Charlotte grinned. “I am not sure if it works that way.”
With a groan, Delphine sat down next to her friend. “What am I to do?”
“Why don’t you go speak to Mr. Simpkin?” Charlotte suggested. “You might feel better once you do so.”
“And if I feel worse?”
Charlotte gave her an understanding look. “When Mr. Simpkin received word that you were still alive, he promptly came to retrieve me because he was worried you might react this way,” she said. “His first thought- and his only thought- was your wellbeing.”
Delphine reached for her friend’s hand. “I am grateful that you are here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Charlotte said. “You are my dearest friend and I was devastated when Mr. Simpkin informed me of the carriage accident. He even started planning your funeral.”
“How morbid,” Delphine said.
“But that is all behind us,” Charlotte said. “Now that you are alive, Mr. Simpkin wishes to host me for the Season. Just think of the fun that we shall have.”
Delphine pressed her lips together. “What of your mother?”
“My mother thinks it is a grand idea since it saves her the expense of traveling to London,” Charlotte said. “You are a married woman so it is more than acceptable.”
“Yes, but, if I am indeed a married woman…”
“You are.”
“… then what is the point of going for the Season?” Delphine asked.
Charlotte looked at her in disbelief. “There are so many things to do in London and just think of the social events. We shall have a grand time. Trust me!”
“I do trust you, but I would rather be at home, ensuring that my estate and business are thriving,” Delphine said.
Charlotte waved a hand in front of her. “You do not need to worry about that anymore. Mr. Simpkin will see to all of that.”
With a frown, Delphine said, “I doubt that Mr. Simpkin knows anything about goat cheese or the other specifics about the business.”
Charlotte gave her a chiding look. “Why are you insistent on calling him ‘Mr. Simpkin’?” she asked.
“Because that is how I think of him.”
“He is your husband.”
Her frown deepened. “Do not remind me.”
A knock came at the door, interrupting their conversation.
“Enter,” Delphine ordered.
The door opened and Elodie stepped into the room with a smile on her face. “I am sorry for disturbing you, but the cook has a few questions for you about the menu for the soiree. I’m afraid it is rather urgent.”
Delphine thought it was rather odd that the cook was asking to speak to her, but she suspected that Elodie was up to something. “Very well,” she said, rising. “I shall be down in a moment.”
Knowing that introductions were in order, Delphine turned towards her friend. “Allow me to introduce you to Lady Elodie. She has been most attentive to me during my stay at Brockhall Manor.”
Charlotte tipped her head at Elodie. “My lady,” she greeted. “I am Miss Charlotte Eden. I grew up with Delphine.”
“You are most welcome here,” Elodie said before shifting her gaze back to Delphine. “Shall we?”
“You are accompanying me?” Delphine asked.
