Putting his hands up in surrender, Winston responded, “Forgive me. I spoke out of turn.”
His father returned to his seat. “Now off with both of you. I have work that I need to see to before my meetings this afternoon.”
As the two brothers exited the study, Bennett said, “I intend to ask Delphine to go boating with me on the lake. Would you care to join us?”
“No, I have far too much work to see to,” Winston replied.
Bennett eyed his brother with concern. “You work far too hard,” he said. “When are you going to have some fun?”
“Fun?” Winston repeated back. “I don’t have time for fun. I must make something of myself before it is too late.”
“Too late for what?” Bennett pressed.
Winston huffed. “You are the heir, the golden child. You have nothing to prove. But I…” His voice trailed off. “I must make it on my own. Build my own legacy.”
Bennett couldn’t disagree with his brother more. Just because he was the heir didn’t mean he didn’t have responsibilities. “You are wrong about one thing. I have everything to prove. Every decision that I make affects people’s livelihoods.”
With a sigh, Winston said, “I am sorry. I did not mean to make light of your situation. We both have troubles that keep us up at night.”
“If you do not enjoy working as a barrister, you can always return home and?—”
Winston’s sharp voice cut him off. “No, absolutely not! I will not live in your shadow for the remainder of my days,” he declared before storming off.
Bennett watched Winston’s retreating figure and he wished- and not for the first time- that he could find a way to help his brother. Something was bothering him, but Winston was not one to ask for help. But if someone was going to make something of himself, it was his brother. He was sure of that.
Delphine sat at the long, rectangular table in the dining room as she ate the food that had been placed in front of her.The only sound was the creaking of the floorboards when the footmen shifted in their stances.
She was alone… again. This is what she was familiar with. She had eaten alone long before her mother had grown sick. Her mother preferred taking a tray in her chambers, leaving her to dine alone. In silence. Yet, it had never bothered her- until now.
Delphine had greatly enjoyed her time with the Lockwood family. Their constant bantering back and forth only endeared them more to her. She had always wondered what it would be like to be in a family that expressed love for one another, and now she knew.
Her mother loved her; she was sure of that. But her mother had always been busy with her own pursuits to give Delphine much heed. They had grown somewhat closer before her mother passed away, and she cherished that time she had with her.
With a glance around the elegantly furnished dining room, Delphine let out a sigh. She would miss this manor when she departed for home.
A footman stepped forward with a cup of chocolate and gently placed it in front of her.
“Thank you,” Delphine murmured before reaching for the cup.
As she took a sip, Elodie stepped into the room and came to an abrupt halt. “You are here,” she said.
Delphine eyed her curiously. “Is everything all right, Elodie?”
Elodie glanced over her shoulder, as if she were looking to retreat. “Bennett told me that I can’t say anything too outlandish around you.”
“Why would he say that?”
“He is worried that I might offend you,” Elodie responded.
Placing her cup back onto the saucer, Delphine said, “Well, I am not one to get easily offended so you do not need to worry. Please join me for breakfast.”
Elodie visibly relaxed. “Thank you. I knew I liked you for a reason.” She walked over to the table and waited for a footman to pull out a chair. “I am surprised you are up so early. Normally, I am the first one down to breakfast.”
“I’m afraid I couldn’t sleep so I toured the stables,” Delphine said. “I met Hercules.”
“Hercules is quite the ornery horse. Which is why I adore him so much.”
Delphine reached for her fork and knife. “I think he is sweet.”
