“Elodie…”
She put her hand up, stilling Delphine’s words. “I know what I have seen, and it is evident that you two have affection for one another. Do not insult me by saying otherwise.”
Delphine should never have underestimated Elodie and thought it was best to just admit what she was feeling. “Frankly, I don’t know what I feel. I have never felt like this before and it frightens me.”
“What are you frightened about?”
She tossed up her hands. “About everything!” she exclaimed. “I never set out to develop feelings for Bennett.”
“But this is wonderful news. You and Bennett can marry?—”
Delphine spoke over her. “No, I have no designs for marriage at this point in my life,” she asserted.
Elodie blinked. “But you care for Bennett and he cares for you.”
“That may or may not be true, but I cannot marry. If I did, I risk losing everything I have worked so hard to obtain,” she shared. “For once I am married, no one will take me seriously. I will just be Bennett’s wife. They will expect him to run the estate, my business… everything. And I will be left with nothing to do.”
“Bennett wouldn’t let that happen,” Elodie asserted.
“I’m sorry, but I have seen it happen before,” Delphine said. “I am not the first woman who has inherited a title, and I won’t be the last. My estate may be entailed, but not the business. My husband will have full control over that.”
Elodie’s eyes grew determined. “You could defy convention, could you not?” she inquired.
“I don’t know,” she sighed.
“Do you truly intend to walk away from Bennett?”
Delphine felt a stab in her heart at that thought. “I wish to remain his friend, assuming he feels the same.”
Elodie jumped up from her seat. “Friend? Surely you are not this blind. You two can’t seem to stop staring at each other.”
“I’m sorry, but…”
“No!” Elodie exclaimed. “I won’t let this happen. You love him. I know you do!”
As her eyes grew downcast, Delphine felt embarrassed that Elodie had been able to see right through her. “I don’t know if what I feel is love. Perhaps, but it changes nothing.”
Elodie’s mouth dropped. “It changes everything!”
Bringing her finger up to her lips, Delphine said, “Shh. You must keep your voice down. I don’t want anyone to overhear our conversation.”
“Just so you know, everyone else knows.” Elodie paused. “Well, everyone but you and Bennett.”
“I know you are trying to help, but I am a countess. If I marry Bennett, I would lose a part of myself.”
“I disagree. You would gain a partner and a helpmate. You wouldn’t have to go about it on your own anymore.”
Delphine gave her a knowing look. “Did Bennett ask you to come speak to me about this?”
Elodie shifted uncomfortably. “No, but I know he cares for you.”
“Care, not love,” Delphine said. “There is a difference andit isn’t fair that you came here to speak for him. He might be content with being my friend.”
“What if he isn’t?”
Delphine lifted her brow. “Your brother wants a love match and I can’t give him that. He deserves to be happy.”
“You have made him far happier than I have ever seen,” Elodie declared. “Bennett can’t seem to stop himself from smiling when he is around you.”
