The doctor reached for his satchel. “Let me examine you for a moment and then I shall decide. Is that fair?”
Delphine bobbed her head before he did a thorough examination on her. Once he was finished, he placed his tools back into his satchel.
“You look the epitome of health, my lady, and, in my medical opinion, I do believe it is safe for you to travel home,” Doctor Anderson said.
In a hesitant voice, she asked, “Are you sure?”
Doctor Anderson lifted his brow. “Is something wrong?”
Yes.
She wanted him to tell her that she couldn’t go home. At least, not yet. She wanted to stay at Brockhall Manor for the time being. But she didn’t dare say such a thing.
Delphine mustered up a smile. “No, everything is fine. Thank you, Doctor. I shall return home after the soiree.”
The doctor tipped his head. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to send for me,” he said.
After Doctor Anderson departed from the room, Delphine dropped down onto the settee in the most unladylike huff. She had anticipated this, but she had hoped she was wrong. What was wrong with her? She had so many responsibilities back at her country estate, but she couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Bennett.
Bennett stepped into the room and eyed her curiously. “Did you receive bad news?”
Delphine hesitated, struggling to collect her thoughts. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Bennett the truth- not when he had never shown her any intention that he held her in high regard. They were friends, nothing more. “Yes… no…” she finally replied. “The doctor said that I could return home at once.”
“Is that not what you hoped for?” Bennett asked as he came to sit down next to her on the settee.
Delphine straightened in her seat and clasped her hands infront of her. “It was precisely what I hoped for,” she lied. “I have much work to do before I depart for London.”
“As do I,” Bennett said.
“I imagine you do, being an earl and all,” Delphine remarked.
Bennett smirked. “I could say the same thing about you since you are a countess and all,” he teased.
A laugh escaped Delphine’s lips. “I suppose we both have much to do.” How was it possible that he could always make her laugh even when her heart was breaking?
All humor left Bennett’s expression as he said in a soft voice, “Delphie…”
“Yes?” she prodded.
Bennett’s eyes held vulnerability as he held her gaze. “I know we have not known each other for long but I…”
Lady Dallington’s cheerful voice came from the doorway. “What wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “I just received word that Delphine will be returning home soon.”
Delphine turned her attention towards Lady Dallington. “Yes, I intend to depart after the soiree.”
“And you shall have use of our finest coach to return home,” Lady Dallington said, walking further into the room.
“That is most generous of you,” Delphine responded.
Bennett had risen when his mother had stepped into the room but he wouldn’t meet Delphine’s gaze. “Excuse me for a moment,” he muttered before he swiftly departed from the room.
Lady Dallington’s smile seemed to grow wider after Bennett had left. “We have much to do today since the soiree is tomorrow evening,” she said. “The dressmaker has agreed to alter one of Melody’s ballgowns to fit you.”
“Thank you,” Delphine said, her thoughts on anything but a ballgown. They were fixated on Bennett. What had he intended to say to her before they were interrupted?
Moving to sit next to her, Lady Dallington remarked, “Now, on to the particulars. I was hoping that you and Bennett would dance the first set together.”
“I have no objections.” Which was the truth. The thought of dancing with Bennett was far too appealing to turn down. It had been far too long since she had been in his arms, his strong embrace making her feel safe and cherished.
