Chapter 5

Chapter Five

As Bennett and Delphine strolled down the lengthy corridors of Brockhall Manor, he couldn't help but notice the tension in her jaw and the unsteadiness in her steps.

With genuine concern, he said, "If this is too taxing for you, I can always show you the library tomorrow."

"No, it is fine," she replied hastily, but her demeanor suggested otherwise. Her shoulders seemed to droop slightly, betraying her true feelings.

He wondered why she was being so stubborn about this.

Up ahead, he saw two chairs that were situated against the wall and he had an idea. He glanced over at her. "Would you mind if we took a break?"

"I told you that I can handle it," she replied with a stubborn tilt of her chin.

He smiled, hoping to disarm her. "I know, but I ate a lot of mutton and I just need a moment to rest."

Bennett could see the indecisiveness in Delphine's eyes and he wondered if his plan would work. After a moment, she sighed. "I suppose we could sit down for a moment. But only because you requested it, not me. "

"Thank you, my lady," he said as he gestured towards the chair.

He waited until she sat down before he did the same. He could see the visible relief in her features as she leaned back against the chair. Now he just needed to find a way to distract her so she could get some rest that she so clearly needed.

"Besides the occasional snorting, is there anything else I should know about you?" he teased.

She pursed her lips, annoyance visible on her face. "I wish you wouldn't tease me about that. It is not something that I do on purpose."

He nudged his shoulder against hers. "I think it is endearing."

Delphine did not look convinced. "I think not," she huffed.

"In a world where conformity is expected, it is nice to see someone who dares to stand out," Bennett stated.

"You are kind, but I know what you are trying to do," she said. "You are trying to distract me so we can sit here longer."

He feigned innocence. "I am doing no such thing!" he declared.

Her face softened, and a laugh escaped her lips. "I think it is sweet. I do not know why I can't admit that I need help."

"Most people can't," he said.

"My father always said that it was a sign of weakness," Delphine said, her smile dimming. "I often wonder if I had been born a boy if my father would have been happy. He always seemed so miserable, especially when he was around me."

Hearing the heartache in her voice, Bennett shifted in his seat to face her. "I do not think that would have made a difference. Happiness comes from within."

Delphine's gaze turned downcast. "I do not know why I insist on sharing such things with you. It is in the past and that is where it will remain. "

Bennett found he was curious about one thing. "You speak of your father's desire of having a boy, but what of your mother?"

"My mother's only duty was to produce my father a son, and she failed," Delphine said. "When I was about five years old, my father had his mistress move into the country estate. With us. My mother tried to make it work for my sake. But after many difficult years of all living together under the same roof, she decided it was best to live apart, leaving me alone with them."

Bennett winced. "I'm sorry," he said, knowing his words were wholly inadequate.

Delphine started fidgeting with her hands in her lap. "After my father died, I was sent to live with my mother. She was kind to me, but I could see the disappointment in her eyes. Her whole life would have been better if I had just been born a boy."

"You don't know that," Bennett attempted.

"Perhaps not, but I was a grand disappointment the moment I was born and now I have to fight to prove myself," Delphine said.

"You have nothing to prove."

Delphine stared at him in astonishment, as if he had sprouted a second head. "How na?ve you are if you truly think that," she said. "I have to work twice as hard to prove I am somewhat competent. Sometimes I am utterly exhausted by it all. But every day, I have to wake up and do it all over again, knowing that people are just waiting for me to fail."

"Are you one of those people?" Bennett asked.

She hesitated before continuing. "I am," she replied. "I feel the need to prove to myself that I am just as capable, if not more so, than my father. And I must do it on my own."

Bennett seemed to consider her words before saying, "It sounds as if you could stand to have some fun. "

With a wistful sigh, she responded, "Maybe someday. But for now, I have far too much to do."

"How about now?" Bennett asked. "We could play ‘who is snooping on us'."

Delphine eyed him curiously. "I am not familiar with that game."

Bennett pointed down the hall where he could see his sister's head peeking out from the parlor.

Delphine followed his gaze and asked, "How did you know?"

"Elodie thinks she is sneaky, but she is not very light on her feet," Bennett replied. "I worry about her making her debut in high Society. She is young and doesn't seem to desire to ever get married."

"She will rise to the challenge," Delphine stated.

