Page 37 of My Blind Duke
“Ah,” Prudence cleared her throat, feeling strangely nervous. “This is Lady Melanie, the duke’s daughter. Melanie, this is my older sister, the Duchess of Harper.”
Melanie flushed as Marina’s attention fixated on her wholly. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”
“Likewise, darling,” Marina smiled before turning to her sister. “I was not aware the duke had a daughter.”
“He does. This little treasure,” Prudence smiled softly at Melanie.
“What about her mother? How does she feel about your presence in the same house as her husband and daughter?” Marina asked.
It was a reasonable question, but it still shocked Prudence, who immediately glanced at Melanie, scared that the girl would be upset by the question.
But Melanie merely shook her head, her expression impassive as she said, “My mama passed away years ago, Your Grace. It is just Papa and me now.”
Marina stared at her, aghast. “Oh, poor thing, I am so sorry. I did not mean to–”
“It is all right. I am aware that not everyone knows.” Melanie smiled at her kindly.
Prudence felt proud of the little girl, somewhat relieved that the conversation had taken a less dangerous route. She finally paid some attention to her tea, relieved when she found out it was still lukewarm.
“You seem like a very bright and pretty young lady. I am sure your mama is proud of you in heaven,” Marina told the child gently.
Melanie nodded innocently and Prudence continued to sip her tea.
“I hope she is. But I do hope Papa will marry again. I would so love to have a mama and siblings.”
Prudence choked on her tea.
Both Marina and Melanie stared at her as she coughed into her handkerchief, blinking back the tears that had sprung to her eyes.
“That is… that is for your papa to decide, no?” she wheezed breathlessly.
A light flashed through Marina’s eyes and Prudence knew she had been caught. However, just as her sister’s lips parted, Clementina stormed into the garden.
“Where is she? Where is that menace?” the elderly woman screamed.
Melanie ducked down behind Prudence but Clementina had already seen her.
“Enough of your foolish games! You are always so bold when you cause problems! Face the consequences the same way, with the bravado you seem to have an endless supply of.”
Melanie shook her head and clung to Prudence as she stood.
“What is the matter? What did she do?” The duchess asked amicably.
“What did she do? Crossed the line, as always! I caught her fiddling with my priceless figurines! She was clearly about to steal them!”
“That is not true!” Melanie cried. “I just thought they were pretty! I picked one up because I wanted to see it up close. I did not know they belonged to you! I tried to apologize, but she did not listen and made Henrietta chase me around the estate. I was scared she would hit me if she caught me.”
“A good lashing is what you need, you spoiled ingrate! Wasting your time running around and causing trouble while your father works hard to fix our home! Children are meant to be demure, and I am certain he regrets keeping you around. You are no better than a street urchin–”
“That is enough, Lady Clementina! I will not stand here and watch you speak to her like that. She made a mistake andapologized. You have every right to be possessive and protective of your belongings, but not to the point where you berate a child for admiring them. You seem to easily forget that from us all, you are the lowest in rank. She deserves your respect, even if she does not obtain your kindness. Do not make me take matters into my own hands, or you will be very sorry for each misstep you made,” Prudence said, glaring at Clementina.
The older woman looked shocked for a moment, then she sneered.
“Look at you, setting yourself up as her advocate. Do you intend to curry favor from His Grace? Or are you merely sick of your meaningless existence as a motherless widow and now wish to insert yourself into the family of another? You are not her mother, and you should perish any hopes. Instead of playing these silly games, I suggest you start packing your things. Because the duke is working to send you out of this house. And if we are fortunate, he will put you in prison, right where you belong!” Clementina spat.
“How dare you speak to my sister that way, you–” Marina spoke up in her defense, but Prudence quickly lifted her hand.
Clementina walked away with an indignant sound and Prudence sighed in exasperation.
