Page 17 of Duchess By Accident
His touch was surprisingly gentle, the warmth of his fingers spreading through her. He released her, but did not position himself between her and the door.
He met her gaze, the cocky smile of moments before replaced by a more sombre look. “My daughter needs a mother. She needs the kind of guidance that older, female companionship offers. Someone to help draw her out of her shell. To… well, help her rediscover herself.”
“And what makes you think I would be the one to do it?” Natalie asked, searching his face. “I have no children of my own.”
“You do not. But you have many nieces and nephews. Your family is large, and you often help look after the children of your sisters, and even your close friends.” The Duke explained. “I had my informants look into you as well.”
“You had your spies look into me?” She shook her head.
“I wanted to be sure there were no unpleasant surprises waiting for me. I like to know who I am dealing with.” Duke Blackwood shrugged.
“You did not trust me.” Natalie wrapped her arms around herself.
He met her gaze, and once more she had the feeling he was seeing right through her. “I wouldn’t take it personally if I were you. I don’t trust most people.”
She fed the flame of her indignation, refusing to let him unsettle her. “So, what did you find out?”
“That you have a temper, though that is hardly news. You seem to have a long list of unusual hobbies and apparently join your brothers on the hunt with some regularity.” He said this with no particular judgement. “You are a keen naturalist. You are godmother to Duchess Warren’s son, and people say you dote on him. As you dote on all your nieces and nephews.”
“But that is not the same thing as being a mother. I am not with them all the time!” Natalie pointed out.
“From what I have heard, you are with them more often than you are not. You look after your brother’s children, arrange little scavenger hunts and such for them.” Duke Blackwood said.
“Yes but…” Natalie shook her head.
She loved her family, and all the children she was surrounded by, but motherhood. That was another kettle of fish entirely.Do I even know enough?
She frowned. “I have never even met your daughter. She might hate me.”
The Duke replied, his tone lacking any cockiness. “I find it hard to believe that anyone would hate you.”
“You sound almost sincere. But flattery is not going to distract me. You are asking me to become a mother.” Natalie felt her cheeks flush.
“Simply a statement of fact.” He made a dismissive gesture. “Besides, you have already met.”
“What?” The answer hit her like a hammer. “The little blonde girl… She was your daughter?”
“That is Melody. Yes.” Duke Blackwood said. For a moment, his features softened, and Natalie saw something she had not seen before on his face. Affection.
At that moment a servant entered the room. Natalie hastily moved out of the way, allowing the young woman to set the tray of tea and biscuits on the table.
“Thank you.” Duke Blackwood murmured to the servant.
“Of course, your Grace.” The servant smiled and left the room.
Natalie murmured her thanks as well, starting to pace as soon as the door was closed. She could feel the Duke’s gaze on her almost as though it were a hand on her shoulder. She ignored the prickles that spread through her skin.
“Just to be clear. You wish me to be your wife, not for your own sake, but your daughter’s?” Natalie glanced over her shoulder at him, and he nodded.
“Melody.”
She looked out of the window and caught sight of the little girl she had stumbled upon those many weeks ago. She was leaning against a tree, her knees drawn up to her chest. The sight broke something in Natalie.
She did not think she could ever remember seeing one of her nieces or nephews sitting alone. The castle, their own homes were always full of other children and a handful of adults always there to support them.
“I know what it is like to grow up with only one parent.” Natalie murmured. “Though my brother has always been something of a father to me. I cannot imagine how hard it would have been to lose my mother as well.”
“Then you will accept my proposal?” The Duke canted his head towards her.
