Delphine grinned. “You have a low bar for being flattered.”
“I won’t deny that,” Bennett said. “But it is not every day that such a beautiful young woman cares what becomes of me.”
A blush came to her cheeks at his words. “You flatter me now.”
Bennett came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs and gently turned her to face him. “I hope you know that I find you to be quite beautiful.” He held her gaze. “And your bravery runs deep. You are a unique blend of strength and beauty.”
Delphine’s breathing grew ragged and she couldn’t seem to force herself to look away. He made her feel safe and protected. She couldn’t ever remember feeling that way with anyone before.
And that is when she knew- without a doubt- that she had fallen in love with Bennett.
Chapter Eleven
Absently clutching his drink, Bennett sat in the study, fixated on the crumpled note lying before him. Doctor Anderson had sent word that he intended to call upon Delphine tomorrow morning, in hopes that she could travel home.
But he didn’t want her to return home.
He wanted her to stay here… with him.
Bennett leaned forward in his seat and placed his drink down onto the table. He cared for Delphine- there was no denying that- but she had made her thoughts about marriage abundantly clear. Was it even possible to get her to change her mind?
He hoped so.
And if he failed, could he just watch her ride off, knowing he had lost her forever?
Bennett ran a hand through his hair and let out a deep, resounding sigh. When had life gotten so complicated? He finally found a young woman that cared little for his title or his wealth and wanted nothing from him. Which was part of the problem. What did he have to offer her?
Winston entered the study and studied him for a long moment. “Why do you look like death?”
“I do not look that bad,” Bennett grumbled as he settled back into his seat.
“You look rather perturbed.”
Bennett frowned. “What is it that you want?”
Winston gave him a knowing look. “Your question just proves my point. The only time you don’t joke around is when you are upset.”
“I am fine.”
“You are not fine.”
Bennett’s frown deepened. “It is too late to be having this conversation. Will you not drop it?”
Winston sat on the settee and pointed to his glass. “I could, but I won’t. You hardly touched your drink, and your cravat is hanging around your neck. Something is clearly upsetting you.”
Leaning his head back, Bennett looked up at the ceiling. “I do not want to talk about it.”
“Is it Delphine?”
Yes.
His thoughts were always about Delphine.
But Bennett didn’t dare admit that. Not to his brother. Not to anyone. If anyone discovered how much he cared for Delphine, it could ruin everything.
Knowing that Winston was still waiting for a response, Bennett said, “It is late, and I am tired.”
As he went to rise, Winston put his hand up, stilling him. “Before you go, you should know that Jasper sent word that Aunt Sarah is somewhere safe.”
