Bennett smiled. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Delphie.”
“But I feel as if I do,” she said. “I am generally a very trusting person, but I can’t be that person around Vincent. Frankly, he just irritates me to no end.”
“Your cousin is gone, and our breakfast is going to grow cold soon,” Bennett remarked.
“Yes, of course,” Delphine said as she placed her hand on his sleeve. “Why do you suppose Vincent didn’t ask for an invitation to the soiree this evening?”
While Bennett started to lead Delphine down the corridor, he shrugged. “He might not enjoy social events.”
“No, he thrives on them,” Delphine said.
Bennett patted her hand. “You might be reading too much into this,” he said. “Do not let Mr. Paterson occupy any more of your thoughts than he already has.”
“You are right. I shall not give my cousin any more heed,” Delphine remarked with a dramatic wave of her hand.
With a knowing look, he asked, “You are thinking of him right now, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am,” she admitted. “But I will stop. I promise.”
He chuckled. “What if I distracted you by telling you that our butler was a rag-picker when he was young.”
Delphine gave him an odd look. “How did he come to work at such a grand estate then?”
“White attempted to sell some scraps of bones to my father and he took pity on him, especially when he learned that he was an orphan,” Bennett said. “He started out washing dishes and assisting with the cook.”
“It is impressive that he worked his way up to being a butler,” Delphine remarked.
Bennett dropped his arm as they arrived at the dining room. “It is,” he agreed.
They stepped into the dining room and he saw Miss Eden was sitting at the long, rectangular table.
“Miss Eden,” Bennett greeted as he pulled out Delphine’s chair.
She acknowledged him with a tip of her head before shifting her gaze towards Delphine. “What did Vincent want?” she asked. “Did he come to grovel for your forgiveness?”
Delphine shook her head. “No, he came to tell me that he was leaving.”
“For what purpose?” Miss Eden asked.
“I’m not rightly sure,” Delphine said, reaching for a napkin to place on her lap. “But I am glad that he is gone.”
Miss Eden tilted her chin. “As am I.”
A footman placed plates of food in front of them and took a step back.
Bennett reached for a fork and knife. “I do hope everyone is excited for the soiree this evening.”
“Yes, but I will admit that I am looking forward to leaving Brockhall Manor tomorrow morning,” Miss Eden shared. “I have not slept well since we arrived and I miss my bed.”
“About that…” Delphine started. “I do not think I am going to be returning home at this time.”
Miss Eden furrowed her brow. “Whyever not?”
With a glance at Bennett, Delphine replied, “I think it would be best if I do not spend additional time with Mr. Simpkin since I plan to void our marriage.”
“Not this again,” Miss Eden huffed. “Just think of your future. People will talk and your reputation will be tarnished indefinitely. Is that what you want? To become a laughingstock amongst high Society?”
“I have weighed the consequences and I think it is in my best interest,” Delphine said.
