Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

It was time. The game was afoot. Bennett leaned towards Delphine and whispered, "Are you ready?"

"For what?" she asked.

Bennett smirked. "For anything."

The footmen came to collect their empty soup bowls and Bennett tipped his head at White, informing him that he was ready for his surprise.

As White went to do his bidding, Bennett's eyes roamed over the table as he said, "As you all know, Delphine's memories of why she was in the woodlands have not returned."

His mother interjected, "There is no shame in that."

"No, there isn't," Bennett agreed. "But I spoke to Doctor Anderson and he suggested that we try to keep things as normal as possible for Delphine. Which is why I have taken the liberty of ensuring Delphine feels at home."

"That was kind of you, Brother," Elodie acknowledged.

Bennett nodded. "I am glad that you approve, considering I took the liberty of inviting Mr. Campbell to serenade us with music."

The stocky Mr. Campbell entered the room with a set of bagpipes in his hands and went to stand in the corner. He was dressed in a kilt, knee-high socks, and a jacket adorned with buttons.

Melody offered him a curious look. "A bagpiper?"

"Yes, I was most fortunate to find one from our village," Bennett replied. "Mr. Campbell has agreed to play for us while we eat a traditional Scottish meal."

"Dare I ask what that meal will be?" Elodie asked.

"Haggis," Bennett declared.

As if on cue, Elodie groaned as the footmen placed the plates of food in front of everyone.

Bennett continued, amused by Elodie's reaction. "Haggis is a savory pudding made from a blend of minced sheep's heart, liver and lungs and mixed with oatmeal, suet, onions, spices and seasonings," he shared.

With a glance at Delphine, his father asked, "You enjoy this food- this haggis?"

Delphine smiled. "I do," she replied. "It was my father's favorite meal. Many people would argue that it is our national dish."

Elodie frowned as she looked down at her plate. "I cannot eat this."

"I know it is not what you are accustomed to, but when prepared correctly, it can be quite delicious," Delphine said.

"It looks inedible," Elodie stated.

Delphine reached for her fork and took a bite of the haggis. After she swallowed, she announced, "I assure you it is quite edible."

Elodie turned towards her mother. "Could we eat something else? Anything else, really?"

His mother looked hesitant. "Bennett went through all this trouble for Delphine. We should at least try to eat the haggis."

"And once we are done, we are having Tipsy Laird for dessert," Bennett announced.

Elodie picked up her fork and started poking at the haggis. "I have had nightmares that have started very much like this. "

Melody laughed. "Just try it," she encouraged. "It isn't as awful as it looks."

"You tried it?" Elodie asked.

"Yes, while you were complaining, I tried some of the meat and potatoes," Melody replied. "It is similar to some meals our cook prepared at our boarding school."

Elodie placed her fork down and reached for a piece of bread in the center of the table. "I am just fine with bread this evening."

"You will need more in your stomach if you want some Tipsy Laird," Bennett said. "The sponge cake is soaked in sherry."

Elodie winced. "I think I will pass."

Winston, who had been quiet for most of the meal, interjected, "I will eat your haggis. I rather enjoy the unique texture that is both crumbly and moist."

"You are welcome to it," Elodie said, pushing her plate away.

Bennett couldn't help but tease his sister. "You should try new things," he said. "I assure you that haggis won't kill you."

Elodie didn't quite look convinced. "I'm afraid I had my fill of sheep's liver today."

"Very well, but you must at least enjoy the soulful music of the bagpipes," Bennett said as he directed Mr. Campbell to begin.

As the music from the bagpipes filled the room, Bennett glanced at Delphine and noticed her lips slightly moving as she sang along to the song. How was it that with each passing day she grew more beautiful to him?

Bennett turned his attention to the haggis on his plate and he had to admit that Elodie was right. It did not look very appealing, but he had to try it. He picked up his fork and hoped his reluctance did not show.

He took a bite and slowly chewed the nutty and grainy texture. It wasn't as awful as he thought it would be, but he knew he would have a hard time finishing all of the food on his plate.

Delphine did not seem to have the same problem. She had started eating her haggis as her eyes remained on the bagpiper.

