Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

Bennett followed Delphine from the dining room and noticed that she was tense. Not that he blamed her. From what she had told him of Mr. Paterson, it was evident they held no real affection for one another, despite being cousins.

As they stepped into the entry hall, he saw a tall man with slicked back black hair and a crooked nose.

"Cousin," Mr. Paterson exclaimed, his arms out wide. "It is so good to see you looking so well."

Delphine came to a stop a short distance away from her cousin. "Is it?" she asked. "Dare I ask why you are truly here?"

Mr. Paterson shifted his gaze to Mr. Simpkin. "Did you not tell her that I was coming?"

"No, I'm afraid it slipped my mind," Mr. Simpkin replied.

Turning back towards Delphine, Mr. Paterson said, "I was instructed by Mr. Shelden to confirm that you are indeed alive and well."

Delphine held her hands out. "As you can see, I am alive," she assured him. "You may return home now."

Mr. Simpkin stepped forward. "Delphine, you are being rude to your cousin," he chided. "You should at least allow him to stay the night."

"It isn't my place to do so since we are guests in Lord Dunsby's home," Delphine remarked.

Mr. Paterson put his hand up. "It is no bother at all," he said. "I have already retained a room at the boarding house in the village."

"Very good," Delphine responded as she turned to leave.

Reaching forward, Mr. Paterson gently grabbed her arm, stilling her. "I know that we have never seen eye to eye before, but I am glad that you are alive."

Delphine pursed her lips before saying, "Eye to eye?" she questioned. "You have been trying to steal my title since I first inherited it."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I wish to see you dead," Mr. Paterson said. "We are family, after all."

Yanking back her arm, Delphine responded, "You say that as if it means something, Vincent."

Mr. Paterson sighed. "You have always had a flair for dramatics."

Delphine gestured towards the door, her jaw firmly set. "You may go. And for your sake, do not come back."

Appearing amused by her dismissal, Mr. Paterson turned his attention towards Bennett. "I must assume that you are Lord Dunsby." He bowed. "Thank you for saving my cousin."

"It was my pleasure," Bennett replied, not wishing to engage Mr. Paterson any further. It was rather obvious that Delphine didn't want him here.

"I hope that she has behaved herself while she was a guest in your home," Mr. Paterson said.

Bennett tipped his head in acknowledgement. "She has been the epitome of grace and decorum."

"Just not when I am around," Mr. Paterson quipped.

Delphine placed a hand on her hip. "It is late and you have interrupted us during dinner. We should return before the others come looking for us."

"Very well, but I shall return tomorrow to continue our delightful conversation," Mr. Paterson said. "We have much that still needs to be said between us."

"Yet I cannot think of one thing," Delphine remarked.

Mr. Simpkin spoke up. "We shall look forward to speaking to you tomorrow," he said with a bow.

Delphine turned her heated gaze towards Mr. Simpkin. "You do not get to speak for me," she stated firmly.

"But I am your husband," Mr. Simpkin said.

"You say that as if it is supposed to mean something," Delphine declared. "I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself."

Mr. Simpkin clenched his jaw. "Yes, Dear," he muttered.

Bennett resisted the urge to smile at Delphine's defiant stand against her husband. It was about time.

Delphine gestured towards the footman. "Will you show Mr. Paterson out?" she asked. "I'm afraid he has overstayed his welcome."

The footman walked over to the door and opened it. "Mr. Paterson?" he asked with a stern look.

Mr. Paterson made an exaggerated bow. "Cousin, as usual, I have enjoyed our chat," he said before departing from the manor.

Once the door was closed, Delphine turned to face her husband. "How dare you invite him here!" she exclaimed. "He is not a man to be trusted."

"I told you that your solicitor…" Mr. Simpkin started.

She spoke over him. "I know what you told me, but you should have asked me first," she said.

Mr. Simpkin looked displeased. "You are my wife and I do not have to ask permission from you."

"I am only your wife until we void this farce of a marriage," Delphine said .

Putting his hand up, Mr. Simpkin responded, "You are angry. I shall give you a few moments to calm down before we continue this conversation."

Bennett winced, knowing that Mr. Simpkin had misspoken. He had learned over the years that no woman ever liked to be told to calm down. In fact, it tended to make them angrier.

