“That was awful,” Bennett declared.
“As I told you- multiple times- I have not played this gamein ages,” Delphine said, not showing a hint of embarrassment for her poorly aligned shot.
Melody offered Delphine an encouraging look. “Do not get discouraged. This game is meant to be fun.”
“Fun?” Bennett asked. “No, this game is a serious competition meant to weed out the weaklings.”
“Then why are you playing?” Winston quipped. “I heard you lost your last match to Miles and Edwina.”
“I did, but that was intentional. I wanted Miles to win so he would dance the first set with Edwina,” Bennett revealed.
Winston arched an eyebrow. “You- deliberately losing a game?” he asked. “That doesn’t sound like you.”
“Well, my plan worked brilliantly since Edwina and Miles are happily married now,” Bennett said.
Elodie yawned. “If you do not take your turn this instant, I shall pull two chairs together and take a nap.”
Bennett moved to take his next shot, knowing his sister would not hesitate to do such a thing.
The maid had just finished styling Delphine’s hair when the dinner bell rang, beckoning everyone to the drawing room.
Rising, Delphine murmured her thanks as she reached for her gloves. She put them on and took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. She was mindful to take extra time with her appearance this evening, but it had nothing to do with Bennett. At least, that is what she kept telling herself. But even she knew that she couldn’t fathom that lie.
Her feelings were starting to deepen for Bennett and becoming deucedly inconvenient. How could she not care for such a man? He had shown her nothing but kindness, wanting nothing in return. He was patient, compassionate and hadopened his home to her. He was a rarity amongst the other gentlemen she was acquainted with.
But once she recovered from her injuries, she would return home until the Season. At least she could see him in Town. Not that anything would come from that. The hard part was that she would be forced to watch the women fall all over themselves when they saw Bennett. She had no doubt that he would be one of the Season’s most eligible bachelors.
The maid took a step back and asked, “Will there be anything else, my lady?”
Delphine offered her a weak smile. “Not at this time. Thank you,” she replied as she walked towards the door.
As she opened the door, she saw Bennett leaning against the opposite wall as he adjusted his black jacket sleeve. He stood up straight when he saw her.
“Delphie,” he greeted with a slight bow.
She smiled. “Bennett,” she said. “What a pleasant surprise. I must assume you are here to escort me down to the drawing room.”
“I am.” His eyes perused the length of her, and in them, she saw approval. Never had she felt more beautiful. Never had she wanted to look so beautiful. “You look lovely,” he said.
Delphine could feel her cheeks grow warm at his praise, but she worked hard to appear unaffected. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Bennett stepped forward and offered his arm. “I do think there should be a law against you looking this beautiful.”
After she took a moment to compose herself, she replied, “Flattery, my lord?” She was pleased that her voice sounded so steady, unlike the beating of her heart.
“It is merely the truth,” he said. “I have no doubt that your mere presence will cause quite the stir amongst theton.”
Delphine placed her hand on his sleeve. “I will only be there for my friend, Charlotte.”
“You say that now, but the gentlemen will be lined up to dance with you, including me,” Bennett said.
“You wish to dance with me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked. “I would never complain about having such a beautiful woman in my arms.”
Delphine eyed him curiously. “You are far too complimentary this evening. What do you want, my lord?”
Bennett brought his arm to his chest, feigning innocence. “Can a gentleman not compliment you without wanting something else in return?”
