“I am merely stating a fact,” Lord Dallington stated before turning his attention towards Delphine. “I am sorry if the truth offends you.”
Bennett groaned. “That was hardly an apology, Father. People tend to be remorseful when they apologize.”
“Why should I be remorseful?” Lord Dallington asked, his voice tinged with amusement, suggesting he was rather enjoying the debate. “Is it not true that more men have written books than women over the course of time?”
As Elodie leaned to the side to allow a footman to collect her bowl, she addressed her father. “You are being utterlyridiculous. Everyone knows why there are fewer women authors than men.”
“Be that as it may, I cannot rewrite history,” Lord Dallington said.
Lady Dallington caught everyone’s attention by tapping her fork against her glass. “As Delphine is our guest, why don’t we take this opportunity to learn more about her?” she suggested.
Bennett nodded in agreement. “Mother is right. I, for one, would like to learn more about Delphine.”
A footman placed a plate of food in front of her as Delphine modestly protested, “I assure you that I am not that interesting.”
“I beg to differ,” Bennett responded. “I find you to be utterly captivating.”
Meeting Bennett’s gaze briefly, Delphine responded, “That is kind of you to say.” She struggled to keep the blush from rising in her cheeks. Why did his words have such an effect on her?
Winston turned towards her. “I also find you to be quite fascinating. Probably even more so than my brother.”
“Boys, please,” Lady Dallington said. “I think we can all agree that Delphine is a remarkable young woman. Now perhaps we should eat before our food gets cold.”
Delphine picked up her fork and knife to begin eating the mutton on her plate. As she took a bite, she was grateful for the silence so she could collect her thoughts.
But it didn’t last long.
Elodie placed her fork down and asked, “Do you play pall-mall, Delphine?”
“I do,” she confirmed.
“Wonderful, we shall have to play once you are feeling better,” Elodie responded. “Although, our numbers are odd so we will have to ask Miss Bawden to play with us.”
Winston dropped his fork onto his plate and let out a sigh. “Must you bring up that infuriating woman?”
Elodie gave him an innocent look. “Do you take issue with Miss Bawden, Brother?”
“I do not take issue with her, but I assure you that she takes issue with me,” Winston grumbled.
“Regardless, who else do you propose should come play with us?” Elodie asked.
“Miss Bawden is the obvious choice,” Melody expressed. “She has been playing with us for years.”
“Fine, invite Miss Bawden,” Winston remarked.
Elodie smiled victoriously. “There is nothing more enjoyable than watching Winston and Miss Bawden battle it out on the lawn.”
Delphine saw that Winston’s jaw was clenched and he was taking deep breaths, no doubt in an attempt to calm himself. What was it about Miss Bawden that evoked such a reaction in Winston?
Bennett must have sensed her curiosity and leaned closer to her. “Miss Bawden and Winston have been at odds with one another since we used to visit Brockhall Manor as children.”
“Dare I ask why?” Delphine asked.
“The story is too long and convoluted, I’m afraid,” Bennett replied as he straightened in his chair.
Lady Dallington smiled brightly, as if she knew a secret that no one else was privy to. “I think Miss Bawden is a lovely young woman and she is always welcome here.”
Winston reached for his napkin and tossed it onto his plate. “If you will excuse me, I have lost my appetite.”
