Page 93 of Duchess By Accident
Her thoughts must have shown on her face, because Lady Isabelle sighed and handed her a faded, well-worn piece of paper. “I suppose it was silly to keep. I have other more pleasant letters anyway. I have only used this to beat myself up.”
Natalie nodded, and slipped the letter into a pocket of her own. “Thank you.”
Lady Isabelle nodded but did not say anything. Natalie’s heart beat wildly. She glanced over her shoulder, in the direction of the ruins. The folded paper in her pocket seemed to burn.
How am I going to tell this to Adrian?
Natalie stared into the flames, watching as the letter curled into blackened ash before her. She was sitting in an armchair in Adrian’s study. All afternoon, she had been itching to destroy the thing. She had read it. She could not help it.
The letter was exactly as Lady Isabelle had said. There had been no mention of another letter to the Duke.Perhaps he did not know.
Unease stirred within Natalie. She thought of all of the times Adrian had been testy about Melody. How overprotective he was. The way he had closed up when she even mentioned the girl taking after a parent.
“There you are!” The sound of his voice brought her back to the present. “Lady Isabelle said you were feeling unwell, she and Lord Peter have just left.”
He rested a hand against her cheek, his eyes full of concern. He pressed his lips to hers, and sighed. “Though I am glad to say you do not look ill.”
Natalie wanted to lean into the tenderness of the moment, but she could not. All she did was nod.
He canted his head towards her. “Did you find out everything you needed to?”
Natalie let out a bitter laugh. “Yes.”And some things I wish I had not.
“We spoke of lots of things – I do not think she is like her cousin.” Natalie looked at Adrian, her heart twisting.If he does not know, will this break his heart?“She told me something else.”
“Oh?” She thought she saw him stiffen slightly.
“The letter she received from her cousin. It spoke of Melody’s heritage. You are not her father.” Natalie looked at Adrian, and saw the horror and anger on his face.
“It is true then.” She murmured, anger in her voice. “Why did you not tell me?”
Adrian strode past her, towards his desk and began rummaging in his drawers, not looking at her.
“Adrian, did you hear what I said?” Natalie moved to stand nearer him and he jerked away from her touch.
“I should have known. Adrian, you utter fool.” he breathed, his eyes wild like a cornered animal. “I must get that letter.”
Natalie tried to get his attention. “It is with me, or at least it was.”
“Youhadthe letter?” Adrian moved towards her, grabbing her roughly. “Where is it now? Who have you sent it to?”
“You are hurting me.” Natalie wrenched herself from his grasp.
Her head was reeling, but it was not because he had grabbed her. His words had hit her like a slap to the face.Who have you sent it to?
“What do you want for your silence?” Adrian’s panic was clear in his eyes, but his voice was cool and unemotional.
“What do you mean?” Natalie took a step towards him.
He waved his chequebook in her face. “What do I need to give you to retrieve the letter? To keep this secret safe? Name it. Whatever you want, you shall have it.”
“Are you trying tobuymy silence?” White hot rage filled her. She wanted to slap him, but she resisted.Let this be a dream.
“I am trying to ensure my daughter’s safety.” Adrian’s eyes met hers, the familiar blue staring into her soul.
At least, that was what she had thought.He does not trust me.
“Do you really think I would do something like that? Do you think I would do that to you? ToMelody? Is that what you think of me?” She shook, clenching her fists so tightly she was sure she would have the marks for days. “I trusted you.”
