“As did I,” Bennett admitted.
After he said his words, Mr. Simpkin stepped into the room with Miss Eden on his arm. He cast Bennett an annoyed glance before his eyes settled on Delphine. “You look beautiful,” he praised.
Delphine seemed to muster up a smile. “Thank you.”
Charlotte removed her arm from Mr. Simpkin and hurried over to Delphine. “You look radiant,” she declared. “I have no doubt that I will pale in comparison to you.”
“You do not give yourself enough credit, my de…” Mr. Simpkin’s words came to an abrupt halt and he shifted uncomfortably in his stance.
Charlotte did not acknowledge Mr. Simpkin’s words, but instead, turned back to Delphine. “Are you nervous?”
“What do I have to be nervous about?” Delphine asked.
“All eyes will be on you,” Charlotte replied.
Mr. Simpkin stepped forward and said, “If Delphine has no objections, I hope to leave at first light tomorrow so we can return home at a reasonable hour.”
Delphine exchanged a glance with Bennett before saying, “Actually, I intend to extend my visit at Brockhall Manor.”
“Whatever for?” Mr. Simpkin asked. “You and I both have responsibilities back home.”
“Yes, we do, but my responsibilities are my own, not yours,” Delphine responded.
Mr. Simpkin furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand what you are saying.”
Delphine squared her shoulders before saying, “I do not think it is prudent to spend time with you since I am seeking to void our marriage.”
“Do you now?” Mr. Simpkin demanded.
“I’m sorry, but I do not wish to remain married to you, assuming I have the choice,” Delphine replied.
Mr. Simpkin clenched his jaw. “I had hoped that this was just a passing whim, but I do not think you have thought this decision through.”
“I have, and Lord Winston has already heard from the judge who will preside over our case,” Delphine said. “He feels confident that the judge will rule in my favor.”
Scoffing, Mr. Simpkin asked, “So that is it? You made the decision for us.”
“There is no ‘us,’” Delphine stated. “There was never an ‘us.’”
Mr. Simpkin took a commanding step towards Delphine and Bennett moved to step in front of her. “Get out of my way, my lord,” he demanded. “I need to speak to my wife.”
Bennett stood his ground. “Not like this,” he said. “You are angry.”
“Now you are offering up advice on my marriage?” Mr.Simpkin asked. “You just want Delphine for yourself. How do I know this isn’t your doing?”
Delphine stepped out from behind Bennett. “Lord Dunsby has been nothing but a friend to me. I came to the decision on my own.”
Mr. Simpkin’s eyes narrowed. “Do you truly think I will just walk away and let you void our marriage?”
“It is the right thing to do since I do not remember anything about it,” Delphine replied.
“I care for you, Delphine!” Mr. Simpkin exclaimed.
Bennett clenched his hands into balls at his side, knowing Mr. Simpkin was just grasping at straws now. But it was not his place to say so.
Delphine lifted her brow. “You have a funny way of showing that, considering I know about you and Charlotte.”
Miss Eden’s mouth dropped. “Whatever do you mean?”
