Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

Standing on the front lawn where the pall-mall course was set up, Bennett addressed the assembled group with grandiosity. "The game to end all games shall commence forthwith!"

Elodie did not look the least bit amused. "Aren't you being a tad bit overdramatic? It is a game of pall-mall, not an innovative scientific discovery."

"Only a tad bit?" Winston muttered under his breath.

Bennett smiled. "We need to prove to Delphine that we are a fun family."

"If you have to try to convince her of such a thing, then perhaps we aren't truly a ‘fun family,'" Melody remarked. "We might just be an ‘adequately fun' family."

From her seated position, Delphine's lips curled into a smile. "I think your family is delightful."

"Just delightful?" Bennett asked, feigning disappointment.

"Is that not enough?" Delphine inquired.

Bennett held her gaze and brought his hand up to cover the side of his mouth. In a hushed voice, he asked, "It is because of Winston, isn't it? He is far too serious and lacks the ability to have fun."

Winston looked heavenward. "I can hear you, Brother. "

"Good! At least we know your hearing is impeccable," Bennett quipped. "But you will need to work on being more fun."

"I can be fun," Winston declared.

Bennett put his hand up in surrender. "I believe you. Although, I haven't seen a lot of fun out of you since you started working as a barrister."

Winston selected a mallet and asked, "Can we please play pall-mall and end this ridiculous conversation?"

"Of course," Bennett replied. "I thought it would be best if we played in pairs. I will partner with Delphine, assuming that is all right with her."

"It is," Delphine said as her eyes lit up. Or had he just imagined that? He hoped not. He found that he greatly wanted to partner with her for this game.

Bennett nodded in approval. "Good. Now who else?—"

Elodie cut him off and announced, "I will partner with Melody!"

Turning his attention towards Miss Bawden and Winston, Bennett said, "That just leaves you two."

Miss Bawden exchanged a look of disdain with Winston before saying, "As much as I would love to partner with Lord Winston, I think it might be best if we partner with someone else."

Winston cleared his throat. "I must agree with Miss Bawden. We have tried being partners before and it did not end well."

"No, it did not," Miss Bawden admitted. "I do believe the game ended when my mallet ‘accidentally' hit Lord Winston."

Winston rubbed his arm. "Yes, I remember that day rather clearly, and I do not recall it being an accident."

"In my defense, I wasn't aiming at you," Miss Bawden said.

"That is your defense?" Winston asked incredulously. "Why were you throwing a mallet in the first place? "

Miss Bawden tilted her chin stubbornly. "You could have moved out of the way, my lord," she said dryly.

Bennett was about to interrupt their spat when Melody spoke first. "I will partner with Miss Bawden."

A look of relief came to Miss Bawden's face. "Thank you, Lady Melody," she murmured.

Winston moved to stand by Elodie, nudging her with his right arm. "Which means we are partners. I do hope you won't throw a mallet at me."

"The day is still young," Elodie said, her lips curled up into a smile. "But I am playing to win, Brother."

"As am I," Winston assured her.

Elodie didn't quite look convinced but she didn't press the issue. "Shall we begin?"

Bennett clasped his hands together and declared, "Let the game begin!" He hurried over to Delphine and offered his arm to assist her in rising.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Leaning closer, Bennett said, "I hope you are prepared for this."

Delphine offered him a baffled look. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Our games of pall-mall can get rather intense," Bennett warned. "They are not for the faint of heart."

"But it is just a game," Delphine attempted.

Bennett huffed. "Just a game?" he repeated. "Dear heavens, you are not ready for this. Perhaps you should go inside and work on your needlework over a cup of tea."

Delphine's eyes grew determined. "I assure you that I can handle a game of pall-mall with your family."

"So say you," Bennett said.

Elodie's voice broke through their conversation. "Are you two quite finished conversing? We have a game that we must play and it is Delphine's turn. "

Bennett hoped the look he gave Delphine conveyed that he told her so. "Run, Delphine. Run," he teased.

Holding up her mallet, Delphine brushed past him to where the first arch was set. She positioned herself near the ball and brought the mallet back. In a smooth motion, she hit the ball and it soared right past the arch.

Delphine winced. "I'm sorry, Bennett. That wasn't my finest shot."

"No need to apologize," Bennett said as he came closer to her. "I anticipated this and I am prepared to play like I have never played before."

Elodie lifted her brow. "What words are you mincing? Are you drunk?"

Delphine giggled. "I asked him the same thing earlier."

"Will you just hit your ball so Winston and I can beat you two already?" Elodie asked.

Bennett approached his ball and asked, "What is your hurry?"

"I do not wish to lollygag on the lawn all afternoon when I have very important things to do later," Elodie said.

"Dare I ask what those things are?" Winston asked.

