Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Bennett stepped into the dining room and saw his sisters sitting at the long, rectangular table, their heads hunched over the newssheets.

Knowing no good could come out of this, he inquired, "What has caught your attention so intently?"

Elodie neatly folded the newssheets and placed them onto the table. "Nothing in particular. How was your ride this morning?" she asked innocently. Too innocently. His sisters were up to something. But what?

Bennett approached the table and extended his hand out. "May I see?"

With a flourish, Elodie handed him the newssheets. "You are making a big ado out of nothing."

"Is that so?" Bennett scanned the pages for any hint of what had captured his sisters' interest. "Perhaps you could save us a considerable amount of time and tell me what had you two so engrossed?"

Melody sipped her cup of chocolate as she informed him, "If you must know, it is the first article on the Society page."

Bennett flipped to the back of the newssheets and perused the article. When he lowered it, he asked, "Why do either of you care about Lord Willowbrook and his latest exploits?"

"Well, he is quite handsome," Melody said wistfully.

"But he is also a rake of the highest order, and you would be wise to avoid him this Season," Bennett advised in the sternest voice he could muster up. He didn't want his sisters anywhere near Lord Willowbrook- or any rake- when they arrived in London.

Melody smiled. "Very well, Brother," she said quickly. He could tell that she was just appeasing him. Which infuriated him even more.

Bennett set the newssheets down with a heavy thud. "I am serious, Melody. Just being associated with Lord Willowbrook could ruin your reputation."

And once again, a rapid reply followed. "I understand." Melody even had the nerve to smile at him. As if he were the one acting irrational.

"No, you clearly do not understand," Bennett pressed, his frustration mounting. "You must stay away from him at all costs."

Melody tipped her head. "I will."

Bennett didn't know what it would take to get through to his sister. Melody may be the more rational twin, but she still had a stubborn streak to her.

His mother glided into the room with Doctor Anderson by her side. "I am calling a family meeting," she declared.

"Should we not send for Winston?" Bennett asked. "Or Father, for that matter?"

She waved her hand in front of her. "There is no need. Winston is no doubt holed up in his room working, and Father is at meetings in the village. I shall speak to them later."

Bennett leaned back against the long, rectangular dining table. "Then why call it a family meeting at all?"

"Because it is my right as a mother to call meetings whenever I so desire," his mother remarked. "But on a serious note, the young lady Bennett rescued from the woodlands just awoke."

Elodie gasped. "That is wonderful news. Did she say why she was wandering in the woodlands?"

"Well… no," his mother said. "She is having a hard time recalling who she is and why she was in the woodlands."

Bennett lifted his brow skeptically. "That is rather odd, is it not?"

The doctor stepped forward and spoke up. "If I may," he started, "brain injuries are complex, and no one is the same. But once the swelling has gone down, I do believe this young woman's memories will come back."

"How long will that take?" Melody asked.

The doctor shrugged. "It could be hours or days, but it is imperative that you give her a calm space for her memories to return."

Bennett didn't want to be the naysayer, but he had to ask the question. "What if her memories do not come back?"

"Let us not focus on the negative, but rather on the positive," the doctor said, skirting around his question. "She remembers her given name is Delphine."

His mother smiled. "Miss Delphine seems like a lovely young lady and is a guest in our home while she recovers. We must shower her with kindness and hope her memories will return quickly."

"But do not attempt to force them," the doctor advised. "Allow them to return naturally."

Clasping her hands in front of her, his mother informed Bennett, "Miss Delphine has expressed a desire to thank you for saving her life."

With a smirk on his lips, Bennett turned towards his sister. "That does not surprise me. I was her hero, after all. A hero to one, a hero to all."

Elodie shook her head. "You are trying too hard, Brother," she said good-naturedly. "True heroes don't brag about their accomplishments."

"Well, I did save Miss Delphine's life, which is more than you have done," Bennett responded, puffing out his chest. "Do you suppose someone will write a book about my heroic actions?"

Melody giggled. "If they did, no one would read it."

Bennett put a hand to his chest, feigning outrage. "I disagree. People will one day make up folk songs about me and future generations will sing my praises. Perhaps I will even be in the Society pages that you two so love to read."

"How dull," Elodie quipped.

