Page 25 of My Blind Duke
“Lord Montclair has visited me a handful of times in the past year, so I have some idea,” the man responded with a shrug, settling back into where he had been seated.
“Well then, this makes things easier for us. But I would like to ask you for something before you begin your investigation.”
Investigator Burns nodded. “Anything, Your Grace. But do keep in mind that I cannot fabricate evidence. It would not be ethical, not to mention it is against the law.”
William shook his head immediately.
“I already know that. And I was going to request the opposite, actually. I want you to look into the former duke’s death without bias. View things from a fair perspective. I understand that the late duke’s friends and family, along with members of the ton, have a suspect in mind. Someone they hope and believe is guilty without a doubt. But I do not wish to obtain results based on their expectations,” he paused, thinking of how fiercely Prudence defended her innocence in his study. “Especially if an innocent person could end up being punished for the crime. I want everything to be done discreetly and properly. Do you understand?”
“Most assuredly, Your Grace. Do not worry, I have a reputation to protect. I will do what needs to be done, and do it well,” the inspector confirmed.
“Good,” William nodded. “Make sure to leave no stone unturned. Investigate every possible suspect. Ensure that you search every corner. I shall await the conclusion of your investigation.”
The man rose to his feet and bowed. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Moments later, he left with Robert who was going to sneak him out of the estate without attracting any attention, the way he had been brought in. William did not want more people than necessary to know that he had decided to look into the former duke’s death.
When people are unaware that they are being watched, they are less likely to hide anything.
He only wanted to clear the air, once and for all, tired of all the accusations flying around.
And if, perhaps, he wished to also sate a particular curiosity he had toward a particular duchess, no one else needed to know.
“Thank you for agreeing to go on a walk with me, Your Grace.”
Prudence smiled down at Melanie’s pretty face and shook her head gently.
“You have no reason to thank me, dear. I am always happy to spend time with you,” she told the girl softly, happy when she was rewarded with a smile.
It had been a little over a week since she had promised to help the child rebuild her relationship with her father, and truthfully, Prudence had begun to feel a little hopeless about making such a declaration when she recalled how difficult of a person the duke was.
But ultimately, she wished to help the little girl who was greatly hurt by the situation. As such, they had begun to spend even more time together, from the free time she had between her lessons to even inviting Melanie to her chambers so they could engage in their mealtimes together.
She had grown so fond of the child, happy when she was smiling and expressive and proud when Melanie told her of the compliments she had gotten from her tutors. It was as though a part of her heart had been carved out and Melanie had fit perfectly into the vacancy that was left behind.
“How were your lessons today? Did you have any problems?” she asked as they strolled through the garden, watching Melanie poke at flowers and leaves.
“No,” Melanie stated, sounding a little distracted. “All three of them were fine. I am getting better at answering advancedarithmetic questions. My tutor says I am quite smart for my age.”
Prudence felt inclined to agree, knowing from the time she had spent with the little girl that she often sounded as though she had experiences beyond her years. She was truly bright, and many of their conversations left Prudence feeling impressed by the girl.
“He is right, you know. You are extremely smart and I am left speechless, nearly every time we speak.” Prudence nodded in agreement.
Melanie blushed and pressed her hands to the sides of her face, trying to hide her pink cheeks from the duchess. Prudence laughed at the adorable display. Then she realized that something the girl had said was odd and recalled why, gently bringing it up to her moments later.
“You usually have four lessons a day. But you only spoke about enjoying three of them. Could the last one be your music lesson?”
Melanie paused, and then she nodded. “I do not want to have it.”
“Why do you refuse to go for that lesson? Do you not like music? I have noticed you avoid your tutor and sneak out of the house when it is about to start,” Prudence gently said, hoping that the girl would feel comfortable enough to tell Prudence what was on her mind.
“It is not as though I do not like music. I like it. It is just… Papa used to love music. He was famous for the music he made! And he used to play all day, with me. But now… he refuses to teach me like he used to. I do not want to learn with a tutor. I want my papa to teach me,” Melanie said solemnly.
Prudence felt her heart begin to hurt for the child, terribly sad for the amount of hurt Melanie carried on her shoulders daily.
It was one thing to have lost a parent in a tragic accident. But it was another to still have one well and breathing, but acting as though he had perished in the fire as well.
It was incredibly unfair to Melanie, who was merely a child who might as well have been abandoned to fend for herself.