Delphine's eyes narrowed. "I think you should go as well."

"I beg your pardon?" Mr. Simpkin asked.

"I do not want you here," Delphine replied.

Mr. Simpkin's eyebrows puckered. "Where do you want me to go?" he asked.

"I do not care, just not here."

Taking a step back, Mr. Simpkin said, "I think it is for the best if I retire for the evening. I do hope you will be in a more agreeable mood tomorrow."

Bennett watched as Mr. Simpkin spun on his heel and headed up the stairs. Once the man disappeared down the corridor, he addressed Delphine. "Are you all right?"

"No," she replied. "Vincent is a terrible person and I want him nowhere near me."

"I figured that out rather quickly," Bennett said.

"Yet Mr. Simpkin invited him here and failed to warn me," Delphine responded, her eyes sparking with anger. "He had no right."

Bennett nodded. "I agree."

"I have tried being nice to Vincent, and to put our past behind us, but I have learned I mustn't let him interfere in my life," Delphine said. "He is just looking for a reason to strip me of my title."

He took a step towards her, but still maintained a proper distance between them. "What are you going to do tomorrow?"

"I am going to refuse to see Vincent," Delphine replied.

"What of Mr. Simpkin? "

Delphine frowned. "Quite frankly, I do not know what to do with him, especially since I do not wish to be around him."

Bennett knew that what he was about to say would change everything between them, but he was willing to risk it. "Then stay with me," he paused before adding, "at least until we have voided your marriage."

"I do not think that is wise."

"Whyever not?" Bennett asked.

Her gaze grew downcast. "People would talk," she said.

"Then let them talk." Bennett was tired of other people dictating his actions. He wanted Delphine as his wife, more so than anything he had ever wanted before. But he wouldn't force her to do anything that she was uncomfortable with.

Delphine brought her gaze up, holding him transfixed. "I need to return home and reinstate my household staff since Mr. Simpkin wrongly dismissed them."

"I could go with you," Bennett suggested.

She offered him a sad smile. "You are kind to offer, but I need to do it on my own. It is my responsibility and mine alone."

Bennett fisted his hands into tight balls to resist the urge to touch Delphine. "I have no doubt that you can manage your own estate. I thought you might want me to accompany you for the journey."

"What you are proposing is rather scandalous, my lord," Delphine said.

"Good. I try to do at least one thing a day that is scandalous," he joked. "It keeps me young."

Delphine considered him for a long moment. "What if I came back after my affairs were in order?" she ventured.

Bennett smiled. "I would like that greatly."

Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she returned his smile. "Good, because I have no doubt that I will greatly miss Elodie and Melody."

"Only them?" he asked .

"Oh, yes, I shall miss Winston as well," Delphine shared.

Bennett was enjoying his time bantering with Delphine, which had become one of his favorite pastimes, but he did need to inform Delphine about one thing. And it was important.

In a solemn voice, Bennett said, "A footman saw Miss Eden enter Mr. Simpkin's bedchamber this afternoon. With this information, Winston believes we could petition for a divorce, assuming the judge does not grant a ruling to nullify it."

Delphine reared back, visibly shaken. "Charlotte wouldn't do such a thing," she insisted. "The footman must have been mistaken."

Bennett cast a glance towards Grady, who remained steadfast in his position guarding the entry hall. "I'm afraid not," he said.

"No. If word ever got out, Charlotte would be ruined," Delphine said. "Surely there must be a reasonable explanation for her visiting Mr. Simpkin's bedchamber."

"Is there ever a good enough reason for a young woman to visit a man's bedchamber… alone?" Bennett asked.

Delphine's eyes grew determined. "I will not petition for divorce based upon adultery," she declared. "I won't do that to my friend."

"What if the judge does not approve voiding your marriage?" Bennett asked.

"He will," Delphine stated.

As he was about to argue with her, his mother's voice came from the doorway, interrupting their conversation. "We are about to have dessert," she informed them. "Will you two be joining us?"

Delphine bobbed her head. "Dessert sounds wonderful."

The last thing Bennett wanted was dessert but it was evident that Delphine was done with this conversation .

Offering his arm to Delphine, he asked, "May I escort you back to the dining room?"

Delphine placed her hand on his sleeve. "Thank you, my lord," she replied.