His mother cleared her throat, drawing back their attention. "You three digress, as usual," she remarked. "Can we return to the matter at hand, please?"

Doctor Anderson shifted his leather satchel in his hand. "It has been my experience from the war that people with head injuries are scared, not being able to access their memories. Miss Delphine is in a fragile state and should be treated with care."

"May we visit with Miss Delphine?" Elodie asked.

"I think that is a fine idea, assuming you speak softly to her," the doctor encouraged. "You do not want to upset her more than she already is."

Bennett crossed his arms over his chest as he asked, "Should we send riders out to look for anyone that may be searching for Miss Delphine?"

"I think that might be a waste of time, considering there are many roads that cross near that section of woodlands," his mother responded.

Elodie reached for her teacup and said, "I will go visit Miss Delphine after breakfast."

Bennett winced, wondering if that was the best idea. "Perhaps I shall go speak to her first. "

"Why?" Elodie asked. "I am a delight. Many people have told me so."

"Yes, but you also say outlandish things that might frighten the poor girl," Bennett remarked.

After Elodie returned the teacup to her saucer, she suggested, "Maybe if we all shout at Miss Delphine at the precise same time, it will jar her memories."

Bennett looked heavenward. "Do you even hear yourself speak?"

"I do, and I think my plan is ingenious," Elodie replied with a smirk. "Being startled every so often keeps one alert."

His mother gave Elodie a pointed look. "No one is going to shout at Miss Delphine," she said firmly. "We must strive to be patient."

Doctor Anderson turned towards Bennett's mother. "I will return tomorrow to look in on Miss Delphine, but until then, I will be visiting a few of my patients in the next village over."

"Thank you, Doctor," she responded.

Once the doctor departed from the dining room, Elodie asked, "Has anyone considered that Miss Delphine is lying about losing her memories?"

Bennett uncrossed his arms, wondering what outlandish thing his sister was going to say next. "Why, pray tell, would she do that?"

Elodie's eyes held amusement as she asked, "What if she is hiding out from an evil stepmother that is intent on marrying her off to a prince in a faraway land?"

"You have been reading far too many fairy tales, Sister," Bennett declared as he straightened up from the chair. "And to prove it to you, I will go speak to Miss Delphine now."

"But you haven't had breakfast yet," Elodie said.

Bennett reached for a piece of toast on Elodie's plate. "Now I have," he said before taking a bite.

Elodie held up a fork. "Next time, I shall defend my plate with the necessary force. "

Melody picked up a piece of toast off her plate and placed it on Elodie's plate. "You can have my toast."

"Thank you, but I was rather fond of the toast that Bennett is eating. It was buttered precisely the way I like it," Elodie joked, lowering the fork to the table.

Bennett chuckled. "You should have eaten faster."

"Why should I?" Elodie asked. "No one else has dared to steal food off my plate before."

"Consider it a tithe," Bennett said.

His mother went to sit at the head of the table. "I would be remiss if I did not inform you that stealing food off another's plate is considered uncouth."

Bennett took a step back. "And on that note, I shall go speak to Miss Delphine."

With a stern look, his mother advised, "Be mindful to have maids present when you visit Miss Delphine since it is rather inappropriate to visit a young woman in her bedchamber. If not for the unusual circumstances, I would never permit such a thing."

"I am not completely uncivilized, Mother," Bennett said. "I do know the rules of Polite Society."

His mother didn't look convinced. "Very well, but do not upset Miss Delphine. She has been through enough."

Bennett brought a hand to his chest in a dramatic fashion. "Why would you even suggest such a thing? I am above all else a gentleman."

"A gentleman does not steal food off plates," Elodie interjected.

"Well, I promise I will not steal food off Miss Delphine's plate," Bennett said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to charm yet another lady."

After Bennett departed from the dining room, he ascended the grand staircase that led to the bedchambers on the second level. It wasn't long before he arrived at the guest bedchamber that Miss Delphine was residing in .

He rapped on the door and it was promptly opened by a maid.

"Is Miss Delphine awake?" Bennett asked.

The maid tipped her head in affirmation and opened the door wide for him to enter. "Yes, my lord," she replied with a curtsy. "Please, do come in."

