“In my experience, no. People always want something from me,” Delphine admitted. “I suppose it is the same for you.”
His expression grew reflective. “It is. That is the burden of being in our positions.”
Delphine kept her gaze straight ahead as she said, “That is why it has been so nice to be around your family. You understand the burdens that I must bear alone.”
“You don’t have to bear those burdens alone,” Bennett said. “I would be more than happy to assist you in any way I can.”
“But you have your own problems to deal with.”
Bennett came to a stop and gently turned her to face him. “I consider you a friend, Delphie. And friends help one another.”
Friends.
Why did her heart stutter at that word? That is what she wanted. So why did it sound so wrong?
Knowing he was still waiting for a response, she said, “I feel the same about you.” There. That was at least true. She wanted him in her life, and she was willing to take him as a friend.
He leaned closer as he held her gaze. “I find that I do want something from you.”
“You do?” She wasn’t sure if she should feel disappointment or not.
Bennett’s lips quirked. “I feel it is my duty to tell you that your pall-mall skills could use some work. You should practice more.”
A laugh escaped her lips. “Is that all?” she asked. “I thought you were going to ask for something more pertinent.”
“From you, no. All I want is for you to be happy.”
“Why?”
A line between his brow appeared. “Why would I want you to be happy?” he ventured. “Is this one of those impossible questions that women ask? The ones that have no right answer? My mother warned me about those.”
Delphine placed a hand on his sleeve. “What I am attempting to say, but failing miserably, is that you have been so kind to me. And you have wanted nothing in return. Why is that?”
Understanding dawned on his features. “I hope in this home that you have had a reprieve from your burdens- even for a moment.”
“I have,” she replied. “I hope you know how truly blessed you are to have such a loving family as yours.”
“You say that now, but Elodie and Winston will no doubt be more irritating this evening after their win,” Bennett said.
Bennett was so close that Delphine could smell his orange shaving soap, but she had no objections. She rather liked him this close. It seemed familiar.
But he must not have felt the same because he took her hand and placed it into the crook of his arm. “Shall we join my family before they come looking for us?”
“I think that is a wise idea,” she replied.
As Bennett led her down the stairs, he glanced over at her. “Do you have any fond childhood memories?”
Delphine considered his question before sharing, “When I was younger, I used to beg for a dog. I wanted to hold it in myarms and take it everywhere with me. My parents didn’t think I was old enough for the responsibility of a puppy, but I was relentless.”
“I take it that you got a dog,” he said knowingly.
“Yes, but it only took me a few hours before I realized I couldn’t keep the dog. My eyes turned red and I couldn’t stop sneezing whenever I was around it,” Delphine shared. “It was awful, and I was so disappointed.”
Bennett offered her an apologetic smile. “That must have been difficult for you.”
“My father- in a rare showing of emotion- brought me a baby goat that had been rejected by her mother,” Delphine said. “He showed me how to feed it and care for it. We became the best of friends and Luna would follow me everywhere I would go.”
“You named the goat ‘Luna’?”
