Elodie settled back in her seat. “Why is it that when a woman does something a man doesn’t like then they are called ‘overdramatic’?”
Delphine shifted in her seat to face Bennett. “Elodie does have a point,” she acknowledged. “You did eat her toast and that was wrong of you.”
Bennett didn’t look the least bit repentant, despite his next words. “I am sorry, Sister.” He paused. “But you should eat faster.”
“Mother says the opposite,” Elodie declared. “A young lady should eat at a slow pace so she may engage in the conversation around her.”
“I daresay that Mother is wrong,” Bennett said.
Elodie put a finger up to her lips. “Shh… she might hear you. Mother has hearing like a hawk.”
Bennett gave his sister an amused look. “Since when did you care about upsetting Mother with your words?”
“I do not intentionally try to upset Mother, but the placement of my words can be problematic sometimes,” Elodie admitted nonchalantly.
Delphine spoke up. “I think it is admirable that you express yourself so freely.”
Leaning closer to her, Bennett lowered his voice. “Do not encourage her,” he said. “Elodie says- and does- the most outlandish things.”
“It is true, but no one seemed to care when I was just theniece of a marquess,” Elodie admitted. “Now that I am a lady, I am held to a higher standard.”
Melody entered the room and joked, “Poor Elodie. What a burden she must bear.”
Elodie frowned. “It is easier for you,” she said. “From the moment you were born, you have acted the part of a lady, destined for great things. Whereas I would prefer to live a quiet life in the countryside for the remainder of my days.”
“You, quiet?” Bennett teased. “I daresay that the sheep grazing two fields over can hear you when you are outside.”
Shifting her gaze towards Delphine, Elodie asked, “Why are you friends with him?”
Delphine felt her lips twitch. “I have no choice since he saved me from certain death.”
“Ah, so it is because of guilt that you are friends,” Elodie reasoned. “That does explain a lot.”
Bennett puffed out his chest. “You just don’t like the fact that I am a hero. It must gnaw at you that I am the bravest one of all.”
Elodie rolled her eyes. “You were riding through the woodlands and you happened upon Delphine. It was sheer happenstance.”
“Yes, but the woodlands are a treacherous place and I had to use my incredible strength to carry her out of the ravine,” Bennett responded. “I am surprised that I was not given the Order of the Garter, but I suppose that is only because the Prince Regent has not heard about my heroic deeds.”
Melody lifted her brow. “The Order of the Garter is the most senior order of knighthoods in Britain.”
“I am aware, and it changes nothing,” Bennett said.
“You are delusional, Brother,” Elodie remarked.
Bennett smirked. “You are just jealous and that is all right for you to admit. It must be exhausting to have a brother like me. One who is so accomplished.”
“You say the most bacon-brained things,” Elodie muttered.
Turning towards Delphine, Bennett asked, “Would you care to go boating with me this afternoon?”
“Do you think that is wise?” she asked.
Bennett bobbed his head. “I do. It is only a short carriage ride to the lake and I promise that I won’t make you row the boat.” He paused and a mischievous glint came to his eyes. “Unless I get tired. Then you will have to row us back.”
“How chivalrous of you,” Melody quipped.
Putting his hand up, Bennett said, “Good point. I promise that I won’t make Delphine row or tip over the boat so either of us have to swim.”