Once the song came to a close, Delphine clapped her hands together and announced, "That was lovely. I haven't heard Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes since I was little."

"Thank you, my lady," Mr. Campbell said. "I will now play a folk song."

Before Mr. Campbell could start playing again, Elodie asked, "Is it difficult to play the bagpipes?"

"It can be rather challenging for beginners, but I have been playing since I was young," Mr. Campbell replied.

Elodie perked up. "May I try?"

Mr. Campbell looked hesitant. "Women don't play the bagpipes, at least not in public, my lady."

Turning her head towards her mother, Elodie asked, "Can I learn how to play the bagpipes?"

"Absolutely not!" her father shouted, tossing down his napkin. "Did you not hear the man? A lady does not play the bagpipes."

Appearing unperturbed by her father's outburst, Elodie said, "I am proficient in the pianoforte, violin, and guitar. Why not the bagpipes?"

Delphine gave Elodie an amused look. "Bagpipes require a lot of physical energy to play. Furthermore, you would have to find someone to instruct you, which might be difficult outside of Scotland."

"Mr. Campbell can instruct me," Elodie attempted.

The bagpiper put his hand up. "I am no instructor," he replied. "My father taught me, just as he learned from his."

Her father shook his head. "You are not learning how to play the bagpipes, Elodie, and that is final."

Bennett could see the disappointment in Elodie's expression, but he had to agree with his father. A lady did not play the bagpipes, especially the daughter of a marquess.

"I assure you that playing the bagpipes is much harder than it looks," Delphine said as she addressed Elodie. "It took me quite some time to learn."

Elodie lifted her brow. "You know how to play the bagpipes?"

"I do," Delphine replied. "My grandmother taught me, but I have only ever played it in the privacy of our music room."

Bennett shifted in his chair to face Delphine. "What other talents are you hiding from us?" he asked with playful curiosity, though his question held a hint of sincerity.

Delphine shot him an amused glance. "I assure you that I am not hiding anything from you or your family."

"Does eating haggis and hearing the bagpipes help recall any of your forgotten memories?" his mother asked.

"I'm afraid not," Delphine replied. "Although, they do bring back pleasant memories for me. I haven't thought of my grandmother in quite some time."

"Then this dinner has been a success, at least in my opinion," Bennett said.

Delphine reached out and placed a hand on his sleeve. "Thank you, Bennett," she murmured. "I wish I could do something to repay your kindness."

Bennett placed his hand over hers. "Just you being here with me…" He cleared his throat, wondering where that slip of the tongue had even come from. "I mean with us, is enough for me."

"Well, I shall think of something," Delphine said.

As she withdrew her hand from under his, Bennett found that he already missed the loss of contact. What was wrong with him? She was just a friend. So why was he already thinking of other ways to make her smile ?

Winston placed his fork and knife onto his plate, indicating he was done. "That was delicious."

"I am glad that you enjoyed haggis," Delphine said.

"There is a Scottish pub near my office in London that serves haggis and I eat there quite frequently," Winston admitted.

Delphine reached for her glass as she asked, "How do you enjoy being a barrister?"

"It is quite different than what I thought it would be," Winston admitted in a solemn voice.

White approached Winston with a silver tray in his hand. "A note was delivered for you, my lord."

Winston reached up and accepted it. He unfolded it and read the contents before crumpling the paper in his hand. "A word, Father."

"Right at this very moment?" his father asked.

Pushing back his chair, Winston replied, "Yes, it is of the utmost importance."

"Very well," his father replied. "We shall discuss whatever this important matter is over a glass of port."

Winston gave Bennett a pointed look. "It might be best if you joined us."

In a swift motion, Bennett rose and followed the other men out of the room. None of them spoke as they headed towards the study in the rear of the manor.

Once they stepped into the study, Winston closed the door behind him. "That note was from Jasper, the Bow Street Runner I hired to keep an eye on Isaac."

His father walked over to the drink cart and picked up the decanter. "Can this Jasper be trusted to be discreet?"

"Yes, I have used him on a few of my cases," Winston replied. "Jasper suspects that Isaac has learned of Aunt Sarah's location and is on his way to our village."

"But we have been so careful, especially of late," his father said, his hand stilling with the decanter .