Bennett wasn't entirely convinced. Elodie was a hoyden, but she possessed a good heart, one that he feared might be taken advantage of.

Delphine must have sensed his apprehension because she said, "Sometimes, the people we least expect will surprise us in ways we never thought possible."

"If someone is going to surprise me, it would be Elodie," Bennett joked.

A wistful look came into Delphine's eye. "I wish I had a brother such as you," she said. "I can tell by the way you and your family interact with one another that you truly love each other."

"We do, no matter how much we try to deny it," Bennett remarked with a boyish grin. "But I am the bond that keeps this family together. Me, and only me."

Delphine gave him an amused look. "What a burden you must endure, my lord," she teased.

Bennett brought a hand over his heart. "Thank you. It is good to feel seen."

Delphine yawned and her hand flew up to cover her mouth. "My apologies," she rushed out. "I must be more tired than I have led myself to believe."

"Why must you feel the need to constantly apologize?" Bennett asked. "You have had a long day and I do not fault you for that."

"But I spent most of the time in bed," Delphine argued.

"Your body is still recovering, and it needs rest." He rose and extended his hand. "Come. Allow me to walk you back to your bedchamber."

Delphine's expression betrayed her inner conflict as she inquired, "What about the tour of the library?"

Bennett smirked. "Rest assured, it will still be there tomorrow. I will make sure of it," he declared with confidence.

His words elicited the intended response, prompting Delphine to place her gloved hand in his and accept his assistance in standing up. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

Keeping hold of her hand, Bennett moved it into the crook of his arm. "I know you will insist that you can do it on your own, but I would feel much better if you allowed me to escort you."

Rather than argue with him, she conceded. "Very well, but only because I am too tired to fight you."

"I shall take that as a win," Bennett said.

As they made their way towards the grand staircase, Delphine asked, "You mentioned you are worried about Elodie, but what of Melody?"

"I am worried about both of my sisters," he admitted. "The ton can be cruel and uninviting to debutantes- or anyone that they perceive doesn't belong."

Delphine nodded. "That is what my mother told me as well, but Charlotte convinced me to attend the Season."

"Now is Charlotte truly your only friend?" he teased.

She laughed, just as he intended. "I do have others, but I have known Charlotte for a long time. She is the granddaughter of a viscount and is hoping for a brilliant match this Season."

"Most women are," Bennett remarked.

There was the slightest sway in Delphine's steps as they made their way down the corridor and she had a firm grip on his arm. Her gaze remained fixed ahead, determination gleaming in her eyes, undeterred by any distractions.

Bennett couldn't help but wonder why she was so adamant to do this on her own when he was willing to help her.

With a glance at him, Delphine asked, "And what of your story? Why are you not wed with hordes of children running about?" Her tone was light and teasing.

He chuckled. "I suppose I haven't found the right one."

"You desire a love match?" she asked, the surprise evident in her voice.

"I do," he said.

Delphine regarded him with a hint of skepticism in her gaze. "I daresay that love matches are rare and elusive. But I commend your aspiration for one," she remarked. "I, however, am too pragmatic to think love has any place in marriage."

"That is a sad way to look at marriage," Bennett countered.

"In my honest opinion, it is best if hearts are not involved when negotiating the terms of the marriage contract," Delphine responded firmly.

Bennett felt a pang of sadness for Delphine, knowing that her perspective arose from her experiences. He considered himself fortunate to have witnessed something different. "Despite his flaws, my father loves my mother dearly, and I aspire to have what they share."

A wistful look came to Delphine's expression. "It must have been wonderful to be raised in a home full of love," she murmured.

"It was." Bennett was aware of his privileged upbringing and the warmth of familial love that surrounded him. He understood that not everyone was as fortunate, particularly among the members of high Society.

"I know I must marry for the sake of an heir, but I won't do it anytime soon. I have far too many things I need to do before I take a husband and lose some of the privileges that have been afforded to me," Delphine said. "I have even compiled a list of the attributes that I expect my husband to have."

"Dare I ask what is on that list?"

Delphine pressed her lips together. "Honorable, hard-working, honest- just to name a few," she replied. "I know you must think I am foolish, but to me, a marriage is a business transaction. And I am far too young to even consider marrying."

"Have you not reached your majority?"

