Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

Bennett watched as Delphine approached and he resisted the urge to close the distance between them. As much as he wanted her close, he knew that he had no right to actually do so. He just needed to be patient and trust Winston.

His eyes roamed around the empty kitchen and servants' hall. He wasn't sure how Elodie had managed to accomplish such a feat but he was pleased that she had done so. This was not a conversation that he wished to be overheard.

Delphine came to a stop in front of him and offered him a shy smile. "My lord," she greeted.

"My lady," he responded, though he didn't enjoy the newfound formality between them. "Thank you for coming."

A furrow appeared between her brows. "I am not quite sure why I am here."

Elodie came to stand next to Delphine. "Winston has found a way to help you divorce your husband."

Delphine turned her astonished gaze to Winston. "You have?"

Winston put his hand up. "There are a few things we must discuss first," he replied. "Do you remember anything about your wedding? "

With a shake of her head, Delphine replied, "I don't remember anything, including the events leading up to it."

"Could Mr. Simpkin have abducted you and forced you to wed?" Winston asked.

"I am acquainted with Mr. Simpkin, and he has never done anything that would lead me to believe he would do such a thing," Delphine replied. "He has only treated me with kindness in passing."

Winston crossed his arms. "Which begs the question, did you want this marriage?"

"Absolutely not!" Delphine declared, her eyes darting towards Bennett. "Mr. Simpkin claims that it was my father's intention that we were to wed, but I don't know if that is true. He would have never wanted me to marry someone so far below my station."

A solemn look came to Winston's expression. "We could argue that you never consented to the marriage, thus making it void. But that is assuming there were no witnesses that would argue against that fact."

"Would that work?" Delphine asked.

Winston dropped his hands to his sides. "It might, but it will take some time for the Court to hear your case. Until then, you will remain a married woman and Mr. Simpkin will have control over your business. But not your estate. That is entailed and it remains with the title." He paused. "At least, I assume it is entailed?"

Delphine nodded. "It is entailed, as with all my properties, and will be passed to my heir, male or female."

"That is good," Winston said, relief evident in his voice.

Bennett watched as Delphine's shoulders slumped ever so slightly. He could tell that she was trying to be strong, knowing how fiercely independent she was. Yet, he could only imagine the unbearable weight she was feeling. He wanted to offer comfort, to reach out to her, but propriety held him back .

Elodie spoke up. "Can Delphine remain here with us while you go argue her case in front of the judge?"

"That is assuming Mr. Simpkin allows it," Winston replied. "He stands to lose a great deal if this marriage is voided."

"He loses nothing! It was all mine to begin with," Delphine asserted.

Winston bobbed his head. "Yes, but it would go a long way if you could get Mr. Simpkin to cooperate with us. If we have his support to void the marriage, it will be uncontested, and the Court will no doubt rule in your favor."

Delphine grew quiet. "Why can't I remember any of this?" she asked, frustration evident in her voice.

"You must be patient with yourself," Bennett encouraged. "It will come back to you."

Shifting her gaze towards him, Delphine inquired, "What if it doesn't? I will always be left wondering what truly happened."

"I would advise you to take one day at a time and take comfort in knowing that truth always has a way of revealing itself," Bennett replied.

Winston interjected, "Bennett is right, and that is something I rarely say. Our first step is for Delphine to talk to Mr. Simpkin and see where he stands."

"And if he doesn't go along with the dissolution of our marriage?" Delphine asked.

"Then we fight," Winston responded firmly. "I have also taken the liberty of sending our fastest rider to Gretna Green to see if he discovers anything that might be in our favor."

Bennett could see the worry in Delphine's expression and it tugged at his heartstrings. He wanted to say something that might offer her the least bit of comfort. "It will be all right," he assured her.

"How?" Delphine asked. "I thought I had been so careful but I did something intolerably stupid. And I don't even remember doing it."

He went to take a step closer to her but stopped himself. "I promise that we will figure this out… together."

Delphine's eyes grew sad. "Please," she murmured, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "don't make promises that you can't keep."

As she spun on her heel and hurried out of the kitchen, ascending the servants' stairs, Bennett watched helplessly. He knew she was right. Despite his desire to assist her, there were some things beyond his control. And that frustrated him to no end. He wanted to fix this. He needed to fix this.

Winston placed a hand on Bennett's shoulder. "We will find a way to help Delphine. I promise you that."

"What if we can't?" Bennett asked, letting the doubt creep back in. Now that Delphine wasn't here, he didn't have to pretend to be strong. "What if the judge doesn't rule in her favor and she is stuck in an unwanted marriage?"

His brother withdrew his hand. "There is always that chance, but you are overlooking one crucial detail."

