Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

As Bennett guided Delphine towards the dining room, he couldn't help but notice her uncharacteristic silence. Had he unintentionally said or done something to upset her? The thought troubled him because he cared greatly for her. Being with her felt like a respite, a chance to be his true self without pretense.

Concern gnawed at him as he stole a glance at her and noticed her gaze was fixed ahead. He decided that the silence had gone on for too long. "You are being awfully quiet," he remarked.

Delphine offered him a weak smile. "I suppose I am," she responded. "I am thinking about the soiree that your mother is planning."

"There is no need to worry about that. She just wants to show you off to our friends," Bennett said.

"What if they find me lacking?"

Bennett thought that was rather a ridiculous notion. "Why would they find you lacking?" he asked.

Delphine bit her lower lip before saying, "I have never had a party in my honor before. What if I say or do something?— "

He came to a stop in the entry hall and turned her to face him. "You are overthinking this, Delphie. You are enough."

"Not to my father," Delphine sighed, the pain evident in her eyes. "I was never enough for him. It didn't matter how hard I tried to be the person he wanted me to be. I always failed, time and time again." She hesitated. "That is why I work tirelessly to ensure the estate and my business thrive. I need to prove to myself that I am just as capable, if not better, than my father."

Bennett leaned in closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "Well, if you ask me, he was a muttonhead to not appreciate what he had right in front of him."

"You say that now…"

He spoke over her, determined to make his point. "I will say that always ," he stated firmly. "What I know about you is simple. You make me laugh, and I prefer to be around you because of the person I become when I'm with you."

"That is the way you make me feel as well," Delphine admitted.

"Then it is a good thing that we have found one another, is it not?" Bennett asked.

Delphine's eyes lit up. "I suppose it is."

Winston's voice came from down the corridor. "Brother, a word?" His words weren't as much of a question as a command.

Bennett turned to face his brother. "Whatever is the matter?" he asked, noting the solemn look on Winston's face.

"I will explain in the study with Father," Winston replied before disappearing down the corridor.

Attempting to make light of the situation, Bennett shifted his gaze back towards Delphine. "Well, it would appear that my presence is needed in the study. I shall join you for breakfast shortly."

Delphine nodded. "Very well, but you mustn't hurry on my account." She lowered her voice. "Winston seemed rather upset."

"No doubt he is just looking for an excuse to spend time with me," he joked. "I can't help it that my family just adores me too much."

Her lips twitched slightly. "I am not sure if that is it."

"All will be well. I promise," Bennett reassured her.

Delphine didn't quite look convinced of his words, but she didn't press him. "I will be in the dining room," she announced before departing the entry hall.

With a determined stride, Bennett headed towards the study. What was so urgent that Winston had to speak to him at that precise moment?

Entering the study, Bennett's eyes fell upon a tall man with dark hair, deep-set eyes and rumpled clothing.

Winston closed the door before he provided the introductions. "Father. Bennett. Allow me to introduce you to Jasper. He is the Bow Street Runner that I was telling you about."

His father rose from his chair and studied Jasper. "I haven't met a Bow Street Runner before but I thought you all wore red waistcoats."

"That is only when we wish to be identified, my lord," Jasper said, his voice deep and commanding. "I prefer anonymity, especially in the case of your sister."

"Have you met my sister?" his father asked.

Jasper shook his head. "I have not been properly introduced to Lady Sarah, if that is what you are asking. But I have been to the cottage she is residing at and I have seen her."

Bennett stepped forward. "Is she safe?"

"I'm afraid not," Jasper said. "With her inheritance?—"

With a furrowed brow, Bennett asked, "What inheritance?"

"Your uncle, Richard, left Sarah a small inheritance of one hundred pounds per annum," his father shared. "It isn't much to us, but it is a substantial sum to her. "

"Why did you not say anything until now?" Bennett asked.

His father exchanged a glance with Winston. "I informed Winston of this, but I didn't think it was pertinent."

"Not pertinent?" Bennett asked. "No wonder Isaac is trying to find Sarah. That money rightfully belongs to him."

