Epilogue

Three weeks later…

Today was the best of days. It was to be his wedding day! Bennett couldn't quite seem to quell the excitement that was growing inside of him at that thought. Since the moment he had first offered for Delphine, he had been eagerly counting down the days, hours, and minutes until this very moment.

It had taken them some effort to get to this point. The morning after the soiree, Winston had traveled to Scotland to meet with the judge to discuss voiding Delphine's marriage. When he presented the facts of the case, the judge promptly agreed to nullify the marriage, citing deception as the main reason. Furthermore, the judge agreed to transport the conspirators of the deception to Australia, ensuring Delphine would never have to see them again.

Once Winston returned, Bennett promptly posted the banns and waited impatiently as Delphine returned to her country estate to ensure her affairs were in order. He did not like being away from his betrothed- even for a moment. But he understood her reasoning and had no desire to curtail her independent streak. That was just one of the many things he loved about her.

But Delphine was back at Brockhall Manor. Where she belonged… with him.

As he descended the stairs, he saw Elodie pacing in the entry hall. "Whatever is wrong?" he asked, stepping onto the marble floor.

Elodie came to a stop and turned to face him. "I am trying my best to not soil this gown for your wedding service."

Finding the situation amusing, Bennett teased, "I thank you for your efforts. I wouldn't be able to marry Delphie, knowing your gown was soiled."

"You joke, but Mother was adamant that I stay away from toast," Elodie shared.

"What is wrong with toast?"

Elodie held up her hands. "She is concerned with the butter on my fingers leaving a stain on my gown."

"Then do not butter your toast," he suggested.

She huffed. "What is the point of eating bread at all?"

Bennett placed his hand on his sister's sleeve. "This conversation is pointless, and I have much more important things to worry about right now."

Melody gracefully stepped into the entry hall with a piece of bread in her hand. "Yes, you are to be married."

Elodie's mouth dropped. "Are you eating bread with butter on it?"

"I am," Melody confirmed.

"Are you not worried about soiling your gown?" Elodie asked.

Melody grinned. "I am not. I am perfectly capable of keeping my gown unsoiled."

Bennett dropped his hand and shook his head. "I do not care who eats bread but do not bring it to the chapel."

Elodie nodded in agreement. "I agree," she replied. "But, out of curiosity, do you have a rule against biscuits? "

"I would prefer it if no one ate during the service," Bennett said.

"Fine," Elodie muttered, looking put out.

Winston's amused voice came from behind them. "You truly have high expectations for the day, Brother."

Bennett chuckled. "We are having a luncheon before Delphine and I depart for Scotland. I promise that there will be bread and butter there."

Melody's eyes lit up. "I am envious that you will be staying in Delphine's castle. I hope to see it one day."

"And you will," Delphine said as she approached them. "I promise I will throw a house party once our wedding tour is over."

Bennett moved to Delphine's side and kissed her cheek. "Are you ready to get married?"

Delphine shrugged one shoulder. "I suppose so," she sighed. "I had nothing else to do so I thought it was as good of a day as any."

Elodie laughed. "Delphine is going to fit quite nicely into our family."

"It is a good thing that I saved her from certain death… twice," Bennett declared. "I almost can't help but do heroic things."

"Good gads, do you hear yourself speak?" Winston retorted before shifting his gaze to Delphine. "Do you truly wish to marry my brother?"

Delphine's eyes lit up. "With all my heart."

Lady Dallington entered the entry hall and announced, "It is time for us to depart for the service. Your father sent word that he will meet us at the chapel."

Bennett offered his arm to Delphine. "May I escort you to the coach?"

"Thank you," Delphine murmured.

As they walked out the main door, Bennett asked, "Any regrets? "

"My only regret is that I did not find you sooner," Delphine replied.

Bennett brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. "I love you, Delphie," he said. "And I feel the same as you."

They came to a stop in front of the coach and Bennett assisted Delphine into the conveyance. Once she was situated, he climbed in and sat next to her.

Bennett closed the door and turned to face her. "We are alone," he said with a mischievous grin.

"That we are," Delphine murmured as she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.

As Bennett wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close, the door opened and Elodie exclaimed, "They are kissing… again!"

Not feeling the least bit repentant, Bennett asked, "What is it that you want, Sister?"

"Mother told me that I had to ride in the coach with you," Elodie shared as she sat across from them. "But it is in protest."

Bennett dropped his arms and leaned back. "I am not sure why Mother was so adamant since we are practically married in the eyes of the ton ."

"Trust me, I would rather be anywhere but in a coach with two love birds who can't seem to keep their hands off one another," Elodie insisted.

Delphine reached up and smoothed back her dark hair. "Fortunately, we do not have to travel far since the chapel is near your manor."

Bennett reached for Delphine's hand and intertwined their fingers. "Do you take issue with us holding hands?" he asked, addressing his sister.

Elodie considered them for a moment before saying, "I will allow it."

"You are most generous," Bennett teased.

As the coach made its way to the chapel, Bennett couldn't help but turn his gaze towards Delphine. A smile tugged at his lips as he reflected on how she was everything he had ever wanted and more.

"You are smiling, Brother," Elodie remarked.

"Indeed, I am," Bennett replied as he met Delphine's gaze. "I am looking forward to my future because I know each day will be better than the last."

Delphine nudged his shoulder. "I love you, too."

Bennett leaned in and kissed her on her cheek, his lips lingering. He had never known such happiness before, and it was all because of Delphine. For the day he met her, he found the missing piece of his heart.

The End