“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I wish to see you dead,” Mr. Paterson said. “We are family, after all.”
Yanking back her arm, Delphine responded, “You say that as if it means something, Vincent.”
Mr. Paterson sighed. “You have always had a flair for dramatics.”
Delphine gestured towards the door, her jaw firmly set. “You may go. And for your sake, do not come back.”
Appearing amused by her dismissal, Mr. Paterson turned his attention towards Bennett. “I must assume that you are Lord Dunsby.” He bowed. “Thank you for saving my cousin.”
“It was my pleasure,” Bennett replied, not wishing to engage Mr. Paterson any further. It was rather obvious that Delphine didn’t want him here.
“I hope that she has behaved herself while she was a guest in your home,” Mr. Paterson said.
Bennett tipped his head in acknowledgement. “She has been the epitome of grace and decorum.”
“Just not when I am around,” Mr. Paterson quipped.
Delphine placed a hand on her hip. “It is late and youhave interrupted us during dinner. We should return before the others come looking for us.”
“Very well, but I shall return tomorrow to continue our delightful conversation,” Mr. Paterson said. “We have much that still needs to be said between us.”
“Yet I cannot think of one thing,” Delphine remarked.
Mr. Simpkin spoke up. “We shall look forward to speaking to you tomorrow,” he said with a bow.
Delphine turned her heated gaze towards Mr. Simpkin. “You do not get to speak for me,” she stated firmly.
“But I am your husband,” Mr. Simpkin said.
“You say that as if it is supposed to mean something,” Delphine declared. “I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself.”
Mr. Simpkin clenched his jaw. “Yes, Dear,” he muttered.
Bennett resisted the urge to smile at Delphine’s defiant stand against her husband. It was about time.
Delphine gestured towards the footman. “Will you show Mr. Paterson out?” she asked. “I’m afraid he has overstayed his welcome.”
The footman walked over to the door and opened it. “Mr. Paterson?” he asked with a stern look.
Mr. Paterson made an exaggerated bow. “Cousin, as usual, I have enjoyed our chat,” he said before departing from the manor.
Once the door was closed, Delphine turned to face her husband. “How dare you invite him here!” she exclaimed. “He is not a man to be trusted.”
“I told you that your solicitor…” Mr. Simpkin started.
She spoke over him. “I know what you told me, but you should have asked me first,” she said.
Mr. Simpkin looked displeased. “You are my wife and I do not have to ask permission from you.”
“I am only your wife until we void this farce of a marriage,” Delphine said.
Putting his hand up, Mr. Simpkin responded, “You are angry. I shall give you a few moments to calm down before we continue this conversation.”
Bennett winced, knowing that Mr. Simpkin had misspoken. He had learned over the years that no woman ever liked to be told to calm down. In fact, it tended to make them angrier.
Delphine’s eyes narrowed. “I think you should go as well.”
“I beg your pardon?” Mr. Simpkin asked.