"It shouldn't! It should go to the care of Sarah and her son, considering her husband is a blackguard," his father exclaimed.

"Blackguard or not, Sarah and Isaac are wed, and he is entitled to that money," Winston interjected.

Bennett crossed his arms over his chest. "How did Isaac even learn of the inheritance?"

"When Richard died, his solicitor went in search of Sarah and informed Isaac of the inheritance," his father explained.

"Can Isaac not access the inheritance?" Bennett asked.

Winston leaned back against the desk. "Uncle Richard was a smart man and he wanted to ensure that Sarah was taken care of. The inheritance came with a stipulation. Sarah must be present to collect the money."

Bennett frowned. "Well, that surely does complicate things. Does Sarah know about the inheritance?"

"She does, but her main concern is keeping her son safe and far away from Isaac's heavy hand," his father replied. "If Isaac finds Sarah, I do believe he will kill her."

"If he does, then he won't have access to her inheritance," Bennett pointed out.

His father grew solemn. "Then she will have a fate far worse than death."

Jasper spoke up, drawing their attention. "I will keep Lady Sarah safe. Which is why I intend to move her to another cottage."

"That is highly inappropriate," his father growled.

The Bow Street Runner appeared unconcerned by his father's terse tone. "I will not be residing in the cottage with them, but I will remain close to keep them safe. "

His father rose from his seat and walked over to the drink cart. "Where is this cottage?"

"I will not say," Jasper replied.

Picking up the decanter, his father asked, "Surely you do not think we will tell anyone?"

Jasper stood his ground. "I do not want to take any chances. Once I can ensure Lady Sarah is safe from her estranged husband, I will bring her home."

"And how, pray tell, are you going to do that if you are remaining with my sister?" his father asked as he poured himself a drink.

"I am not the only Bow Street Runner on this case, my lord," Jasper replied. "But you must prepare yourself that Isaac will come here looking for his wife."

His father brought the glass up to his lips. "I do not like this."

Jasper took a step forward. "You don't have to like it, but it will keep Lady Sarah safe. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a job to do."

"Before you go," Bennett began, "I was hoping to speak to you about our guest, Lady Dunrobin. I found her in the woodlands, unconscious and missing a shoe. Her memories of why she was there have not returned. I was hoping you, or an associate of yours, could make some inquiries into the matter. I want to ensure she is safe when she recovers and returns home."

Jasper's expression grew grim. "I will send for a Bow Street Runner at once to conduct an investigation," he said with a decisive nod.

After the Bow Street Runner departed from the study, Lord Dallington turned to Winston and said, "I hope Jasper is as good as you say he is."

"No, he is better," Winston said. "He is a little rough around the edges but he is good at what he does. "

Bennett uncrossed his arms and asked, "What are we expected to do when Isaac comes looking for his wife?"

"We tell him the truth- that we have no idea where she is," Winston replied.

His father tossed back his drink and placed the glass onto the tray. "With any luck, that coward will stay far away and this will be a moot point."

"Do you believe that?" Winston asked.

"No, I don't," his father replied in a dejected tone. "I have never met Isaac before. Quite honestly, I have never felt the need. But from what Sarah has told me, my heart aches for what she has had to endure these past few years."

Bennett could hear the anguish in his father's voice and suspected he felt partially responsible for his sister's circumstances.

Turning towards him, Winston said, "This conversation is over. You should join Delphine in the dining room for breakfast."

"Will you not join us?" Bennett asked.

Winston gave him a knowing look. "Even if I did, you would hardly notice my presence since you seem rather beguiled by Delphine."

"Delphine is a guest in our home," Bennett defended. "I am trying my best to make sure she feels comfortable here."

Winston smirked. "That is quite admirable, Brother. But do you not think your interest extends beyond being the perfect host?"

"If you are implying I wish to pursue Delphine, you would be wrong," Bennett said. "Besides, Delphine has no designs to marry at this time and lose the freedoms afforded to her."

Putting his hands up in surrender, Winston responded, "Forgive me. I spoke out of turn."

