Page 53 of Duchess By Accident
“Father! Father!” Melody’s voice rang out as the sound of running footsteps filled the corridor.
Adrian turned around and saw her sprinting towards him. It was a few days into the Emberlys’ visit, and Melody was more full of life than he had seen her in months. Adrian’s heart swelled as he saw just how broadly his daughter was grinning as she sprinted towards him.
“What is it little one?” he asked as he knelt down.
“Daphne said that I can come visit them at Emberly castle and play with their new puppies!” Melody beamed and Adrian had to hide his surprise.
“And I take it you would like to visit them?” Adrian canted his head towards his daughter.
“There are puppies, Father. Puppies!” She gave him a look that clearly said that she thought he was being rather dim. “And I will probably get to meet all of their cousins, and the rest of the aunts and uncles.”
“They have rather a lot of cousins.” Adrian searched his daughter’s face for any indication that she might be nervous about the situation.
“I know. And some of them are babies. I have never met a baby before, but Daphne tells me I do not need to be fearful of them.” Melody nodded happily. “Apparently their family visits them at the castle an awful lot.”
“That is what I have been told.” Adrian agreed. “Emberly castle is very rarely empty.”
“So you will let me go then?” Melody gave him a hopeful smile that made his heart twist.
“Of course, they are your family now as well.” Adrian nodded. “We shall all visit them together.”
“And perhaps I can bring a puppy home with me!” She gave him a sidelong look.
He chuckled and held up his fingers for her to touch. “We shall see about that.”
She nodded and to his surprise, threw her arms around him, hugged him tightly and sprinted away. “I will tell Daphne the good news!”
Adrian watched her go, shaking his head, a grin spreading across his face.
“She seems so happy.” A voice said from behind him, the now familiar scent of lemon and bergamot washing over him.
“I cannot remember the last time I saw her like this.” Adrian ran a hand through his hair absently. “I had forgotten just how much her smile lights up the room.”
“I am glad to see her so full of joy. Children deserve to be cherished and carefree.” Natalie leaned against the wall, an odd look in her eyes. “And she is such a delightful child.”
“I like to think so.”
“Sometimes it is baffling that such a ray of sunshine is your daughter. I can only assume she takes after her mother – you are far too sombre and broody.” Natalie teased.
A stab of something dark and unpleasant jolted through Adrian, but he shoved it roughly away. His heart sped up and the smell of roses haunted him.
“Perhaps she does.” Adrian kept his voice level, and forced himself to smile. “Or perhaps your own sunny disposition is so catching it has beaten my brooding out of her.”
“Careful, that sounded dangerously close to a compliment, husband dear.” Natalie’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she watched him.
“And why would you be surprised that I pay my wife a compliment? After all, you are so very worth complimenting.” He moved toward her, his eyes meeting her gaze.
Her cheeks flushed but she rolled her eyes and shook her head, before she gently placed a hand on his chest. “If you think complimenting me will disarm me, I am afraid I shall have to disappoint you. But I am learning your tricks.”
“Perhaps I have some you have not yet encountered.” Adrian moved closer to her and winked.
“If that was the case, it begs the question, why keep them from me?” She gently traced a hand down his chest, her eyes dancing.
“One should always have an ace up their sleeve, Natalie.” Her murmured.
She shook her head, smiling and stepped away from him, gesturing to the exposed skin on her wrist. “I prefer to keep mine in my gloves. Easier access.”
The air between them sat heavily. The kind of heaviness that was like a tightly coiled spring, ready to be released. There was fizzing quality to it, as though it was ether given shape.
