No.
She didn’t want to go anywhere with Mr. Simpkin. But she reluctantly admitted to herself that it would be a good opportunity for them to speak frankly.
Delphine mustered up a smile. “That would be nice,” she lied.
Mr. Simpkin stepped forward and offered his arm.
She glanced down at his arm, having no desire to be thatclose to him. However, propriety won out. She placed her hand on his sleeve and allowed him to lead her out of the library.
Once they were in the corridor, Mr. Simpkin asked, “How are you faring?”
“I am well,” she responded.
“I can only imagine how scared you were to wake up and not have your memories to comfort you,” Mr. Simpkin said. “I wish I had been there for you.”
Delphine could hear compassion in his voice and she found herself relaxing in his presence. “It was rather scary, but most of my memories returned fairly quickly.”
“Yet you can’t remember our wedding,” Mr. Simpkin said.
She shook her head. “No, but I am trying.”
Mr. Simpkin patted her hand. “I know you are,” he said. “Lady Dallington informed me that the doctor told you to be patient and your memories should return.”
“But what if they don’t?”
“You mustn’t focus on the ‘what ifs,’” he replied. “That is not a path that is the least bit helpful.”
As Mr. Simpkin led her down the stairs, Delphine said, “I daresay that it is a familiar path for me.”
He grinned. “You are not alone. I have found myself being guilty of that a time or two as well. But I try to be a little better than I was the day before.”
“That is a good philosophy to have.”
His grin dimmed. “My father demanded perfection from me, even at a young age, and I never quite measured up.”
“I can relate to that since my father was the same way.”
“Perhaps that is why they got along so well,” Mr. Simpkin remarked.
Delphine could hear the hurt in Mr. Simpkin’s voice and she assumed his admission cost him a great deal. “At least you didn’t disappoint your father the day you were born. My father was rather upset I was born a useless female.”
Mr. Simpkin turned towards her with astonishment on his features. “What an absurd notion. You are a formidable woman.”
“Thank you, but my father didn’t want to pass his title to a woman,” Delphine shared. “Or his business, for that matter.”
“Well, you have proved him wrong by thriving,” Mr. Simpkin praised.
Delphine offered him a grateful smile. “I appreciate that,” she said. “I have worked hard to ensure my estate and business are profitable.”
“It is more than just profitable,” Mr. Simpkin declared. “You are providing livelihoods for hundreds of people. You should be proud.”
A footman held open the back door as they stepped out onto the veranda.
Mr. Simpkin led her down onto one of the gravel paths. “I hope you do not mind, but I took the liberty of speaking to your man of business.”
“You did?” she asked, her back growing rigid.
“Yes, now that we are married, you don’t need to concern yourself with such things,” Mr. Simpkin replied. “I shall oversee the estate and business.”