Bennett had to respect the fierce loyalty that Delphine had for her friend, but she had to think of herself right now.

Delphine sat at the dressing table while the maid styled her hair. She yawned and she made no attempt to hide it. She had the most restless night of sleep because she couldn't silence the relentless thoughts in her head.

She wondered if Charlotte could truly be having an affair with Mr. Simpkin. She wanted to believe Bennett, but it seemed so far-fetched. Charlotte had never done anything that was the least bit scandalous and visiting a gentleman's room would ruin her reputation. It just didn't make any sense.

Not that it mattered. She harbored no affection for Mr. Simpkin and was looking forward to their marriage being voided. She knew it might take some time, but some things were worth the wait. And Bennett was one of those things. She would do anything to be with him. He had her whole heart, and she didn't want it back.

A smile came to her lips as she recalled their conversation from the night before. He had offered to escort her home, knowing it would come at great risk to both of their reputations. Bennett hadn't declared his intentions for her, but she knew he cared for her. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice.

The maid dropped her hands and took a step back. "Do you like your hair, my lady?"

Delphine turned her head to admire the fancy coiffure in the mirror. "I do," she replied. "Thank you. "

A knock came at the door.

"Enter," Delphine ordered.

The door opened and Charlotte stepped into the room. "Good morning," she greeted with a smile.

"Good morning," Delphine said.

Charlotte glanced at the maid before inquiring, "I came to see how you are faring this morning. You were rather quiet after meeting with your cousin."

Delphine let out a groan. "I cannot stand Vincent."

"Did he say anything that upset you?"

"Everything out of his mouth upsets me," Delphine huffed. "I have never met a more vexing man."

Charlotte sat down on the settee and asked, "Do you believe that he just came to ensure you are well?"

Delphine shook her head. "No. He has never cared for my wellbeing before. Why start now?"

"Maybe he had a change of heart?" Charlotte suggested.

"I doubt that," Delphine responded. "He has been a nuisance since the moment my father died. He does not think a woman should hold a title."

Charlotte leaned back against the settee. "Well, you have certainly proved him wrong. Your estate is flourishing and you have a true knack for business."

"That may be true, but Mr. Simpkin informed me that he dismissed my entire household staff," Delphine said. "I need to go right his wrongs and hire them back."

"Do you not intend to live with your husband?" Charlotte asked.

"No, because I am hopeful that a judge will void our marriage," Delphine responded.

Charlotte sucked in a breath. "Have you thought through the repercussions of that decision? Your reputation would be ruined."

"It is better than being married to Mr. Simpkin," Delphine said .

"But you agreed to the marriage," Charlotte pressed.

Rising, Delphine smoothed down her pale blue gown. "I do not have any such memories of that."

Charlotte gave her a knowing look. "Is this because you care for Lord Dunsby?"

"My feelings for Lord Dunsby are inconsequential," Delphine replied. "I do not wish to tie myself to Mr. Simpkin for the remainder of my days."

"Why do you insist on calling him ‘Mr. Simpkin'?" Charlotte asked.

"That is his name, is it not?"

Charlotte frowned. "You may not remember wanting to marry Mr. Simpkin, but I do. It was not a passing whim for you."

Delphine wanted to believe that was true, but it made no sense. How did she benefit from marrying Mr. Simpkin? She already had a title so she didn't need the protection of his name. How she wished she could remember those memories.

"I just think you should give Mr. Simpkin a chance to prove himself," Charlotte said. "He may not be an earl, but he is a good man."

She cocked her head. "I hadn't realized you were friends with Mr. Simpkin."

Charlotte bristled. "We are merely acquaintances," she asserted.

Delphine could tell that her friend was not telling the whole truth and she decided to press her. "Lord Dunsby claims a footman saw you enter Mr. Simpkin's bedchamber yesterday. Is there any truth to that?"

Her friend blinked, looking stunned. "Someone witnessed that?" she groaned. "I thought I had been most careful."

"So it is true?"

Her friend nodded. "Yes, but it is not what you think," she said. "Mr. Simpkin asked to speak to me privately about what he could do to win your affections. "

Delphine lifted her brow in disbelief. "In his bedchamber?"

Charlotte winced slightly. "Yes, but it was because Mr. Simpkin didn't want Lord Dunsby to overhear our conversation."