"That may be true, but we need to be extra vigilant for the time being," Winston remarked. "Which is why I asked Jasper to come to the village and keep watch on Aunt Sarah."

His father poured three drinks before placing the decanter down on the tray. "I want Isaac nowhere near Sarah."

"That will be hard, considering Isaac is her husband. He has every right to take her away," Bennett acknowledged.

Picking up a glass, his father brought it to his lips while saying, "Isaac is a blackguard."

"I won't disagree with you, but you will need to keep your distance from Aunt Sarah and her son until we are sure it is safe," Bennett said.

Winston bobbed his head in agreement. "I explained Aunt Sarah's circumstances and he suggested we move her to another residence for now. I will know more once Jasper arrives tomorrow."

His father tossed back his drink and slammed the glass onto the tray. "I do not like this. Not one bit. What if I paid Isaac off to leave Sarah alone?"

"If you did such a thing, you could put Aunt Sarah at greater risk," Winston responded. "Just trust me. I will ensure your sister and son remain safe."

Bennett saw the reluctant nod of his father's head before Lord Dallington departed from the room without another word.

Winston sighed. "Father doesn't like not being in control."

"No, he does not," Bennett agreed.

"Well, I should retire for the evening," Winston said as he picked up one of the glasses of port. "I have work I need to see to."

Bennett arched an eyebrow. "You do not wish to rejoin the ladies?"

"Good gads, no," Winston huffed. "I would prefer the silence of my bedchamber to the incessant chatter of our sisters. "

As Winston walked off, Bennett could almost see his brother's shoulders weighed down with burdens. His brother had always been more serious in nature than him, but now Winston seemed dreadfully unhappy.

The sun was low in the sky as Delphine walked down the path that led towards the stables. She had woken up early and had decided to take a walk. If she wasn't injured, she would have asked to go riding. Quite frankly, she preferred to go riding.

As she approached the stables, a groom dropped a cloth into a bucket and asked, "Would you care to ride, my lady?"

"No, thank you," she replied. "I just wanted to come meet the horses."

The groom opened the door. "You are more than welcome. Let me know if you require any assistance."

Delphine stepped into the stables and started walking down the center aisle. There were many magnificent horses but one caught her eye above the rest. It was a black horse that was in the back stall.

"Good morning," she said in a gentle voice. She wanted to make her presence known without scaring the horse.

The horse shook its head in response.

She came to a stop in front of the stall, being mindful to keep enough distance between her and the horse. "Why is no one riding you?" she asked.

The groom spoke up from the door. "I would keep your distance from that one, my lady. Hercules is headstrong."

Delphine smiled. "I can handle headstrong." She turned her attention back towards the horse. "I have discovered your name so it is only fair that I tell you mine. It is Delphine."

Hercules' ears seemed to relax as he listened to her. He didn't seem as tense as he was when she first approached him.

She glanced down and saw a basket of apples. She reached down and selected a large red one. Holding it steady in her hand, she brought it closer to Hercules.

"Would you care for a treat?" she asked.

The horse moved closer and gobbled up the offered treat.

When the horse didn't move right away, Delphine slowly brought her hand up and gently stroked his neck. "I assure you that I am no threat to you, Hercules."

Bennett's voice came from further down the aisle. "How were you able to beguile Hercules so easily?"

"I did not beguile him," she replied as she continued to pet Hercules, "I merely bribed him with an apple."

"I have tried that before, but Hercules won't let me touch him- or anyone for that matter," Bennett said. "He was my late uncle's horse."

Delphine brushed Hercules' hair out of his eyes. "He is a beautiful horse."

"That he is," Bennett agreed, joining her by Hercules' side. "I have attempted to ride him multiple times, but with no success."

"He must miss your uncle terribly," Delphine observed.

"It is hard not to," Bennett responded. "Uncle Richard was a man that most people wished to emulate. He was strong, determined, but had the kindest heart. I hope that one day I can carry on his legacy."

Delphine turned towards Bennett. "You will."

He regarded her with apprehension. "I know you mean well, but you did not meet my uncle. He truly was a remarkable man, difficult to emulate."

