Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Seated in the study, Bennett gazed into the dancing flames of the crackling fire, a glass of port held loosely in his hand. He was not looking forward to dinner with Mr. Simpkin. He'd found that the man grated on his last nerve and he would be happy to wipe the smug look off his face.

He had little doubt that Mr. Simpkin had forced Delphine into an unwanted marriage. For how could she have ever agreed to marry that man? He was not a man to be trusted, especially since he had abandoned Delphine in the woods to die on her own.

Perhaps he should challenge the interloper to a duel and be done with it.

But that would not solve the problem.

Delphine was still married to that horrible man. But not for long. He would do everything in his power to see it voided by a judge.

Winston stepped into the room and gave him an incredulous look. "You are having port before dinner? Are you a heathen?"

Bennett leaned forward and placed his nearly full glass onto the table. "I thought I would try something different. "

"Did it work?"

"No," he replied. "I am still miserable."

Winston gave him an amused look. "Voiding a marriage takes time. Are you going to be miserable the entire process?"

"Most likely."

"Assuming we are successful, then what?" Winston asked.

Bennett knew precisely what he wanted to do in that situation. "I want to marry Delphine," he asserted.

Winston grinned. "I assumed as much, but I am glad to hear you say it out loud."

"Just because I want to marry her doesn't mean she wants to marry me," Bennett said. "She is fiercely independent."

"That she is, but you are just as good as anyone," Winston hesitated, "except for Mr. Simpkin."

Bennett chuckled. "That man is awful."

"I won't disagree with you there," Winston said.

A knock came at the door and the tall, broad-shouldered footman stepped into the room. "My lords, might I have a moment of your time?"

Bennett exchanged a look with Winston before replying, "Very well." He wondered why the newly hired footman that had been standing guard in the entry hall wished to speak to them.

The footman closed the door, ensuring their conversation remained private. "My name is Grady, and I work with Jasper."

Realization dawned on Bennett. "You are the Bow Street Runner that we were told was to watch over us."

"That I am, and I did not intend to make my presence known, but I do believe I have some information that you might be interested in," Grady said.

Winston spoke up. "What is it?"

Grady grew solemn. "I watched Miss Eden enter Mr. Simpkin's room this afternoon and she remained there for well over an hour. "

Bennett lifted his brow. "Are you sure?"

"I know what I saw and I kept time on my pocket watch," Grady replied firmly.

Winston's expression grew thoughtful. "That is most helpful," he said. "In Scotland, a woman can petition for divorce if her husband is found committing adultery."

"Which will take the least amount of time in the Court? Voiding a marriage or divorce?" Bennett asked.

"Depends on the judge," Winston replied before turning back towards Grady. "Did either of them see you?"

Grady shook his head. "I know how to be discreet."

The sound of the dinner bell echoed throughout the main level.

"I should be returning to my post before anyone discovers that I am missing," Grady said. "I hope for your discretion as well."

After the Bow Street Runner departed from the study, Winston asked, "Shall we join everyone in the drawing room?"

"I suppose we must."

Winston's eyes held amusement. "It is fun seeing you this miserable."

Bennett didn't know if he should take offense to such a statement. "Why is that?"

"Everything has always come so easy to you, has it not?" Winston asked with a knowing look.

"That is not the least bit true," Bennett defended.

Winston put his hands up. "You have always been the heir, the golden child, and I had the misfortune of being born after you."

Bennett took a step closer to his brother. "I hope you know I don't think that way. I am proud of everything that you have accomplished."

"It is hard to be a second son," Winston admitted. "We are pushed aside until we are needed. "

"I always need you, Brother," Bennett stated.

Winston didn't look convinced. "You and I are on very different paths, but that doesn't mean I am envious of your position. I must work harder to make something of myself."

"And you have."

His brother huffed. "We should hurry. We don't want to keep anyone waiting."

As Bennett followed Winston from the study, he wondered- and not for the first time- how he could help his brother. But he didn't even know what he was grappling with. He heard snippets of his pain, but his brother never explained the cause of it.

He had just arrived in the entry hall when he saw Delphine descend the stairs. She was dressed in a stunning blue gown adorned with a delicate white net overlay. Her hair was elegantly piled atop her head, and a coral necklace graced her neck.

In that moment, Bennett could not recall ever beholding a more breathtaking sight. But it wasn't just her outward beauty that captivated him. It was something deeper, something intangible. Delphine possessed a charm and grace that transcended mere appearance. She was everything he desired in a companion, and he found himself hoping that he could be the man worthy of her affection.

Mr. Simpkin came to stand next to him and lowered his voice. "She is mine, all mine," he taunted.

"Not for long," Bennett asserted.

"Your plan to void our marriage won't work," Mr. Simpkin mocked. "You will fail."