His father returned to his seat. "Now off with both of you. I have work that I need to see to before my meetings this afternoon. "

As the two brothers exited the study, Bennett said, "I intend to ask Delphine to go boating with me on the lake. Would you care to join us?"

"No, I have far too much work to see to," Winston replied.

Bennett eyed his brother with concern. "You work far too hard," he said. "When are you going to have some fun?"

"Fun?" Winston repeated back. "I don't have time for fun. I must make something of myself before it is too late."

"Too late for what?" Bennett pressed.

Winston huffed. "You are the heir, the golden child. You have nothing to prove. But I…" His voice trailed off. "I must make it on my own. Build my own legacy."

Bennett couldn't disagree with his brother more. Just because he was the heir didn't mean he didn't have responsibilities. "You are wrong about one thing. I have everything to prove. Every decision that I make affects people's livelihoods."

With a sigh, Winston said, "I am sorry. I did not mean to make light of your situation. We both have troubles that keep us up at night."

"If you do not enjoy working as a barrister, you can always return home and?—"

Winston's sharp voice cut him off. "No, absolutely not! I will not live in your shadow for the remainder of my days," he declared before storming off.

Bennett watched Winston's retreating figure and he wished- and not for the first time- that he could find a way to help his brother. Something was bothering him, but Winston was not one to ask for help. But if someone was going to make something of himself, it was his brother. He was sure of that.

Delphine sat at the long, rectangular table in the dining room as she ate the food that had been placed in front of her. The only sound was the creaking of the floorboards when the footmen shifted in their stances.

She was alone… again. This is what she was familiar with. She had eaten alone long before her mother had grown sick. Her mother preferred taking a tray in her chambers, leaving her to dine alone. In silence. Yet, it had never bothered her- until now.

Delphine had greatly enjoyed her time with the Lockwood family. Their constant bantering back and forth only endeared them more to her. She had always wondered what it would be like to be in a family that expressed love for one another, and now she knew.

Her mother loved her; she was sure of that. But her mother had always been busy with her own pursuits to give Delphine much heed. They had grown somewhat closer before her mother passed away, and she cherished that time she had with her.

With a glance around the elegantly furnished dining room, Delphine let out a sigh. She would miss this manor when she departed for home.

A footman stepped forward with a cup of chocolate and gently placed it in front of her.

"Thank you," Delphine murmured before reaching for the cup.

As she took a sip, Elodie stepped into the room and came to an abrupt halt. "You are here," she said.

Delphine eyed her curiously. "Is everything all right, Elodie?"

Elodie glanced over her shoulder, as if she were looking to retreat. "Bennett told me that I can't say anything too outlandish around you."

"Why would he say that?"

"He is worried that I might offend you," Elodie responded.

Placing her cup back onto the saucer, Delphine said, " Well, I am not one to get easily offended so you do not need to worry. Please join me for breakfast."

Elodie visibly relaxed. "Thank you. I knew I liked you for a reason." She walked over to the table and waited for a footman to pull out a chair. "I am surprised you are up so early. Normally, I am the first one down to breakfast."

"I'm afraid I couldn't sleep so I toured the stables," Delphine said. "I met Hercules."

"Hercules is quite the ornery horse. Which is why I adore him so much."

Delphine reached for her fork and knife. "I think he is sweet."

"I wouldn't go straight to sweet, but I would say he is misunderstood, especially by my father," Elodie shared. "He wants to sell Hercules since no one can ride him."

"That would be a shame," Delphine said.

"What good is a horse that can't be ridden?"

Delphine had to admit that Elodie had a point, but she still felt that someone should fight for Hercules. "I will speak to your father about purchasing Hercules, assuming he is in earnest about selling him."

"Why would you want Hercules?"

She shrugged one shoulder. "Whyever not?" she asked. "I could always use him as a stud since he is such a magnificent horse."

Elodie placed a napkin onto her lap. "I have many fond memories of my uncle riding Hercules. He adored that horse."

"That is what Bennett shared, as well."

"Oh, you saw Bennett this morning?" Elodie asked.

Delphine nodded. "I ran into him at the stables and he escorted me back to the manor," she shared. "He should be joining us shortly."

