With a purposeful stride, Winston approached them and smiled. “The judge has agreed that your case has merit and will hear arguments from both sides before making a ruling.”
Delphine bit her lower lip, looking unsure. “Is that good news?”
Winston’s smile grew even broader. “Yes, this is wonderful news. Judge Ross is known to be rather progressive in his views on marriage and is a good friend of the barrister I trained under. I know precisely the argument I need to present to persuade him,” he explained. “If all goes according to plan, itshould only be a short time before Delphine is husband-lessonce more.”
Delphine’s entire face seemed to light up. “Thank you, Winston,” she gushed.
“That is what I do,” Winston remarked smugly. “I make dreams come true.”
Bennett looked heavenward. “Dear heavens, you are far too cocky for your own good.”
“Trust me, you want a barrister that is a little full of himself,” Winston stated good-naturedly.
Taking a step back, Delphine said, “I should go talk to Charlotte. Although, she might become more upset with me than she already is.”
After Delphine departed from the dining room, Winston gave him an inquisitive look. “The real question is how soon after her marriage is void are you going to offer for her?”
“I am not quite sure,” Bennett said.
Winston reached down to Bennett’s plate and stole a piece of toast. “A word of advice- I wouldn’t wait too long.”
Bennett would marry Delphine anytime or anywhere, but he didn’t want to do anything that would cause a greater scandal.
Delphine headed up the grand staircase as she went in search of Charlotte. She knew her friend was angry with her, but she didn’t entirely understand the reasons behind it. This wasn’t the first time she had told Charlotte of her intentions to void her marriage. So why did she react so harshly? And why was she so concerned for Mr. Simpkin’s reputation?
As she passed by the library, she saw Charlotte pacing in front of Mr. Simpkin, who was sitting on the settee.
But rather than make her presence known, Delphine remained just outside of the door as she watched them.
Mr. Simpkin’s voice drifted out into the corridor. “You are making a big ado out of nothing.”
“She wants to void the marriage,” Charlotte said, tossing her hands up in the air.
“Yes, and we planned for that,” Mr. Simpkin responded, leaning back against the settee.
We?
Since when were Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte a team? And what had they been planning?
Charlotte stopped pacing and turned to face Mr. Simpkin. “How can you be so calm about this?” she asked. “Just think of your reputation.”
“That is the least of my concerns,” Mr. Simpkin stated.
“What ofmyreputation?” Charlotte demanded. “I will be ruined, right alongside you.”
Mr. Simpkin smiled. “You are working yourself into a frenzy for no reason. Just trust me and it will all work out.”
Charlotte frowned. “I do trust you, but nothing is working out as simply as you claimed it would.”
“Yes, there were some unforeseen complications, but that is neither here nor there,” Mr. Simpkin said. “We must look forward to our future.”
Delphine couldn’t quite believe what she was overhearing. It was evident that Mr. Simpkin and Charlotte had formed an attachment, but what had they been planning? None of this made any sense.
Elodie’s voice came from next to her, causing her to jump. “May I join you in your eavesdropping endeavor?” she asked in a hushed voice.
With a slight nod, Delphine turned back towards the library and watched Mr. Simpkin rise. He placed his hand on Charlotte’s shoulders and leaned in. “Be patient, my dear, and everything you seek will be yours.”
Charlotte seemed to consider his words before saying, “I just wish it hadn’t come to this.”
