Lady Dallington gestured towards the door. “Girls, shall we?” she asked. “The dressmaker is coming for the final fitting of your ballgowns.”
Elodie groaned in response. “How many fittings does Mrs. Harper need to do?”
“As many as it takes,” Lady Dallington said.
Melody went to stand by her mother and explained, “You must excuse Elodie. She refuses to stand still and gets poked by the needles.”
“I think Mrs. Harper does it on purpose,” Elodie muttered.
Lady Dallington laughed. “Poor child. What a burden you must endure,” she joked.
As Delphine listened to them banter back and forth, she felt a smile on her lips. It had been some time since she had been around a family that so clearly loved one another. She felt a twinge of jealousy at that thought. Her parents had hardly spoken to one another, and when they did so, it had just been in passing.
Growing up was a lonely existence since her father wasinsistent that she learn of his ways. It wasn’t until he died that she was able to spend time with her mother.
“Dear?” Lady Dallington asked, her expression filled with concern. “Are you all right?”
Delphine straightened in her seat, embarrassed she had been caught woolgathering. “I am well. Just lost in my own thoughts.”
Lady Dallington hesitated. “If the thought of dinner is too taxing for you, we can send a tray up. No one would blame you for that.”
“No, I want to join you for dinner,” Delphine assured her. “I will be fine.”
“If you are sure,” Lady Dallington said before departing from the bedchamber.
After Melody followed her mother out, Elodie turned back to face Delphine. “For what it is worth, I think you are quite brave.”
“Thank you,” Delphine said. “I don’t feel brave.” Which was the truth. She felt like a burden to this kind family that had taken her in.
Elodie gave her an encouraging smile. “Be patient. You will be home in your magnificent castle in no time.”
As Elodie left, closing the door behind her, Delphine settled back into her seat. What a wonderful twist of fate that she was found by a handsome earl who brought her home to a loving family.
Perhaps someone should write a book about that. It would be far more interesting thanColonel Jack.
Chapter Four
The sound of the dinner bell could be heard echoing throughout the main level as Bennett stepped into the drawing room. His brother, Winston, stood by the mantel, his expression distant as he cradled a drink in his hand.
Approaching Winston, Bennett ventured, “Dare I ask as to what’s occupying your thoughts?”
Winston met his gaze, a crease of concern etched upon his brow. “I’m afraid there’s much weighing on my mind.”
“Is it related to the case you’re currently working on?” Bennett inquired.
“That, and other matters,” Winston admitted with a hint of discomfort. “I find myself grappling with a sense of uncertainty about my future.”
Bennett’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I don’t understand. Are you not established as a barrister?”
“I am, but the process is slow, far slower than I would like to admit,” Winston shared. “I have only been working as a barrister for a year now and my cases are far and few between. I have a winning record but what does that even mean when I have so few cases?”
“You must be patient with yourself,” Bennett encouraged.
“I know, but it is hard when I am working so hard to get out of Father’s shadow,” Winston said, bringing the glass up to his lips. “It was much easier when he wasn’t a marquess.”
Bennett leaned against the mantel, a flicker of surprise causing his brows to raise as he registered his brother’s hidden struggles. He had assumed all was well with Winston, having read about his cases in the newssheets.
“It will get easier with time,” Bennett offered, attempting to provide reassurance.
