Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

As Bennett descended the grand stairs, he saw Delphine emerging from the drawing room with a perplexed look on her face. It was evident that something was troubling her deeply.

He came to a stop on the last step and asked, "What is wrong?"

Delphine's eyes widened as she turned to face him, appearing startled by his sudden appearance. "Bennett, where did you come from?"

"I just came from my bedchamber," he replied.

"Yes, quite right," Delphine muttered distractedly, her hand absently smoothing down the folds of her dress. "Shall we adjourn to the dining room for some breakfast?"

Bennett's curiosity was piqued, and he wasn't about to let Delphine walk away without an explanation of what was troubling her. "Did something- or someone- upset you?"

Delphine sighed. "It is Vincent," she replied. "He came to tell me that he was leaving."

"And this upset you?"

A line between her brow appeared. "Vincent is not thoughtful. Never has been. So why come and talk to me at all?"

Taking a step towards her, Bennett replied, "People can change."

"Not Vincent. He is incapable of change," Delphine asserted.

Grady cleared his throat from his position in the entry hall. "If I may, my lord, I would be happy to ensure Mr. Paterson has truly left the village."

With a glance at Delphine, Bennett asked, "Would this please you?"

"It would," Delphine replied.

"Very well," Bennett said before meeting Grady's gaze. "Will you inform us when Mr. Paterson departs from the village?"

Grady tipped his head. "Yes, my lord," he responded.

After Grady departed from the entry hall, Bennett offered his arm. "May I escort you to the dining room?"

Delphine stared at his arm, not making a move to accept it. "Do you think I am being foolish?"

"No, I do not," he answered.

"I didn't always have an immense distrust of Vincent," she shared. "When we were younger, we used to be playmates. But that all changed when my father started to grow ill."

Bennett smiled. "You don't need to explain yourself to me, Delphie."

"But I feel as if I do," she said. "I am generally a very trusting person, but I can't be that person around Vincent. Frankly, he just irritates me to no end."

"Your cousin is gone, and our breakfast is going to grow cold soon," Bennett remarked.

"Yes, of course," Delphine said as she placed her hand on his sleeve. "Why do you suppose Vincent didn't ask for an invitation to the soiree this evening? "

While Bennett started to lead Delphine down the corridor, he shrugged. "He might not enjoy social events."

"No, he thrives on them," Delphine said.

Bennett patted her hand. "You might be reading too much into this," he said. "Do not let Mr. Paterson occupy any more of your thoughts than he already has."

"You are right. I shall not give my cousin any more heed," Delphine remarked with a dramatic wave of her hand.

With a knowing look, he asked, "You are thinking of him right now, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am," she admitted. "But I will stop. I promise."

He chuckled. "What if I distracted you by telling you that our butler was a rag-picker when he was young."

Delphine gave him an odd look. "How did he come to work at such a grand estate then?"

"White attempted to sell some scraps of bones to my father and he took pity on him, especially when he learned that he was an orphan," Bennett said. "He started out washing dishes and assisting with the cook."

"It is impressive that he worked his way up to being a butler," Delphine remarked.

Bennett dropped his arm as they arrived at the dining room. "It is," he agreed.

They stepped into the dining room and he saw Miss Eden was sitting at the long, rectangular table.

"Miss Eden," Bennett greeted as he pulled out Delphine's chair.

She acknowledged him with a tip of her head before shifting her gaze towards Delphine. "What did Vincent want?" she asked. "Did he come to grovel for your forgiveness?"

Delphine shook her head. "No, he came to tell me that he was leaving."

"For what purpose?" Miss Eden asked .

"I'm not rightly sure," Delphine said, reaching for a napkin to place on her lap. "But I am glad that he is gone."

Miss Eden tilted her chin. "As am I."

A footman placed plates of food in front of them and took a step back.

Bennett reached for a fork and knife. "I do hope everyone is excited for the soiree this evening."

"Yes, but I will admit that I am looking forward to leaving Brockhall Manor tomorrow morning," Miss Eden shared. "I have not slept well since we arrived and I miss my bed."

"About that…" Delphine started. "I do not think I am going to be returning home at this time."

Miss Eden furrowed her brow. "Whyever not?"

With a glance at Bennett, Delphine replied, "I think it would be best if I do not spend additional time with Mr. Simpkin since I plan to void our marriage."

"Not this again," Miss Eden huffed. "Just think of your future. People will talk and your reputation will be tarnished indefinitely. Is that what you want? To become a laughingstock amongst high Society?"