Bennett smirked. "You do not know me very well then," he said. "I am very good at getting what I want."

Mr. Simpkin leaned closer to him. "So am I, my lord."

After Delphine stepped down onto the marble floor, Mr. Simpkin approached her with his arms wide open. "My dear, you look lovely. The vision of perfection. "

Delphine visibly tensed as Mr. Simpkin went to kiss her on the cheek. "Thank you," she murmured.

Mr. Simpkin remained close and offered his arm. "May I escort you to the drawing room?" he asked.

She looked down at his arm with hesitancy in her eyes before placing her hand on his sleeve.

With a triumphant glance at Bennett, Mr. Simpkin led Delphine into the drawing room.

Winston's voice came from behind him. "I can see why you do not like that man."

"I assure you that it is not just for one reason," Bennett said as he turned to face his brother. "I object to his whole person."

Elodie and Melody descended the stairs and they both were wearing the same pale green gowns.

Winston shook his head. "Mother does not like it when you two wear matching gowns. I know because she has told you as much- multiple times, in fact."

They came to a stop on the last step and Melody smiled. "We thought we would have some fun at Mr. Simpkin's expense."

"I will allow it," Bennett said.

Winston glanced between his sisters. "Dare I ask what you intend to do?"

Melody leaned forward and placed a hand to the corner of her mouth. "It is best that you don't know."

"I am surprised that Elodie talked you into this," Winston said, addressing Melody.

Elodie reached up and brushed back one of the curls that framed her face. "It was actually Melody's idea."

"I find that hard to believe," Winston remarked.

Melody's lips twitched. "I can be a little devious when I want to be," she stated.

Bennett knew that Melody spoke true. She was oftentimes reserved, but she had a quiet strength that he had always admired. She could hold her own with Elodie and remain true to herself.

His mother stepped out of the drawing room and let out an exasperated sigh. "Good heavens, Elodie and Melody," she said. "What am I going to do with you?"

But as his mother approached them, her face softened, and a hint of amusement played in her eyes. In a hushed voice, she asked, "What is the plan?"

"The plan?" Bennett asked.

His mother bobbed her head. "How do you intend to goad Mr. Simpkin?" She paused. "Wait, do not tell me. It is best if I am surprised. My reaction will be more genuine."

Melody cast a concerned look towards the drawing room. "How is Delphine?"

"Mr. Simpkin remains rooted at her side and is insistent that he answers for her," Lady Dallington revealed. "It is vexing for me, but Delphine is handling it with grace."

Bennett wanted to go in and save Delphine from Mr. Simpkin, but it wasn't his place to do so. Botheration. How he hated that Mr. Simpkin had the upper hand, but it would change soon enough.

The butler stepped into the entry hall and announced that dinner was ready to be served.

As they walked towards the dining hall, Elodie matched Bennett's stride and asked, "How are you, Brother?"

"I am well," he lied.

Elodie gave him a look that implied that she didn't believe him. "Just say the word and I will put parsnip in Mr. Simpkin's bed. He will develop a terrible rash and will be miserable for days."

The worst part was that Bennett knew Elodie was in earnest. He could easily imagine Elodie grinding up parsnip leaves so she could sprinkle them on Mr. Simpkin's bed.

"I appreciate what you are trying to do but this isn't your fight," Bennett said .

"I disagree," Elodie responded. "We are family, and we stick together."

As they entered the dining room, Bennett was surprised to see Mr. Campbell in the corner as he fiddled with the bagpipes.

Elodie leaned closer to him and explained, "Melody thought an encore was appropriate."

Bennett wasn't sure what his sisters were up to, but he found himself very curious.

Delphine was in a hell of her own making. She was sitting between the man that she loved and the man she was married to. And the worst part was that Mr. Simpkin was being overattentive, not giving her a chance to even speak up. He was taking away her voice, and she did not like that. But she didn't wish to cause a scene. Not here.

Charlotte sat across from her and gave her an encouraging look. If anyone understood what she was going through, it was her friend.

Her eyes shifted towards Elodie and Melody. She could scarcely tell them apart since they were wearing matching gowns and had worn their hair in a similar fashion. She wondered what game they were playing.

Lady Dallington spoke up, drawing her attention. "I do hope everyone is excited for the soiree tomorrow evening."

Delphine nodded. "I am," she replied. "I feel as if I haven't danced in ages."

Mr. Simpkin cleared his throat. "Are you sure that is wise?" he asked. "You are still recovering from your injuries."

"I am fine," Delphine assured him.

"Well, I must insist that you refrain from dancing," Mr. Simpkin said. "We wouldn't want to jostle your brain any more than it has been."

Delphine pursed her lips together as she tried to quash the growing irritation she felt for Mr. Simpkin. "You do not need to concern yourself with me."

"I'm afraid that is impossible for me to do since we are married," Mr. Simpkin said.

