Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Absently clutching his drink, Bennett sat in the study, fixated on the crumpled note lying before him. Doctor Anderson had sent word that he intended to call upon Delphine tomorrow morning, in hopes that she could travel home.

But he didn't want her to return home.

He wanted her to stay here… with him.

Bennett leaned forward in his seat and placed his drink down onto the table. He cared for Delphine- there was no denying that- but she had made her thoughts about marriage abundantly clear. Was it even possible to get her to change her mind?

He hoped so.

And if he failed, could he just watch her ride off, knowing he had lost her forever?

Bennett ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep, resounding sigh. When had life gotten so complicated? He finally found a young woman that cared little for his title or his wealth and wanted nothing from him. Which was part of the problem. What did he have to offer her?

Winston entered the study and studied him for a long moment. "Why do you look like death? "

"I do not look that bad," Bennett grumbled as he settled back into his seat.

"You look rather perturbed."

Bennett frowned. "What is it that you want?"

Winston gave him a knowing look. "Your question just proves my point. The only time you don't joke around is when you are upset."

"I am fine."

"You are not fine."

Bennett's frown deepened. "It is too late to be having this conversation. Will you not drop it?"

Winston sat on the settee and pointed to his glass. "I could, but I won't. You hardly touched your drink, and your cravat is hanging around your neck. Something is clearly upsetting you."

Leaning his head back, Bennett looked up at the ceiling. "I do not want to talk about it."

"Is it Delphine?"

Yes.

His thoughts were always about Delphine.

But Bennett didn't dare admit that. Not to his brother. Not to anyone. If anyone discovered how much he cared for Delphine, it could ruin everything.

Knowing that Winston was still waiting for a response, Bennett said, "It is late, and I am tired."

As he went to rise, Winston put his hand up, stilling him. "Before you go, you should know that Jasper sent word that Aunt Sarah is somewhere safe."

"That is a relief."

Winston nodded his agreement. "Furthermore, the other Bow Street Runner has arrived at the village and is keeping a watchful eye out for Isaac."

Shifting in his seat, Bennett asked, "How do we contact this Bow Street Runner? "

"We don't," Winston replied. "But I was told by Jasper that he is close by, watching, and waiting."

"Do you know this particular Bow Street Runner?"

Winston shook his head. "Jasper did not disclose any additional information of the Bow Street Runner and I am a smart enough man not to ask."

"Do you think Isaac would be stupid enough to come here to speak to Father?"

"For the money, yes," Winston replied.

"You think he cares more about money than his own wife and son?" Bennett asked.

Winston grew thoughtful. "Regardless of what I think, Isaac is dangerous. And that does not bode well for Sarah or anyone for that matter," he said. "Father even instructed White to hire additional footmen and to post them around the manor."

"That will be sufficient," Bennett responded, rising from his seat. "If you will excuse me, it is late."

"Late?" Winston repeated. "You are starting to sound like an old man. Soon you will tell people that your bones are creaking."

"I am not that old yet."

Winston's expression grew solemn. "I am worried about you."

He stared back at his brother incredulously. "You are worried about me?" he repeated. "I am more worried about you ."

"There is no reason to worry about me," Winston asserted.

"I could say the same thing, but we both know we are lying," Bennett said, challenging his brother to argue with him.

Winston leaned back in his seat, his expression resigned. "All right, but just know that I am here to listen," he responded .

"Thank you, but I can manage on my own," Bennett said before he departed from the study. He knew his brother was just trying to help, but this was something that he had to handle on his own. Delphine would eventually leave Brockhall Manor, and he would need to learn to live without her.

As he stepped into the entry hall, he saw a tall, broad-shouldered footman standing guard. This must be one of the new footmen that White had hired. He hoped that the presence of additional footmen would keep Isaac away from their family, including Aunt Sarah and her son.

"Brother!" Elodie called out from the top of the stairs.

Bennett turned and saw Elodie descending the stairs in her white wrapper and slippers. "Whatever are you doing up at this late hour?"

"I am hungry," Elodie said. "I am going to the kitchen for a biscuit. Would you care to join me?"

"For a biscuit, always," Bennett responded.

Elodie came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs and gave him a curious look. "Why do you look so disheveled?"

"Says the girl who is wearing a wrapper and a cap on her head," Bennett teased.

She smiled. "Fair enough," she replied. "Let's go find the biscuits that Mrs. Meek left out for me."

"How do you know she left out biscuits for you?"

A mischievous look came into his sister's eyes. "This is not the first time I have raided the kitchen for biscuits."

