“It just seems like you two are rather close, and I am worried about you,” Charlotte remarked.
“There is no reason to worry about me,” Delphine assured her friend. “We are just friends, nothing more.”
Charlotte gave her a knowing look. “I have known you a long time, and I have never seen you so smitten. You can hardly keep your eyes off Lord Dunsby when you two are in the same room.”
“Nothing untoward has happened between us.”
“I am not implying that it has, but I just want you to be careful,” Charlotte said. “You are a wife to Mr. Simpkin now.”
Delphine did not need to be reminded of that fact. Shejust wished that she could close her eyes and end this nightmare.
Charlotte’s next words were gentle. “I am sorry. I am being a terrible friend right now.”
“No, you aren’t,” Delphine responded. “Everything you are saying is true, but I just wish I could remember.”
“You will,” Charlotte encouraged.
Delphine offered her a weak smile. “The doctor said my memories might never return.”
Charlotte seemed to consider her words before asking, “Do you remember anything about traveling to Gretna Green?”
“Not a thing,” Delphine responded. “Lord Dunsby claims that you accompanied us to Scotland. Was that true?”
“Yes, you asked me to come and be a witness,” Charlotte replied.
Delphine pressed her lips together before asking, “I did?”
Charlotte’s eyes held understanding. “It was a whirlwind decision on your part, and I was not about to question it,” she said. “Besides, I wanted to be there for you, especially after everything you have done for me over the years.”
Delphine let out a frustrated sigh. Why couldn’t she just remember? She glanced up at the position of the sun. “I am surprised you are not resting right now.”
“As am I,” Charlotte replied. “Naps are the most important part of the day, but I saw you out here hatless. And being the good friend that I am, I knew I had to remedy that.”
“You are a good friend,” Delphine said.
Charlotte glanced over her shoulder before she lowered her voice. “I can see why you have been taken with Lord Dunsby. He is rather handsome.”
“I have not been taken with him,” Delphine lied.
“No, of course not,” Charlotte rushed out with an exaggerated wink.
Delphine shot her friend a frustrated look. “You are notbeing the least bit helpful right now,” she stated. “Lord Dunsby and I are just?—”
“Friends,” Charlotte said, cutting her off. “I wouldn’t mind being friends with him, too.”
The thought of Charlotte flirting with Bennett did not sit well with her. Rather than engage her friend, she asked, “Shall we return to the manor so we can rest before dinner?”
“I think that is a fine idea since I was considering laying on this grass and taking a nap,” Charlotte said.
“I am sure your bed is far more comfortable than the ground.”
As they walked back towards the manor, Charlotte asked, “Do you think if I wander around the woodlands, a handsome lord will rescue me, as well?” Her eyes held a mischievous glint.
Delphine rolled her eyes. “You are awful,” she said, her words light.
Charlotte grinned. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t joke about such things, especially after I lectured you so thoroughly, but I am in need of a husband. A handsome, wealthy husband.”
“What of love?”
