Page 88 of Duchess By Accident
Adrian looked at Melody, trying to hide her from view and hide the fear on his face. “I have already said that you are not old enough to have a dog. They are a lot of work.”
“But I want one.” Melody pouted. “Please.”
“No.” Adrian looked at Natalie asking for her support, but before she could say anything Peter had leaned down to Melody and said in a stage whisper, “Melody, the trick to getting a puppy is that you must first ask for a horse.”
“But I already have a horse. Two, in fact. Natalie bought them for me.” Melody gestured to the stable emphatically, her brow furrowed.
“Well then, why has Natalie not procured a puppy for you?” Peter gave his sister an indignant look.
“I do not know.” Melody turned to face them. “I did not know that if you had horses you could have a puppy.”
“That is because it is not true.” Adrian shook his head, trying to calm his nerves. To focus.
Natalie had clearly decided it was time to steer the conversation towards safer waters. “You said you had some good news for us?”
Peter beamed at them. “Oh yes! We are engaged. We have just been to see the Earl and he has given us his consent to be wed.”
“So I will get another aunt?” Melody asked, her voice full of excitement.
“Yes, you will.” Lady Isabelle smiled at Melody. “You probably do not remember me, I met you when you were very little. My name is Isabelle, if you would like, you can call me Aunt Isabelle.”
It was only Natalie’s hand on his arm that stopped him sweeping Melody away from Lady Isabelle. He felt his muscles go rigid as a board.
“Aunt Isabelle. Nice to meet you.” Melody smiled.
“Melody, I do not think Lady Isabelle has brought anything to ride in. Would you mind terribly if I did not join you? I should hate for her to feel left out.” Natalie gave her stepdaughter an apologetic look.
Adrian felt the tension leave his body, just slightly.
“Oh. You promise we will go another day?” Melody canted her head towards her.
“I promise.” She nodded solemnly.
“Okay then. I will show Uncle Peter the map. And explain to him about the rules.”
“Rules?” Peter asked as Melody led him away.
Lady Isabelle looked between Adrian and Natalie. “I hope you do not mind. I really had not wanted to intrude, but Peter insisted.”
“I know how stubborn my twin can be.” Natalie rolled her eyes.
Adrian was aware of the feeling of her thumb brushing over his knuckles. He tried to lean into the feeling, to embrace a calm he knew he needed.
“Are you sure you do not mind missing out on the ride? I am quite capable of amusing myself.” Lady Isabelle wrung her hands.
Natalie made a dismissive gesture. “No, of course not. It will be nice for the two of us to get to know one another.”
“Perhaps I should stay as well-” Adrian began, but Natalie cut him off. “Melody will be furious if we both remain behind. You go, have fun. I will keep Lady Isabelle company.”
“Are you sure?” Adrian asked.What if she knows?
“You can trust me.” Natalie murmured, she moved closer to him, and spoke so quietly he could scarcely hear her over the beating of his heart. “She has kept whatever she knows quiet this long. No doubt it will stay that way. Let me talk to her, alone. It is better than causing a scene.”
Adrian looked into Natalie’s amber eyes and nodded. He inclined his head towards Lady Isabelle, and left the stables,guiding his horse as he did. He did not trust himself to hold to his nerve if he said anything else.
“I can trust her. It will be fine.” Adrian muttered to himself as he began to ride away with Lord Peter and Melody. “Natalie will not betray me.”
Perhaps he should have stayed, but then Melody would have remained as well. He did not want her to be around Lady Isabelle, not with what she could know.
