Delphine smiled. “I can handle headstrong.” She turned her attention back towards the horse. “I have discovered your name so it is only fair that I tellyou mine. It is Delphine.”
Hercules’ ears seemed to relax as he listened to her. He didn’t seem as tense as he was when she first approached him.
She glanced down and saw a basket of apples. She reached down and selected a large red one. Holding it steady in her hand, she brought it closer to Hercules.
“Would you care for a treat?” she asked.
The horse moved closer and gobbled up the offered treat.
When the horse didn’t move right away, Delphine slowly brought her hand up and gently stroked his neck. “I assure you that I am no threat to you, Hercules.”
Bennett’s voice came from further down the aisle. “How were you able to beguile Hercules so easily?”
“I did not beguile him,” she replied as she continued to pet Hercules, “I merely bribed him with an apple.”
“I have tried that before, but Hercules won’t let me touch him- or anyone for that matter,” Bennett said. “He was my late uncle’s horse.”
Delphine brushed Hercules’ hair out of his eyes. “He is a beautiful horse.”
“That he is,” Bennett agreed, joining her by Hercules’ side. “I have attempted to ride him multiple times, but with no success.”
“He must miss your uncle terribly,” Delphine observed.
“It is hard not to,” Bennett responded. “Uncle Richard was a man that most people wished to emulate. He was strong, determined, but had the kindest heart. I hope that one day I can carry on his legacy.”
Delphine turned towards Bennett. “You will.”
He regarded her with apprehension. “I know you mean well, but you did not meet my uncle. He truly was a remarkable man, difficult to emulate.”
“That may be true, but I have grown to know you these past few days, and I know what kind of manyouare,” Delphine said. “All those attributes you said your uncle had,you have them and more. Besides, did your uncle ever save the life of another?”
“Not that I am aware of,” he replied. “But he was a good man.”
Delphine reached out and placed a hand on his sleeve. “So are you, Bennett. I daresay that you aren’t giving yourself enough credit.”
Hercules leaned forward and nudged her hand off of Bennett’s sleeve.
“I do believe someone is jealous,” Bennett remarked.
Delphine shifted back towards Hercules. “Do you think Hercules will let me ride him?”
Bennett shook his head. “Not in your condition.”
“I don’t mean now,” Delphine said. “But in the future.”
“Does this mean you aren’t as anxious to return home?” Bennett asked, almost eagerly.
Delphine grinned. “I do need to eventually return home, but this time with you- and your family- has been nice,” she said. “And I especially enjoyed last night’s meal.”
“Did you now?” Bennett asked, taking a step closer to her. “Elodie did not share your sentiments. I caught her sneaking down to the kitchen when I retired to bed.”
“That doesn’t surprise me, considering she claimed she saw the haggis move on more than one occasion,” Delphine joked.
Bennett chuckled. “It is far too easy to goad Elodie.”
Delphine brought her hand up to Hercules’ neck. “You shouldn’t tease your sister so.”
“You are defending her?” Bennett asked. “Did you forget that she has a terrible habit of spying on us?”