"I have weighed the consequences and I think it is in my best interest," Delphine said.

In a voice that clearly displayed her disapproval, Miss Eden asked, "What of George's best interest? After all, you married him in good faith."

Bennett did not like the way that Miss Eden was speaking to Delphine, but he didn't think it was his place to intercede. He had learned never to get between two women arguing… for any reason.

In a calm voice, Delphine replied, "I do not remember marrying Mr. Simpkin?—"

Miss Eden spoke over her. "Perhaps you do remember, but you reneged once you found a rich lord to court you."

Delphine's mouth dropped. "That is entirely unfair of you to say, and not the least bit true. My memories have yet to return."

Shoving back her chair, Miss Eden said, "It is awfully convenient if you ask me. But I do think you are treating George most unfairly."

"Why do you keep referring to Mr. Simpkin by his given name?" Delphine asked, clearly finding it as disconcerting as Bennett did. "Did he give you leave to?"

"We are friends, which is something else you have conveniently forgotten," Miss Eden snapped back.

"Charlotte…"

Miss Eden tossed her napkin onto the table. "You can stop, Delphine. I knew it was a mistake to come here," she declared before she stormed off.

Delphine watched her friend leave the dining room with a look of astonishment on her face. In a soft voice, she asked, "Am I being selfish?"

"So what if you are? You must think of yourself and your future," Bennett encouraged. "Do you truly want to stay married to Mr. Simpkin?"

"No, but am I the villain in this story?"

Bennett shifted in his seat to face her. "Absolutely not!" he exclaimed. "You are doing what is best for you."

"And what of Mr. Simpkin?" Delphine asked. "No doubt that his reputation will suffer as a result of voiding our marriage."

"You are overthinking this," Bennett said.

Delphine's eyes grew sad. "I have been so focused on what I have wanted that I haven't even considered the consequences for Mr. Simpkin," she said. "Does that make me a terrible person?"

Bennett couldn't help but find the question laughable. Delphine was one of the most kindhearted individuals he had ever encountered. "No, it does not," he rushed to assure her .

"I have never seen Charlotte so angry before," Delphine said. "In all my years, she has never spoken so harshly to me."

"It is all right if friends have disagreements," Bennett attempted. He wasn't quite sure what he could say to provide her comfort.

Delphine pushed back her chair and rose. "I need to go speak to her at once."

Rising, Bennett asked, "And say what?"

"I don't know," Delphine sighed. "I just do not like the thought of her being so angry with me."

Bennett waited until Delphine met his gaze before saying, "Sometimes your friends think they know what's best for you, but you must follow what your heart dictates."

"What if my heart is wrong?"

"Only you can decide that," Bennett replied. "But I will support you in whatever decision you make."

Delphine's face softened. "Thank you. That means a great deal to me."

Bennett wanted to add that she meant a great deal to him, but he didn't dare say something so bold.

Winston's booming voice came from the doorway. "I have heard from the judge that will hear your case," he announced, holding up a piece of paper.

"You have?" Delphine asked.

With a purposeful stride, Winston approached them and smiled. "The judge has agreed that your case has merit and will hear arguments from both sides before making a ruling."

Delphine bit her lower lip, looking unsure. "Is that good news?"

Winston's smile grew even broader. "Yes, this is wonderful news. Judge Ross is known to be rather progressive in his views on marriage and is a good friend of the barrister I trained under. I know precisely the argument I need to present to persuade him," he explained. "If all goes according to plan, it should only be a short time before Delphine is husband- less once more."

Delphine's entire face seemed to light up. "Thank you, Winston," she gushed.

"That is what I do," Winston remarked smugly. "I make dreams come true."

Bennett looked heavenward. "Dear heavens, you are far too cocky for your own good."

"Trust me, you want a barrister that is a little full of himself," Winston stated good-naturedly.

Taking a step back, Delphine said, "I should go talk to Charlotte. Although, she might become more upset with me than she already is."

After Delphine departed from the dining room, Winston gave him an inquisitive look. "The real question is how soon after her marriage is void are you going to offer for her?"

"I am not quite sure," Bennett said.

Winston reached down to Bennett's plate and stole a piece of toast. "A word of advice- I wouldn't wait too long."

Bennett would marry Delphine anytime or anywhere, but he didn't want to do anything that would cause a greater scandal.

Delphine headed up the grand staircase as she went in search of Charlotte. She knew her friend was angry with her, but she didn't entirely understand the reasons behind it. This wasn't the first time she had told Charlotte of her intentions to void her marriage. So why did she react so harshly? And why was she so concerned for Mr. Simpkin's reputation?

