Delphine wondered how Bennett had been able to see right through her. “Was it so obvious?”
“It was to me, but I do not fault you for it,” he said. “My mother loves any reason to throw a party. One time, she threw a party because the flowers bloomed early in the season.”
“I dislike social events. Yet I attend far too many of them for my liking,” Delphine shared. “It is the curse of our positions in Society.”
Their conversation came to a halt when they stepped into the dining room. Bennett dropped his arm and pulled out her chair. Once she was situated, he claimed the seat next to her and reached for his napkin.
Winston sat on the other side of her and leaned towards her. “You played magnificently at pall-mall today.”
“You are much too kind, my lord,” Delphine said. “But I did manage to finish the game without fainting.”
Melody spoke up from across the table. “That is because you had an ample number of places to sit down.”
“It is true,” Delphine agreed. “Bennett ensured I was well taken care of.”
“He is rather thoughtful,” Melody agreed.
Lady Dallington spoke up from one of the ends of the table as she addressed Delphine. “I took the liberty of sending a rider to your country estate to inform them that you are safe and being well taken care of for now. I must imagine that they are beside themselves with worry.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Delphine said, touched by her thoughtfulness.
The footmen began to place bowls of soup in front of them and Delphine reached for a spoon. The conversation started around her and she felt herself smile. How she loved being around the Lockwood family- even if just for a moment.
Chapter Eight
It was time. The game was afoot. Bennett leaned towards Delphine and whispered, “Are you ready?”
“For what?” she asked.
Bennett smirked. “For anything.”
The footmen came to collect their empty soup bowls and Bennett tipped his head at White, informing him that he was ready for his surprise.
As White went to do his bidding, Bennett’s eyes roamed over the table as he said, “As you all know, Delphine’s memories of why she was in the woodlands have not returned.”
His mother interjected, “There is no shame in that.”
“No, there isn’t,” Bennett agreed. “But I spoke to Doctor Anderson and he suggested that we try to keep things as normal as possible for Delphine. Which is why I have taken the liberty of ensuring Delphine feels at home.”
“That was kind of you, Brother,” Elodie acknowledged.
Bennett nodded. “I am glad that you approve, considering I took the liberty of inviting Mr. Campbell to serenade us with music.”
The stocky Mr. Campbell entered the room with a set of bagpipes in his hands and went to stand in the corner. He wasdressed in a kilt, knee-high socks, and a jacket adorned with buttons.
Melody offered him a curious look. “A bagpiper?”
“Yes, I was most fortunate to find one from our village,” Bennett replied. “Mr. Campbell has agreed to play for us while we eat a traditional Scottish meal.”
“Dare I ask what that meal will be?” Elodie asked.
“Haggis,” Bennett declared.
As if on cue, Elodie groaned as the footmen placed the plates of food in front of everyone.
Bennett continued, amused by Elodie’s reaction. “Haggis is a savory pudding made from a blend of minced sheep’s heart, liver and lungs and mixed with oatmeal, suet, onions, spices and seasonings,” he shared.
With a glance at Delphine, his father asked, “You enjoy this food- this haggis?”
