A wistful look came into Delphine’s eye. “I wish I had a brother such as you,” she said. “I can tell by the way you and your family interact with one another that you truly love each other.”
“We do, no matter how much we try to deny it,” Bennett remarked with a boyish grin. “But I am the bond that keeps this family together. Me, and only me.”
Delphine gave him an amused look. “What a burden you must endure, my lord,” she teased.
Bennett brought a hand over his heart. “Thank you. It is good to feel seen.”
Delphine yawned and her hand flew up to cover hermouth. “My apologies,” she rushed out. “I must be more tired than I have led myself to believe.”
“Why must you feel the need to constantly apologize?” Bennett asked. “You have had a long day and I do not fault you for that.”
“But I spent most of the time in bed,” Delphine argued.
“Your body is still recovering, and it needs rest.” He rose and extended his hand. “Come. Allow me to walk you back to your bedchamber.”
Delphine’s expression betrayed her inner conflict as she inquired, “What about the tour of the library?”
Bennett smirked. “Rest assured, it will still be there tomorrow. I will make sure of it,” he declared with confidence.
His words elicited the intended response, prompting Delphine to place her gloved hand in his and accept his assistance in standing up. “Thank you,” she said gratefully.
Keeping hold of her hand, Bennett moved it into the crook of his arm. “I know you will insist that you can do it on your own, but I would feel much better if you allowed me to escort you.”
Rather than argue with him, she conceded. “Very well, but only because I am too tired to fight you.”
“I shall take that as a win,” Bennett said.
As they made their way towards the grand staircase, Delphine asked, “You mentioned you are worried about Elodie, but what of Melody?”
“I am worried about both of my sisters,” he admitted. “Thetoncan be cruel and uninviting to debutantes- or anyone that they perceive doesn’t belong.”
Delphine nodded. “That is what my mother told me as well, but Charlotte convinced me to attend the Season.”
“Now is Charlotte truly your only friend?” he teased.
She laughed, just as he intended. “I do have others, but I have known Charlotte for a long time. She is thegranddaughter of a viscount and is hoping for a brilliant match this Season.”
“Most women are,” Bennett remarked.
There was the slightest sway in Delphine’s steps as they made their way down the corridor and she had a firm grip on his arm. Her gaze remained fixed ahead, determination gleaming in her eyes, undeterred by any distractions.
Bennett couldn’t help but wonder why she was so adamant to do this on her own when he was willing to help her.
With a glance at him, Delphine asked, “And what of your story? Why are you not wed with hordes of children running about?” Her tone was light and teasing.
He chuckled. “I suppose I haven’t found the right one.”
“You desire a love match?” she asked, the surprise evident in her voice.
“I do,” he said.
Delphine regarded him with a hint of skepticism in her gaze. “I daresay that love matches are rare and elusive. But I commend your aspiration for one,” she remarked. “I, however, am too pragmatic to think love has any place in marriage.”
“That is a sad way to look at marriage,” Bennett countered.
“In my honest opinion, it is best if hearts are not involved when negotiating the terms of the marriage contract,” Delphine responded firmly.
Bennett felt a pang of sadness for Delphine, knowing that her perspective arose from her experiences. He considered himself fortunate to have witnessed something different. “Despite his flaws, my father loves my mother dearly, and I aspire to have what they share.”
