Page 61 of Duchess By Accident
He replied. “Only on Tuesdays.”
“It is Wednesday, brother dearest.” Natalie pointed out.
Adrian was aware that she was looking at him, perhaps waiting to see what he thought of the young couple in front of him. He clenched and unclenched his fist, forcing what he hoped was a jovial expression onto his face.
Knowledge.If he watched them, he could see the weak points between them. He could use them.
“In that case, I shall have to make an exception for you.” Peter stuck his tongue out at his sister before turning to Lady Isabelle. “Are you keeping any more secrets from me, dearest one?”
Adrian only just managed to keep his head from whipping round at Lord Peter’s words.
“I suppose you shall have to find out.” Adrian could not be sure, but he was almost certain Lady Isabelle’s eyes had darted towards him.
She knows.He knew how close the late Duchess and Lady Isabelle had been. They had told each other everything. He could not allow her back into his life. Not with the knowledge she might have.
“You know that there should be no secrets between a man and his wife.” Lord Peter waggled a finger at his companion teasingly.
“Well, it is a good thing we are not married.” Lady Isabelle retorted.
“Not yet.” Lord Peter said, his face falling somewhat. “Though I am not sure if we ever will be.”
“Have hope Peter, I intend to see you together. I think it would be most excellent to have Lady Isabelle as a sister. Think what fun we will have at Blackwood together.” Natalie moved towards the other woman and Adrian could see genuine warmth in her eyes.This cannot be happening.“And I am sure Melody would love to meet someone who knew her mother.”
“No.” Adrian blurted before he could help himself.
Everyone looked at him and he shook his head.Fool.“My apologies, I thought a servant was offering us drinks and waved them away with rather more enthusiasm than I meant.”
Lord Peter looked around. “Drat. I rather fancied a drink. Shall I fetch us some?”
“That would be lovely, thank you, Peter.” Natalie gave Adrian a look which he pointedly ignored.
“And where is Lady Melody? Did she come with you to London?” Lady Isabelle turned to face them both as Peter disappeared into the crowd.
Adrian grit his teeth about to say that it was none of the woman’s business and then realised that that level of hostility would only draw more attention than he wanted.
Natalie smiled at the mention of her stepdaughter, a sight that would usually melt his heart, but tonight it felt as if it were enclosed in ice. “She is staying with my brother and his children this evening. They adore each other.”
“Oh that is lovely.” Lady Isabelle clapped her hands in delight. “Well, perhaps we shall all meet again soon.”
“Of course, you must visit us at Blackwood!” Natalie exclaimed. “You are welcome to visit whenever you wish.”
“It would be best to give us notice, Melody can be a rather sensitive child.” Adrian swallowed.
“Like her mother, I expect.” Lady Isabelle nodded, her eyes briefly lingering on Adrian’s face. “It was good to see you again, Duke Blackwood.”
“And you, Lady Isabelle.” Adrian inclined his head.
Lady Isabelle disappeared into the crowd after Peter. Adrian’s ears were ringing, blood thundering through his body so hard he marvelled that it did not break free.
“Oh, that is the Dowager Duchess – shall we introduce ourselves?” Natalie gestured to an older woman who was sitting surrounded by a crowd of people.
“You should introduce yourself. I… I need some air. And the Dowager Duchess is not fond of rakes.”
“You are not a rake – you are my husband.”
“I think it would be best if you met alone. I need some time to collect my thoughts.” He left before she could say another word.
He strode out into the crisp, cool air. It stung his cheeks and he welcomed the sensation. He breathed in deeply, the smell of roses rose up in his mind and he almost gagged. He turned, and saw a small rose bush beside him.