Bennett stepped into the room and saw that Miss Delphine was sitting up in bed with a tray of food in front of her. His gaze immediately went to her forehead, where a thick bandage was wrapped around it. However, he was pleased to see that her complexion had returned to its natural color and the scratches that had marred her face when he first found her had faded. Even under these circumstances, he could tell she was beautiful with high cheekbones and a delicately pointed nose.

Miss Delphine met his gaze with curiosity and asked, "Are you another doctor?"

"I am not," he replied. "I am Lord Dunsby."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "My lord, I cannot thank you enough for what you did," she rushed out. "From what I have been told, you saved my life. I owe you a great debt."

Bennett offered her a smile, hoping to set her at ease. "You owe me nothing. It is not often that I am able to save a woman in distress." He gestured towards the chair by her bedside. "May I?"

Miss Delphine nodded, granting him permission to sit down.

As he settled into the seat, he said, "I understand that we are to call you Miss Delphine for now."

Tears welled up in her eyes, then spilled over, a silent testament to the emotions that must be swelling inside of her. "Why cannot I remember who I am?" she asked with a tremble in her voice.

He could hear the fear in her voice and the surge of protection that he felt when he had held her in his arms earlier returned. He couldn't deny the feeling of responsibility that washed over him. He would do whatever it took to help this young woman regain her memories.

Delphine could feel the tears start to stream down her face and she ducked her head, embarrassed by the show of her emotions. She may not remember much, but she knew that this was not how a lady acted.

"I am sorry, my lord," she said in a shaky voice. "I fear that I am not quite myself at the moment."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Lord Dunsby reassured her. The way he spoke his words, she believed him.

"I just wish I could remember."

Lord Dunsby reached into his jacket pocket and removed a white handkerchief, extending it towards her. "Just as we have questions about you, you must have questions about me and my family. Would it help if I told you a bit about myself? It might help jog your memory."

She accepted the handkerchief and wiped her eyes. "I suppose it couldn't hurt." Which was the truth. Her situation couldn't get much worse.

"Very good," Lord Dunsby said, settling back in his chair. "I was born on a crisp morning in the spring, and I have been told that I was the handsomest of babies. Which is good. I have seen some rather unfortunate babies in my day." He shuddered dramatically to emphasize his point.

Delphine could hear the amusement in his tone, and she felt herself begin to relax. Bringing her gaze up, she asked, "Are not all babies a blessing?"

"They are, regardless of their attractiveness," Lord Dunsby said with a smile. "Furthermore, I was, and still am, the most important person in my parents' lives. They only had my brother and sisters to be my playmates. They are to entertain me."

"Are your siblings aware of that fact?"

His smile only seemed to grow. "How could they not be? Besides, my mother calls me her favorite all the time."

"I do not think a mother has a favorite child."

"You would think, but I would like to think I gave my parents the most important gift of all." He paused. "The gift of being my parents."

A laugh escaped Delphine's lips and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. "How generous of you, my lord."

"I thought so, as well," Lord Dunsby said. "Now, here I am, nearing thirty years old and I have still managed to avoid the parson's mouse trap. Which is for the best. If I took a wife, how would my family manage without my constant presence?"

"I would imagine they would continue on as they have been," Delphine replied.

With a glance over his shoulder, Lord Dunsby lowered his voice and said in a conspiratorial tone, "I am, by far, the most interesting person in my family."

Finding herself amused by his antics, she asked, "If that is the case, why are you whispering?"

He shrugged. "Sometimes the truth hurts."

"And you speak the truth?"

Bringing a hand to his chest, Lord Dunsby replied, "Always."

Delphine took a brief moment to study the handsome Lord Dunsby. His sharp jawline was accentuated by faint stubble. His dark hair was brushed forward and fell slightly longer than was considered fashionable. But she found it suited him, giving him an air of ruggedness and mystery. His piercing blue eyes danced with mirth, and she couldn't help but be charmed by him .

Knowing that she must look a fright to him, Delphine brought a hand to the bandage around her head.

Lord Dunsby leaned forward in his seat, the concern etched on his face. "Are you in pain? Is this conversation too taxing for you?" His voice was gentle yet strong, making her feel seen and cared for.

