Page 12 of Duchess By Accident
“There is a bird’s nest and I wanted to see it.” Melody explained, pointing out the window in the direction of the garden.
Adrian followed the direction of her gesture, and saw a small bird’s nest in one of the lower branches. A knot of tension eased in his chest. “Just ensure that you are careful. I do not want you to get hurt.”
“Yes Father.” She looked at her feet.
“Is today a hug day?” he asked, canting his head towards her.
She chewed her lip, took a step towards him and then shook her head. Alexander’s heart sank, but he took care not to let it show on her face.
“I understand, little one.” He offered her his hand and she pressed her fingertips against his. “Some days a hug is just too much.”
“Maybe tomorrow?” Melody offered.
“Maybe.” Adrian smiled. “But only if you want to.”
Melody smiled back at him, but it faded quickly. Adrian took a seat at the table and gestured for her to join him. He made his smile even brighter. Melody sat on his right side and absently swung her legs back and forth.
“Did you manage to see the nest?” Adrian asked after several beats of silence.
Melody nodded, glancing out of the window and then back at the table. Adrian waited for her to elaborate, but she did not.
“What kind of bird do you think has made its nest there?” he gestured to the tree.
His daughter shrugged.
“It is too well built for a pigeon’s nest. And too little besides. Perhaps a robin?” Adrian watched his daughter’s face, waiting for her to point out that a robin would not nest in a tree.
“Maybe.” Melody said, placidly.
Adrian swallowed. His daughter delighted in the natural world. She could spend hours telling him about the differences between birds. They had spent many days out in the country birdwatching together.
“Although on second thought, perhaps it is some other kind of bird.” Adrian made a show of frowning in thought. “What were the birds nesting in the hedgerow at the castle?”
“Song thrushes.” Melody said, briefly perking up.
“That’s it! A song thrush.” Adrian nodded. “Do you think you would recognise the eggs if I lifted you to look again?”
“Maybe.” Melody said.
Silence settled between them. It was not stifling or oppressive, the opposite. It made the space between them seem vast and empty.
“What did you do today? Did you have lessons with Nanny Green?” Adrian leaned towards her, mindful not to accidentally loom over her.She is so small still.
Melody nodded.
Adrian waited, hoping she would expand on her nod, but when she remained silent, he asked. “What did you learn?”
“Some letters. Some numbers.” Melody shrugged, her quiet voice flat.
His heart twisted. “No music?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?” Adrian canted his head. “Did Nanny Green tell you no? I shall have words with her if so.”
“I did not feel like it.” Melody avoided his gaze.
Adrian’s brow furrowed. “But you love music. It is your favourite lesson.”
