Page 29 of Rescued from Betrayal
She raised her chin. “I see you have quite the high opinion of my hospitality. Is there anything else in my character you feel the need to question?”
His brow furrowed. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“I simply meant to ascertain your willingness to meet with people so decidedly below your station.”
If he thought to placate her with those words, he was more obtuse than she’d previously thought. Disdain dripped from his lips like saliva, quivering and disgusting in its existence. Never mind that a week ago she’d avoided several gentlemen at assemblies because of their low station. When it came to women, she was quite liberal. Did she not have friendships with mere baron’s daughters? Perhaps she had not been as willing as Eddie to accept the company of all, but one must have their standards.
“I understand you completely, sir.” She turned her shoulder toward him so she could more fully stare out the window.
“I do not think you do. As my wife, I expect you to treat my neighbors and friends with kindness and equity.”
“Something I am wholly lacking. Yes, sir. Do you have any more orders for me?”
“Yes. You will keep your sharp tongue to yourself and not inflict my mother with it. In fact, perhaps it would be best if you limited your interactions with her. She is a gentlewoman and I would not want her hurt by your haughty attitude.”
A lump caught in Melior’s throat. She’d never been so insulted in all her life. Her eyes began to burn. She closed them to trap any tears that could betray her.
“As you wish.” She pulled the lap robe to cover her arms and leaned her head against the squabs, feigning fatigue. While she’d been beyond tired all day, her mind was now wide awake with the agony of unjust accusations.
She’d known Sir Nathaniel’s mother most of her life, and not once had she ever treated her with less than was her due. Yes, their acquaintance was a superficial one, but from his assessment, one would think she’d been unforgivably rude at every interaction.
The rest of the ride was silent, presumably because he thought her asleep. When the carriage shuddered to a stop, she gave up her pretense and sat up straight.
A footman opened the door and Melior caught sight of the staff lining the drive, their breath fogging in the frigid air. Sir Nathaniel exited and waved the footman away.
She stood and glanced at the hand he extended to her. A choice had to be made, and while Melior would rather have shown the utmost propriety in front of the staff, her heart could not handle one more beating. So she carefully stepped down from the carriage…withouttaking Sir Nathaniel’s hand.
He frowned.
She removed a linen square and dabbed the moisture from the tip of her nose. It would be the only water to dampen her face, for she swore to herself she’d not let Sir Nathaniel see her cry.
Straightening her posture, she gracefully met each member of the staff with a word of appreciation. It would take some time to remember all their names, but right now it was near impossible with her mind in such upheaval.
The top of the three-story building resembled a castle, but on a decidedly smaller scale. The turrets that lined the top gave the earthen-colored structure a stately appearance, if a bit cold and unwelcoming. The dark wood of the grand double doors at the top of the stairs were polished to a shine, circular brass handles hanging from each.
Melior’s gaze skittered to the butler and footmen. Each was large in stature with an impressive amount of brawn. That strength was probably necessary in order to heft such expansive doors every day.
Sir Nathaniel waited beside her as she took in the home. “Are you ready to proceed?” he asked quietly. His patience with her almost won him a small smile until he continued. “I will not insult you again by offering my arm, since my hand was so odious to you.”
The man was impossible. He was the one who broke her trust and then insulted her, and yet behaved as if it was her fault. How could he possibly think she would want to touch him after being used so badly?
Grasping her skirts, she marched up the stairs. Unfortunately, Sir Nathaniel kept pace with her, his hefty butler leading the way.
Chapter 11
Melior’s cordial behavior toward his staff surprised Nathaniel. Her mother was notorious for hiring and firing help at the drop of a hat, treating them as disposable. He’d witnessed her snip and yell whenever the mood suited her. It was a wonder Society accepted her so completely, but he supposed money and position afforded her more forgiveness than someone of his status.
This deviation from her mother’s influence was a point in Melior’s favor, but he was still miffed at her. She’d been positively petulant in the carriage when he’d tried to ascertain what sort of behavior his friends and family would be met with. Then, as if he’d been the one who pranced about frivolously courting the elite of London, and looking down on the less fortunate, she’d turned it on him. Oh, she had not accused him of anything, but she might as well have with her silent obstinance. He had nothing to be ashamed of; he was looking out for his own.
Thompson, his butler, preceded them up the steps and opened the door. “Your mother is awaiting you in the drawing room, sir.”
“She is out of bed?” Nathaniel asked in hushed tones.
“Yes, sir.”
Thompson’s uneven upper lip flattened over his lower one. The man had more to say, but Nathaniel would not press him in front of Melior.