"You do not need to remind me- again," Delphine responded. "I am fully aware of our situation."

Mr. Simpkin smiled, and it grated on her nerves. "I am not without a heart, my dear. I would be happy to dance one set with you."

Delphine no more wanted Mr. Simpkin's hands on her than she wanted a thorn in her boot. His touch was not the least bit comforting and she found herself looking for reasons to avoid it.

The footmen stepped forward and placed soup in front of them.

Mr. Simpkin glanced down at his bowl, giving it a look of trepidation. "This looks interesting," he muttered.

Elodie perked up in her seat. "We asked our cook to prepare some traditional Scottish dishes in honor of Delphine's last dinner with us," she said. "The soup is Cullen Skink and is primarily made from smoked haddock."

"That is most kind of you," Delphine acknowledged. "I greatly enjoy Cullen Skink. It brings back fond memories for me."

Mr. Simpkin took a sip of his soup before saying, "It is not as awful as I expected, considering the Scottish are not known for their food. But I still do not care for it."

Delphine resisted the urge to roll her eyes at such an idiotic remark. "You seem to forget that I was raised in Scotland and I have a fondness for their food."

"Yes, but surely you must agree that their food is far too hearty for everyday eating," Mr. Simpkin said .

She had been raised to be a lady, but her patience was being tried by Mr. Simpkin. She wanted to release her sharp tongue on him, but that would resolve nothing.

Mr. Simpkin must have taken her silence for acceptance because he continued. "I recently acquired a French cook that makes the most splendid meals. I have no doubt that you will greatly enjoy those."

"I have my own cook," Delphine said.

"Not any longer," Mr. Simpkin said. "I dismissed your household staff."

Delphine's mouth dropped open. "I beg your pardon?"

Mr. Simpkin waved a dismissive hand in front of him. "There was no need to employ two household staffs and I am partial to my own servants."

"You had no right," Delphine said, placing her spoon down. "Some of those people have been working for my family for generations."

"Yes, and I fear that they have grown far too complacent," Mr. Simpkin stated.

Delphine drew in a steadying breath, reminding herself to remain patient until her marriage was nullified. Once that happened, she could move on with her life, and Mr. Simpkin would be out of it.

Bennett caught her eye and winked, providing her with much needed reassurance. She could do this, and she knew she wasn't doing it alone.

Melody interjected, "While we eat, I thought we could listen to the bagpipes."

"That is a fine idea, Sister," Elodie said enthusiastically.

The sound of bagpipes filled the air and Delphine found the familiar music to be rather soothing. She could almost forget that she was married to a jackanapes.

While Delphine ate her soup, she realized that she wasn't being entirely fair to Mr. Simpkin. He wasn't inherently awful, but she found his persistent attempts to win her affection to be increasingly tiresome.

As the footmen stepped forward to collect the bowls, Mr. Simpkin opened his mouth to no doubt say something that would irritate her. But as he started to speak, the sound of bagpipes filled the room, drowning out his words.

Mr. Simpkin closed his mouth and the bagpipes seemed to soften as if in response to his silence.

Bennett rose as a footman placed a tray of food in the center of the table. "I hope everyone enjoys haggis."

Delphine heard Mr. Simpkin let out a groan and she was amused. It was evident that he was not a fan of haggis. She suspected that was the reason it was being served this evening.

Elodie picked up her plate and extended it towards Bennett. "I do love haggis. It is my favorite."

Delphine was well aware that Elodie did not enjoy haggis but she was pretending to goad Mr. Simpkin. Which was fine by her.

Once everyone was served, Bennett returned to his seat and picked up his fork and knife. "I asked our cook to ensure there was plenty of sheep lung in this meal. I know that Delphine is especially partial to that ingredient."

Mr. Simpkin looked down at his plate with disgust. "How can you eat this?" he asked.

"It is delicious," Delphine said before taking a bite.

Pushing his plate away from him, Mr. Simpkin announced, "I'm afraid that I have lost my appetite."

In a low voice, Delphine chided, "You are being rude to our hosts."

Lord Dallington put his hand up. "We are not ones to take offense," he said. "I am not fond of haggis either."

Mr. Simpkin went to respond just as the bagpipes started growing louder.

Delphine saw Mr. Simpkin's lips move but she didn't hear the words that he uttered. She was beginning to suspect that was the point of the bagpiper.

The music came to an end and Elodie and Melody started clapping.

"That was wonderful," Elodie gushed. "Will you continue to play?"

The bagpiper nodded his head before he continued playing a traditional Scottish song.

Mr. Simpkin leaned towards Delphine and asked, "Would you care to take a turn around the gardens after dinner?"

That was the last thing that Delphine wanted to do. The more she learned about Mr. Simpkin, the less she liked him.