"Which is?"

Winston smirked. "I am a very competent barrister and I have yet to lose a case."

Elodie walked over to the counter and retrieved a biscuit off a plate. "I forgot to tell Delphine that I asked the cook to leave out some biscuits for us."

"I think biscuits were the least of her concerns," Bennett remarked.

"Pity," Elodie replied before taking a bite.

Bennett couldn't resist goading his sister. "What purpose do you have in being here?" he joked.

Elodie held her hand out towards the biscuits. "I ensured there were refreshments available during our discussion."

A door opened and their portly cook stuck her head in. "May we come in now? "

"Yes, please," Elodie encouraged.

Mrs. Meek stepped into the kitchen. "I need to start preparing supper for this evening. I understand that we are to be having more guests."

Elodie nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. With any luck, we can scare them off before dinner."

Bennett gave his sister a pointed look. "We don't want to scare Mr. Simpkin off or he might insist that Delphine accompany him."

"You make a good point," Elodie remarked. "Although, I was planning on wearing a sheet over my head and pretending that I was a ghost."

"What purpose would that serve?" Bennett asked.

Elodie looked at him like he was a simpleton. "Everyone is afraid of ghosts. One look at me and Mr. Simpkin would be racing out the door."

Bennett chuckled. "You would have the same effect without the sheet."

His sister playfully narrowed her eyes at him. "I thought you were a gentleman," she said. "Besides, I'd think you would be nicer to me since I am helping you with your Delphine situation."

With a smile, Bennett responded, "I am sorry if I insinuated that your face scares people."

"There. Was that so hard to admit?" Elodie asked with a tilt of her chin.

Winston reached for a biscuit as he said, "If you will excuse me, I need to brush up on my Scottish law."

Turning towards his brother, Bennett expressed his gratitude, his tone carrying the weight of sincerity. "Thank you, Winston."

"Don't thank me yet," Winston said. "It is rather difficult to void a marriage, but not impossible."

"If anyone can do it, it is you," Bennett stated.

A pained look came to Winston's eyes before he blinked it away, making Bennett wonder if he had imagined it in the first place. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but let's not get ahead of ourselves."

As he went to respond, Winston walked off, not bothering to spare him a glance.

Elodie's eyes remained on Winston's retreating figure. "Winston seems more troubled than usual."

"That he does," Bennett agreed.

"Do you know why that is?" Elodie asked as she met his gaze.

Bennett shook his head. "I was hoping you knew. After all, you do like to eavesdrop on private conversations."

His mother's voice came from the direction of the stairs. "There you two are. I have been looking everywhere for you," she said. "Why are you down in the kitchen?"

"For the food," Elodie replied, holding up a biscuit.

Not looking convinced, his mother responded, "The truth, please."

Bennett glanced around the kitchen as the servants were milling around. "We were discussing a way to help Delphine," he admitted.

Approval shone in his mother's eyes. "Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I assume that Winston was involved in the conversation."

"He was," Elodie confirmed.

"Then carry on," his mother said with a wave of her hand. "For how can Delphine marry you if she is already married?"

Bennett sighed. "Mother…" he started.

She laughed. "Everyone is thinking it, my dear. I am just the only one who is brave enough to say it."

"It is true," Elodie agreed.

Bennett didn't have the energy to continue this conversation. But as he started to walk away, his mother shared, "I have asked the maids to prepare the guest chambers for Mr. Simpkin and Miss Eden."

"Did Mr. Simpkin agree to stay until after the soiree?" Bennett asked.

His mother looked rather pleased with herself. "He did," she replied. "I will have you know that I can be rather convincing when I want to be."

Bennett knew that his mother could have been a barrister if she had so desired. She had an innate ability to convince people to do her bidding.

Elodie walked over to the pot that hung in the hearth. "What are we having?"

"Haggis," Mrs. Meek replied.

Her face fell. "Again?"

Mrs. Meek gave her an amused look. "Do not worry. I will set aside a plate of mutton for you."

"Will you do the same for me?" his mother asked.

"Yes, my lady," Mrs. Meek said.

Bennett glanced between his sister and mother. "Haggis is not terrible," he remarked. "It is one of Delphine's favorite dishes and I want to give her a reason to smile."

His mother stepped forward and patted his cheek. "I am pleased that I raised such a thoughtful son."

"He is only thoughtful when it comes to Delphine," Elodie insisted. "He implied that my face scares people."

"That wasn't very nice," his mother chided him.

Bennett grinned, not feeling the least bit repentant. "If the cap fits…"

Delphine made her way towards the library, seeking out Charlotte for support during this tumultuous time. The thought of her friend's presence brought her great comfort. They had been inseparable for as long as she could recall.

