Page 37 of Duchess By Accident
“But if I am not perfect, you might leave. Or father might leave.” Melody’s voice became so quiet that Natalie almost did not hear her over the rustle of the wind in the trees. “Like mother.”
“Your mother did not leave you. She died. And the fact that she did… That is not your fault. These things happen.” Natalie did not know much about the late Duchess; none of the staff would talk about it and she had not been brave enough to raise it with the Duke.
The only thing she knew was that the woman had died whilst Melody was still very young. It made Natalie think of her own father, who had been murdered when she was just a baby. Something her brother, Alexander, had blamed himself for for years.
“I swear, you had nothing to do with your mother’s death. And I am sure she would not have chosen to leave you, not if she could help it.” Natalie reached out a hand to Melody, offering, rather than forcing physical comfort.
Melody placed her small fingers in Natalie’s hand, letting her hold it gently. “But maybe she would not have died if I had been better. The village children say she died because it was a punishment from God. So it must be my fault.”
“The village children are not priests. Her death was not your fault. And you being perfect would not have prevented it.” Natalie gently squeezed Melody’s hand in her own. “I promise. Neither your father nor I want you to be perfect. We just want you to be happy.”
“What if what makes me happy makes others sad?” Melody asked, slipping her hand from Natalie’s.
“Is it murdering people?”
“No.”
“Is it hurting a living soul?”
“No.”
“Then why would it make us sad?”
“Because it is not proper.” Melody hung her head.
“There is a time for propriety and for being proper. When you enter society you will need to behave a certain way to keep yourself safe. There is etiquette and such, but you shouldnot be afraid to be yourself.” Natalie knew that it was more complicated, but she wanted Melody to understand that though the world might try to dim her light, she need not let it. “My dearest friend, Emily who is Rose’s younger sister, frequently rides out to hunt with her husband.”
“She does?” Melody’s eyes widened and she clutched her latest leaf to her chest.
“Yes. And her older sister, Jane, fences with her husband and children. My oldest sister, Olivia, has done some truly unladylike things as have I.” She continued in a conspiratorial whisper. “My twin, Peter, and I frequently have shooting competitions, and I almost always win.”
“Could I learn to shoot?” Melody moved closer to her, and Natalie could see the excitement in her body.
“I do not see why not. Though, perhaps when you are a little older – I was not allowed to touch a gun until I was fourteen, and only under strict supervision. They are not toys, after all.” Natalie pressed a finger to her lips, and added, “We could always try archery, that is a little safer and just as enjoyable.”
“Really?” Melody beamed at her.
“I shall arrange to have a bow made to suit your size. Though some I used when I was a child may work for you. Or perhaps one of Jane’s. The Pembletons are not as tall as us Rokesbys.” Natalie made a mental note to write to Jane and ask if she hadany of her old bows still or if she knew someone who would make one for her.I suspect the Duke will be furious.
Irritating Duke Blackwood whilst making his daughter happy seemed like a winning situation as far as Natalie was concerned. Besides, while archery was unladylike, he did not seem to care about such things when it came to his daughter. And the ton need never find out.
“I wish I was tall.” Melody’s wistful voice broke into Natalie’s thoughts.
“You are still young, I am sure you will sprout up in no time. Besides, it is much more enjoyable to be a shorter woman than a taller one. Few men enjoy a woman who can look down on them.” Natalie had spent most of her life slouching, she hated being as tall as she was.
Melody nodded. “It is lucky that father is so tall.”
“Indeed.” Natalie agreed.
Melody studied her curiously and then asked, “Do you have a big family?”
“Yes. Especially now that most of my siblings are married. Peter and I are the youngest, and he is the last one of us unmarried.” Natalie wondered if Peter was still pining over his latest lady friend or if his heart had already moved on.I miss him, even his dramatics.
“Do you have nieces and nephews?” The excitement and nervousness were clear in Melody’s voice.
“Many. Would you like to meet some of them? There are rather a lot, and some of them are still babies.” Natalie thought of her various nieces and nephews, smiling.
“Perhaps not everyone at once. I do not think I have ever met a baby.” Melody pursed her lips thoughtfully.