As she passed by the library, she saw Charlotte pacing in front of Mr. Simpkin, who was sitting on the settee .

But rather than make her presence known, Delphine remained just outside of the door as she watched them.

Mr. Simpkin's voice drifted out into the corridor. "You are making a big ado out of nothing."

"She wants to void the marriage," Charlotte said, tossing her hands up in the air.

"Yes, and we planned for that," Mr. Simpkin responded, leaning back against the settee.

We?

Since when were Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte a team? And what had they been planning?

Charlotte stopped pacing and turned to face Mr. Simpkin. "How can you be so calm about this?" she asked. "Just think of your reputation."

"That is the least of my concerns," Mr. Simpkin stated.

"What of my reputation?" Charlotte demanded. "I will be ruined, right alongside you."

Mr. Simpkin smiled. "You are working yourself into a frenzy for no reason. Just trust me and it will all work out."

Charlotte frowned. "I do trust you, but nothing is working out as simply as you claimed it would."

"Yes, there were some unforeseen complications, but that is neither here nor there," Mr. Simpkin said. "We must look forward to our future."

Delphine couldn't quite believe what she was overhearing. It was evident that Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte had formed an attachment, but what had they been planning? None of this made any sense.

Elodie's voice came from next to her, causing her to jump. "May I join you in your eavesdropping endeavor?" she asked in a hushed voice.

With a slight nod, Delphine turned back towards the library and watched Mr. Simpkin rise. He placed his hand on Charlotte's shoulders and leaned in. "Be patient, my dear, and everything you seek will be yours. "

Charlotte seemed to consider his words before saying, "I just wish it hadn't come to this."

"She left us with little choice," Mr. Simpkin responded, dropping his hands to his sides. "Now run along before anyone notices your absence."

Elodie placed a hand on Delphine's arm and pointed towards the parlor, indicating they should hide, and quickly.

Delphine followed Elodie into the parlor and closed the door behind her. What had she just overheard? And who was the "she" that left them with little choice? Was it her?

Elodie's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you all right?"

"How much did you overhear?" Delphine asked.

"Most of it," Elodie replied with a look of sympathy. "But you should know that Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte often speak to one another in private."

Delphine pursed her lips together. "How have I been so blind?" she asked.

"Does it matter if they have formed an attachment?" Elodie asked. "After all, you intend to void the marriage."

"That is true. I hold no affection for Mr. Simpkin but why didn't Charlotte tell me that she held him in high regard?"

Elodie shrugged. "You are married to Mr. Simpkin."

"Which is more perplexing," Delphine remarked. "I would never have agreed to the marriage had I known Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte cared for one another."

"What if you didn't agree to it?" Elodie suggested.

Delphine shook her head. "No, Charlotte would never do such a thing to me. We have been friends for as long as I can remember."

"People change."

"Your brother said as much, but I do not believe Charlotte would go along with something so nefarious," Delphine insisted.

Elodie didn't look convinced. "Do you not find it odd that Miss Eden accompanied you to Gretna Green?" she asked. "People usually do not bring friends along when they are eloping."

Delphine had to recognize that Elodie did have a point, albeit reluctantly. "She said that I invited her along."

"And you believe that?"

"I had no reason to question her," Delphine replied. "She has never lied to me before."

"Or at least you haven't caught her in a lie," Elodie said.

Delphine brought a hand up to her head as she tried to decide what she should do. Should she confront Charlotte with what she knew at once or wait until she returned home?

Elodie opened the door and peeked out into the corridor. "It is empty," she revealed.

"You can go," Delphine encouraged. "I am going to stay here for a while."

With a knowing look, Elodie asked, "Are you hiding from Miss Eden?"

Delphine grimaced, wondering how Elodie had seen through her so easily. "Perhaps," she admitted.

"I do not blame you," Elodie said. "This is why I do not have very many friends. They will betray you at the drop of a hat."

"Charlotte wouldn't betray me," Delphine said.

Elodie lifted her brow. "Did we not hear the same conversation?" she asked.

Delphine walked over to the settee and dropped down in the most unladylike fashion. None of this was making any sense. "Why did Mr. Simpkin want to marry me if he cares for Charlotte?"

"Greed. Power." Elodie paused. "Do I need to go on?"

"But Mr. Simpkin claimed he wanted to win my affection," Delphine replied. "Why would he say such a thing if he was having an affair with Charlotte? "

Elodie came to sit down next to her. "I cannot answer that, but I have never liked Mr. Simpkin."

