She heard what he said, and she knew he was attempting to comfort her, but his words fell flat. Charlotte hated her so much that she wanted her dead. How had she not seen through her friend’s façade?
The worst part was that she wasn’t entirely surprised by Vincent’s actions. She had long suspected his desire for her demise, but never imagined he would be so brazen as to attempt it outright.
Bennett took a step closer to her, but still maintained a proper distance. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I must have,” she replied. “My dearest friend turned out to be my greatest enemy. How can I reconcile that fact?”
“Miss Eden deceived everyone, not just you.”
“But I should have known,” Delphine asserted.
Bennett reached out and touched her sleeve. “You must not blame yourself. It will do no good and only bring you misery.”
Delphine shifted her gaze over his shoulder, knowing what he was asking was easier said than done.
“Delphie…” Bennett sighed. “I know this might not be the ideal time to speak of such things but I’m afraid I cannot wait any longer.”
“What is it?” Delphine asked, bringing her gaze back to meet his.
Bennett’s usual composed demeanor wavered, replaced by a rare glimpse of uncertainty in his eyes. “Now that we know you were never truly married to Mr. Simpkin, I was hoping that we might come to an understanding.”
Delphine had longed to hear those words from Bennett, but she couldn’t tie herself to him. Not now. With a heavy heart, she said, “You must know that my reputation will beshrouded in scandal once the truth comes out about what Mr. Simpkin did.”
“I do not care about the scandal,” Bennett said.
“You should,” Delphine insisted. “You must think of what a scandal would do to your family. It could even jeopardize your sisters’ prospects this Season.”
Bennett closed the distance between them, their faces mere inches apart. “Do you want to know what I think?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.
With him so near, Delphine felt her heart quicken, its erratic beats betraying her composure. Try as she might, words eluded her in his presence. How was it that he held such power over her? Though he awaited her reply, all she could manage was a nod.
“I believe it is perfectly acceptable to be a bit selfish, especially at a time such as this,” he said, his voice soft yet resolute. “Because, my dear, I do not think I could bear to ever let you go, especially now. You must know that I love you with everything that I am.”
Fearing she may have misunderstood, Delphine’s voice was tinged with hesitation. “You love me?”
“I think a part of me started falling in love with you the moment I found you in the woodlands,” he replied. “Since then, you have consumed my every waking thought, and when I dream, it’s of you.”
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes at his heartfelt declarations, but she made no effort to halt them. These tears were born of happiness, a testament to the overwhelming emotion coursing through her.
Bennett grew solemn. “Was I wrong to assume you held some affection for me?”
Delphine shook her head. “No, you weren’t wrong,” she replied.
“Then why are you crying?”
She knew there was only one thing left to say, and shedrew in a deep breath to steady herself. With a voice quivering with emotion, she uttered, “I love you, Bennett.”
A wide grin spread across his face. “Do you love me enough to marry me? Because, quite frankly, I won’t accept no for an answer,” he said, his tone laced with determination. “And before you decide, I promise that I will let you manage your own estate and goat cheese business, and we will be equals, in every sense of the word.”
Feeling a mischievous impulse, Delphine asked, “Was that an offer?”
“It was, but I can do better,” Bennett replied with a chuckle, dropping to one knee before her. “Delphine, my love, will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”
She returned his smile. “Yes, yes, I will marry you!” she exclaimed, her heart overflowing with joy.
As Bennett rose to his feet, he reached out to cup her right cheek tenderly. “I have loved no other as I love you,” he whispered. “You have my whole heart.” With gentle fingers, he brushed away a tear that trailed down her cheek.
“I never thought I could be this happy,” Delphine admitted.
