Page 23 of My Blind Duke
“Do not make her out to be such a nightmare. They are only harmless pranks, as she is just a child. If anyone is badly behaved here, it is you! You called me shameless and yet, here you stand, berating an innocent little child for her jokes. Where is the dignity you claim I lack? Because it seems as though it cannot be found in you either.”
Prudence would have never assumed it would be possible for Clementina to get even redder, but it seemed that there was no limit to how flushed the woman’s face could get as she huffed and puffed angrily.
It was getting rather old, how insistent the woman was to make life difficult for Prudence. This was not the first time she had cornered her to hurl insults at her face or berate her for her presence in Pemberly.
Especially recently, since the duke had begun to restructure the estate’s affairs and household according to his preference. Clementina had suddenly become even more motivated to provide a large helping of misery to the duchess’ life. And while it was wearing Prudence out, she knew that Clementina had no power of her own and therefore, posed no real threat to her.
However, involving Melanie had anger flaring within Prudence. She had done her best to advise the girl to stay away from Clementina, knowing that the woman’s wrath was one not easily dealt with. And to her knowledge, Melanie had obeyed.
But it seemed that the mere sight of the child made her deeply enraged. Regardless of whatever might have spurred her bad feelings toward the child, Prudence was not going to stand there and watch her insult the girl.
“Why you little–”
“What is going on here? Why are you all blocking the path?”
Prudence could barely stifle the gasp that threatened to burst through her lips at the sound of the duke’s voice.
Clementina had no such reservations and screamed, startled by his sudden appearance.
“Dear God – Your Grace! Oh dear, I did not hear you walk up–”
“Likely because you were busy screeching and blocking up the path,” William said, deadpan.
Clementina laughed, loudly and awkwardly and she shuffled aside with Henrietta slinking back with her.
“We were… I mean, I was merely telling the duchess that perhaps she should set a better example of proper behavior for Lady Melanie. The least she could do as an entitled mooch is to make sure the little lady does not wander around picking up insects and such. Would not you agree, Your Grace?”
Instead of addressing Lady Clementina, William called out, “Melanie? What have you done this time?”
Prudence watched, heartbroken as Melanie stepped forward, her hands still keeping the caterpillar safely cupped in her palm.
“It was only a caterpillar, Papa. I merely wanted the duchess to see it because I thought it was pretty–”
“How many times have I told you not to pick things up and bring them into the house? Why have you chosen to consistently behave recklessly? You have disappointed me, Melanie,” William stated sternly with a frown.
Melanie’s shoulders dropped and Prudence felt her heart begin to hurt as the child’s eyes filled with tears.
“It was only a caterpillar! She did not lure a pig into the estate,” the duchess said angrily.
“I was not speaking to you, Duchess. You would do well to watch your manners,” William stated, without so much as a glance in her direction.
Clementina shot her a victorious smirk and stepped closer to the duke.
“Were you on your way out, Your Grace? Would you like some company? It is a rather fine day out if I do say so. The gardens are so vibrant this time of the year–”
“I believe the brilliance of the gardens would be wasted on me, without the ability to perceive its wonder. And if I needed someone to follow me around and talk so much, I would have gotten a dog. Now, get out of my way,” William sighed.
Embarrassed, Lady Clementina stepped out of the duke’s path, making a face as he walked away without another word to anyone.
She turned to Prudence and Melanie, made a ‘humph’sound, and wandered off silently.
Prudence sighed and fixed her attention on the sad child standing next to her.
“Melania, sweetheart–”
“See? I told you. Papa hates me.”
“No, he does not, sweetheart. He is just… he is your father. He merely wants what is best for you.”