"No, the pounding in my head has finally started to subside," Delphine admitted with a sigh of relief.

"That is good," Lord Dunsby said. "Now where were we? Would you like to know what sports I excel in? I assure you that the list is extensive and it could take quite some time."

Delphine lowered her hand to the covers. "As intriguing as that sounds, perhaps you can tell me more about your family."

Lord Dunsby bobbed his head. "I have a younger brother named Winston. He is a prominent barrister in London and he is much more serious than me. But I urge you to never get into a debate with him. He can be rather persistent."

"Understood. I will not debate with Lord Winston."

"After Winston, I have twin sisters named Elodie and Melody. Elodie says- and does- the most outlandish things and Melody is much more reserved, albeit quite stubborn," Lord Dunsby shared. "They all adore me. Relentlessly, in fact."

Delphine could feel the weight of her burdens seem much more tolerable as she listened to Lord Dunsby. He had a way of making her feel at ease and she felt comfortable around him. It was as if she had known him for years.

"What of your parents?" she asked.

Lord Dunsby put his hands out to his sides. "My father is a stickler for propriety, but he does have a good heart. And my mother is one of the most generous people you will ever meet. She has a knack for making you feel accepted, no matter the situation."

Delphine felt herself nod in agreement. "Lady Dallington was very kind to me when I met her earlier. I am most grateful for her hospitality. "

"You are welcome here," Lord Dunsby said. "No doubt my sisters appreciate it since it will take my mother's attention away from them for a few days. My mother is preparing them for the Season and has been rather relentless. I found Elodie hiding in a closet to get away from my mother a few days ago."

"That seems rather drastic."

Lord Dunsby chuckled. "Not for Elodie," he said. "On her trip home from boarding school, the driver grew ill so she stepped in and drove the coach."

Delphine's brow shot up. "How did she even know to do such a thing?"

"I never said that she did it well, just that she did it," Lord Dunsby replied. "My father was outraged when he found out, but my sisters insisted it was the only way."

With a wave of her hand, Delphine said, "That sounds so much like my friend, Charlotte. She hasn't driven a coach but she wouldn't hesitate…" Her words came to an abrupt stop and her eyes grew wide. "I have a friend!"

Lord Dunsby's eyes crinkled around the edges. "I did not doubt that for a second. Most people have at least one friend. I have many, in fact. Too many to count."

"You don't understand. I can remember Charlotte. She is tall, blonde, thin- but not too thin- and she has an infectious laugh," Delphine said.

"Well, I am glad you clarified her ‘thinness.' If she was too thin, I doubt you could be friends with her," Lord Dunsby teased.

Delphine bit her lower lip. "She lives in…" Her voice trailed off as she willed herself to remember. It was on the tip of her tongue. Where did Charlotte live?

Lord Dunsby's calming voice interrupted her thoughts. "Do not try to force it," he advised. "It will come. Just be patient."

She heard his words of advice but she wanted to do this. She needed to do this. As she forced herself to remember, her mind suddenly cleared and she knew the answer. "Skidbrooke," Delphine shouted triumphantly. "Charlotte lives in Skidbrooke and so do I. That is where my country estate is."

"Your country estate?" Lord Dunsby asked. "What else do you remember?"

Delphine let out a sigh of relief as her memories came flooding back to her. "I remember everything," she admitted. "My father was an earl and I am a countess." She felt her face light up at that realization.

Lord Dunsby eyed her with disbelief. "You are married, then?"

"No, I am a countess in my own right. Suo Jure Countess of Dunrobin. It is an old Scottish title that is allowed to be passed to the ‘heir general,'" Delphine explained. "I also have a country home in Scotland and a townhouse in London."

"I am afraid I am not acquainted with your father, Lord Dunrobin."

"That does not surprise me since he detested going to London, or being social, for that matter. My father was many years older than my mother when they wed. It was an arranged marriage so he could get a male heir," Delphine said. "Unfortunately, he got me. A woman. An utter disgrace."

Lord Dunsby frowned. "Your father called you that?"

"He called me a lot worse, I am afraid," Delphine replied as she attempted to keep the hurt out of her voice. "I was told that he refused to even look at me until I was nearly a hundred days old."

"That was awful of him."

