“I am, but thank you for saying so,” Elodie said. “It is hard being the way I am when Melody is so perfect.”
“No one is perfect.”
Elodie sighed. “Melody and I may look alike but that is where the similarities stop. Melody acts the part of a proper lady and I do not. There are too many things that I want to do with my life to give it all up by getting married.”
“I understand that feeling all too well,” Delphine said.
“I know you do, which is why I feel comfortable telling you such things,” Elodie remarked. “When we go to Town for the Season, I will be dressed up and paraded around as if I am merely on display.”
Delphine offered her an encouraging smile. “Do not fret. I will be there as well.”
“Yes, but you are a countess with your own fortune,” Elodie said. “If I do not marry- and well- I am nothing.”
Moving to the edge of her seat, Delphine held Elodie’s gaze. “That is rubbish. You are more than just a debutante seeking a groom. You have so much to offer the world. You just have to discover what that is.”
Elodie gave her a weak smile. “Thank you, but you are the lucky one. You don’t have to marry to have a future.”
“Some people do find happiness within the bounds of marriage,” Delphine said. “Don’t discount what you do not know.”
“I would rather be ridiculously wealthy and not have to answer to anyone.”
Delphine laughed. “Wouldn’t that be nice? But everyone answers to someone; even our king does.”
A knock came at the door, interrupting their conversation.
Bennett stepped into the room and bowed. “Pardon the interruption but pall-mall has been set up on the lawn.”
Elodie jumped up from her seat. “What fun! I haven’t played pall-mall in ages.”
Rising, Delphine asked, “Do you think that is wise if I play?”
“I do,” Bennett replied. “But just as a precaution, I asked the servants to place extra chairs around the lawn so you may sit at any point.”
“That is most thoughtful of you,” Delphine acknowledged.
Bennett approached her and offered his arm. “May I escort you to the lawn, my lady?” he asked.
Delphine moved to put the book onto the table before placing a hand on his sleeve. “You may.”
In a low voice, Bennett asked in a teasing voice, “How did you enjoy reading such a scandalous book?”
“It was rather informative,” Delphine admitted.
Elodie spoke up. “I need to go retrieve a bonnet from my bedchamber. I will meet you on the lawn,” she said before hurrying out of the room.
As Bennett led them into the corridor, Delphine said, “Elodie is an intriguing person.”
“That is one word for it,” Bennett quipped.
“No, I am serious,” Delphine remarked. “I do believe she is trying her best, and you should try to support her.”
Bennett glanced over at her. “Where is this coming from?”
Delphine didn’t want to betray Elodie’s confidences, so she was careful to skirt around the truth. “We had a conversation, and I am beginning to see her for who she truly is.”
“She is a hoyden, but she does have a good heart,” Bennett said.
“That she does and I hope you don’t put too much pressure on her to wed,” Delphine stated.
