Page 49 of Duchess By Accident
“Quick, leave while you still can!” Mr. Kember called while Adrian growled furiously.
Adrian watched as Melody tugged Daphne down the corridor, the two boys following them, each laughing with delight. He waited until they were out of sight and then straightened.
“I hope you do not mind, Emberley. I thought it would be a good way for the children to bond.” Adrian explained. “I realise that you have not even been shown to your rooms. I had planned on starting the hunt once you were settled.”
“Well, you know what they say about plans and children.”
“I think you mean God, dear.”
“No, it is definitely children who disrupt our best laid plans.”
“Then you are not offended?”
“Of course not! It is an excellent idea.” The Duke grinned. “Though, I do not suppose you have room for another captain or perhaps a first mate?”
“I am sure I can make space in my crew for a disreputable man such as yourself.” Adrian grinned back, and threw him an eye patch.
“Wonderful. Will I have time to change do you think? I would prefer to get out of my travelling clothes.” The Duke gestured to himself.
“I would assume so. The treasure hunt should take them all over the estates, and there are several servants that I have instructed to gently waylay the children at certain points.” Adrian explained. “Unless you plan on taking several hours tochange, we should have ample time to get to the treasure before they do.”
Adrian turned to Lord Peter. “Would you care to join us?”
Lord Peter shook his head. “I think I will retire. I am… I think the journey has tired me more than I thought.”
He saw the Duke and Duchess of Emberly exchange concerned looks, and even Natalie looked worried at her brother’s response.It is not my place to meddle.
Adrian nodded. “Of course. Mr. Kember, have one of the footmen show our guests to their rooms.”
“At once, Your Grace. Yates, our guests will be in the Western Wing, near Her Grace’s chambers. See that they are well looked after.” Mr. Kember gestured to the footman.
“Of course.” The footman nodded. “If you would follow me.”
Adrain watched as Natalie’s family traipsed after the man, chatting amongst themselves while servants followed on with their luggage. When he turned around, he was surprised to find Natalie studying him.
“Enjoying the view?” he swept into a bow, doffing his pirate’s hat to her. “If I had known pirates were so to your liking, I might have dressed up sooner.”
Natalie did not smile. “When did you do this? It must have taken you hours.”
“A few.” Adrian shrugged. “I have never created one of these, but I expect it will be worth it.”
“That is what you were doing last night!” Natalie shook her head. “Why did you not tell me then?”
“It was not all that I was doing last night. But yes, it was a large part of what was keeping me up.” Adrian looked at her face, and saw that rather than looking happy or even annoyed she seemed sad. “I thought it would be nice.”
“It is. It is just… Alexander used to make little treasure hunts for us. We were so young when Father died that he did not want us to miss out.” She blinked rapidly, and Adrian almost reached out to wipe the tear from her cheek.
He stopped himself and dug a hand into his coat pocket, handing her a handkerchief. “It sounds like your brother cares for you a great deal.”
“He does. He wanted to keep our father’s memory alive. But… But my memories are only of Alexander.” Natalie bit her lip. “Sometimes I worry that it makes me a bad person.”
“Why would that make you a bad person?” Adrian canted his head towards her.
“Because he worked so hard to make my father live on, and I still cannot remember him.” Natalie dabbed at her eyes with his handkerchief. “I have seen paintings of him, of course. But if I try and imagine him, I only see my brother.”
“I am sure your father would be glad that your love for your brother is so strong, and that his love for you is just as deep.” He said.
“I hope so. Though Alexander did his best… It was lonely without our Father. And for a long time, Alexander was only home occasionally.” Natalie sighed. “But all my memories of him make me smile.”