"Dare I ask how often you do such a thing?"

"It may or may not be a nightly endeavor," Elodie replied with a slight shrug. "But you mustn't tell Mother. I have dresses that I must fit in for the upcoming Season."

Bennett chuckled. "You poor thing."

"You laugh, but you could not handle the pressures of being a woman," Elodie declared. "We are defined by our looks, not our minds. All of our training and education is for the sole purpose of finding a suitable match. "

He heard the pain in her voice and he reached out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You, dear sister, have nothing to worry about. You will have hordes of suitors flocking around you."

Elodie grew quiet. "And if I don't want that?"

"What do you want?" he prodded.

"That is the problem," she replied. "I don't know what I want, but I hope I can find it, when I need it."

Bennett dropped his hand to his side. "This conversation would be much better if I had a biscuit in my hand."

As they began walking down the corridor, Elodie broke the silence. "You were awfully quiet during dinner this evening. Is everything all right?"

"Everything is fine," he assured her, though the truth was far from that. He didn't feel like discussing it with his sister. He just wanted a biscuit. Not a reminder that Delphine was going to leave soon.

Elodie glanced at him as if sensing his thoughts. "You could ask her to stay. There would be no shame in that."

"Elodie…" he started.

She stopped and turned to face him. "I may be many things, but being blind is not one of them. I know you care for Delphine."

"It is complicated," he admitted.

"Then you must strive to do everything in your power to ‘uncomplicate' it," Elodie said firmly.

Bennett knew his sister was only trying to help but that didn't mean he needed- or wanted- her help. "If only it was that easy, Sister."

Elodie gave him a knowing look. "What if I told you that Delphine was not entirely immune to your charms?"

"She told you this?"

"Not in so many words," Elodie replied.

Bennett grew solemn. "Delphine is a countess and has her own responsibilities. Furthermore, she has been rather forthright about how eager she is to return home to her own country estate."

Elodie bobbed her head in agreement. "Yes, but people can change."

"Not that much," Bennett said, gesturing towards the servants' entrance. "We should eat a biscuit before it grows too late."

His sister appeared as though she wanted to inquire further, but thankfully she relented. "Very well," she said. "The thought of a biscuit is much too appealing at the moment."

Bennett walked over and opened the door that led to the servants' stairs. "Biscuits make everything better," he said before he followed his sister down the stairs.

Once they arrived in the kitchen, Elodie walked over to a plate that had a cloth covering it. "Mrs. Meek leaves me three biscuits and I will be happy to share one with you."

"That is most gracious of you," Bennett joked.

Elodie removed the cloth and extended a biscuit to her brother. "If you bring forth some stimulating conversation, I might give you another half."

Bennett leaned against the counter. "This may come as a surprise, but many young women find me to be a delight."

"You are an earl. They will say anything to snag you, including listening to your drivel," Elodie said.

He smirked. "You make it nearly impossible to like you."

Elodie held her biscuit up. "The truth hurts, dear brother, but there is one young woman that has no intention of snagging you. And I think you need her as much as she needs you."

Bennett brushed the crumbs off his hands as he remarked, "I know you mean well, but…"

"I just have one question for you," she said, speaking over him .

He gave her an expectant look. "I may come to regret this, but I find myself curious as to why you care so much."

Elodie reached for the last remaining biscuit and broke it into two pieces. "What would you do for a chance at love?"

"Love?" Bennett repeated. "No one said anything about love."

Extending him the half of a biscuit, Elodie replied, "You didn't have to."

Bennett stared at his sister, unsure of how to respond. He couldn't possibly love Delphine. Could he? But the more he thought about it, the more he was forced to accept his feelings ran deeper than he realized.

And that thought both terrified and excited him at the same time.

Delphine sat at the dressing table in her bedchamber as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The doctor should be arriving soon and all she felt was dread. No doubt he would inform her that she was ready to travel home. And isn't that what she had wanted from the moment most of her memories had returned to her?

But it was different now.

She was different.

Despite not knowing how she had ended up in the woodlands in the first place, she felt perfectly well. Her headaches were gone, her stiff neck had eased and she no longer experienced any shortness of breath when walking.

This was ridiculous. It wasn't as if she wouldn't see Bennett again. She would see him- and his family- this Season. But it would be different. No matter how much she wanted to convince herself that it would be the same, she couldn't deny the truth .

She would be forced to watch Bennett be surrounded by young women, all vying for his attention. Not that she would blame any of them. Bennett was the best of men and would make a fine husband.

