clue.”
Rhys and Dez joined them, heaping plates in their hands.
“Do you really think I can even eat half of that?” Anna asked her husband playfully.
Dez grinned. “No. It just leaves more for me, I suppose.”
Rhys sat next to Dalinda and set her plate before her. She scanned it.
“You seemed to have chosen all my favorites.”
“Cook was helpful. She was at the buffet supervising. She said you had worked with her on creating every dish tonight and had an idea what might please you.”
His gaze was warm, causing her to swallow and glance away, her face flaming. She wondered if it was obvious to others how much she cared for Rhys. Of course, Anna knew her well, almost as much as Dez did. Still, her twin had not mentioned anything to her regarding Rhys. She wondered if he had spoken to Rhys about her.
The four enjoyed a pleasant supper, discussing the guests who were in attendance and the music that had been played so far by the London musicians. When they finished eating and saw others were heading back to the ballroom, Anna told them she and Dez would be retiring for the night.
“I know country balls end early but I am exhausted after the dancing I’ve done. I know we are leaving early tomorrow and I must get some rest.”
They all rose