Page 24 of A Wallflower Never Forgets
Jonathan glanced at Melanie, who’d stopped to pick up evergreen branches for the mantel. Melanie was just as innocent as Angela.
“I think the Yule log is perfect, and once we finish decorating, it will look very festive,” Maggie said. “You could probably use one more man to help with that, dear. I don’t want you complaining of back pain over Christmas.” The countess’s voice was gentle but teasing.
“I promise I won’t complain,” Max said, kissing his wife on the cheek. “If you promise to save me all the gingerbread.”
Melanie gazed up at the striking features of the man beside her, captivated by how effortlessly he could coax a smile from her with just the slightest lift of his lips. It was a warmth that no one else had ever managed to evoke within her. “Would it help to reposition the log among the three of you? It might feel more secure that way,” her voice gentle and encouraging. The path ahead stretched long and unyielding, and she could see the strain in their postures. She noticed relief washed over Worsley and Rochester when they repositioned the heavy log. Besides, this gave her a way to speak with him at the rear of the log. With Angela and Rochester engaging in cheerful banter further ahead of them, she couldn’t help but wonder if her brother was beginning to feel something deeper.
She had been so relieved when the men had returned. She’d had an eerie feeling all morning. As though someone was watching her. But every time she turned around, she felt as though she’d just missed seeing a movement in the forest bordering the estate. Perhaps it was her mind playing tricks. Perhaps it was the fact that she’d had a restless night of poor sleep. Even so, she was happy that Jonathan was with her.
Jonathan had been helping her sort through boughs of ivy and garland. They were some distance away from the others. It was a good opportunity for her to speak her mind while they had a semblance of privacy.
“Arf!” Shep barked playfully, his tail wagging to make his presence known as he looked up at them with a smile on his face. Privacy, not counting Shep, of course, she thought as she bent down to pet Shep.
“Goodness! I had forgotten Shep was with you.” Jonathan grinned. “He’s a very intuitive dog. It’s impressive how he seems to read the atmosphere around him.”
“You’re fortunate he likes you,” Melanie said. She dug a treat from her pocket. “Shep, lie down. Lie down, Shep. The small white dog obeyed and slid down on his stomach, looking up at her expectantly.
“Good boy, Shep! Good boy!” Melanie fed him a treat.
“How clever.” Jonathan chuckled, squatting down to pet Shep, who wagged his tail with enthusiasm.
“I’ve watched him carefully observe everyone, but he has a soft spot for you,” Melanie said. “Don’t think I didn’t see you spoil him with crumbs from the shortbread the other night. I’ve never known him to be such an easy mark.”
“He’s just an astute judge of character,” Jonathan said, his grin widening.
“If there’s a stranger or a gentleman he doesn’t know or trust getting too close to me, Shep goes on high alert, giving them his famous side-eye.”
Jonathan laughed. “He gives the side eye?”
“Oh yes! But you won him over with hardly any effort. Even Gavin—who spoils Shep with treats, occasionally gets a growl.”
“In Rochester’s case, I don’t blame Shep. Rochester generally growls at everyone, too.”
Their shared laughter at her brother’s notorious temperament made her realize one more thing about Jonathan that she appreciated—their history. The fact that he had always been a part of their lives. Part of the family. Melanie took a deep breath and decided to plunge ahead with what she had to say. “May I speak with you on a matter of some importance?”
Jonathan inclined his head, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Certainly. I had hoped to speak with you as well, but pray, do go on.”
Melanie nodded. The sooner she did this, the better. “Jonathan, yesterday I behaved rather poorly, and I need to apologize. I’m sure you saw me standing at the window of the parlor yesterday when you were speaking with the Dowager Duchess of Aumale. I apologize for spying on you.” She rolled her eyes. “Poor choice of words given your work. In any case, I knew you had wanted to speak with me. Rachel told me. But I remained in my room for the rest of the day.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Melanie,” Jonathan said softly.
“No, I need to because I behaved foolishly, dare I say, like a silly little girl.” She sighed. “You see, when I saw Diana making moon eyes at you and whispering in your ear, I went a little… I became a little…”
“Jealous?” he asked, his lips twitching.
“Well…yes. Darn it, Jonathan, I’ve loved you my whole life, but I realized it was a foolish girl’s fancy, but then it changed into something more and…” Her words faded away as she realized what she’d said in a frustrated burst. She could feel the flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck and was grateful for the knitted scarf and the cool bite in the air that had already pinkened her cheeks. Melanie watched his eyes widen. He opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then cleared his throat.
Oh Lord, why oh, why did I say the L word? She wished she could go back in time and un-say what she’d just blurted out. What if he didn’t feel the same way? What if he only cared about her? What if she’d read too much into their late-night kiss in the kitchen? Why won’t he say something?
“Melanie…” he said finally. “Melanie,” he said again. “I am involved in a final case. A serious case. The very last one,” he began. “Please trust that while I have always cared for you, my feelings for you now are different. Something more to use your words…” He hesitated. “This is probably not the best place to have a discussion. Your brother keeps shooting me dirty looks. I believe he thinks I’m shirking my log-carrying duties. So, after we bring the Yule log in, why don’t you say that you lost your hat.” He reached up and gently removed her hat, looking about to make sure no one had noticed, before stuffing it in his coat pocket. “I’ll go with you to find it.”
Melanie smiled. Small waves of butterflies did somersaults in her stomach. “I will if you promise to kiss me,” she said boldly. “Like you did the other night.” Oh Lord, there was no turning back now. Mama, I’m taking your advice and fighting for what I want. It felt good to do that. To act. Even if it meant risking a broken heart. Because what was the use of being in love if you didn’t take a chance?
“That is an excellent suggestion,” he said, winking at her. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more at this moment.”
They hauled the log into the parlor, and as the women were decorating it, Jonathan remembered the note in his pocket. “Rochester, Worsley, may I have a moment with you in the study?”
“Oh dear! I’ve discovered my hat is gone. I’ll need to go back to look for it,” Melanie said with a glance at Jonathan.