"I have, but I need to prove to myself that I don't need a husband, but rather, I want a husband. There is a difference between the two, and I do not wish to tie myself to anyone right now," Delphine said, her tone resolute. "I have too much to accomplish."

Bennett eyed her with compassion. "Are you not lonely?"

"I am well acquainted with loneliness," she sighed. "Quite frankly, I wouldn't even desire taking a husband if I didn't require an heir. I just refuse to let my cousin inherit, not after everything he has done."

Before he could respond, Delphine came to an abrupt stop and brought a hand up to her head. Her breathing grew labored, and her complexion visibly paled.

"What is wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I am just feeling rather lightheaded," she replied weakly.

Without asking for permission, he scooped her up in his arms and reassured her, "I have you."

Delphine remained rigid in his arms for a moment before gradually relaxing against him. She slipped her arm around his neck and rested her head against his chest. " Thank you," she murmured in such a soft voice that he almost missed it.

As he walked down the corridor with a purposeful stride, Elodie stepped out into the corridor and asked, "Is Delphine all right?"

"She will be," Bennett replied. "She just needs to rest."

Elodie looked unsure. "We could send someone to fetch the doctor."

"At this hour?" he asked. "No, she will be fine until Doctor Anderson arrives tomorrow."

"I am going to find Mother. She will know what to do," Elodie asserted before she headed down the corridor at a clipped pace.

Delphine looked up at him, her face still far too pale for his liking. "I do not wish to be a burden," she said.

"Too late," he remarked with a smile. "Everyone will fuss over you now. It is too late to stop what has already been set into motion."

"I'm sorry."

Bennett tightened his hold on her as he started up the stairs. "You have nothing to be sorry for. If anything, it is I that should be apologizing to you. I should have insisted you rest after dinner rather than tour the library."

"But I wanted to see the library," Delphine said.

"It is nothing special," Bennett responded. "It is a room full of books and two long windows along the back wall."

Delphine gave him the briefest of smiles. "You would make a terrible tour guide," she murmured.

"Indeed. I think I will stick with being an earl, considering the benefits are much better," he joked.

As he approached the guest bedchamber that Delphine was residing in, his mother caught up with him, matching his stride.

"Allow me," she said as she went to open the door.

Bennett stepped into the room and gently placed Delphine down onto the bed. "Rest, my dear," he encouraged before taking a step back.

His mother moved closer to Delphine, and with concern in her voice, said, "I will take it from here, Bennett. You may go."

With a parting glance at Delphine, he knew she was going to be all right. His mother would see to that. So why was he so worried about her?

He had no quick answer, but knew he was worried…

Desperately so.

As the morning sun streamed through the window of Delphine's bedchamber, she sat propped up on her bed, finishing her breakfast. She wished she could claim she had a restless night's sleep, but that would be a lie. All she dreamed about was being held in Bennett's arms.

She knew she had to leave this place, and quickly. Staying here would only lead to developing feelings for a man she had no right to. He sought a love match, but she doubted she was capable of such vulnerability. Trusting a man with her heart seemed reckless.

So why did the mere thought of leaving Brockhall Manor leave her with a profound sense of sadness?

She should feel mortification that Bennett had cradled her in his arms the night before when she had grown lightheaded. But instead, she felt like she had found a home in his arms, a place that she never wanted to leave. Which was absurd. She hardly knew the man. Surely this must be because she'd hit her head and she had lost all rational sense.

A knock echoed throughout the room before the door was pushed open, revealing Doctor Anderson. He smiled warmly. " Good morning, my lady," he greeted. "I understand that some of your memories have returned."

"Most have, except for how I ended up in the woodlands," Delphine replied.

Doctor Anderson approached the bed and came to a stop next to her. "That is not entirely unexpected, and you mustn't try to force these memories to return. But I should warn you that they might never be recovered."

"I need to know why I was in those woodlands," Delphine said. "It wasn't as if I could have walked from my country estate there. I must have been traveling in a carriage with someone."

The doctor reached for a chair and positioned it next to the bed. "I do not doubt something traumatic happened, but you are safe now. It is important that you know that."

Delphine did feel safe, safer than she had ever before. But that didn't mean she wanted to give up hope she would recover these memories.

"You are young, and in good health, but the brain works in complex ways," the doctor said. "Just try to rest up and recover your strength."

She perked up. "May I go home?"

