Page 87 of Duchess By Accident
“A wonderful trap indeed.” He growled.
“Father! Mother! What are you doing? Where are your horses?” Melody was pulling her own horse towards them. “I have checked Sir Socks twice already.”
“I am sorry Little One. Your Father was being silly.”
“Your Mother started it.”
“I did not.”
“You arebothbeing silly.” Melody shook her head. “Go and get your horses, I have a race to win.”
“At once, Captain.” Adrian gave his daughter a mock salute and cast Natalie a look that told her he did fully intend to finish this later.
Her heart fluttered, but she rolled her eyes at him and allowed Melody to tell her what horse she thought was most suitable.
“I think that no matter what horse I choose, today will be a most perfect day.” Natalie beamed at Melody.
“Why?”
“Because I am with you. And nothing could possibly go wrong while we are together.” Natalie meant every single word.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Adrian watched Natalie and Melody talking and felt as though he would burst. Ever since they had returned, it had felt like he had found paradise.
His cheeks ached from smiling so much. “I am getting soft.”
He shook himself, but could not help watching the way Natalie moved. She moved with such perfect grace. He loved how she lit up when she talked to Melody, loved the way she laughed.I should make her laugh more.
Natalie turned and caught his eye, and gestured to the bridle he had been in the middle of checking, mouthing the word, “distracted?”
He winked at her, laughing at the blush that spread across her cheeks before returning to his task. He was aware of a shadow behind him.
“You know, this will take a lot longer if you keep stealing my focus Little Thief.” He turned around and found himself looking into the amused face of Lord Peter.
“Little Thief, I prefer Briggs or Rokesby if I am honest.” Lord Peter bowed to him.
“I thought you were your sister.” Adrian inclined his head towards Lord Peter, his eyes finding Natalie who gave him a look that said she had not been expecting this visit either. “I had not expected to see you. Though, it is always good for family to spend time together.”
Lord Peter flushed. “Sorry for dropping in unannounced, Blackwood, but well, we were in the neighbourhood and I could not wait to tell my sister the good news.”
“We?” Adrian asked at the same time as Natalie said, “Good news?”
Lady Isabelle appeared beside Peter, and gave them both an apologetic smile. “I did say it would be better if we wrote to ask to meet, but Briggsy insisted you would not mind.”
Adrian’s stomach dropped. His hand tightened on the reins of his horse, and he forced himself to smile.What is she doing here?
“We Emberlys do not care about such thing, and now that the Duke is one of the family, he shall have to get used to his relations turning up unannounced.” Peter laughed.
“Rose and Alexander both managed to wait to be invited. As has the rest of the family.” Natalie pointed out, standing beside Adrian.
He felt her slip her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly.This is a nightmare.
“You said that was because Melody should not be overwhelmed, but she has already met me. And we are great friends, are we not, little Niece?” Peter called over his shoulder.
Melody appeared a moment later. “Uncle Peter said he would come with us on the ride! He wants to see the ruins. Maybe, if we show him the ruins, he will let me have one of the puppies at Emberly castle?”
Has Lady Isabelle seen Melody? Have they spoken without me?Adrian was aware of Natalie moving closer to her brother, whispering in a way that suggested she was politely telling him that unwelcome visits were not welcome. Relief did not come, instead only nerves filled Adrian.