Upon entering the library, Delphine found Charlotte seated on a settee, engrossed in a book, while Mr. Simpkin stood by the window, his expression pensive.

Catching sight of Delphine, Charlotte lowered her book and greeted her with a playful twinkle in her eyes. "You are back. Did you solve the menu crisis for the soiree?"

"It wasn't a crisis, per se, but food is very important at soirees," Delphine replied. A twinge of guilt pricked Delphine as she kept the truth from her friend, but she knew it wasn't the time or place to delve into the depths of the matter.

"I wholeheartedly agree," Charlotte replied, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. "Sometimes I feel as if I go just for the food."

Mr. Simpkin had turned towards them and met Delphine's gaze. "I understand that you wish to stay until after the soiree."

Delphine nodded. "It is true," she replied. She wanted to stay much longer, but she didn't think it was prudent to say such a thing. Not here. Not now.

"Then we shall stay," Mr. Simpkin said.

"Thank you," Delphine muttered. She didn't like the fact that Mr. Simpkin was granting permission for her to stay. Did she not have her own voice?

Mr. Simpkin watched her for a moment before asking, "Would you care to take a walk with me in the gardens?"

No.

She didn't want to go anywhere with Mr. Simpkin. But she reluctantly admitted to herself that it would be a good opportunity for them to speak frankly.

Delphine mustered up a smile. "That would be nice," she lied.

Mr. Simpkin stepped forward and offered his arm.

She glanced down at his arm, having no desire to be that close to him. However, propriety won out. She placed her hand on his sleeve and allowed him to lead her out of the library.

Once they were in the corridor, Mr. Simpkin asked, "How are you faring?"

"I am well," she responded.

"I can only imagine how scared you were to wake up and not have your memories to comfort you," Mr. Simpkin said. "I wish I had been there for you."

Delphine could hear compassion in his voice and she found herself relaxing in his presence. "It was rather scary, but most of my memories returned fairly quickly."

"Yet you can't remember our wedding," Mr. Simpkin said.

She shook her head. "No, but I am trying."

Mr. Simpkin patted her hand. "I know you are," he said. "Lady Dallington informed me that the doctor told you to be patient and your memories should return."

"But what if they don't?"

"You mustn't focus on the ‘what ifs,'" he replied. "That is not a path that is the least bit helpful."

As Mr. Simpkin led her down the stairs, Delphine said, "I daresay that it is a familiar path for me."

He grinned. "You are not alone. I have found myself being guilty of that a time or two as well. But I try to be a little better than I was the day before."

"That is a good philosophy to have."

His grin dimmed. "My father demanded perfection from me, even at a young age, and I never quite measured up."

"I can relate to that since my father was the same way."

"Perhaps that is why they got along so well," Mr. Simpkin remarked.

Delphine could hear the hurt in Mr. Simpkin's voice and she assumed his admission cost him a great deal. "At least you didn't disappoint your father the day you were born. My father was rather upset I was born a useless female. "

Mr. Simpkin turned towards her with astonishment on his features. "What an absurd notion. You are a formidable woman."

"Thank you, but my father didn't want to pass his title to a woman," Delphine shared. "Or his business, for that matter."

"Well, you have proved him wrong by thriving," Mr. Simpkin praised.

Delphine offered him a grateful smile. "I appreciate that," she said. "I have worked hard to ensure my estate and business are profitable."

"It is more than just profitable," Mr. Simpkin declared. "You are providing livelihoods for hundreds of people. You should be proud."

A footman held open the back door as they stepped out onto the veranda.

Mr. Simpkin led her down onto one of the gravel paths. "I hope you do not mind, but I took the liberty of speaking to your man of business."

"You did?" she asked, her back growing rigid.

"Yes, now that we are married, you don't need to concern yourself with such things," Mr. Simpkin replied. "I shall oversee the estate and business."

Delphine came to a stop on the path and turned to face him. "You had no right to speak to Mr. Hawthorn," she declared. "He is my man of business, not yours."

Mr. Simpkin had the decency to look ashamed. "I upset you," he said. "That was not my intention."

"Then what was?" she demanded.

"I wanted to assure you that your estate and business were in good hands while you resided at Brockhall Manor," Mr. Simpkin said. "I imagine that it has been weighing heavily on your mind."

Delphine reluctantly admitted that he did have a point. "I suppose it has been. "

His eyes crinkled around the edges. "You and I are very similar in that regard. We value duty above all else."

"I do," she sighed. "I suppose I should thank you for making inquiries, but it was wholly unnecessary."

"You and I are a team now," Mr. Simpkin said.