"That may be true, but I have grown to know you these past few days, and I know what kind of man you are," Delphine said. "All those attributes you said your uncle had, you have them and more. Besides, did your uncle ever save the life of another?"

"Not that I am aware of," he replied. "But he was a good man."

Delphine reached out and placed a hand on his sleeve. "So are you, Bennett. I daresay that you aren't giving yourself enough credit."

Hercules leaned forward and nudged her hand off of Bennett's sleeve.

"I do believe someone is jealous," Bennett remarked.

Delphine shifted back towards Hercules. "Do you think Hercules will let me ride him?"

Bennett shook his head. "Not in your condition."

"I don't mean now," Delphine said. "But in the future."

"Does this mean you aren't as anxious to return home?" Bennett asked, almost eagerly.

Delphine grinned. "I do need to eventually return home, but this time with you- and your family- has been nice," she said. "And I especially enjoyed last night's meal."

"Did you now?" Bennett asked, taking a step closer to her. "Elodie did not share your sentiments. I caught her sneaking down to the kitchen when I retired to bed."

"That doesn't surprise me, considering she claimed she saw the haggis move on more than one occasion," Delphine joked.

Bennett chuckled. "It is far too easy to goad Elodie."

Delphine brought her hand up to Hercules' neck. "You shouldn't tease your sister so."

"You are defending her?" Bennett asked. "Did you forget that she has a terrible habit of spying on us?"

"Elodie is struggling to find her place, just as we all are."

Bennett leaned against the side of the stall and studied her for a moment. "Not only can you play the bagpipes, but you also have won over Hercules. Which is not a small feat."

Keeping her eye on Hercules, Delphine shared, "My father purchased a stud once who seemed to hate everyone and anything. He spent much of his time alone and far away from the other horses. Being young, I worried that this horse didn't have any friends so I decided to be his friend."

"You wanted to be friends with a horse?"

Delphine shrugged. "I was friends with a goat so I didn't see a big difference in the two," she said. "I named him Lord Cranky Bottom."

Bennett smirked. "What are the odds! I was just thinking I should call my next horse that. Although, I fear that name is become increasingly common."

"If you aren't nice, I won't continue my story," Delphine said, a smile playing on her lips.

He waved his hand, indicating that she should continue.

With a satisfied look, Delphine continued. "I would bring a basket of apples with me and sit on the edge of the far fence," she said. "Whenever Lord Cranky Bottom came near, I would hold up an apple and wait for him to approach. The first attempts felt like hours, but slowly he began to trust me. Eventually, he would come when I called to him."

Bennett turned his head towards Hercules. "I do not think Hercules will ever like me enough to let me ride him."

"Hercules is still mourning the loss of his owner. You must be patient with him," Delphine encouraged.

"My father thinks we should sell him and be done with him," Bennett admitted.

Delphine's eyes grew wide. "Is that what you want?"

"No," he replied. "Hercules meant a great deal to Uncle Richard, and I could not bear to part with him."

Reaching down, Delphine picked up an apple and extended it towards Bennett. "Give Hercules an apple."

"I have tried but?—"

She spoke over him. "Try again," she urged. "Only this time, remember that you are both mourning the loss of your uncle. "

Bennett accepted the apple but didn't look convinced. "Why should that make a difference?"

"Horses can sense changes in our emotions," Delphine replied.

Holding up the apple in his hand, Bennett leaned closer to Hercules. "Go on, then. Eat the apple."

Hercules eyed the apple but did not make a move to eat it.

"I tried to tell you. Hercules hates me," Bennett said as he lowered the apple to his side.

Delphine moved to stand next to Bennett. "Don't give up. Hold the apple up again and tell Hercules why you miss your uncle so much."

Bennett huffed. "Hercules is just a horse, Delphie."

"Try for me, please."

With a shake of his head, Bennett held the apple up once more and shared, "I miss going to my uncle for advice. He would take the time to sit down with me and make me feel as if I had just asked the most profound question." His lips curled into a smile. "He had the unique ability to make people feel heard."

Hercules shifted towards Bennett and promptly ate the apple from his hand.

Bennett looked at her in surprise. "How in the blazes did you know that would work?" he asked, bringing his hand up to the horse's neck.

"Much like people, horses can sense vulnerability and react to it," Delphine said.

