Lady Dallington nodded in approval. “I think it might be prudent if you and Bennett practiced dancing a set together. That way it will look more natural.” She waved her hand in front of her. “I will see to all the arrangements, including having some musicians brought in for the occasion.”
“That is not necessary,” she attempted.
“It would be no bother,” Lady Dallington declared. “Now we do have the issue of the receiving line. It can be a nuisance but I do love seeing each and every one of my guests. And, of course, they will want to meet you. It is not every day that we have a bona fide countess arrive in our village.”
Delphine shrugged. “I do not mind a receiving line.”
“Good, good,” Lady Dallington said as she rose. “Shall we have a bite of breakfast before we meet with the dressmaker?”
Rising, Delphine glanced at the empty doorway, wondering where Bennett had gone. “Perhaps I should look for Bennett.”
“He will be fine. No doubt he is in the dining room,” Lady Dallington asserted. “Besides, we have much more important things to dwell on.”
As Delphine followed Lady Dallington out of the drawing room, her eyes roamed over the entry hall, looking for any sign of Bennett. But there was none. Where had he gone? She hoped she hadn’t said or done anything that had upset him.
Lady Dallington stopped at a window and looked out. “Dear heavens, why is Bennett heading to the stables?”
Delphine’s feet faltered and she knew this was her chance to speak to Bennett again. Alone. “I will go ask him,” she said eagerly.
“There really is no need,” Lady Dallington responded. “We can send a footman.”
“No, I can do it,” Delphine stated before spinning on her heel.
Without bothering to wait for Lady Dallington’s response, she hurried out the back door and headed towards the stables.
Chapter Twelve
Bennett arrived at the stables and came to a stop in the aisle. He didn’t want to go riding, but he just needed a moment to collect his thoughts. He had come so close to confessing to Delphine that he had feelings for her, but thankfully he was interrupted by his mother.
Why did Delphine have such a hold over him- over his thoughts- unceasingly? He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her. She was the object of his desire, but she only considered him as a friend. Which he would take. He just wanted her in his life… always.
He loved the way she looked at him, with a genuine interest in him. She didn’t see his title or his wealth, but she saw him. Just him. And her eyes seemed to see everything he was, everything he wasn’t and everything he might be one day.
Life had grown increasingly complicated when he had saved Delphine from the woodlands. Her mere presence made him content, and he couldn’t help but smile when he was with her. She had been precisely what he had been looking for but hadn’t realized it until she told him that she was going to leave.
Botheration.
She was going to leave him. Soon.
Bennett hung his head. He couldn’t just let her walk away but what choice did he have? He could ruin everything between them if he offered for her. He knew she didn’t want to marry now- and not just him, she didn’t want to marry anyone. And he respected her more for it.
Yet a glimmer of hope flickered within him. What if he could change her mind about marriage… to him?
Another matter weighed heavily on his mind. Would Delphine even be safe if she returned home? Jasper had promised to send for one of his associates to investigate, but that would take time. Time that he did not have. Not if Delphine was adamant about returning home. The thought of her walking into a perilous situation made his heart ache.
Hercules nickered, drawing his attention. The horse seemed to be concerned about him, but that was highly unlikely. Hercules barely tolerated him, and only if he had an apple in his hand.
Bennett walked down the aisle towards Hercules and reached for an apple in the bucket. “Do you want an apple?” he asked, holding it up.
Hercules eyed him but didn’t make a move to accept the offering.
He chuckled. “You are a stubborn thing,” he remarked. “What are you waiting for? Eat the apple.”
The horse leaned forward and accepted the apple.
Placing a hand on Hercules’ neck, Bennett said, “You are lucky you are a horse. It is rather difficult to deal with ladyfolk.”
Delphine’s amused voice came from behind him. “Hercules is smart enough not to respond to that remark.”