Delphine stiffened. She didn't take issue with Mr. Simpkin as a person, but she didn't want to remain married to him. There was no team, at least in her mind. She could handle whatever came her way, and she didn't need his help. Quite frankly, she didn't want his help.

Mr. Simpkin gestured towards a bench that was further down the path. "Would you care to sit?"

"Yes, thank you," Delphine replied before she walked over to the bench.

As she settled in, Mr. Simpkin took a seat beside her, leaving little space between them. Discomfort prickled within her. This proximity was unsettling, unlike the reassuring warmth she felt in Bennett's presence.

Fortunately, her unease was short-lived as Matilda approached, her hooves clacking on the gravel path.

Mr. Simpkin regarded the goat with curiosity. "What is that goat doing here?"

"Matilda has claimed this bench as her own," Delphine informed him. "It might be best if you move over to make room for her. If not, she will just sit on your lap."

"You are going to let a goat dictate your actions?" Mr. Simpkin asked in an appalled voice.

"Matilda tends to do as she pleases," Delphine said. "It is best if you just accept that fact and move on."

Mr. Simpkin looked displeased by her remark but he shifted on the bench to allow more space between them.

Matilda jumped up onto the bench and rested her head in Delphine's lap.

As she began to pet Matilda, Mr. Simpkin said, "I do hope you have more control over your goats. "

"Do you not care for goats, Mr. Simpkin?"

"It is George, if you don't mind," he replied. "And no, I do not care for goats. But they serve their purpose."

Delphine gave him a curious look. "Is there a particular reason why you don't like goats?"

Mr. Simpkin looked down at Matilda, the disdain evident in his eyes. "I tolerate them, but I do not treat them as pets."

"That is a shame," Delphine said. "I had a pet goat when I was younger, and I am still quite fond of her."

A silence descended over them and Delphine was grateful. She wasn't quite sure how to start the conversation about voiding their marriage. But she needed to be brave and do so. She refused to stay married to a man that she was only acquainted with.

But as she went to open her mouth, Mr. Simpkin spoke first. "I know you don't remember marrying me, but I promise to make you happy."

Delphine's hand stilled on Matilda, knowing it was the perfect moment to broach the subject. "About that," she hesitated, "I was wondering, hoping, really, that you would consider speaking to the judge about voiding our marriage."

Mr. Simpkin stared back at her. "I beg your pardon?"

"We hardly know one another?—"

He spoke over her. "Then let us resolve that issue, shall we?" he asked. "What do you wish to know about me?"

Delphine pressed her lips together before saying, "You are many years older than me and never once expressed a desire to court me. What changed?"

Mr. Simpkin grew solemn. "Before your father died, he came to me and proposed the idea of a marriage between you and me. He wanted to ensure you were taken care of, but he knew you would balk at the idea."

"Which is true," Delphine said. "I would have been furious had I known he had such a conversation with you."

"That is precisely why he asked me to wait until you reached your majority before making his intentions known," Mr. Simpkin shared.

Delphine had so many questions for him, but she asked the one that was most pressing for her. "And when you came to tell me of my father's intentions, I just agreed to it?"

Mr. Simpkin chuckled. "Not at first," he replied. "You reacted very similarly to how you are right now. In fact, you told me that you had no desire to marry- at least at this stage in life- and asked me to leave. But I was persistent."

"I'm sorry. I just find it so hard to believe," she admitted.

"That is why I brought Charlotte with me," he said. "But it is true. All of it. You agreed to marry me in name only."

Delphine lifted her brow. "In name only?" she repeated. That hardly rang true, considering she knew she needed an heir… eventually.

"Yes, this is merely a business transaction. At least, that is how you put it to me," Mr. Simpkin said. "Although, I am hoping to convince you otherwise since I have admired you for many years. But in order to do so, you must give me a chance." His eyes seemed to plead with her. "Will you, Delphine?"

She was at a loss for words. Mr. Simpkin's plea was so heartfelt, but her heart had already been claimed by Bennett. She had no doubt that he would not be pleased with her response.

"I can't," Delphine said. "I'm sorry."

Mr. Simpkin's face fell. "I understand, but that doesn't mean I won't stop trying to win your affection." He rose from his seat. "When I received word that you were safe at Brockhall Manor, I thought of little else but you. I feel as if we have been given a second chance and I intend to make the most of it."

"Mr. Simpkin…"

"George," he corrected.

"… I just don't feel the same. "

He smiled warmly. "I know, and that is all right. I have a lifetime to convince you to fall in love with me." He bowed. "My dear."

As her eyes remained on Mr. Simpkin's retreating figure, she knew if she continued down this path of voiding their marriage, it would be a fight. It was evident that he wasn't about to let her go.

But didn't she owe it to her heart to at least try?