Hercules turned his head towards Delphine and nudged her.

Delphine laughed. "It would appear that Hercules wants more apples from me."

"I think we should adjourn for breakfast before my mother comes in search of us," Bennett suggested.

"I am rather famished," she admitted .

Bennett offered his arm. "Have any more of your memories returned?"

"No, I'm afraid not," Delphine said as she accepted his arm. "I may not ever know why I was running in the woodlands."

"Do you know of anyone that meant you harm?"

Delphine considered his question before saying, "I would suppose it would have been awfully convenient for my cousin if I hadn't survived. But he has never given me a reason to think he might hurt me."

"Can you think of no one else? An angry suitor, perhaps? Or a vindictive tenant?" Bennett pressed.

"I cannot think of one," she replied. "I consider myself to be a fair landlord and I do hope no one is angry enough at me to try to kill me."

Bennett patted her hand. "Of course not, but with your permission, I was hoping to hire a Bow Street Runner to make some inquiries on your behalf."

"What kind of inquiries?" Delphine asked.

"The kind that would explain why you were found unconscious, and missing a shoe in the woodlands," Bennett said. "It could be nothing, but I just want to ensure you are safe when you eventually return home."

Home.

Why did that word seem so misplaced?

As they approached the manor, Bennett glanced over at her with a concerned look on his face. "I hope I did not upset you."

"No, I was just woolgathering."

"Anything you wish to share?" Bennett asked.

No.

How could she tell him that she was beginning to feel more at home with him than she had ever felt at her country estate?

Knowing he was still waiting for a response, she replied, "I was just thinking about how relieved my staff will be when I return home."

"And your goats," Bennett said, his voice laced with amusement.

She grinned. "You may mock me, but my goats adore me."

"Why wouldn't they?" he asked. "You are a remarkable person."

A blush tinged her cheeks at his compliment, though she tried to maintain her composure. "I do hope there will be some haggis left over for breakfast."

"You might have to fight Elodie for it."

"I do not think it would be much of a fight," Delphine quipped. "I remember that haggis was served the first time I was able to dine with my father."

Bennett's eyes crinkled around the edges. "My family is rather odd in the fact that we have eaten together as a family for as long as I could remember."

"I am envious of that," Delphine admitted. "My father would sit on one end of the table and my mother on the other. I sat in the middle of the two and we would each speak of our day. At least until we ran out of things to say. Then I would just stare at my food and attempt to ignore the deafening silence."

"That sounds rather lonely."

"It was," Delphine responded, her words filled with emotion. How could she explain how lonely she had been as a child? And now, as an adult. She had more freedoms, but more constraints as well. She felt as if she were in a prison of her own making.

Bennett came to a stop on the gravel path and gently turned her to face him. "If it helps, our family meals often ended in fighting."

"That does help a little," Delphine remarked.

"And I learned quickly to duck when Elodie would reach for a roll," Bennett shared with a chuckle. "She had an impressive aim for her age."

Delphine sighed wistfully. "It still sounds rather idyllic."

Bennett put his finger under her chin and raised it until she was looking at him. "Your past is your past; I cannot change that. But I can change your future," he said. "You came into my life for a reason, and I don't intend to ever let you go."

Delphine held his gaze, trying to decipher his words, wondering if he meant something more. Did she dare allow herself to hope for a deeper connection between them? The sincerity in his eyes made her heart ache with the possibility of a different future, one where she wasn't alone.

"No matter what happens, I will always be your friend," Bennett said, his eyes searching hers.

Her heart sank.

Friend.

The word echoed in her mind, extinguishing any flicker of hope she had dared to entertain. How foolish she had been to imagine he felt differently about her.

Mustering up a smile, Delphine replied, "I feel the same."

She thought she saw a fleeting look of disappointment in Bennett's eyes, or perhaps it was just her imagination. Maybe it wasn't only her heart playing tricks on her.

Bennett withdrew his hand. "We must make haste if we want any leftover haggis," he said, his words light and playful.

Delphine had been adamant that she didn't want to wed for the foreseeable future. But the more time she spent with Bennett, she was starting to come to the realization that maybe- just, maybe- she didn't want to be alone anymore.