Fortunately, Lady Dallington chimed in. "We usually play card games in the parlor after dinner. It is a family tradition."

Mr. Simpkin looked disappointed but was wise enough not to argue with their host. "Very well," he said. "We can always go on a tour of the gardens tomorrow."

Bennett glanced down at Delphine's plate and asked, "How are you enjoying your haggis?"

"It is delicious," Delphine replied. "It was most thoughtful that you had the cook prepare this dish again."

"I remembered how much you liked it last time," Bennett said with a smile.

Delphine held his gaze for a moment before returning to her plate of food. How she wished that Bennett was her husband, and she could flirt with him as often as she wished.

Mr. Simpkin attempted to speak again, but his words were once more lost amidst the lively tunes of the bagpipes. Annoyance flickered across his face, indicating that he had finally realized the deliberate interference orchestrated by the bagpiper.

Charlotte, who had been quietly eating her haggis, leaned forward in her seat to meet Delphine's gaze. "Do you recall when your father would insist on being woken up by the bagpipes? "

"That was an unfortunate time for everyone, especially the person playing the bagpipes," Delphine said. "My mother would often throw her pillows out the windows in an effort to get him to stop playing."

"Your father had his own way of doing things," Charlotte commented.

"That he did," Delphine agreed. "But he did ensure I appreciated my Scottish heritage. For that, I am most grateful."

Winston joined in on the conversation by asking, "Do you prefer living in Scotland or England?"

Delphine considered his words for a moment, ensuring she gave it proper thought. "That is a tricky question. I consider them both my home. However, I could do without the house spiders in Scotland."

"I hate spiders," Melody muttered with a shudder.

"Then you would loathe the house spiders," Delphine asserted. "They enter the homes through gaps under the doors and chimneys. Their spiderwebs are enormous and almost look like a bedsheet. The worst part is that you can hear them as they move across the floor at night."

Melody turned towards her mother with wide eyes. "I do not wish to ever visit Scotland."

"I am sure that Delphine is just exaggerating," Lady Dallington said.

Bennett shook his head. "I'm afraid she's not," he confirmed. "I have seen many house spiders when I have visited Scotland. When they drop down onto a table, you can hear a palpable thud."

Elodie was pushing the haggis around the plate as she shared, "Spiders do not bother me, but I do not like rats."

"No one likes rats," Winston remarked.

The butler stepped into the room and met Delphine's gaze. "Pardon the interruption but Mr. Vincent Paterson is here to call upon you. "

Delphine stared back at him in disbelief. "My cousin is here?"

"Yes, my lady," the butler confirmed.

As she struggled to think of one valid reason as to why Vincent was here, Mr. Simpkin revealed, "I should note that I invited Mr. Paterson here."

She turned towards him. "Why would you do such a thing?" she demanded. "Vincent has been trying to take my title since I inherited it."

Mr. Simpkin smiled at her, no doubt in an attempt to disarm her. "Mr. Paterson is only here to ensure that you are well."

"I doubt that."

"It is true," Mr. Simpkin said. "When I returned from Scotland without you, your solicitor insisted that I show proof that you had died before he proceeded with transferring your assets to me. Mr. Paterson also had a vested interest in securing proof so he might inherit your title."

Mr. Simpkin continued. "Before we could dispatch riders to look for your body, we received word from Lady Dallington about your condition. You can only imagine how relieved we both were."

"Yes, I can only imagine," Bennett muttered under his breath.

Mr. Simpkin did not react to Bennett's remark but rather held Delphine's gaze. "Mr. Paterson is here to confirm that you are indeed alive and well."

Delphine wasn't quite convinced that was all it was, but she should go greet her cousin. She shoved back her chair and said, "I suppose I should get this over with."

Rising, Bennett asked, "Would you like me to accompany you?"

Before she could reply, Mr. Simpkin spoke on her behalf. "Need I remind you that I am Delphine's husband, and I will accompany her. "

"I find it odd that you are constantly reminding people that you are married to Delphine," Bennett said dryly.

"I wouldn't have to do so if you didn't continually overstep your bounds," Mr. Simpkin responded with a clenched jaw.

Delphine glanced between Mr. Simpkin and Bennett with a stern look. "Are you two quite finished?" she asked.

Mr. Simpkin placed his hand on her sleeve. "Come along, Dear," he encouraged. "Let us go speak to Mr. Paterson."

"I would like Lord Dunsby to join us as well," Delphine said as she remained rooted in her spot.

Her husband looked displeased by her request but thankfully he didn't question her decision. "If you insist," he replied.

As they departed the dining room, Delphine didn't quite know what to expect from Vincent. They had been at odds for so long, and he had never once shown any interest in her wellbeing. He only cared about taking her title.

So why was he here?

And what did he hope to gain?

For one thing she knew about Vincent, he did nothing by chance.