"You could have spoken in the gardens or anywhere else for that matter," Delphine said. "Do you not care for your reputation?"

"I do, but I suppose I got wrapped up in trying to help Mr. Simpkin win you over," Charlotte remarked.

Delphine gave her friend an odd look. "Why is it so important to you that I remain married to Mr. Simpkin?"

Charlotte reached for a pillow and held it in front of her. "I just want you to be happy."

"And you think I would be happy with Mr. Simpkin?"

She shrugged. "I think you would have been very happy with Mr. Simpkin had you not met Lord Dunsby."

Delphine walked over to the settee and sat down next to her friend. "I truly doubt that. Mr. Simpkin seems to want an obedient wife," she said. "And that is something I never will be. I am far too headstrong to yield to my husband's commands."

"But if you are successful and void your marriage to Mr. Simpkin, then you will marry Lord Dunsby and move far away," Charlotte remarked in a dejected voice. "What am I to do then?"

"That is assuming that Lord Dunsby offers for me."

"He will," Charlotte stated. "I can see in his eyes that he cares greatly for you. Just as you do for him."

Delphine offered her a reassuring smile. "Whatever happens, we will always be friends," she said.

Charlotte looked unsure. "You say that now, but things change. People change."

"Not that much," Delphine said .

A soft knock came at the door before it was opened, revealing a young maid. "Mr. Vincent Paterson has come to call for you, my lady," she revealed.

Delphine felt dread wash over her at that news. She wondered what Vincent wanted now. "Inform him that I do not wish to see him."

The maid's eyes grew wide. "But he was rather adamant that he wished to speak to you. I do not think he will leave without seeing you."

The last thing she wanted to do was speak to Vincent, but she didn't wish to cause a commotion by having him removed from the manor.

"Very well," Delphine conceded. "I shall be right down."

After the maid departed, Delphine rose from her seat. "What fresh torment do you think Vincent wishes to speak about?"

Charlotte grinned. "Perhaps he might surprise you and speak of bunnies or whatnot."

"I doubt that," Delphine said.

"Would you care for me to accompany you?" Charlotte asked.

Delphine expressed her gratitude to her friend with a heartfelt glance. "That is kind of you, but Vincent is my cousin. No matter how annoying or obnoxious he is."

Rising, Charlotte said, "Then I shall see you at breakfast, where I expect to hear all about your meeting."

After they departed from her bedchamber, they walked towards the main level as they both seemed to retreat to their own thoughts.

Delphine stepped down onto the marble floor of the entry hall and turned towards Charlotte. "With any luck, this conversation will not go on for very long."

Charlotte tipped her head. "For your sake, I hope so. But when in doubt, speak about bunnies. "

A laugh escaped Delphine's lips. "What is it with you and bunnies this morning?"

"Bunnies are a safe topic and who doesn't love those fluffy animals?" she asked. "They are so unpretentious."

Delphine was grateful that her friend seemed to break some of the tension that she felt. "I am ready to face my cousin now."

She spun on her heel and approached the drawing room. Once she stepped inside the small room, she saw Vincent sitting on the settee, sipping a cup of tea as if he had no care in the world.

He rose when he saw her. "Cousin," he said as he kept hold of his teacup. "You certainly took your time coming down."

"What is it that you want, Vincent?" she asked, forgoing pleasantries.

Vincent smiled at her, as if he found her directness to be amusing. "I have come to say goodbye."

Now what game was her cousin playing? "You are?" she asked.

"Yes, I have confirmed that you are alive and well, and that the title remains with you," Vincent said, placing the teacup down onto the tray.

Delphine stared at her cousin, questioning why he was being so agreeable. He was never agreeable. In fact, that was one thing she could always count on.

Vincent bowed. "I hope you have a most pleasant soiree this evening. I have heard it is in your honor."

"It is," she replied. If he was attempting to secure an invitation, he would be sorely mistaken. She had no desire to have him there.

"Well, I must not dally," Vincent said with a bow. "I will be seeing you, Cousin."

Delphine remained rooted in her spot as Vincent walked past her and out the main door. She had never had a conversation with her cousin that hadn't ended in one of them insulting the other. It was almost unnerving.

Perhaps her cousin had finally come to accept that she was worthy of her title. But that seemed unlikely.

So what was he up to?