Doctor Anderson shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I would like you to remain at Brockhall Manor for at least another three days while you recuperate."

"Three days?" she asked. A part of her wanted to return home, but another part of her wanted to stay. And it was that part of her that scared her. She needed to return home to her estate, her tenants and her business.

"I know this must be hard for you, but I do not feel it is safe for you to travel," the doctor explained. "I spoke to Lady Dallington about this and she is in agreement."

"So I am to impose on their hospitality even longer?" Delphine asked.

The doctor offered her a kind look. "I do not believe they feel like it is an imposition," he said. "Lady Dallington seemed rather excited at the prospect that you will be staying longer."

Delphine leaned her head back against the wall and stared up at the canopy above her bed. She didn't wish to defy the doctor, but could she remain here for another three days, lounging in bed, knowing there was so much work to be done back at home?

A maid stepped closer to the bed and removed the breakfast tray. "Will there be anything else, my lady?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Not at this time," Delphine replied.

As the maid left the room, the doctor leaned forward in his seat and studied her. "Your color looks much better, but it is what I can't see that concerns me. I have seen a person's whole demeanor change after an accident such as yours."

"I assure you that I am fine," she asserted.

"You say that, but one more hit to the head could be dire," the doctor informed her.

Delphine shuddered at that thought. "I will be careful."

The doctor looked as if he wanted to say more, but instead he sat back in his seat, giving her a concerned look. "I will not continue to lecture you, but I cannot stress enough the importance of listening to your body."

"My body is telling me that I might go mad if I stay in this bed for another moment," Delphine said, softening her words with a smile.

He chuckled. "Go explore the gardens, but do not overly tax yourself," he advised her.

As he uttered his words, Lady Dallington entered the room with a bright smile on her face. "Isn't it wonderful, Dear?" she asked. "You will be staying with us longer."

Delphine could hear the genuineness in the woman's voice and she appreciated it. It made her feel less of a burden. "I do not wish to be an imposition…"

Lady Dallington waved her hand dismissively in front of her. "Nonsense," she declared. "It is our pleasure to have you here. We adore having house guests."

"You are most kind and I hope to one day return the favor," Delphine said.

Approaching the bed, Lady Dallington responded, "Having you in our home has been a privilege. There is no favor to return."

Delphine appreciated Lady Dallington even more. She was taking this difficult situation for her and making it seem as if she was doing them a favor.

Doctor Anderson rose from his seat. "For now, I do not want Lady Dunrobin to venture anywhere farther than your gardens. I fear too much exertion would be detrimental in her delicate condition."

"Understood, Doctor," Lady Dallington said with a bob of her head.

"If you need me for any reason, please send word at once," he responded with a bow.

Doctor Anderson turned to leave but Delphine spoke up, stopping him. "Thank you, Doctor."

He turned back towards the bed. "You should know how lucky you truly are. If Lord Dunsby hadn't found you when he did, you would have succumbed to your injuries. You have been given a second chance at life. I hope you do not waste it."

Delphine considered the doctor's words as he turned to leave, knowing they would remain with her for quite some time. She had come so close to death, but she had survived. Now she didn't want to squander this opportunity.

Once the doctor departed from her bedchamber, Lady Dallington clasped her hands together. "What would you like to do today?" she asked.

"I want to get out of this bed," Delphine replied.

"Good," Lady Dallington said. "Bennett is rather eager to show you the library this morning. "

Delphine eyed her curiously. "Did Bennett say such a thing?"

"No, but a mother knows these types of things," Lady Dallington replied. "I will send in a maid so she can assist you in dressing. I have even pulled a few gowns from Elodie and Melody's wardrobes. I do believe these gowns will suit you nicely."

"That is most generous of you," Delphine stated. "And are you sure that they do not mind me borrowing their gowns?"

"Not in the least. Melody is practically counting down the moments until her Society gowns arrive."

Delphine fingered the strings of her dressing gown as she shared, "I do wish I shared Melody's enthusiasm about the Season. I find that I am dreading it."

"You'll change your mind," Lady Dallington encouraged as she came to sit down on the chair. "Before my Lionel inherited his title, I worried for my daughters' prospects. Our station did not allow me to hope for a titled gentleman for my daughters. But now…" She paused. "Now they could marry a prince if they so desired."

"That sounds terrifying."

