She shrugged. “What else would you name a goat?”
“I suppose I haven’t given it much thought, but I doubt I would name it after the moon,” Bennett replied.
“Luna will still run to the fence to see me, despite making new friends when we reintroduced her to the other goats,” Delphine said.
Bennett chuckled as they stepped into the drawing room. “Besides Charlotte and Luna, do you have any other friends?”
“Is that not sufficient?” Delphine asked. “Besides, now I can count you as a friend as well.”
“Yes, you can.”
Delphine glanced around the room and saw that they were the first ones there. “How is it that we are the first to arrive?”
As she finished saying her words, the butler stepped into the room and held up a paper. He cleared his throat. “May I announce the arrival of the winners of the pall-mall game this afternoon,” he started. “Lord Winston, the brave, and the very talented, and equally witty, Lady Elodie.”
“Oh, brother,” Bennett muttered.
Elodie swept into the room on Winston’s arm, her head held high. “I do believe that was a fitting tribute to our accomplishment this afternoon.”
“You won one game, Sister,” Bennett remarked dryly. “You might want to calm down on the high-handedness.”
“I do believe that is one more game than you have won,” Elodie quipped.
Bennett turned to Delphine and whispered, “I did warn you.”
Elodie’s eyes roamed over the room and disappointment flickered in her eyes. “I knew we should have waited,” she said. “Perhaps we should make our entrance when everyone else arrives.”
Winston shook his head. “I am not going to do that again, considering I didn’t want to do it the first time.”
“You are no fun,” Elodie teased.
Melody and Lady Dallington stepped into the room, both wearing bright smiles on their faces. “I do hope you haven’t waited for long. Melody and I were discussing the food for the soiree that we are hosting in three days’ time.”
“What soiree?” Elodie asked.
Lady Dallington waved a hand towards Delphine. “The one for Delphine, of course,” she said. “We couldn’t very well have her leave us without a soiree to honor her.”
“That is not necessary—” Delphine started.
Speaking over her, Lady Dallington asserted, “It is entirely necessary, and the invitations have already been sent out.”
Bennett frowned. “Do you think that is wise, considering Delphine is still recovering from her injuries?”
“Every day, Delphine is growing stronger, and it isn’t as if she has to dance the night away,” Lady Dallington replied. “She can remain seated and have the guests flock to her.”
Delphine had no desire to attend a soiree in her honor, but she didn’t dare be rude to Lady Dallington. No, she couldn’t do that, especially since she looked rather pleased with herself.
Bennett crossed his arms over his chest. “I wish you would have at least asked Delphine if she wanted this.”
Lady Dallington gave him a blank look, as if she couldn’t quite make sense of what he was saying. “Who wouldn’t wish to have a party in their honor? There will be dancing, conversation, and food. Loads of food.”
Delphine smiled. “I consider it a great honor, my lady. Thank you.” She hoped her words sounded somewhat convincing.
Lord Dallington entered the room and kissed his wife on her cheek. “Good evening, Dearest,” he said. “I am famished. Is dinner ready?”
“It is,” Lady Dallington confirmed.
As they started to file out of the room, Bennett offered his arm to Delphine. “You are a terrible liar,” he said in a hushed voice. “You no more want this soiree than a rock in your boot.”
