Page 37 of Rescued from Betrayal
His head jerked back. “I simply wanted to show my gratitude for your effort.”
“Because of course I would not have done so if I’d not been instructed like a little child.”
“No, Melior, I—” He what? It had sounded like he thought her incapable without his direction. “I am sorry. I never should have spoken to you as I did in the carriage.”
She was silent for a moment, then sighed. “Your words were not unreasonable. I have been careful in forming previous acquaintances.”
Acquaintances like him. It hurt, but it was the truth and he could not fault her for it. She was simply doing as all young women were instructed to make a match at or above their station. And he was most definitely not of equal station.
Silence resonated between them.
“I see. Well, if you have need of me, I will be in my study.”
She peered at him curiously but did not answer.
What was she thinking? Did she wish him to stay?
Melior’s gaze fell to the floor. “I suppose I should dress for dinner.”
He glanced at the clock. “It is about that time.”
With a dip of her head she left and the tension that had filled the room dissipated.
Whether his apology had healed the breach or not, Nathaniel did not know. But it had certainly made him feel better to issue it. He only wished he understood if it had truly been received… or even felt.
Chapter 14
On Monday Nathaniel smiled when the butler announced that John had come. He set down the quill he’d been using to update his ledger. “Send him in.”
“He is in the morning room, sir.”
“Well, then have him join me here.”
“He asked thatyoujointheminthere.”
“Them?”
Thompson’s eyebrows rose.
What was the man getting at? Had Al or Eddie come with John? Why had they not just let themselves into his study?
He rose from his desk. “Very well.”
Voices filtered out of the morning room as he approached. However, when Thompson opened the door, it was not one of his friends who sat across from John.
Melior ceased her animated story the moment he entered the room, her gaze finding her lap as it often did of late. It was strange when he compared it to her previously arrogant behavior.
But with him she’d been far more quiet, only discussing the commonest of subjects across the dinner table such as the warming weather, how she liked her room, the visits she’d received, and the food they ate. He hated it. If only he could call back the life he’d seen in her moments ago and splash it through their own interactions.
Stepping forward, he grasped John’s outstretched hand. “Welcome home, my friend.”
“Glad to be back.” The smile in John’s eyes spoke of his delight at escaping the city. If he did not have obligations in Parliament as a viscount, Nathaniel was quite certain John would never go to Town.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the room as they all took up their seats. Melior sat on the cream sofa covered in pink roses and green leaves, and he and John chose the matching green chairs across from her.
Turning to John, he asked, “What are your plans now that you have come back?”
John rubbed his pointed chin and glanced at Melior. She still studied her hands. “I had thought to offer my services to you.”
