“That is the way Bennett is,” Delphine attempted.
“No, it isn’t,” Elodie assured her. “He is happy, truly happy, for the first time. And it has everything to do with you.”
Delphine smiled. “You are a good sister, but should you not at least ask Bennett what he wants first?”
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.
Delphine crossed the room and opened the door, revealing Bennett. He had a boyish grin on his lips that was doing inconvenient things to her heart.
He bowed. “Good evening,” he said. “May I escort you down to supper?”
“Actually, you could escort us both down,” Delphine responded as she opened the door wide.
Bennett glanced over her shoulder and asked, “Why is Elodie in your room?”
Elodie smirked. “Are you afraid I am going to reveal your secrets?”
“I have no secrets,” Bennett replied.
“No?” Elodie asked as she came to stand next to Delphine. “What about Mr. Swanson and?—”
Bennett cut her off. “There is no need to rehash that story.”
Winston’s voice came from down the hallway. “I think Delphine has a right to know, considering you almost died.”
“I did not almost die,” Bennett remarked. “I only received a few stitches from that bull.”
“What bull?” Delphine asked.
Winston leaned his shoulder against the door frame. “Our Bennett here decided that he wanted to be a matador after seeing them perform in Spain.”
Bennett turned towards Delphine and explained, “I had a little too much to drink and my friends dared me to challenge a bull to a fight. I took a red quilt and I went over to Mr. Swanson’s field. As I went to climb over a fence, a bull rushed towards me and I fell backwards, hitting my head on a rock.”
Delphine frowned. “You could have been killed.”
“Not me,” Bennett said with a cocky smile. “I am far too handsome to die.”
Elodie let out an exasperated sigh. “Dear heavens, do you ever hear yourself speak?” she asked before brushing past her brother.
Winston straightened from the wall. “I must side with Elodie. You do say the most idiotic things.”
As Winston walked away, Bennett chuckled. “And that is how I rid myself of my siblings.”
“You are awful,” Delphine said lightly. She was secretly pleased that they were alone and could speak freely.
Bennett offered his arm. “You look lovely this evening, Delphie.”
“Thank you,” she said as she placed her hand on his sleeve. “But I still have questions about why you thought it was a good idea to challenge a bull to a fight.”
“It wasn’t my finest moment,” Bennett joked. “I had seen a matador perform in Spain on my Grand Tour and I thought it would be fun to try.”
Delphine pursed her lips. “Why stop with bulls? You could always pick a fight with a tiger at the menagerie.”
“Point taken, my lady,” Bennett said as they started down the stairs. “I promise I will not pick any fights with animals that are bigger or stronger than me.”
“Good,” Delphine responded.
Bennett’s eyes held amusement as he said, “I am flattered that you are so concerned for my wellbeing.”