A knock came at the door.

"Enter," Delphine ordered.

The door opened, revealing a young maid. "Doctor Anderson has come to call, my lady. He is waiting for you in the drawing room."

Rising, Delphine said, "Please inform him that I will be down shortly."

"Very well," the young maid responded with a slight curtsy.

Delphine ran a hand down her pale blue gown before she headed out the door. As she entered the corridor, she saw Bennett standing there, waiting for her, and her heart leapt at the sight of him. Just as it always did.

He smiled when his eyes landed on her. "Delphie," he greeted. "Good morning." Why did it seem like whenever he said her name she felt her soul take a breath?

"Good morning," she responded.

"I have come to escort you down to breakfast," Bennett said as he offered his arm.

She placed her hand on his as she replied, "Breakfast shall have to wait. Doctor Anderson has called upon me."

"He is here- already?" Bennett asked in a voice that almost sounded panicked. But that was impossible. Why would Bennett not be pleased by that news?

"Apparently he is an early riser," Delphine replied.

As Bennett started leading her down the hall, he remarked, "I do hope you still plan on attending the soiree, considering it is being held in your honor."

Delphine bobbed her head. "I have no intention of leaving before then. I do not wish to insult your mother, especially since she has been most gracious to me. "

"Furthermore, there is much that I haven't shown you at Brockhall Manor," he said as he waggled his eyebrows.

"Now you have piqued my interest."

"Good, because we have a chapel here that dates back hundreds of years," Bennett said. "It is where my cousin, Edwina, got married, and it is where I hope to..." His words trailed off.

Delphine glanced over at him. "Where you hope to what?" she prodded.

"Get married," Bennett rushed out.

"Oh," Delphine murmured, unsure of what else she could say. She wanted Bennett to be happy, but she wasn't quite sure how she felt about him marrying someone else. Not that she wanted to marry him. No, she was quite adamant about that. So why was the thought so appealing to her?

Bennett led her down the stairs towards the drawing room. In a hushed voice, he said, "No matter what happens in there, you can always stay here as long as you would like."

"I do not wish to overstay my welcome."

He came to a stop just outside of the drawing room and gently turned her to face him. "You, my dear, could never do such a thing."

Delphine stared up at him as she found herself admitting, "Out of all the people that could have found me in the woodlands, I am glad that it was you."

"As am I," Bennett said, taking a step closer to her.

A clearing of a throat came from the drawing room, causing them to jump apart. Delphine hadn't realized how close she had been to Bennett until that precise moment.

Turning her head, she saw Doctor Anderson was standing in the doorway with his leather satchel in his hand.

"I do apologize for interrupting, but I'm afraid I do not have much time," the doctor said. "I just need to examine you for a moment to see if you are fit for travel."

"Of course, Doctor," Delphine responded .

The doctor stood back and gestured towards the drawing room. "It will just be a moment, my lord," he said as he addressed Bennett.

With a parting glance at Bennett, Delphine entered the drawing room and came to a stop in the center of the room. A maid sat in the corner, working on her needlework, not giving them much heed.

Doctor Anderson approached her with a kind look in his eyes. "I see that you and Lord Dunsby have grown rather close. He is a fine man."

"Yes, he is," Delphine readily agreed.

The doctor came to a stop in front of her and his eyes studied hers. "How are you feeling?"

"I am well."

"Any headaches?"

"No."

He cocked his head. "What of your memories?" he asked. "Have all of them come back yet?"

She winced. "I'm afraid I still cannot remember how I ended up in the woodlands in the first place."

The doctor gave her an understanding look. "You must be prepared that those memories may never come back."

"Ever?"

"I'm afraid so," Doctor Anderson replied. "I have seen it with soldiers on the battlefield or with patients that have experienced some form of trauma. Many consider it to be a mercy to forget such a thing."

Delphine pressed her lips together, not believing it was a mercy to forget one's memories. "Quite frankly, I do not. I want to remember those memories."

"Be patient with yourself, but you may never have the answers that you seek," the doctor said. "Fortunately, your story did not end in the woodlands. It has only just begun."

"Does this mean I get to travel home? "

The doctor reached for his satchel. "Let me examine you for a moment and then I shall decide. Is that fair?"

Delphine bobbed her head before he did a thorough examination on her. Once he was finished, he placed his tools back into his satchel.

"You look the epitome of health, my lady, and, in my medical opinion, I do believe it is safe for you to travel home," Doctor Anderson said.

In a hesitant voice, she asked, "Are you sure?"

