“But Mr. Simpkin claimed he wanted to win my affection,” Delphine replied. “Why would he say such a thing if he was having an affair with Charlotte?”
Elodie came to sit down next to her. “I cannot answer that, but I have never liked Mr. Simpkin.”
Delphine huffed. “You sound just like your brother.”
“Good, at least I am making some sense then,” Elodie said. “If you void the marriage to Mr. Simpkin, then he gets nothing. That is quite the incentive to ensure the marriage stays intact.”
“But Winston is confident that we will be able to void the marriage,” Delphine said. “It will just take some time.”
Elodie bobbed her head. “I do hope you will be more careful when selecting your next husband,” she teased.
An image of Bennett came to Delphine’s mind and she felt a smile come to her lips. “I will be,” she said.
“Since that is now resolved, we should start preparing for the soiree,” Elodie remarked.
“But we just had breakfast.”
Elodie laughed. “I am surprised that my mother hasn’t found us yet…”
Her words had just left her mouth when Lady Dallington stepped into the room. “There you two are,” she stated. “It is time to prepare for the soiree.”
With an “I told you so” look, Elodie rose from her seat. “I do so enjoy preparing for a social event that is hours and hours away,” she joked.
Lady Dallington didn’t comment on her daughter’s attempt at humor. Instead, she turned to Delphine and said, “We have much to do and very little time to do it.”
Rising, Delphine asked, “What would you like me to do?”
“First, we must ensure the ballgown that my lady’s maid altered for you is a perfect fit,” Lady Dallington replied. “Then we shall move on to selecting jewelry for you to wear tonight.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Delphine said, “I do have a coral necklace that I was wearing when I was brought here.”
“I think it would be best if you wear some of my pieces,”Lady Dallington said. “I do believe you will find many of them to your liking.”
Delphine found Lady Dallington’s generosity to be rather touching. “Thank you, my lady,” she said.
Lady Dallington waved her hand dismissively in front of her. “Think nothing of it, Dear,” she said. “Come along. No lollygagging.”
Elodie spoke up. “Do I have time for a nap?”
“I suppose we can schedule that in, assuming it is a quick rest,” Lady Dallington responded.
“What about a break for biscuits?” Elodie pressed.
Lady Dallington gave her daughter an exasperated look. “You can eat biscuits while you are having your hair styled.”
That seemed to satisfy Elodie and she followed her mother out of the room. Delphine knew that she should follow after them, but her heart was heavy. Charlotte was keeping her affection for Mr. Simpkin a secret and that greatly bothered her. What else was she keeping from her?
Elodie stuck her head back into the room. “Are you coming, Delphine?”
“I am,” she confirmed.
As they headed down the corridor towards their bedchambers, Lady Dallington glanced over at Delphine and said, “Considering the state of your marriage, I would recommend you not dancing a set with Mr. Simpkin.”
“I have no objections to that,” Delphine said. The thought of Mr. Simpkin holding her in his arms did not sound the least bit appealing. His touch had no warmth behind it. Not like Bennett’s. She would never tire of being in his arms. His strong, comforting arms. They had always made her feel safe. And cherished.
Charlotte’s voice came from behind them. “Delphine, may I speak to you?” she asked, her words sounding cordial enough.
Elodie leaned closer to Delphine and asked in a hushed voice, “Would you like me to engage in fisticuffs with her?”
