Delphine clapped her hands together. “It was a fine shot.”
Bennett saw that Delphine was standing and he gestured towards a footman to bring her a chair.
A footman rushed to do his bidding and moved a chair next to Delphine. She murmured her gratitude before she sat down. Another footman stepped forward with a parasol to shade her from the sun.
Melody approached Bennett and asked in a low voice, “Why are there so many chairs on the lawn?”
“For Delphine, of course,” Bennett replied.
“Yes, but the sheer number of chairs on the lawn is almost comical,” Melody remarked.
Bennett shifted his gaze towards Delphine and saw that she was watching the game of pall-mall unfold. A small smile was on her lips and he found himself transfixed. He loved nothing more than seeing Delphine smile.
“Brother,” Melody said, her voice breaking through his thoughts. “Did you hear me?”
Tearing his gaze away from Delphine, he replied, “I did not.”
Melody glanced at Delphine, a knowing look gracing her expression. “I asked if I could sit on one of the chairs. Or are they all reserved for Delphine?”
“They are for everyone to enjoy,” Bennett said.
“Thank you,” Melody remarked before she went to hit her ball.
Bennett walked over to where Delphine sat and crouched down next to her. “Are you comfortable?”
“I am,” Delphine replied. “Thank you for seeing to all of this. Although, truth be told, it seems rather extravagant.”
“It is no less than you deserve,” Bennett said.
Delphine glanced at the footman that was holding theparasol. “You are much too kind, considering I could have done with a lot less.”
“Indeed, but I couldn’t risk you nearly fainting again,” Bennett said. “Unless that was your nefarious plan to get me to carry you to your room.”
“You found me out, my lord,” Delphine said with a grin.
Bennett leaned closer and studied her face, looking for any sign of discomfort. “Are you thirsty? Hungry?” he asked.
“If I am, you do not need to trouble yourself. I know where the refreshment table is,” Delphine replied.
“Very well, but you must promise me that you will not overtax yourself,” Bennett said.
Delphine nodded. “I shall be careful.”
Rising, Bennett was about to walk away when Delphine continued. “Thank you, Bennett. I can’t remember the last time that someone showed me such care.”
Bennett bowed. “It is my pleasure, my lady.”
As he held her gaze, he couldn’t help but admire the brown flecks in her eyes, feeling as if her soul was staring deep into his. Somehow, she could hold him there, just with her gaze, mesmerizing him. She was so beautiful to him. And he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to court her.
But he had no intention of doing so.
Delphine had no desire to marry for the time being, and neither did he.
So why couldn’t he stop staring at her?
Winston cleared his throat, drawing his attention. “It is Delphine’s turn,” he revealed. “If we wish to finish before Elodie’s nap time, we must hurry this along.”
Delphine rose from her seat and picked up her mallet. She walked over to her ball and hit it towards the nearest arch, but it stopped short of it.
