In a voice that clearly displayed her disapproval, Miss Eden asked, “What of George’s best interest? After all, you married him in good faith.”
Bennett did not like the way that Miss Eden was speaking to Delphine, but he didn’t think it was his place to intercede. He had learned never to get between two women arguing… for any reason.
In a calm voice, Delphine replied, “I do not remember marrying Mr. Simpkin?—”
Miss Eden spoke over her. “Perhaps you do remember, but you reneged once you found a rich lord to court you.”
Delphine’s mouth dropped. “That is entirely unfair of youto say, and not the least bit true. My memories have yet to return.”
Shoving back her chair, Miss Eden said, “It is awfully convenient if you ask me. But I do think you are treating George most unfairly.”
“Why do you keep referring to Mr. Simpkin by his given name?” Delphine asked, clearly finding it as disconcerting as Bennett did. “Did he give you leave to?”
“We are friends, which is something else you have conveniently forgotten,” Miss Eden snapped back.
“Charlotte…”
Miss Eden tossed her napkin onto the table. “You can stop, Delphine. I knew it was a mistake to come here,” she declared before she stormed off.
Delphine watched her friend leave the dining room with a look of astonishment on her face. In a soft voice, she asked, “Am I being selfish?”
“So what if you are? You must think of yourself and your future,” Bennett encouraged. “Do you truly want to stay married to Mr. Simpkin?”
“No, but am I the villain in this story?”
Bennett shifted in his seat to face her. “Absolutely not!” he exclaimed. “You are doing what is best for you.”
“And what of Mr. Simpkin?” Delphine asked. “No doubt that his reputation will suffer as a result of voiding our marriage.”
“You are overthinking this,” Bennett said.
Delphine’s eyes grew sad. “I have been so focused on what I have wanted that I haven’t even considered the consequences for Mr. Simpkin,” she said. “Does that make me a terrible person?”
Bennett couldn’t help but find the question laughable. Delphine was one of the most kindhearted individuals he had ever encountered. “No, it does not,” he rushed to assure her.
“I have never seen Charlotte so angry before,” Delphine said. “In all my years, she has never spoken so harshly to me.”
“It is all right if friends have disagreements,” Bennett attempted. He wasn’t quite sure what he could say to provide her comfort.
Delphine pushed back her chair and rose. “I need to go speak to her at once.”
Rising, Bennett asked, “And say what?”
“I don’t know,” Delphine sighed. “I just do not like the thought of her being so angry with me.”
Bennett waited until Delphine met his gaze before saying, “Sometimes your friends think they know what’s best for you, but you must follow what your heart dictates.”
“What if my heart is wrong?”
“Only you can decide that,” Bennett replied. “But I will support you in whatever decision you make.”
Delphine’s face softened. “Thank you. That means a great deal to me.”
Bennett wanted to add thatshemeant a great deal to him, but he didn’t dare say something so bold.
Winston’s booming voice came from the doorway. “I have heard from the judge that will hear your case,” he announced, holding up a piece of paper.
“You have?” Delphine asked.
