Page 30 of Duchess By Accident
You need the staff on your side – if you do not have that, then you have no hope.The lesson her mother, her sister-in-law and her sisters had all tried to impress upon her, and here she was already failing.
Natalie forced herself to smile brightly. “I have no intention of undoing your hard work. I simply want to do my best to be the Duchess the estate deserves, and to support young Melody.”
As soon as Natalie said Melody’s name, Mrs. Hawthorne’s expression softened, a sadness stealing over her face. “Of course, Your Grace. And I will do all that I can do to be of assistance. I shall send the records you requested to your drawing room.”
“Wonderful.” Natalie glanced at the grandfather clock. “I thank you for your time, Mrs. Hawthorne, but I must prepare for dinner. Would you be able to fetch my maid?”
“She is already waiting for you.” Mrs. Hawthorne opened the door to Natalie’s room, and curtseyed. “Good day, your Grace.”
“Good day, Mrs. Hawthorne.” Natalie inclined her head towards the woman before slipping into her bedroom.
The familiar face of her lady’s maid Julia greeted her. Natalie slumped into a chair and rubbed at her temples.
“I feel like my head might burst, Julia. There is so much to take in. Even with your very helpful list of names and descriptions.” Natalie fished a folded piece of paper from her glove that she had used to learn the names of all the staff before she had arrived.
“I am sure you will get to grips with it all in time, my lady. I mean, Your Grace.” Julia frowned. “That will take some getting used to.”
“You need not bother with such formality while we are alone.”
“I am worried that I might slip up in front of the others, and if I do…”
“It would reflect poorly on me. Very well. I suppose I should get changed for dinner. Where are my evening dresses?”
“They are not here.”
“What do you mean?”
“It seems there was some kind of a mishap with some of our luggage, and your evening dresses have been taken to be washed.”
“Then what exactly am I supposed to wear?”
“The Duke apparently had the foresight to have several dresses commissioned for you, based on your measurements from the modiste.” Julia gestured to a nearby cupboard.
Natalie strode towards it, flinging the doors open and saw a note fastened to a midnight blue gown. She opened it and read.
Little Thief, I believe this point goes to me.
“We shall see about that.” Natalie glowered at the note and let her eyes drift across the dresses in the cupboard, finding a familiar white one. “I know exactly what I am going to wear.”
An hour later, Natalie swept into the dining room. She had debated being late, but saw no reason that Melody should be caught in the crossfire of her battle with the Duke. As she walked into the room, she saw the girl sitting beside her father.
“Good evening.” Natalie smiled at Melody. “It is good to see you.”
“You are wearing your wedding dress.” Melody frowned.
The Duke’s head snapped towards her, and Natalie saw his eyes narrow even as he swallowed. She beamed at him, her eyes full of triumph.
“I am. I had not planned on wearing it again so soon, but, well,the rest of my attire was met with an accident and it seemed a shame not to use it as an excuse to wear this lovely dress again.” Natalie addressed her words to Melody, deliberately looking away from the Duke. “Besides, I had hoped to keep it for special occasions, and what could be more special than our first dinner together?”
“I could not agree more.” The Duke’s voice was full of quiet amusement. “Please take a seat. Yates, you may lay the food on the table.”
Natalie sat down beside the Duke, opposite Melody. The Duke served his daughter first and then Natalie. As the Duke went to serve himself, Natalie began to eat.
The sound of cutlery clinking against china was eerie to Natalie. She was used to the chaos of Emberly castle and her numerous relations chattering and misbehaving.
She cast about, trying to think of something to say to break into the awkward silence. As she did, she glanced at Melody and realised that the food on her plate was almost untouched.
“Would you like something else?” the Duke asked, his voice soft.
