Page 89 of Rescued from Betrayal
That she had turned out as good and kind as she had under such a mother’s tutelage was miraculous. Some of that levelheaded nature could likely be attributed to her aunt and uncle, but she had to have her own fortitude to face her mother’s self-aggrandizing ideals and still see through them.
“We all do things we are not proud of, Melior. We could both wallow in the pain of our insufficiencies, but that helps no one. It is what we do with our lives going forward that is most important.”
She nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. He wanted to gather her in his arms but she suddenly stood, letting go of hishand. “I am finished.” She dusted the crumbs from her lap, and, picking up her plate and cup, set in on the cook’s counter.
He sighed. Again she had not finished a meal. He’d not meant to upset her, and for the life of him he could not understand how he’d done so, but perhaps she was simply tired, or her headache had returned.
After clearing his own dishes, he grabbed the candle and followed her back to their room. Her silence unnerved him. He’d yet to tell her about the confrontation with her mother, but it was late and they both needed sleep. In the morning, he promised himself. He would tell her in the morning.
Chapter 30
Melior was in the front parlor when the butler announced her uncle. She rose to greet him only to find he was not alone. Lady Jillian was at his side.
She had been introduced to the lady, but this was the first time they had been in a room together since the engagement had been announced. Melior’s gaze traveled over the petite woman who was eight years her senior, noting the way she gripped her uncle’s arm. It seemed they were both nervous for this meeting.
What would she say to her? How would they get on? In four more days they would be family. Would she be as kind as Aunt Lucinda?
Probably not. The closeness of their age would lend less to the type of relationship she’d had with her beloved aunt and more to that of a friend—if they could accomplish such a thing.
Melior curtsied and Lady Jillian did the same. “Please have a seat. I am pleased to have you both here.”
The two settled on the settee, Uncle Percy resting his elbow on the carved scrolled armrest. Melior took up one of theseats Al and Javenia had sat in the day previous. She’d yet to apologize for her outburst as the two had been absent since early this morning. Had they gone out together… unattended? The thought caught her by surprise and she wondered if she should search out Nathaniel and have him go after them.
A footman carrying a large trunk stopped at the door. “Where should I put this, Your Grace?”
“In the lady’s room. When you get there, please bring me back the small brown band box packed on top.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The man backed out and climbed the stairs visible across the hall. Melior scrunched her face in confusion.
“What is in the trunk?”
“A few things youaccidentallyleft at your parents’ home.” His blue eyes danced with mischief. There had been no accident about it, but it was best not to make a big deal about her mother’s misdeeds in front of his betrothed. Poor woman had enough gossip to deal with without having to hear about their family commotion.
Even though Lady Jillian was the daughter of an earl, there had been enough said about her aspirations and her homely looks to hurt anyone. But from the little Melior knew of her, it would be even more difficult for her quiet, soft disposition.
“Thank you for retrieving those for me.” Melior picked at a loose thread on the blue wingback chair trying to come up with a topic of conversation. “The weather has been a might dreary this morning.” As it usually was at the end of March, but the subject seemed ridiculous even to her. She never stooped to idle topics when in her uncle’s company.
“The thick misting rain does have a tendency to dampen one’s spirits,” Lady Jillian said, her voice soft and hesitant. The lady’s fingers fluttered in her lap and she glanced at Uncle Percy.
He smiled encouragingly. “Yes, it is not the type of weather one likes to go out in, but I knew you’d be needing those gowns for the ball.”
“Ball?”
“Indeed. As we are forgoing the normal wedding breakfast on Wednesday in order to begin our wedding tour early, I am hosting a celebration Tuesday evening instead.”
Melior looked between the two, finding the decision odd. She’d never heard of someone celebrating their marriage before the vows were taken. Then again, as a duke, Uncle Percy could do about anything he wished.
“That sounds”—she searched her mind for a word— “delightful.”
It didn’t. The idea of her uncle’s wedding celebration being the first ball she’d attend since her life had been turned upside down tore at her. She could go the rest of her life without the reminder that she’d caused so much havoc in so many lives.
“I hoped you would think so.” Uncle Percy rose when the footman returned and took the box the man carried. Crossing to her, he placed it in her lap.
“What is this?”
“A few gifts that needed returning.”
