And in that moment, she realized something she hadn’t anticipated: she had developed the tiniest of feelings for this man.
Chapter Six
As Bennett led Delphine into the library, she let out a slight gasp as she beheld the grandeur of the room. Bookshelves lined the walls, and sunlight streamed in through two large windows, casting a gentle glow across the room.
Delphine came to a stop in the center of the room, her hands stretched out wide. “There are so many books here,” she said. “I do not think I have ever seen such an enormous library before.”
“I daresay that you are easy to impress,” Bennett teased, secretly pleased with her reaction. He had always loved this room and spent every opportunity that he could in it.
Walking over to one of the bookshelves, Delphine ran her hand along the spines and asked, “What book shall I select?”
“Any one that strikes your fancy, I suppose.”
A mischievous glint came into Delphine’s eyes. “Are there any books written by ladies in here?”
Bennett nodded. “Despite my father’s objections on women writers, his collection does boast many of them.”
“What about the ones that were written by ‘A Lady’?”
“I doubt those two books are in here,” Bennett replied. “More than likely they are in my sisters’ bedchambers.”
Delphine turned her attention back towards the books. “This library puts mine to shame,” she said.
“It isn’t a contest,” he joked.
“Perhaps not, but there are so many first editions in here,” Delphine said as she pulled out a book and inspected it.
Bennett stepped closer to her but was mindful to maintain a proper distance. “My grandmother was an avid reader. She felt reading a book a day led to her longevity.”
Delphine looked at him in disbelief. “A book a day? Surely, you jest.”
“She did little else but read,” Bennett admitted. “I have never seen a woman devour so many books.”
A wistful look came into Delphine’s eyes. “I wish I had the time to read as much as your grandmother. I feel as if I am in constant meetings with my man of business, stewards, land agents, and tenants.”
“I am sure you can delegate some of those meetings to others,” Bennett encouraged.
Delphine shook her head. “I am fanatical when it comes to knowing the minute details of my business since I am ultimately responsible for my successes or failures.”
Bennett found himself nodding in agreement with Delphine’s philosophy, understanding the consequences of becoming too complacent with one’s business.
Leaning his shoulder against the bookshelf, he confided, “Recently, we discovered that our man of business was stealing from us. He was taking the money meant for the upkeep of the village and squandering it on gambling and other bad business deals.” He paused. “If it wasn’t for my cousin who discovered his deceit, he could have ruined us.”
“That is one of my fears, to place trust in the wrong person,” Delphine shared.
Without hesitation, he declared, “You can trust me.”
Delphine smiled and it spilled over into her eyes. “I do,”she said. “Perhaps it has something to do with you saving my life.”
Bennett couldn’t resist puffing out his chest slightly. “I don’t often get to save a damsel in distress, but when I do, I do it well.”
“Well, the doctor told me how close I came to dying so I do believe I owe you my life,” Delphine said.
“As I have said before, you owe me nothing,” Bennett insisted. “I am so grateful that I was there to help you.”
“I think it goes without saying but so am I,” Delphine responded.
Bennett brought up his hand and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “By saving your life, do I get three wishes?”
