Page 26 of The Scarlet Lady's Duke of Desire
She was well aware her father would never forgive her for showing any disrespect to the son of a business partner. And it was the only reason she invited the man in.
Mr Colton entered with a polite smile and a formal bow before he approached and revealed a bouquet of daisies from behind his back.
“For you, Miss Thornton,” he said as he offered the bouquet to her. “Simple and yet quite beautiful, much like you.”
Melody bit the inside of her lip, unsure as to whether she liked the idea of being called simple, though from the look upon his face she sensed he hadn’t meant any offense by it.
“Thank you, Mr Colton. They are indeed quite beautiful,” she smiled and without taking the bouquet from him she turned to Jenkins and suggested, “Perhaps you might take them and put them into some water before they begin to wilt?”
“Of course, miss,” Jenkins nodded and did just that. The moment he was gone from the room, Melody realised her mistake. She was only relieved that the butler had left the door wide open.
And as luck would have it, there was a maid passing by. “Oh, Hannah, please would you join us?”
The maid stopped in her tracks and turned back, for a second looking confused. Then, seeming to realise that the two were alone, she hurried in with a silent nod of her head and stepped to the edge of the room with her head bowed.
“I hope you do not mind my calling again,” Mr Colton said as soon as he had offered Hannah a friendly smile. “But I so enjoyed our last encounter.”
What is this man’s intention?Melody wondered even as she smiled and forced herself to say, “As did I, Mr Colton. Please, sit.”
She gestured him over to the couches on the far side of the library beside the fireplace and carefully took a seat as far from him as possible.
Perhaps he was just like all the rest of them, looking to make a friend of her in order to get closer to her good friend Petunia. Yet, thinking back he couldn’t ever remember seeing him and Petunia in close quarters. In fact, she wasn’t sure she had ever seen Mr Colton in attendance in the same circles as the woman at occasions.
“Was there a reason for your visit, Mr Colton?” Melody asked when all was silent for several moments. The man blushed at her question, a sense of embarrassment wafting from him. He pursed his lips, looking contemplative.
Then, quickly shook his head. “Need I any further reason than for the joy of your company, Miss Thornton?”
This time, Melody was the one to blush. “I suppose not.”
And so, they entered into a friendly, yet seemingly meaningful conversation, about the weather and Mr Colton’s dealings within his father’s trades business, all of which Melody could barely concentrate on. All she could truly think about was the fact she wished he was another.
Several times she glanced at the grandfather clock at the other end of the room, playing with a thread that had come loose upon her gown, and she was relieved when Jenkins returned with a tray of tea that she had quite forgotten to even ask for.
“Are you expecting someone, Miss Thornton?” Mr Colton asked after the third time of her glancing at the clock. “Or perhaps you have somewhere that you need to be?”
Clearing her throat and adjusting her skirt to avoid meeting his gaze, Melody shook her head. “Forgive me, Mr Colton, I am worried about my mother. I expected her home some time ago.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie though it certainly felt like one in that moment. Upon thinking about it she was relieved that her mother had not yet returned from her shopping in town. She could imagine all too well the things she might suggest after Mr Colton’s visit.
“Has she been gone long?” Mr Colton asked. “Perhaps you would like me to wait until she returns or even go in search of her?”
“Oh, no!” Melody blurted and guilt threatened her stomach. Mr Colton was quite a friendly and genuine young man. She felt guilty for suspecting anything suspicious of him, and yet, there was still the doubt in her mind that something was going on. “I am certain she shall be back soon. Time has probably run away with her. I would hate to keep you any longer than I already have.”
Mr Colton appeared to take the hint and at that, he rose to his feet, adjusting his jacket as he told her, “Then I should likely be on my way, Miss Thornton, though I do hope that you shall permit me to call again?”
Why do you wish to?Melody wanted to ask the question aloud, but she was all too aware of how it might sound and again she had to remind herself of the fact he was the son of one of her father’s dear friends. Their family could not afford to look ungrateful for the little attention they were offered.
“I am certain that my parents and I would be glad to see you again,” Melody announced carefully with a curtsey. “Good day, Mr Colton, and thank you for the flowers.”
“You are most welcome, Miss Thornton,” Mr Colton responded with a low bow and when he stood, hesitating in leaving, Melody knew exactly what it was that he wanted.
“Please, allow me to show you out.”
Feeling quite uncomfortable, Melody led the man from the library and down the hall, feeling as though it was twice as long as usual.
By the time they reached the entryway, she was more than a little relieved, and exceptionally glad that Jenkins had followed to open up the door.
No sooner had he done so than Melody saw her mother’s carriage pull up out front. Bile rose in her throat as the woman exited the carriage and climbed the steps to find her and Mr Colton awaiting her.
