“Yes, my mother insisted since the menu for the soiree is of the utmost priority,” Elodie replied.
It was now evident that Elodie had a plan of some sort because the menu for the soiree had already been planned by Lady Dallington days ago. But why was Elodie trying to get her to go down to the kitchen? Regardless, she had every intention of finding out.
Turning towards Charlotte, Delphine said, “I shall be back shortly. If you would like, a maid can show you to the library.”
Charlotte perked up. “The library?”
“Yes, and it is quite exquisite,” Delphine shared, knowing her friend shared in her love of books.
“Then I shall not miss you one bit,” Charlotte joked.
Delphine laughed before she followed Elodie out of the room.
Once they were walking down the corridor, Elodie lowered her voice and shared, “Winston and Bennett want a word with you.”
“Then why not just send a servant to fetch me?” Delphine asked, wondering what all the secrecy was about.
Elodie glanced over at her. “This is not a conversation that we want to be overheard.”
Delphine furrowed her brow. “Why is that?”
“You will see,” Elodie murmured as she came to a stop by a door. She opened it up, revealing the servants’ staircase. “Be careful.”
As Delphine descended the creaky stairs, she wondered what Winston and Bennett wished to discuss with her. Perhaps they had devised a plan to get her out of her predicament. Was that even possible?
Reaching the bottom step, she found Bennett standing in the kitchen. Their eyes locked, and her heart skipped a beat. How she loved this man. But she could do nothing about it. She was bound to Mr. Simpkin.
Was her fate sealed?
No.
She refused to give up. Not now. She had once thought it was a wishful fantasy to fall in love, but now she knew different. She had changed. And it was all because of Bennett.
Chapter Fourteen
Bennett watched as Delphine approached and he resisted the urge to close the distance between them. As much as he wanted her close, he knew that he had no right to actually do so. He just needed to be patient and trust Winston.
His eyes roamed around the empty kitchen and servants’ hall. He wasn’t sure how Elodie had managed to accomplish such a feat but he was pleased that she had done so. This was not a conversation that he wished to be overheard.
Delphine came to a stop in front of him and offered him a shy smile. “My lord,” she greeted.
“My lady,” he responded, though he didn’t enjoy the newfound formality between them. “Thank you for coming.”
A furrow appeared between her brows. “I am not quite sure why I am here.”
Elodie came to stand next to Delphine. “Winston has found a way to help you divorce your husband.”
Delphine turned her astonished gaze to Winston. “You have?”
Winston put his hand up. “There are a few things we must discuss first,” he replied. “Do you remember anything about your wedding?”
With a shake of her head, Delphine replied, “I don’t remember anything, including the events leading up to it.”
“Could Mr. Simpkin have abducted you and forced you to wed?” Winston asked.
“I am acquainted with Mr. Simpkin, and he has never done anything that would lead me to believe he would do such a thing,” Delphine replied. “He has only treated me with kindness in passing.”
Winston crossed his arms. “Which begs the question, did you want this marriage?”