Lady Dallington laughed. "I do not aspire for them to marry a prince either, but as a daughter of a marquess, it is not out of the realm of possibility for them. Or for you, for that matter."

Delphine made a face. "Me, marry a prince? I think not. I would rather shoot myself in the foot," she said. "I tend to avoid social events whenever possible. I am much happier at my country estate, ensuring it is profitable."

"But don't you get lonely?"

Delphine sighed. "I have been lonely for as long as I can remember," she admitted. "But my dear friend, Charlotte, makes it tolerable."

"I am glad that you have a friend in this girl, but what of marriage? Children? Surely, you want those?" Lady Dallington prodded.

"Eventually, I will need to take a husband, but it is not something that I will do on a whim," Delphine said. "I will give it serious consideration, knowing I will lose some of the freedoms that have been afforded to me."

Lady Dallington gave her an understanding look. "And what of love?"

"What of it?" she asked. "Love is not a contract. One can break their vows of love without just cause, leaving the other to be devastated by their actions. And as a woman, there is nothing I could do to stop it."

Lady Dallington leaned forward and patted her hand. "Life has a way of unraveling our carefully constructed plans."

"Not mine," Delphine insisted. "I know what I want out of life, and I know precisely what I need to do to achieve it."

A smile came to Lady Dallington's lips. "My point being is that Bennett found you in the woodlands. Had he not done such a thing then our paths might not have crossed until we were in London for the Season."

A soft knock came at the door before a maid stepped into the room with a jonquil dress draped over her arm. "I was told to come help Lady Dunrobin get dressed for the day," she said.

Lady Dallington rose from her chair. "Thank you," she replied. "I shall leave you to it, but I will go and inform Bennett you will be available to tour the library soon."

"I do not wish to be a bother," Delphine remarked.

Coming to a stop near the door, Lady Dallington just smiled. "You are no bother, Dear. I daresay that you have brought hope to our doorstep."

Unsure of what Lady Dallington was referring to, Delphine went to ask her but she departed the room before she could speak up .

The maid approached the bed. "Shall we dress you, my lady?"

"If you don't mind," Delphine replied, placing her feet over the side of the bed. "Do you know what Lady Dallington was referring to about ‘bringing hope to their doorstep'?"

She shook her head. "I do not."

Delphine retreated to her own thoughts as she got dressed. What an odd thing for Lady Dallington to say to her. It didn't appear that anyone was lacking hope at Brockhall Manor. Everyone seemed rather content with their lots in life. Well, everyone but Elodie. She didn't seem entirely happy, but that could just come from the expectations that had been placed on her to find a love match.

It was a short time later that she found herself dressed and her hair was pulled back into a loose chignon. She exited her bedchamber and saw Bennett was leaning his shoulder against the opposite wall.

He straightened when he saw her. "Delphine," he greeted with a slight bow. "I have come to escort you to the library."

"Have you been waiting for long?"

"Not long," Bennett replied. "But I would wait until the end of time to be able to escort such a lovely lady to the library."

She arched an eyebrow. "Please say that line has not worked before."

"I don't know. I have never tried it on a young woman before," Bennett said with a cocky grin.

"I would retire that phrase," she encouraged.

"Duly noted, my lady," Bennett said as he offered his arm. "Just so you know, most women are flattered when offered such praises."

Delphine placed her hand on his arm and replied, "But I am not like most women. I prefer when a man is genuine in his affection."

"Who says I wasn't genuine?" Bennett asked with a wink .

She laughed. "Are you ever serious?"

Bennett's face grew solemn. "I can be," he said in a deep voice. "I am serious Bennett now. I will only respond in a tone that proves how serious I can be."

"You are a fool," she joked.

His hand flew up to his chest, feigning outrage. "I am no fool and I find great insult in your accusing me of such. I am an earl and I demand respect."

"My apologies, my lord," she responded. "I meant no disrespect calling you a fool."

"Good, because serious men- such as myself- do not like being teased," Bennett said. "We prefer stimulating conversations about how clever and important we are."

Delphine couldn't help but smile at this ridiculous conversation. Why could Bennett make her smile like no one else ever could? It was nearly impossible to not be in a pleasant mood when speaking to him.

And in that moment, she realized something she hadn't anticipated: she had developed the tiniest of feelings for this man.