“Your plan to void our marriage won’t work,” Mr. Simpkin mocked. “You will fail.”
Bennett smirked. “You do not know me very well then,” he said. “I am very good at getting what I want.”
Mr. Simpkin leaned closer to him. “So am I, my lord.”
After Delphine stepped down onto the marble floor, Mr. Simpkin approached her with his arms wide open. “My dear, you look lovely. The vision of perfection.”
Delphine visibly tensed as Mr. Simpkin went to kiss her on the cheek. “Thank you,” she murmured.
Mr. Simpkin remained close and offered his arm. “May I escort you to the drawing room?” he asked.
She looked down at his arm with hesitancy in her eyes before placing her hand on his sleeve.
With a triumphant glance at Bennett, Mr. Simpkin led Delphine into the drawing room.
Winston’s voice came from behind him. “I can see why you do not like that man.”
“I assure you that it is not just for one reason,” Bennett said as he turned to face his brother. “I object to his whole person.”
Elodie and Melody descended the stairs and they both were wearing the same pale green gowns.
Winston shook his head. “Mother does not like it when you two wear matching gowns. I know because she has told you as much- multiple times, in fact.”
They came to a stop on the last step and Melody smiled. “We thought we would have some fun at Mr. Simpkin’s expense.”
“I will allow it,” Bennett said.
Winston glanced between his sisters. “Dare I ask what you intend to do?”
Melody leaned forward and placed a hand to the corner of her mouth. “It is best that you don’t know.”
“I am surprised that Elodie talked you into this,” Winston said, addressing Melody.
Elodie reached up and brushed back one of the curls that framed her face. “It was actually Melody’s idea.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Winston remarked.
Melody’s lips twitched. “I can be a little devious when I want to be,” she stated.
Bennett knew that Melody spoke true. She was oftentimes reserved, but she had a quiet strength that he had alwaysadmired. She could hold her own with Elodie and remain true to herself.
His mother stepped out of the drawing room and let out an exasperated sigh. “Good heavens, Elodie and Melody,” she said. “What am I going to do with you?”
But as his mother approached them, her face softened, and a hint of amusement played in her eyes. In a hushed voice, she asked, “What is the plan?”
“The plan?” Bennett asked.
His mother bobbed her head. “How do you intend to goad Mr. Simpkin?” She paused. “Wait, do not tell me. It is best if I am surprised. My reaction will be more genuine.”
Melody cast a concerned look towards the drawing room. “How is Delphine?”
“Mr. Simpkin remains rooted at her side and is insistent that he answers for her,” Lady Dallington revealed. “It is vexing for me, but Delphine is handling it with grace.”
Bennett wanted to go in and save Delphine from Mr. Simpkin, but it wasn’t his place to do so. Botheration. How he hated that Mr. Simpkin had the upper hand, but it would change soon enough.
The butler stepped into the entry hall and announced that dinner was ready to be served.
As they walked towards the dining hall, Elodie matched Bennett’s stride and asked, “How are you, Brother?”
