“That is a relief because I would not care to swim back to shore in a gown,” Delphine said.
“If that is the case, Elodie can’t come with us,” Bennett said. “She has a tendency to stand up in the boat and cause it to tip over.”
Elodie let out a groan. “That was one time, and it was your fault. You dared me to stand in the boat.”
“You could have refused my dare,” Bennett remarked.
“And admit that I couldn’t do it? Never!” Elodie exclaimed. “Regardless, I stood up perfectly fine until you started rocking the boat. That is the only reason why the boat tipped.”
Bennett shot his sister an amused look. “You are just angry that you had to walk back to shore.”
“Indeed I was, and Mother was none too pleased either since I soiled another gown,” Elodie admitted with a sigh.
Delphine finished eating her breakfast and placed the fork and knife onto the plate. “Despite what Bennett says, you are welcome to join us this afternoon.” She glanced between Melody and Elodie. “Both of you.”
Elodie gave her brother a smug smile. “Thank you,Delphine. You are most generous- unlike my brother. I do believe I will join you, but I will go in another boat.”
Melody interjected, “Should we invite Winston?”
“Yes, but I doubt he will come,” Elodie replied. “He has been so busy working on a case.”
Delphine turned towards Bennett and noticed that he was watching her. Rather than look away, he leaned closer to her and said, “You do not need to fear boating. I promise I will keep you safe.”
“I know,” she replied. And it was the truth. She trusted Bennett, wholeheartedly. He would never let any harm come to her.
A smile tugged at the corners of Bennett’s lips, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Although, if we did fall into the water, it would give me another opportunity to save you,” he teased.
“I hope it does not come to that,” Delphine remarked as she held his gaze.
Delphine had to admit that she rather enjoyed staring into Bennett’s blue eyes. They seemed to dance with amusement, drawing her in, and keeping her transfixed. How was it that he could smile so freely, as if he had never experienced any pain?
Elodie’s voice broke through her musings, reminding her that they were not alone. “If you will excuse me, I need to go practice the pianoforte. Mother is insistent that I play every day. Like a performing monkey.”
Melody laughed. “You are hardly a performing monkey.”
Pushing back her chair, Elodie rose. “You are lucky. You have a beautiful voice and can charm even a deaf man. Whereas I play the pianoforte- just like every other debutante.”
“You play other instruments,” Melody pointed out.
“I do, but Mother won’t let me play those instruments infront of guests,” Elodie said. “Off to my prison. At least I have boating to look forward to this afternoon.”
After Elodie had departed from the dining room, Bennett stood up and announced, “I need to review the accounts until our outing this afternoon.”
Delphine rose. “I think I would like to go listen to Elodie practice. She is quite talented, whether she believes it or not.”
Bennett offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you, my lady.”
As she accepted his arm, Delphine shifted her gaze to Melody. “Would you care to join me?”
“No, thank you,” Melody replied. “I think I would prefer to go on a ride this morning. It is such a fine day.”
With a solemn look, Bennett said, “Be sure to take along two grooms.”
“I always do, Brother,” Melody remarked.
Appearing satisfied with his sister’s response, Bennett started to lead Delphine out of the dining room. How she loved any reason to be close to him. She wished she could slow down time or stop it altogether. For every moment that passed, she was closer to returning home.
Chapter Ten
