Page 76 of My Blind Duke
In a perfect world, this would have been the family Prudence was meant to have, one she was meant to nurture and love into fruition. Unfortunately, some things were not fated to be.
She had done what she could to enjoy the time she had left in the Pemberly estate, as she watched Melanie’s contented expression, a familiar pang of sadness resonated within her. Only three days remained before she was to leave this life behind.
The day was shaping up to be a peaceful one. It had been remarkably gracious of William to let Melanie eat with them and the absence of Clementina and her companion only made things even better. Prudence had spent most of the mealtime fondly staring at Melanie and William, feeling as though every moment she spent with them was only carving out more room in her heart to miss them.
She would miss the easy companionship she had found with Melanie, the undeniable attraction and emotional bond sheshared with William, and even the familiar presence of the loyal staff.
“How about – for the bridge, we put something that goes ‘dum dum da-dum dum’?”
“That sounds riveting already. You certainly have an ear for music, petal,” William nodded in approval at Melanie’s suggestion.
They had been engrossed in a lively discussion about music, since the start of breakfast and it had been so breathtaking to watch them. Melanie, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she excitedly described a melody that had come to her, a series of notes she wished to weave into a duet with her father. William, his head turned toward her voice, listened intently, offering gentle guidance and encouragement.
Prudence felt the desire for William boiling beneath her skin, refusing dissipate, even though it had been two days since they had engaged in throes of passion at the ball. Things were… odd between them, both seemingly too cautious to bring it up, but unable to refuse the urge to dwell in the fog of peace that covered them.
There was something in the air that made them softer, much closer, encouraging her to enjoy all to the little joys she could have before she needed to give it all up.
Melanie and William spoke of the piano in the music room, of harmonies and rhythms, their shared passion deepening the bond between them made Prudence immensely proud.
“Pru– Your Grace, you must come and listen,” Melanie said, turning to Prudence, her small hand reaching out. “Papa says we can start working on it this morning, and I want you to hear it first.”
Prudence hesitated, her heart tugging at the invitation. The thought of spending more time with them, witnessing their blossoming connection, was both deeply appealing and profoundly painful. She knew she should create distance, and steel herself for the inevitable farewell. Especially since she had still not told Melanie of her plans, too cowardly to devastate the little girl. Every shared moment only tightened the knot of sadness in her chest.
Before she could formulate a polite refusal, the drawing-room doors burst open with a crash, the sudden noise making Melanie jump and William flinch.
Clementina stood framed in the doorway with Henrietta behind her, the older woman’s face a mask of vindictive triumph, her eyes fixed on Prudence. Behind her stood a uniformed constable, his presence an ominous intrusion into the peaceful morning.
A stunned silence fell over the breakfast room. Prudence, William, and Melanie stared at the unexpected arrivals, their expressions a mixture of confusion and growing unease.
“Well, well, well,” Clementina said, her voice dripping with a poisonous satisfaction that sent a shiver down Prudence’s spine. “Look who we have here. Still enjoying the comforts of Pemberly, I see.” She gestured dramatically toward the constable. “Constable, this is the woman. The woman responsible for the late Duke’s untimely demise.”
A gasp escaped Melanie’s lips, and William’s brow furrowed in disbelief.
“What is the meaning of this? What are you talking about?” he demanded, his voice sharp. “This is outrageous.”
Clementina rolled her eyes at him, before shifting her gaze to Prudence, her voice imploring as she said.
“You have to believe me, Your Grace! I told you this woman was up to no good and I have finally uncovered the truth,” she declared, her voice theatrical. “I hold in my hand the evidence that proves her guilt. Clear proof that this – this gold-digging viper poisoned my dear nephew.”
She then produced a worn leather-bound journal and a small, dark vial filled with a viscous liquid.
“This journal,” Clementina announced, holding up the book for all to see, “Contains her confession. Her vile plans to ensnare Anthony, to bleed him dry, and then to dispose of him so she could inherit his wealth.”
To Prudence’s horror, Clementina cleared her throat and began to read aloud in a dramatic tone, her voice echoing in stunned silence: “My patience wears thin. Anthony grows weaker, but not quickly enough. The fortune must be mine. The vial I procured from the apothecary should ensure his swift departure from this mortal coil.”
She then held up the vial. “And this… this was found hidden amongst her belongings. The very poison, I believe, that ended my poor nephew’s life.”
William stepped forward instinctively, placing himself protectively in front of Prudence. “This is absurd,” he stated firmly, his voice unwavering. “There must be some terrible mistake. I know Her Grace. She is incapable of such a vile act. I conducted an investigation secretly and although the results have not provided me with a details of the culprit, I am sure we are to receive news soon. Do not make such baseless accusations in the meantime.”
Despite William’s vehement defense, the constable, his expression impassive, addressed Prudence. “Your Grace, I am afraid I must ask you to come with me. These accusations are serious, and I am duty-bound to investigate.”
All Prudence could do was watch in shock as the situation unraveled, confused, and stuck in utter disbelief. As the constable moved to take Prudence’s arm, Clementina approached her, a cruel smile twisting her lips.
“Finally,” she hissed, her voice low and triumphant. “You are going to pay for what you did. You always were an unwelcome presence in this house.”
Melanie, her face streaked with tears, clung to Prudence’s skirts. “No! Do not take Prudence! Papa, please do not let them do this! Lady Clementina is mean to her! Just as she always is with me.”
“It is all right, poppet. This is a misunderstanding,” said Prudence as she followed the constable.