Elodie didn't look the least bit ashamed as she revealed, "A nap."

"That is your important thing to do today?" Winston inquired.

With a slight shrug, Elodie said, "Naps are very important. I am a much happier person with a daily nap."

Winston shuddered. "I would hate to see you without a nap then."

Bennett made a few practice swings with the mallet before he stepped forward and lined the ball up with the arch. With practiced ease, he hit the ball and it sailed through the arch. He held up his mallet in triumph.

"Calm down, Brother," Melody teased, "you hit the ball through the arch. It wasn't as if you defeated Napoleon single-handedly."

"It was an impressive shot," Bennett declared.

Delphine clapped her hands together. "It was a fine shot."

Bennett saw that Delphine was standing and he gestured towards a footman to bring her a chair.

A footman rushed to do his bidding and moved a chair next to Delphine. She murmured her gratitude before she sat down. Another footman stepped forward with a parasol to shade her from the sun.

Melody approached Bennett and asked in a low voice, "Why are there so many chairs on the lawn?"

"For Delphine, of course," Bennett replied.

"Yes, but the sheer number of chairs on the lawn is almost comical," Melody remarked.

Bennett shifted his gaze towards Delphine and saw that she was watching the game of pall-mall unfold. A small smile was on her lips and he found himself transfixed. He loved nothing more than seeing Delphine smile.

"Brother," Melody said, her voice breaking through his thoughts. "Did you hear me?"

Tearing his gaze away from Delphine, he replied, "I did not."

Melody glanced at Delphine, a knowing look gracing her expression. "I asked if I could sit on one of the chairs. Or are they all reserved for Delphine?"

"They are for everyone to enjoy," Bennett said.

"Thank you," Melody remarked before she went to hit her ball.

Bennett walked over to where Delphine sat and crouched down next to her. "Are you comfortable?"

"I am," Delphine replied. "Thank you for seeing to all of this. Although, truth be told, it seems rather extravagant."

"It is no less than you deserve," Bennett said.

Delphine glanced at the footman that was holding the parasol. "You are much too kind, considering I could have done with a lot less."

"Indeed, but I couldn't risk you nearly fainting again," Bennett said. "Unless that was your nefarious plan to get me to carry you to your room."

"You found me out, my lord," Delphine said with a grin.

Bennett leaned closer and studied her face, looking for any sign of discomfort. "Are you thirsty? Hungry?" he asked.

"If I am, you do not need to trouble yourself. I know where the refreshment table is," Delphine replied.

"Very well, but you must promise me that you will not overtax yourself," Bennett said.

Delphine nodded. "I shall be careful."

Rising, Bennett was about to walk away when Delphine continued. "Thank you, Bennett. I can't remember the last time that someone showed me such care."

Bennett bowed. "It is my pleasure, my lady."

As he held her gaze, he couldn't help but admire the brown flecks in her eyes, feeling as if her soul was staring deep into his. Somehow, she could hold him there, just with her gaze, mesmerizing him. She was so beautiful to him. And he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to court her.

But he had no intention of doing so.

Delphine had no desire to marry for the time being, and neither did he.

So why couldn't he stop staring at her?

Winston cleared his throat, drawing his attention. "It is Delphine's turn," he revealed. "If we wish to finish before Elodie's nap time, we must hurry this along."

Delphine rose from her seat and picked up her mallet. She walked over to her ball and hit it towards the nearest arch, but it stopped short of it.

"That was awful," Bennett declared.

"As I told you- multiple times- I have not played this game in ages," Delphine said, not showing a hint of embarrassment for her poorly aligned shot.

Melody offered Delphine an encouraging look. "Do not get discouraged. This game is meant to be fun."

"Fun?" Bennett asked. "No, this game is a serious competition meant to weed out the weaklings."

"Then why are you playing?" Winston quipped. "I heard you lost your last match to Miles and Edwina."

"I did, but that was intentional. I wanted Miles to win so he would dance the first set with Edwina," Bennett revealed.

Winston arched an eyebrow. "You- deliberately losing a game?" he asked. "That doesn't sound like you."

"Well, my plan worked brilliantly since Edwina and Miles are happily married now," Bennett said.

Elodie yawned. "If you do not take your turn this instant, I shall pull two chairs together and take a nap."

Bennett moved to take his next shot, knowing his sister would not hesitate to do such a thing.

The maid had just finished styling Delphine's hair when the dinner bell rang, beckoning everyone to the drawing room.

Rising, Delphine murmured her thanks as she reached for her gloves. She put them on and took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. She was mindful to take extra time with her appearance this evening, but it had nothing to do with Bennett. At least, that is what she kept telling herself. But even she knew that she couldn't fathom that lie.

