Page 46 of Duchess By Accident
“I doubt you would do so while I am present. Besides, you seem rather distracted by cake.”
“It is very good cake.” Natalie admitted through a mouthful.
“How elegant.” Adrian pointed a scone at her.
“I try.” She gave him a mocking bow. “How come you are up so late?”
“I had some things to tend to before your family arrives tomorrow. I suspect I will not have much time for business once they are here.” He took a sip of his wine.
Natalie sipped her own wine, hesitating a moment before she said, “They will understand if you are busy. After all, Alexander is also a duke. You need not spend any more time with them than you wish.”
“And why should I not want to spend time with them? Or perhaps are you worried about them spending time with me?” He canted his head towards her, a curious expression on his face.
“I might be if everyone was not already married.” Natalie rolled her eyes, not wanting to admit that it was her nephews and niece she was worried about. “My family is… Well they do not care much for propriety. At least, not when they are not in society.”
“And I take it my company does not count as being in society?” He chuckled. “I am not sure whether to be flattered or insulted.”
Natalie made a noncommittal gesture with her hand. “It means they see you as family. You can decide whether it is an insult or a compliment.”
“And will they view Melody the same?” his voice was soft, but Natalie heard the prickle of worry in his words.
She almost reached for his hand, but stopped herself. “I cannot imagine a world in which they do not like her. Though… siblings do not always get along.”
She thought of the many scuffles she had had with Peter over the years. The way they had bickered and argued – but throughit all, there was no doubt they loved each other.But will Adrian understand that?More importantly, will Melody?
Natalie wondered if she should talk to her nephews and niece or if it would be better to let the children sort themselves out. Arthur was ten, and often very good at brokering the peace. His sister Daphne was blunt, but never cruel. Jonathan was more likely to get distracted looking for butterflies.
“Where did you go?” Adrian’s voice brought her back to the present.
“I was thinking about how the children might play together. How different temperaments interact.” Natalie took another biscuit from the platter. “It is probably best to let them settle things amongst themselves.”
“I would not know. I have no brothers or sisters. And no first cousins that I know of.” Adrian ran a hand through his hair, leaving it tousled.
Natalie studied his face. “That must have been lonely.”
“At times. I often wished I had a brother or even a sister.” Adrian seemed surprised by his own candour and gave her a wry grin. “Though I suppose it is easy to create a far more pleasant fantasy of such things. Perhaps it is best that there is only me.”
“Perhaps. I am not sure the world is ready for another person like you.” Natalie teased. “I suppose Melody gets her sunnydisposition from her mother, she does not seem to share your taste for melodrama.”
An odd look flitted across Adrian’s face at Natalie’s words, and she could have sworn his grip tightened momentarily around his wine glass. But perhaps it was just a trick of the light, because his next words were full of his usual languid grace. “I suppose I should be grateful for that. I do not think there is room for too much melodrama, not now that I have married you.”
Natalie threw a scone at him and he caught it, taking a bite out of it as he met her gaze. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she felt shivers run down her spine.
“I suppose there is no concern about a dearth of Emberlys.” Adrian murmured. “Have you never wished to be alone?”
“There are times when my family drives me utterly mad, but I could not imagine a life without them.” Natalie replied. “And being a twin… Well, it has been strange not having Peter around all the time.”
“You must miss them.” He looked at her, and there was no mocking amusement in his eyes, just gentle sincerity.
“I do. I miss the chaos and the hustle and bustle.” Natalie sighed. “Though I am beginning to appreciate the serenity of Blackwood.”
“Are you?” he laughed.
“You sound surprised.”
He gestured with his wine glass, his lips quirking into a smile. “Well, it has hardly seemed serene since you arrived.”
“You do not sound upset by this.” Natalie pointed out, feeling herself smile in return.
