Page 22 of Duchess By Accident
“A younger woman than our housekeeper.” Adrian explained, tugging at his collar.
“Mrs. Hawthorn is very old.” Melody nodded sagely.
“Do not let her hear you say that, she will be terribly offended.” He glanced over his shoulder as he added in a stage whisper. “She is rather sensitive.”
Her frown deepened. “But it is true.”
“I know, but women do not like to be reminded of this fact.” Adrian explained.
“Is this the kind of thing a mother would teach me?” Melody asked.
“I suppose.” Adrian shrugged. “We shall just have to find out.”
Melody contemplated his words, chewing on her bottom lip. “Is she as young as Cook?”
His cook was in her late thirties, younger than Mrs. Hawthorne, but still older than Lady Natalie by a significant margin. Adrian shook his head.
“She is closer to my own age.” He said. “A little younger than me.”
Her eyes widened. “Will she understand about hug days?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I will make sure she understands.”
There were several long moments of silence. Adrian watched his daughter carefully as she tugged at a loose thread on her doll’s dress. She was clearly thinking.
Eventually she said, in a voice so small he almost could not hear her. “What if she does not like me?”
“No one could dislike you.” He replied, ignoring the twist of pain in his heart.
She said sadly, “Timothy does not like me.”
“The baker’s boy?” Adrian clamped down hard on his anger.Vile child.
Melody nodded.
“That boy was eating a pie made out of mud the other day. I would not trust his opinion on anything.” He made a dismissive gesture. “I am sure she will love you, as you will no doubt love her.”
“And like you love her.” Melody added.
Adrian smiled, swallowing his discomfort “Actually, you have already met her. So I know she likes you.”
“I have?” Melody canted her head towards him.
He nodded, grateful that she was still talking to him. “Do you remember the woman you met yesterday, who you bumped into?”
“You knew about that?” She shrank further under his desk.
“I know everything.” He replied simply.
“Am I in trouble?” Melody asked.
Adrian paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Well, you are not supposed to talk to strangers. I have told you that it can be dangerous.”
“I know.” Melody bit her lip. “But other people talk to strangers.”
“And are they the daughters of powerful dukes?” Adrian gave her a hard look.
“No.” Melody frowned.