Her feelings were starting to deepen for Bennett and becoming deucedly inconvenient. How could she not care for such a man? He had shown her nothing but kindness, wanting nothing in return. He was patient, compassionate and had opened his home to her. He was a rarity amongst the other gentlemen she was acquainted with.

But once she recovered from her injuries, she would return home until the Season. At least she could see him in Town. Not that anything would come from that. The hard part was that she would be forced to watch the women fall all over themselves when they saw Bennett. She had no doubt that he would be one of the Season's most eligible bachelors.

The maid took a step back and asked, "Will there be anything else, my lady?"

Delphine offered her a weak smile. "Not at this time. Thank you," she replied as she walked towards the door.

As she opened the door, she saw Bennett leaning against the opposite wall as he adjusted his black jacket sleeve. He stood up straight when he saw her.

"Delphie," he greeted with a slight bow.

She smiled. "Bennett," she said. "What a pleasant surprise. I must assume you are here to escort me down to the drawing room."

"I am." His eyes perused the length of her, and in them, she saw approval. Never had she felt more beautiful. Never had she wanted to look so beautiful. "You look lovely," he said.

Delphine could feel her cheeks grow warm at his praise, but she worked hard to appear unaffected. "Thank you," she murmured.

Bennett stepped forward and offered his arm. "I do think there should be a law against you looking this beautiful."

After she took a moment to compose herself, she replied, "Flattery, my lord?" She was pleased that her voice sounded so steady, unlike the beating of her heart.

"It is merely the truth," he said. "I have no doubt that your mere presence will cause quite the stir amongst the ton ."

Delphine placed her hand on his sleeve. "I will only be there for my friend, Charlotte. "

"You say that now, but the gentlemen will be lined up to dance with you, including me," Bennett said.

"You wish to dance with me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "I would never complain about having such a beautiful woman in my arms."

Delphine eyed him curiously. "You are far too complimentary this evening. What do you want, my lord?"

Bennett brought his arm to his chest, feigning innocence. "Can a gentleman not compliment you without wanting something else in return?"

"In my experience, no. People always want something from me," Delphine admitted. "I suppose it is the same for you."

His expression grew reflective. "It is. That is the burden of being in our positions."

Delphine kept her gaze straight ahead as she said, "That is why it has been so nice to be around your family. You understand the burdens that I must bear alone."

"You don't have to bear those burdens alone," Bennett said. "I would be more than happy to assist you in any way I can."

"But you have your own problems to deal with."

Bennett came to a stop and gently turned her to face him. "I consider you a friend, Delphie. And friends help one another."

Friends .

Why did her heart stutter at that word? That is what she wanted. So why did it sound so wrong?

Knowing he was still waiting for a response, she said, "I feel the same about you." There. That was at least true. She wanted him in her life, and she was willing to take him as a friend.

He leaned closer as he held her gaze. "I find that I do want something from you. "

"You do?" She wasn't sure if she should feel disappointment or not.

Bennett's lips quirked. "I feel it is my duty to tell you that your pall-mall skills could use some work. You should practice more."

A laugh escaped her lips. "Is that all?" she asked. "I thought you were going to ask for something more pertinent."

"From you, no. All I want is for you to be happy."

"Why?"

A line between his brow appeared. "Why would I want you to be happy?" he ventured. "Is this one of those impossible questions that women ask? The ones that have no right answer? My mother warned me about those."

Delphine placed a hand on his sleeve. "What I am attempting to say, but failing miserably, is that you have been so kind to me. And you have wanted nothing in return. Why is that?"

Understanding dawned on his features. "I hope in this home that you have had a reprieve from your burdens- even for a moment."

"I have," she replied. "I hope you know how truly blessed you are to have such a loving family as yours."

"You say that now, but Elodie and Winston will no doubt be more irritating this evening after their win," Bennett said.

Bennett was so close that Delphine could smell his orange shaving soap, but she had no objections. She rather liked him this close. It seemed familiar.

But he must not have felt the same because he took her hand and placed it into the crook of his arm. "Shall we join my family before they come looking for us?"

"I think that is a wise idea," she replied.

As Bennett led her down the stairs, he glanced over at her. "Do you have any fond childhood memories?"

Delphine considered his question before sharing, "When I was younger, I used to beg for a dog. I wanted to hold it in my arms and take it everywhere with me. My parents didn't think I was old enough for the responsibility of a puppy, but I was relentless."

"I take it that you got a dog," he said knowingly.

"Yes, but it only took me a few hours before I realized I couldn't keep the dog. My eyes turned red and I couldn't stop sneezing whenever I was around it," Delphine shared. "It was awful, and I was so disappointed."

Bennett offered her an apologetic smile. "That must have been difficult for you."