Elodie picked up her knife and held it up. "If that is the case, I will need to protect my plate from Bennett since he likes to steal food."

"Whatever for?"

"I don't know," Elodie replied. "I suppose he likes how I butter my toast with expert precision."

Delphine grinned. "How does one butter toast with ‘expert precision'?"

Elodie lowered the knife to the table. "I perfected the method when I was at boarding school," she replied. "I ensure that the butter reaches all the edges so every bite is equally rewarding."

"That is odd," Delphine couldn't help but say.

"How do you butter your toast?"

Delphine shrugged. "I take a knife and spread a small amount of butter on my toast. It is not an overly complicated process."

Elodie looked less than impressed by her admission. "But if you do not spread the butter to the edges, you are depriving yourself of deliciousness."

"It is just toast," Delphine remarked.

Picking up a piece of toast from her plate, Elodie said, "I would take offense, but you are from Scotland. You must not eat a lot of toast there."

"We eat toast in Scotland."

Elodie huffed. "Then I just feel bad for you."

A deep chuckle came from the doorway, interrupting their conversation. "Only you love toast that much, Elodie," Bennett said.

"Everyone should love toast," Elodie stated with a tilt of her chin.

Bennett walked closer to the table and snatched a piece of toast from Elodie's plate. After he took a bite, he said, "Your buttering technique is excellent, Sister."

Elodie gave Delphine a knowing look. "I told you," she said. "My brother is uncivilized and steals food from plates. You should guard your food with your life."

"Don't be so dramatic," Bennett joked. "It is just a piece of toast. I shall get you another. Two, in fact."

"I don't want another piece of toast. I want that piece of toast," Elodie said.

Bennett finished the piece of toast and brushed his hands together to get rid of the crumbs. "You are being overdramatic."

Elodie settled back in her seat. "Why is it that when a woman does something a man doesn't like then they are called ‘overdramatic'?"

Delphine shifted in her seat to face Bennett. "Elodie does have a point," she acknowledged. "You did eat her toast and that was wrong of you."

Bennett didn't look the least bit repentant, despite his next words. "I am sorry, Sister." He paused. "But you should eat faster."

"Mother says the opposite," Elodie declared. "A young lady should eat at a slow pace so she may engage in the conversation around her."

"I daresay that Mother is wrong," Bennett said.

Elodie put a finger up to her lips. "Shh… she might hear you. Mother has hearing like a hawk."

Bennett gave his sister an amused look. "Since when did you care about upsetting Mother with your words?"

"I do not intentionally try to upset Mother, but the placement of my words can be problematic sometimes," Elodie admitted nonchalantly.

Delphine spoke up. "I think it is admirable that you express yourself so freely."

Leaning closer to her, Bennett lowered his voice. "Do not encourage her," he said. "Elodie says- and does- the most outlandish things."

"It is true, but no one seemed to care when I was just the niece of a marquess," Elodie admitted. "Now that I am a lady, I am held to a higher standard."

Melody entered the room and joked, "Poor Elodie. What a burden she must bear."

Elodie frowned. "It is easier for you," she said. "From the moment you were born, you have acted the part of a lady, destined for great things. Whereas I would prefer to live a quiet life in the countryside for the remainder of my days."

"You, quiet?" Bennett teased. "I daresay that the sheep grazing two fields over can hear you when you are outside."

Shifting her gaze towards Delphine, Elodie asked, "Why are you friends with him?"

Delphine felt her lips twitch. "I have no choice since he saved me from certain death."

"Ah, so it is because of guilt that you are friends," Elodie reasoned. "That does explain a lot."

Bennett puffed out his chest. "You just don't like the fact that I am a hero. It must gnaw at you that I am the bravest one of all."

Elodie rolled her eyes. "You were riding through the woodlands and you happened upon Delphine. It was sheer happenstance."

"Yes, but the woodlands are a treacherous place and I had to use my incredible strength to carry her out of the ravine," Bennett responded. "I am surprised that I was not given the Order of the Garter, but I suppose that is only because the Prince Regent has not heard about my heroic deeds."

