Page 68 of Duchess By Accident
“Really?” Melody’s eyes widened.
“That is how it often is with me.” She nodded her head, eyes going distant as she recalled happier days. “Especially when I was your age. I would find some particularly interesting thing in the garden or Peter and I would get into some wonderful adventure and we would tell the story over and over again.”
The mention of her brother reminded Melody of the evening before. Her stomach twisted and she clenched her fist. Her reputation coming between Peter and Lady Isabelle was one thing, but she refused to allow Adrian to keep them apart.
She struggled to keep her anger off her face. Not wanting Melody to see, she hastily looked away. Thankfully, the door opened at that moment and the sound of footsteps filled the hall.
“Father!” Melody yelled excitedly, pushing her chair from the table and racing towards the sound of footsteps.
Natalie’s heart beat faster. She half stood, but stopped herself. she did not want to rush towards him like some desperately pining lover, but nor could she bring herself to simply remain seated.I will not let him think I am afraid to see him.
She forced herself to move into the hall, even as her heart threatened to tear itself from her chest. She glanced down the corridor and saw Adrian kneeling in front of Melody.
“Father – you smell awful.” Melody wrinkled her nose.
Natalie dug her nails into her palms, using the pain to force away the violent wave of nausea that rose within her. Adrian was wearing the same clothes he had been in when she had last seen him.He did not come home.
The realisation cut her like a dagger. The world around her began to spin and she barely took in what Adrian said to his daughter.
She stumbled, and the smell of stale whiskey, cigars mingled with amber and myrrh, washed over her. Strong arms held her arms and she glanced up to see Adrian looking at her.
“I should wash.” Adrian murmured moving away from her.
“You should.” Melody nodded her agreement, frowning up at her father and then at Natalie. “Why are your clothes so crumpled?”
“Melody – perhaps you could ask the servants to prepare a bath for your father? I would like a word with him in private.” Natalie gave her step daughter a smile. “And then you can tell him all about your time with your cousins. I am sure he is desperate to hear about it.”
“Is he in trouble?” Melody canted her head towards Natalie. “Does that mean we will not go to the menagerie today?”
“Of course not. I think a trip to the menagerie is a heavenly idea.” Natalie glanced at Adrian, knowing just how loud and bright it would be. “Why not make a day of it? We could visit one of the tea rooms and perhaps promenade about the park!”
Though Natalie had never herself experienced the consequences of an overindulgent night, she had seen her brother’s and other family members the morning after. Most of them had groaned and remained in bed, refusing to do anything until they felt more human.
Well, if he thinks I shall let him slink away, he has another thing coming.If he wanted to stay out all night, then so be it. But Natalie would show him that there were consequences to such things.
“Shall I ask cook to prepare a picnic?” Melody asked excitedly. “Perhaps we could invite Cousin Daphne and Arthur and Jonathan to join us?”
“A wonderful idea.” Natalie could see Adrian opening his mouth to interject, but ploughed on before he could say anything else. “Why not write to them? It will give you a chance to practice sending out calling cards.”
“Can I use my seal?” Melody’s eyes widened and she hopped from foot to foot.
“Of course. Though ask Julia or Nanny to help with the wax. I do not want you to hurt yourself.” Natalie said.
Melody nodded and skipped off, humming a song to herself as she went. The sight bolstered Natalie.At least I am doing something right.She caught sight of Adrian smiling as he watched his daughter, and turned to face him.
The smile disappeared as soon as their eyes met and it felt like a dagger in her heart. The warmth in his eyes was replaced by the coldness of a frozen lake.
“You did not come home last night.” Natalie felt the words tumble from her lips; they sounded far away.
“I lost track of time.” Adrian shrugged.
“Do you intend to make this a habit?” she asked, folding her arms across her chest.
The cold dispassionate affect of her voice took her by surprise.It seems I have picked up some of Adrian’s tricks.She leaned into the safety of that coldness.
His eyes widened ever so slightly; her only indication that he was affected by her. She wished she could feel satisfaction, but it was swallowed up by the roiling nausea and anger within her.
Images of Adrian drinking and cavorting bubbled to the forefront of her mind and she pushed them away violently.Ours is a marriage in name alone.She refused to let him see her feelings, to learn this weakness.