"My father- in a rare showing of emotion- brought me a baby goat that had been rejected by her mother," Delphine said. "He showed me how to feed it and care for it. We became the best of friends and Luna would follow me everywhere I would go."

"You named the goat ‘Luna'?"

She shrugged. "What else would you name a goat?"

"I suppose I haven't given it much thought, but I doubt I would name it after the moon," Bennett replied.

"Luna will still run to the fence to see me, despite making new friends when we reintroduced her to the other goats," Delphine said.

Bennett chuckled as they stepped into the drawing room. "Besides Charlotte and Luna, do you have any other friends?"

"Is that not sufficient?" Delphine asked. "Besides, now I can count you as a friend as well."

"Yes, you can."

Delphine glanced around the room and saw that they were the first ones there. "How is it that we are the first to arrive?"

As she finished saying her words, the butler stepped into the room and held up a paper. He cleared his throat. "May I announce the arrival of the winners of the pall-mall game this afternoon," he started. "Lord Winston, the brave, and the very talented, and equally witty, Lady Elodie."

"Oh, brother," Bennett muttered .

Elodie swept into the room on Winston's arm, her head held high. "I do believe that was a fitting tribute to our accomplishment this afternoon."

"You won one game, Sister," Bennett remarked dryly. "You might want to calm down on the high-handedness."

"I do believe that is one more game than you have won," Elodie quipped.

Bennett turned to Delphine and whispered, "I did warn you."

Elodie's eyes roamed over the room and disappointment flickered in her eyes. "I knew we should have waited," she said. "Perhaps we should make our entrance when everyone else arrives."

Winston shook his head. "I am not going to do that again, considering I didn't want to do it the first time."

"You are no fun," Elodie teased.

Melody and Lady Dallington stepped into the room, both wearing bright smiles on their faces. "I do hope you haven't waited for long. Melody and I were discussing the food for the soiree that we are hosting in three days' time."

"What soiree?" Elodie asked.

Lady Dallington waved a hand towards Delphine. "The one for Delphine, of course," she said. "We couldn't very well have her leave us without a soiree to honor her."

"That is not necessary—" Delphine started.

Speaking over her, Lady Dallington asserted, "It is entirely necessary, and the invitations have already been sent out."

Bennett frowned. "Do you think that is wise, considering Delphine is still recovering from her injuries?"

"Every day, Delphine is growing stronger, and it isn't as if she has to dance the night away," Lady Dallington replied. "She can remain seated and have the guests flock to her."

Delphine had no desire to attend a soiree in her honor, but she didn't dare be rude to Lady Dallington. No, she couldn't do that, especially since she looked rather pleased with herself .

Bennett crossed his arms over his chest. "I wish you would have at least asked Delphine if she wanted this."

Lady Dallington gave him a blank look, as if she couldn't quite make sense of what he was saying. "Who wouldn't wish to have a party in their honor? There will be dancing, conversation, and food. Loads of food."

Delphine smiled. "I consider it a great honor, my lady. Thank you." She hoped her words sounded somewhat convincing.

Lord Dallington entered the room and kissed his wife on her cheek. "Good evening, Dearest," he said. "I am famished. Is dinner ready?"

"It is," Lady Dallington confirmed.

As they started to file out of the room, Bennett offered his arm to Delphine. "You are a terrible liar," he said in a hushed voice. "You no more want this soiree than a rock in your boot."

Delphine wondered how Bennett had been able to see right through her. "Was it so obvious?"

"It was to me, but I do not fault you for it," he said. "My mother loves any reason to throw a party. One time, she threw a party because the flowers bloomed early in the season."

"I dislike social events. Yet I attend far too many of them for my liking," Delphine shared. "It is the curse of our positions in Society."

Their conversation came to a halt when they stepped into the dining room. Bennett dropped his arm and pulled out her chair. Once she was situated, he claimed the seat next to her and reached for his napkin.

Winston sat on the other side of her and leaned towards her. "You played magnificently at pall-mall today."

"You are much too kind, my lord," Delphine said. "But I did manage to finish the game without fainting."

Melody spoke up from across the table. "That is because you had an ample number of places to sit down. "

"It is true," Delphine agreed. "Bennett ensured I was well taken care of."

"He is rather thoughtful," Melody agreed.

Lady Dallington spoke up from one of the ends of the table as she addressed Delphine. "I took the liberty of sending a rider to your country estate to inform them that you are safe and being well taken care of for now. I must imagine that they are beside themselves with worry."

"Thank you, my lady," Delphine said, touched by her thoughtfulness.

The footmen began to place bowls of soup in front of them and Delphine reached for a spoon. The conversation started around her and she felt herself smile. How she loved being around the Lockwood family- even if just for a moment.