Melody lifted her brow. "The Order of the Garter is the most senior order of knighthoods in Britain."

"I am aware, and it changes nothing," Bennett said.

"You are delusional, Brother," Elodie remarked.

Bennett smirked. "You are just jealous and that is all right for you to admit. It must be exhausting to have a brother like me. One who is so accomplished. "

"You say the most bacon-brained things," Elodie muttered.

Turning towards Delphine, Bennett asked, "Would you care to go boating with me this afternoon?"

"Do you think that is wise?" she asked.

Bennett bobbed his head. "I do. It is only a short carriage ride to the lake and I promise that I won't make you row the boat." He paused and a mischievous glint came to his eyes. "Unless I get tired. Then you will have to row us back."

"How chivalrous of you," Melody quipped.

Putting his hand up, Bennett said, "Good point. I promise that I won't make Delphine row or tip over the boat so either of us have to swim."

"That is a relief because I would not care to swim back to shore in a gown," Delphine said.

"If that is the case, Elodie can't come with us," Bennett said. "She has a tendency to stand up in the boat and cause it to tip over."

Elodie let out a groan. "That was one time, and it was your fault. You dared me to stand in the boat."

"You could have refused my dare," Bennett remarked.

"And admit that I couldn't do it? Never!" Elodie exclaimed. "Regardless, I stood up perfectly fine until you started rocking the boat. That is the only reason why the boat tipped."

Bennett shot his sister an amused look. "You are just angry that you had to walk back to shore."

"Indeed I was, and Mother was none too pleased either since I soiled another gown," Elodie admitted with a sigh.

Delphine finished eating her breakfast and placed the fork and knife onto the plate. "Despite what Bennett says, you are welcome to join us this afternoon." She glanced between Melody and Elodie. "Both of you."

Elodie gave her brother a smug smile. "Thank you, Delphine. You are most generous- unlike my brother. I do believe I will join you, but I will go in another boat."

Melody interjected, "Should we invite Winston?"

"Yes, but I doubt he will come," Elodie replied. "He has been so busy working on a case."

Delphine turned towards Bennett and noticed that he was watching her. Rather than look away, he leaned closer to her and said, "You do not need to fear boating. I promise I will keep you safe."

"I know," she replied. And it was the truth. She trusted Bennett, wholeheartedly. He would never let any harm come to her.

A smile tugged at the corners of Bennett's lips, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Although, if we did fall into the water, it would give me another opportunity to save you," he teased.

"I hope it does not come to that," Delphine remarked as she held his gaze.

Delphine had to admit that she rather enjoyed staring into Bennett's blue eyes. They seemed to dance with amusement, drawing her in, and keeping her transfixed. How was it that he could smile so freely, as if he had never experienced any pain?

Elodie's voice broke through her musings, reminding her that they were not alone. "If you will excuse me, I need to go practice the pianoforte. Mother is insistent that I play every day. Like a performing monkey."

Melody laughed. "You are hardly a performing monkey."

Pushing back her chair, Elodie rose. "You are lucky. You have a beautiful voice and can charm even a deaf man. Whereas I play the pianoforte- just like every other debutante."

"You play other instruments," Melody pointed out.

"I do, but Mother won't let me play those instruments in front of guests," Elodie said. "Off to my prison. At least I have boating to look forward to this afternoon."

After Elodie had departed from the dining room, Bennett stood up and announced, "I need to review the accounts until our outing this afternoon."

Delphine rose. "I think I would like to go listen to Elodie practice. She is quite talented, whether she believes it or not."

Bennett offered his arm. "Allow me to escort you, my lady."

As she accepted his arm, Delphine shifted her gaze to Melody. "Would you care to join me?"

"No, thank you," Melody replied. "I think I would prefer to go on a ride this morning. It is such a fine day."

With a solemn look, Bennett said, "Be sure to take along two grooms."

"I always do, Brother," Melody remarked.

Appearing satisfied with his sister's response, Bennett started to lead Delphine out of the dining room. How she loved any reason to be close to him. She wished she could slow down time or stop it altogether. For every moment that passed, she was closer to returning home.