Page 48 of My Blind Duke
By the end of the activity, Robert had been summoned to carry the bowl of paper cranes and butterflies up to the duke’s study.
“This was an enlightening experience,” William said as he rose to leave.
“Thank you for joining us,” Melanie said suddenly.
A pained look crossed William’s face and he told her, “You do not have to thank me for such, in the future. I quite enjoyed myself.”
He then petted Melanie’s head and took his leave.
Melanie sighed, dropping her head onto her folded arms resting on the table.
“That was nice. I was hoping it would not come to an end.”
Prudence watched the retreating back of the duke move further and further out of sight, her heart tightening as she understood the unspoken fear that Melanie was probably harboring at that moment.
“Me too, poppet. Me too.”
But surprisingly, that was not the end.
Prudence continued to extend invitations to the duke and he continued to take them. He accompanied them on walks, joined them for tea in the sunroom, and even agreed once to follow them on an excursion to the town to restock Melanie’s art supplies. Although he did not leave the carriage, it was more than enough for Melanie.
It seemed the whole estate was aware of the young lady’s good mood because she had pretty much forgotten her mischievous ways, too preoccupied basking in the joy she felt that her father was finally looking at her.
“I am so happy, Prudence,” she told the duchess once when it was just the two of them having a meal together. “I did not thinkPapa liked me, but he has been so nice lately! It feels like a dream, and I hope it never ends!”
Prudence nodded, understanding what the child meant. Their frequent interactions seemed to be doing them a lot of good, and she could not deny that it was quite a relief to see Melanie so happy.
As a child, that is all she should know, Prudence mused to herself.Insurmountable joy and happiness.
She hoped things would continue this way, with the years of distance between the father and daughter closing slowly.
“I hope it never ends too. You deserve to live in good dreams too.”
Melanie beamed at her, then moved closer to whisper,
“Do you want to know something?”
Prudence grinned, “I mean, you have certainly piqued my curiosity now.”
Melanie grinned back and said, “I wish Papa would marry you. So, you could stay and never have to leave. You would become my mama.”
Her words hit Prudence like a handful of molten rocks, sinking to the bottom of Prudence’s stomach.
The duchess had never thought of remarrying, much less to the duke and the idea of it alone–
No. I cannot entertain such notions. What has transpired between us means nothing at all.
“I am honored that you care so deeply about me, Melanie. However, with matters like these, it is usually best to leave it to the adults. I am sorry to disappoint you, but your father and I cannot marry each other. It will not be possible because we are not in love. Getting married without such a strong and important feeling would not bode well for us in the future,” she explained gently.
“But I am certain Papa cares deeply about you.”
Prudence paused, her fork carrying a piece of steak going still halfway to her mouth.
“N-No, he does not – why? What makes you say so?” Prudence asked, feeling flustered.
“Well, papa talks about you all the time. He is always wondering what you are up to and how you are doing. So, I think that means he likes you. Is that not true?”
Prudence fell silent, unable to believe her ears.
