“And I contend that you are not worthy of Lady Dunrobin’s notice, considering she is far too good for you,” Bennett declared.
Mr. Simpkin glared at him, the tension in the room becoming palpable. “Consider yourself warned,” he spat as he stormed out of the room.
Bennett found that the more he learned of Mr. Simpkin, the less he liked him. He was beginning to wonder if Mr. Simpkin had spent any time looking for Delphine after this supposed carriage accident.
And some things were not making sense.
Winston entered the room and asked, “Is there a reason why Mr. Simpkin just snapped at me?”
“It might have to do with the fact that I asked him a few questions about his so-called wedding,” Bennett said. “Mr. Simpkin revealed that Miss Eden accompanied them to Gretna Green.”
Winston grew thoughtful. “That is odd.”
“I thought so as well,” Bennett responded. “And why had no one mentioned it until now? It just seems like something one would share.”
“Perhaps our rider can provide some insight when he returns from Gretna Green,” Winston said.
Bennett bobbed his head. “You were wise to send someone to ask questions surrounding their marriage.”
Winston smirked. “I am not wholly incompetent at my job.”
“I never implied you were,” Bennett said. “I know of your reputation and how hard you work as a barrister.”
The smirk faded from Winston’s lips. “Yes, well, no amount of hard work will make up for what I have done.”
Bennett eyed his brother curiously. “What have you done?”
Winston visibly tensed. “It is in the past, where I wish it to remain.”
“Winston…” Bennett started.
Putting his hand up in front of him, Winston said, “Leave it alone, Bennett. We have more important matters at hand.” He dropped his hand to his side. “I am calling in every favor that I have to help Delphine.”
“Thank you,” Bennett said, not knowing what else he could say. He was truly grateful for his brother’s help.
Winston acknowledged Bennett’s words with a tip of his head. “Have you spoken to Delphine about whether or not Mr. Simpkin will assist with voiding their marriage?”
“There is no need. Mr. Simpkin was rather clear that he intends to remain married to Delphine,” Bennett shared.
“That is what I had assumed would happen, considering Mr. Simpkin stands to lose a great deal if the marriage is voided,” Winston said.
Bennett glanced over at the window and saw thatDelphine was no longer on the bench with Matilda. He wondered where she had gone.
Winston’s voice drew back his attention. “In case you were wondering, I saw Delphine walking to the stables.”
“Why would I wonder such a thing?” Bennett asked, wondering how his brother had been able to see right through him.
Winston grinned. “You are a terrible liar, Brother,” he said before departing from the room.
It only took Bennett a moment to realize that he needed to go after Delphine. He told himself that it was only to ensure she was well, but he wanted to see her. Even if it was for a moment.
Delphine leaned against the fence as she watched Hercules gallop back and forth, appearing to not have a care in the world.
She would miss this place. She had greatly enjoyed her time at Brockhall Manor and she didn’t want it to come to an end.
But all good things must come to an end.
Even if she was successful in getting her marriage voided, she still had her own estate and business to run. And she took her responsibilities most seriously. She always had. However, could she just walk away from Bennett, the only man that she had ever loved?
