“He was,” Elodie confirmed.
“Then carry on,” his mother said with a wave of her hand. “For how can Delphine marry you if she is already married?”
Bennett sighed. “Mother…” he started.
She laughed. “Everyone is thinking it, my dear. I am just the only one who is brave enough to say it.”
“It is true,” Elodie agreed.
Bennett didn’t have the energy to continue this conversation. But as he started to walk away, his mother shared, “Ihave asked the maids to prepare the guest chambers for Mr. Simpkin and Miss Eden.”
“Did Mr. Simpkin agree to stay until after the soiree?” Bennett asked.
His mother looked rather pleased with herself. “He did,” she replied. “I will have you know that I can be rather convincing when I want to be.”
Bennett knew that his mother could have been a barrister if she had so desired. She had an innate ability to convince people to do her bidding.
Elodie walked over to the pot that hung in the hearth. “What are we having?”
“Haggis,” Mrs. Meek replied.
Her face fell. “Again?”
Mrs. Meek gave her an amused look. “Do not worry. I will set aside a plate of mutton for you.”
“Will you do the same for me?” his mother asked.
“Yes, my lady,” Mrs. Meek said.
Bennett glanced between his sister and mother. “Haggis is not terrible,” he remarked. “It is one of Delphine’s favorite dishes and I want to give her a reason to smile.”
His mother stepped forward and patted his cheek. “I am pleased that I raised such a thoughtful son.”
“He is only thoughtful when it comes to Delphine,” Elodie insisted. “He implied that my face scares people.”
“That wasn’t very nice,” his mother chided him.
Bennett grinned, not feeling the least bit repentant. “If the cap fits…”
Delphine made her way towards the library, seeking out Charlotte for support during this tumultuous time. Thethought of her friend’s presence brought her great comfort. They had been inseparable for as long as she could recall.
Upon entering the library, Delphine found Charlotte seated on a settee, engrossed in a book, while Mr. Simpkin stood by the window, his expression pensive.
Catching sight of Delphine, Charlotte lowered her book and greeted her with a playful twinkle in her eyes. “You are back. Did you solve the menu crisis for the soiree?”
“It wasn’t a crisis, per se, but food is very important at soirees,” Delphine replied. A twinge of guilt pricked Delphine as she kept the truth from her friend, but she knew it wasn’t the time or place to delve into the depths of the matter.
“I wholeheartedly agree,” Charlotte replied, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. “Sometimes I feel as if I go just for the food.”
Mr. Simpkin had turned towards them and met Delphine’s gaze. “I understand that you wish to stay until after the soiree.”
Delphine nodded. “It is true,” she replied. She wanted to stay much longer, but she didn’t think it was prudent to say such a thing. Not here. Not now.
“Then we shall stay,” Mr. Simpkin said.
“Thank you,” Delphine muttered. She didn’t like the fact that Mr. Simpkin was granting permission for her to stay. Did she not have her own voice?
Mr. Simpkin watched her for a moment before asking, “Would you care to take a walk with me in the gardens?”