Doctor Anderson lifted his brow. "Is something wrong?"

Yes.

She wanted him to tell her that she couldn't go home. At least, not yet. She wanted to stay at Brockhall Manor for the time being. But she didn't dare say such a thing.

Delphine mustered up a smile. "No, everything is fine. Thank you, Doctor. I shall return home after the soiree."

The doctor tipped his head. "If you need anything, please do not hesitate to send for me," he said.

After Doctor Anderson departed from the room, Delphine dropped down onto the settee in the most unladylike huff. She had anticipated this, but she had hoped she was wrong. What was wrong with her? She had so many responsibilities back at her country estate, but she couldn't bear the thought of leaving Bennett.

Bennett stepped into the room and eyed her curiously. "Did you receive bad news?"

Delphine hesitated, struggling to collect her thoughts. She couldn't bring herself to tell Bennett the truth- not when he had never shown her any intention that he held her in high regard. They were friends, nothing more. "Yes… no…" she finally replied. "The doctor said that I could return home at once."

"Is that not what you hoped for?" Bennett asked as he came to sit down next to her on the settee.

Delphine straightened in her seat and clasped her hands in front of her. "It was precisely what I hoped for," she lied. "I have much work to do before I depart for London."

"As do I," Bennett said.

"I imagine you do, being an earl and all," Delphine remarked.

Bennett smirked. "I could say the same thing about you since you are a countess and all," he teased.

A laugh escaped Delphine's lips. "I suppose we both have much to do." How was it possible that he could always make her laugh even when her heart was breaking?

All humor left Bennett's expression as he said in a soft voice, "Delphie…"

"Yes?" she prodded.

Bennett's eyes held vulnerability as he held her gaze. "I know we have not known each other for long but I…"

Lady Dallington's cheerful voice came from the doorway. "What wonderful news!" she exclaimed. "I just received word that Delphine will be returning home soon."

Delphine turned her attention towards Lady Dallington. "Yes, I intend to depart after the soiree."

"And you shall have use of our finest coach to return home," Lady Dallington said, walking further into the room.

"That is most generous of you," Delphine responded.

Bennett had risen when his mother had stepped into the room but he wouldn't meet Delphine's gaze. "Excuse me for a moment," he muttered before he swiftly departed from the room.

Lady Dallington's smile seemed to grow wider after Bennett had left. "We have much to do today since the soiree is tomorrow evening," she said. "The dressmaker has agreed to alter one of Melody's ballgowns to fit you."

"Thank you," Delphine said, her thoughts on anything but a ballgown. They were fixated on Bennett. What had he intended to say to her before they were interrupted?

Moving to sit next to her, Lady Dallington remarked, " Now, on to the particulars. I was hoping that you and Bennett would dance the first set together."

"I have no objections." Which was the truth. The thought of dancing with Bennett was far too appealing to turn down. It had been far too long since she had been in his arms, his strong embrace making her feel safe and cherished.

Lady Dallington nodded in approval. "I think it might be prudent if you and Bennett practiced dancing a set together. That way it will look more natural." She waved her hand in front of her. "I will see to all the arrangements, including having some musicians brought in for the occasion."

"That is not necessary," she attempted.

"It would be no bother," Lady Dallington declared. "Now we do have the issue of the receiving line. It can be a nuisance but I do love seeing each and every one of my guests. And, of course, they will want to meet you. It is not every day that we have a bona fide countess arrive in our village."

Delphine shrugged. "I do not mind a receiving line."

"Good, good," Lady Dallington said as she rose. "Shall we have a bite of breakfast before we meet with the dressmaker?"

Rising, Delphine glanced at the empty doorway, wondering where Bennett had gone. "Perhaps I should look for Bennett."

"He will be fine. No doubt he is in the dining room," Lady Dallington asserted. "Besides, we have much more important things to dwell on."

As Delphine followed Lady Dallington out of the drawing room, her eyes roamed over the entry hall, looking for any sign of Bennett. But there was none. Where had he gone? She hoped she hadn't said or done anything that had upset him.

Lady Dallington stopped at a window and looked out. "Dear heavens, why is Bennett heading to the stables?"

Delphine's feet faltered and she knew this was her chance to speak to Bennett again. Alone. "I will go ask him," she said eagerly .

"There really is no need," Lady Dallington responded. "We can send a footman."

"No, I can do it," Delphine stated before spinning on her heel.

Without bothering to wait for Lady Dallington's response, she hurried out the back door and headed towards the stables.