Delphine couldn't quite believe that she had been so vulnerable with Lord Dunsby. A man that was practically a stranger to her. They hadn't even been properly introduced. Although, he had saved her from death and he would have held her in his arms, causing her face to burn with embarrassment. That realization was mortifying. She had never been so familiar with a gentleman before.

But she felt safe around Lord Dunsby.

What an odd reaction to a man that she hardly knew.

Lord Dunsby gave her an encouraging look. "If you remember everything, how did you end up here in the woodlands?"

The excitement she had just felt diminished as she furrowed her brow in thought. "I don't recall," she shared. "The last thing I remember was sitting in my drawing room, working on my needlework, and speaking to Charlotte. We were discussing the latest fashions for the upcoming Season and I had an appointment with the dressmaker."

"Am I to assume this is to be your first Season?"

"It is, but I delayed it by three years due to my mother," Delphine replied. "She was not up to traveling to London due to her fragile health, and I did not wish to leave her to have a Season."

Lord Dunsby's eyes held compassion as he asked, "May I ask when she passed?"

"Almost a year ago," Delphine said, her voice growing soft. "That is one memory that I wish I could forget."

"Pardon me for saying so, but I think it is a good thing that you can remember every moment with your mother."

"The doctor said she had cancer of the stomach. I have been told that it was a painful way to die, but my mother never let on that she was in pain," Delphine said. "But I could see it in her eyes even when she tried to pretend all was well."

Delphine blinked back the tears that were forming in her eyes, knowing she couldn't keep crying around Lord Dunsby. What he must think of her show of emotions. But then she stopped herself. Why did it matter what he thought of her? She remembered who she was and where she was from. She could go home now.

She sat straight up in bed. "Now that I know who I am, I can go home," she said. "If you are not opposed, I could make use of your coach and…"

Lord Dunsby held his hand up, stilling her words. "Slow down, my lady," he encouraged. "You are still recovering from a brain injury. I do not think you should be so quick to leave."

"I am perfectly fine now," Delphine said. "My head no longer hurts and I have all my memories back."

"Except why you entered the woodlands in the first place wearing only one shoe," Lord Dunsby pointed out.

Delphine reluctantly admitted that Lord Dunsby did have a point, albeit weakly. She didn't wish to impose on his family any longer than necessary, but she doubted she could travel in her condition.

"Why don't we start with you joining us for dinner this evening?" Lord Dunsby suggested.

"I suppose that is wise," Delphine agreed reluctantly.

"Good, we are in agreement, then," he responded. "And tomorrow, when the doctor comes to visit, we can discuss when you can travel home."

Delphine leaned back against the plush pillows. "Very well," she conceded.

There was a gentle rap at the door before a maid stepped into the room, holding two books in her hand. "Hello. I am Marie, Lady Dallington's lady's maid. She thought you might like me to read to you," she said.

Lord Dunsby rose and turned towards Marie. "Which books did my mother select from the library?"

Marie read off the titles. " Colonel Jack and Tales of Fashionable Life ."

His blue eyes gleamed with curiosity as he inquired, "Do either of those titles suit your fancy?"

Delphine considered the options before her. "I have yet to read Colonel Jack ," she admitted.

A look of approval crossed Lord Dunsby's face. "Ah, a wise choice. That particular book was written by Daniel Defoe and I think it rivals his other books. It does a decent job of tackling the subjects of money and crime."

"You make it sound rather intriguing," Delphine said.

His expression softened as he gazed at her. "You are in good hands, my lady. I hope to see you this evening for dinner."

"I hope to be there, assuming I have something more suitable to wear," Delphine responded as she glanced down at her white wrapper.

With a graceful bow, Lord Dunsby assured her, "That should not be an issue. I shall go speak to my mother at once."

As he made his way towards the door, Delphine wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. "Lord Dunsby," she called out.

He stopped and turned back around to face her. "Yes, my lady?"

Her heart fluttered nervously as she searched for the right words. "Thank you. For everything," she managed to say, hoping that her gratitude shone through. If it wasn't for him, she wasn't sure if she would still be alive. Which was a morbid and terrifying thought.

A warm smile spread across his face. "You are welcome."

And with those parting words, he left the room, leaving Delphine with the sudden urge to follow him.