Delphine huffed. "You sound just like your brother."

"Good, at least I am making some sense then," Elodie said. "If you void the marriage to Mr. Simpkin, then he gets nothing. That is quite the incentive to ensure the marriage stays intact."

"But Winston is confident that we will be able to void the marriage," Delphine said. "It will just take some time."

Elodie bobbed her head. "I do hope you will be more careful when selecting your next husband," she teased.

An image of Bennett came to Delphine's mind and she felt a smile come to her lips. "I will be," she said.

"Since that is now resolved, we should start preparing for the soiree," Elodie remarked.

"But we just had breakfast."

Elodie laughed. "I am surprised that my mother hasn't found us yet…"

Her words had just left her mouth when Lady Dallington stepped into the room. "There you two are," she stated. "It is time to prepare for the soiree."

With an "I told you so" look, Elodie rose from her seat. "I do so enjoy preparing for a social event that is hours and hours away," she joked.

Lady Dallington didn't comment on her daughter's attempt at humor. Instead, she turned to Delphine and said, "We have much to do and very little time to do it."

Rising, Delphine asked, "What would you like me to do?"

"First, we must ensure the ballgown that my lady's maid altered for you is a perfect fit," Lady Dallington replied. "Then we shall move on to selecting jewelry for you to wear tonight."

"That won't be necessary," Delphine said, "I do have a coral necklace that I was wearing when I was brought here."

"I think it would be best if you wear some of my pieces," Lady Dallington said. "I do believe you will find many of them to your liking."

Delphine found Lady Dallington's generosity to be rather touching. "Thank you, my lady," she said.

Lady Dallington waved her hand dismissively in front of her. "Think nothing of it, Dear," she said. "Come along. No lollygagging."

Elodie spoke up. "Do I have time for a nap?"

"I suppose we can schedule that in, assuming it is a quick rest," Lady Dallington responded.

"What about a break for biscuits?" Elodie pressed.

Lady Dallington gave her daughter an exasperated look. "You can eat biscuits while you are having your hair styled."

That seemed to satisfy Elodie and she followed her mother out of the room. Delphine knew that she should follow after them, but her heart was heavy. Charlotte was keeping her affection for Mr. Simpkin a secret and that greatly bothered her. What else was she keeping from her?

Elodie stuck her head back into the room. "Are you coming, Delphine?"

"I am," she confirmed.

As they headed down the corridor towards their bedchambers, Lady Dallington glanced over at Delphine and said, "Considering the state of your marriage, I would recommend you not dancing a set with Mr. Simpkin."

"I have no objections to that," Delphine said. The thought of Mr. Simpkin holding her in his arms did not sound the least bit appealing. His touch had no warmth behind it. Not like Bennett's. She would never tire of being in his arms. His strong, comforting arms. They had always made her feel safe. And cherished.

Charlotte's voice came from behind them. "Delphine, may I speak to you?" she asked, her words sounding cordial enough .

Elodie leaned closer to Delphine and asked in a hushed voice, "Would you like me to engage in fisticuffs with her?"

"No, that is not necessary," Delphine replied before turning around with an expectant look to face her friend.

Lady Dallington touched her sleeve. "We will be waiting for you in my bedchamber."

Delphine tipped her head in response.

As they continued down the corridor, Charlotte approached Delphine and came to a stop in front of her. "I wanted to apologize for my harsh words earlier," she said.

"You do?" Delphine asked.

Charlotte gave her an apologetic smile. "I had no right to speak to you in such a manner and I feel awful. You have every right to void your marriage and I was wrong to suggest otherwise."

Delphine pressed her lips together, not knowing what she should say. It wasn't the time or the place to confront Charlotte about her feelings for Mr. Simpkin. But what had caused Charlotte to have such a change of heart?

Charlotte continued. "Please tell Lady Dallington that I am most grateful for the ballgown that she had delivered to my bedchamber."

"I will," Delphine replied. There. That was safe. And not at all confrontational.

Her friend smiled, or rather, beamed. "I am looking forward to this evening."

"As am I," Delphine replied, attempting to keep the confusion off her expression. "But I should be running along. I do not want to make Lady Dallington wait for me."

"Then you should run along, especially since this night is all about you," Charlotte encouraged.

Delphine hesitated for a moment before she walked away from her friend. Charlotte was acting odd, and she wasn't sure why that was. Perhaps it was as simple as Charlotte feeling guilty for deceiving her.