Page 32 of Duchess By Accident
“Oh, I should hate for you to miss out on such an excellent game.Yates, fetch a large blanket from the drawing room. My dear wife can wear it as a bib, and protect her dress.”
“Why not fetch one for my dear husband as well, Yates? I should hate for him to ruin his shirt.”
“Should I get a blanket? I do rather like this dress.” Melody asked, looking worried.
“I shall fetch enough for all of you.” Yates inclined his head, and returned several moments later with blankets for each of them.
Natalie tied hers around her neck with as much dignity as she could muster, grateful that her sleeves were short and puffy. She removed her gloves without thinking, and caught sight of the Duke smirking at her.
She blushed and then turned to face Melody. “Are you ready?”
Melody nodded.
“On the count of three. One, two, three!” Natalie cried, loading her spoon and flinging a large pile of potato at the Duke.
It hit his face with a satisfying squelch sending both Natalie and Melody into fits of giggles. A fit that ended for Natalie when the Duke sent a well-aimed piece of meat into her open mouth. The table descended into uproar and the noise was comforting.
Natalie was surprised to see this side of the cold and controlling man.He is so soft with her.He laughed and indulged his daughter, cheering when she managed to get food into someone else’s mouth.
Although the game created a lot of mess, Natalie was pleased to see that Melody ate a good portion of food. And when the game ended, she was full of smiles.
“You should get cleaned up before bed, little one.” The Duke wiped a smear of potato off Melody’s face.
“Yes Father.” Melody nodded and then glanced at Natalie. “I am glad you are here.”
“As am I.” Natalie answered, and to her surprise she found she meant it. “Have a good sleep and may you dream of sweet and pleasant things.”
Melody nodded and left the room. As soon as she did, the Duke turned to Natalie and all warmth and humour slowly melted away. His grey eyes were appraising as they searched her face.
“You certainly have some unusual pastimes.” The Duke wiped his face, flicking an errant bit of roast onto the table. “Is this to become a regular dinner time feature?”
Natalie swallowed, but refused to look away. “If it means Melody eats, then yes. After all, is that not why I am here?”
“Do not pretend that was solely for my daughter’s benefit. I am sure you delighted in making me act the fool.” The Duke replied moving towards her.
“My primary concern was for Melody. The fact that it happened to dent your dignity was a happy coincidence.” Natalie gave him a wicked smile, trying to ignore the way his cologne made her head swim.Focus!“Besides, you could have refused to play.”
“I could have, but there is precious little in this world that matters more to me than my daughter.” Duke Blackwood said, his voice full of tenderness.
“You would do anything for her.” Natalie said without thinking.
He nodded and a corner of his lips quirked upwards. “Do not let my love for my daughter put any ideas in your head, little Thief. I am only a man, after all.”
Natalie let her voice become as sweet as honey and batted her eyelids at the Duke. “Then I shall stop looking for horns and a tail.”
He chuckled and reached forwards, his finger lightly caressing the side of her face. Her breath caught, and she stiffened. He deftly swept a smudge of gravy that she had missed from her cheek.
His eyes glittered. “If that is all, I will take my leave of you.”
Natalie shook her head, willing sensible thought to return to her as the man turned and began to leave the room.
She called after him, in a voice calmer than her swiftly beating heart felt, “Actually, I was planning on discussing this with Mrs. Hawthorne once I have seen the household ledgers and such, but I thought that perhaps a little redecorating might be of benefit.”
Duke Blackwood paused in the doorway, turning towards her. “There is no need to redecorate. Everything is perfectly functional. I will see you at dinner in two night’s time.”
Natalie arched an eyebrow at him. “Are we not supposed to be on our honeymoon?”
“Are you so in want of honeymoon activities, wife?” He canted his head towards her.
