“No, that is not necessary,” Delphine replied before turning around with an expectant look to face her friend.
Lady Dallington touched her sleeve. “We will be waiting for you in my bedchamber.”
Delphine tipped her head in response.
As they continued down the corridor, Charlotte approached Delphine and came to a stop in front of her. “I wanted to apologize for my harsh words earlier,” she said.
“You do?” Delphine asked.
Charlotte gave her an apologetic smile. “I had no right to speak to you in such a manner and I feel awful. You have every right to void your marriage and I was wrong to suggest otherwise.”
Delphine pressed her lips together, not knowing what she should say. It wasn’t the time or the place to confront Charlotte about her feelings for Mr. Simpkin. But what had caused Charlotte to have such a change of heart?
Charlotte continued. “Please tell Lady Dallington that I am most grateful for the ballgown that she had delivered to my bedchamber.”
“I will,” Delphine replied. There. That was safe. And not at all confrontational.
Her friend smiled, or rather, beamed. “I am looking forward to this evening.”
“As am I,” Delphine replied, attempting to keep the confusion off her expression. “But I should be running along. I do not want to make Lady Dallington wait for me.”
“Then you should run along, especially since this night is all about you,” Charlotte encouraged.
Delphine hesitated for a moment before she walked away from her friend. Charlotte was acting odd, and she wasn’t sure why that was. Perhaps it was as simple as Charlotte feeling guilty for deceiving her.
Chapter Nineteen
Dressed in his finery, Bennett stood in the parlor as he waited for his family’s arrival so they could join the soiree. His thoughts wandered to Delphine. He hadn’t seen her since breakfast.
As if his thoughts had conjured up Delphine, she stepped into the room wearing a green gown with an intricate net overlay. Her hair was piled atop her head and two long curls framed her face.
Her beauty never failed to captivate him, leaving him to wonder how she managed to grow more enchanting with each passing day.
Delphine smiled and held out the folds of her gown. “How do I look?” she asked.
How was he supposed to answer such a question? He didn’t dare tell her the truth for fear that she would see right through him and know that he cared for her. He decided to tell a halfway truth. “You look lovely, as always,” he said. That was safe and did not lay his heart bare.
“This is one of Melody’s new gowns that your mother had altered for me,” Delphine said, dropping her hands.
“It does you justice,” Bennett said.
Delphine walked closer to him but stopped a short distance away. “Your family has been so kind to me. How do you suppose I can repay them?”
Marry me.
That is what Bennett wanted to say, but she was still a married woman… for now. He would have to wait and bide his time.
Bennett clasped his hands behind his back so he wouldn’t risk reaching out to touch her. “There is no need to repay them. We are just glad that we were able to help you during a difficult time.”
The smile on Delphine’s lips faded. “You were right about Charlotte and Mr. Simpkin. There is something going on between them.”
“I’m sorry,” Bennett said, unsure of what else to say.
“There is no reason to apologize,” Delphine responded. “It is not as if I hold any affection towards Mr. Simpkin.”
Bennett nodded. “True, but you are still married to him and he has no right to be having an affair with Miss Eden.”
Delphine sighed. “I had hoped you were wrong.”
