Page 63 of Duchess By Accident
“There is not much to tell.” Adrian shrugged.
Natalie frowned at him. “It sounds like she had some significance in your life.”
She searched his face, peering up at him as they walked together. But there was no hint of emotion there. He might as well have been carved of stone. It sent unpleasant prickles down her spine.
“She was important to the Duchess.” He replied coolly.
“You do not think it would be nice for Melody to meet someone who knew her mother? She must have so many stories she could tell her.” Natalie canted her head towards him.
Perhaps Lady Isabelle would be able to reassure her that her mother loved her. Natalie did not say this aloud, unsure how Adrian would respond to that.
He rounded on her, his eyes cool and distant. “I do not want that woman around Melody.”
“Why not?” She took a half step back from him, her eyes widening.
Her heart hammered in her chest, and her head spun at his quick change in temperament. It was like he was an entirely different man.
“She is not used to having to deal with so many people.” Adrian swallowed.
“Well, she will have to be around her once Peter and Lady Isabelle are wed.” Natalie pointed out. “And she seems to have a genuine fondness for her. Perhaps she might be able to reassure Melody about her mother.”
Adrian let out a bark of laughter. “There is very little that would be reassuring about her mother.”
“What do you mean?” Natalie was confused.
She had rarely heard Adrian talk about the late Duchess, and the venom in his voice when he talked about her now caught her off guard. Natalie realised that whatever the Duchess had been to Adrian, there was little love between them.
A part of her desperately wanted to know more, to understand what had gone on between them. But another part felt sick just thinking about them.
“It does not matter.” Adrian waved his hand. “If I had realised that Lady Isabelle was his intended, I would not have encouraged him. It would be best if your brother found another.”
“Why?” Natalie’s brow furrowed, her lips pursed.
“It would not be a wise match.” Adrian explained.
“But she clearly loves him. And her father is an Earl, so we know she is from a good family.” Natalie narrowed her eyes at him. “I do not see what the problem is.”
She felt him tense, and then he slipped from her grasp. He looked at her, mouth opening and then closing.
“You do not need to see it. He should not marry her.” Adrian began to walk towards the carriage. “I will say no more on the subject.”
“You will. He is my brother. If you think she will hurt him, then I would know.” Natalie reached for him again but he jerked out of her grasp.
Confusion and hurt swelled within Natalie. Why would he not tell her what his objections were? Why was he refusing to be honest with her? Why was he pushing her away?And why does it bother me?
“She will not hurt him.” Adrian said softly.
“Then what is the problem?” She folded her arms across her chest, searching his face. “Tell me. Please.”
“Their match would be ill advised. Trust me, it would be best for everyone if they were not together.” Adrian ran a hand through his hair.
“You are asking me to trust you, but giving me very little reason to do so.” Natalie chewed on her lip. “You keep avoiding my question.”
“I do not owe you an explanation.” His voice was like ice, cold and unflinching.
It stoked her own anger.How dare he brush me off? He expects me to just trust him blindly?
“Yes, you do. You cannot declare that my brother should marry another and just expect me to accept your word as law.” She grabbed him, glowering up at him. “I am not your servant. I am your wife.”
