Page 38 of The Scarlet Lady's Duke of Desire
Though the woman smiled warmly, Melody sensed a trap. It could be nothing else.
With the smile making her jaw ache, Melody gestured for her cousin to sit. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I am glad to hear you say such a thing. It has been far too long."
If playing nice was what it took to figure out what her cousin was up to then so be it.
"Why, thank you. Perhaps we might have a spot of tea?" Lady Florence suggested and though Melody could think of nobody she would less like to have tea with, she inclined her head to Jenkins in a manner that sent him to fetch some immediately.
Once he had gone, Melody once more gestured to the couch and suggested, "Shall we?"
Lady Florence continued to smile and took to a seat. Melody sat carefully on the far side of the couch, never taking her eyes off the other woman. She was unable to stop from thinking that for two people so closely related, she and Florence could not have appeared more different. Perhaps there was something to this 'noble' blood thing, after all.
Just as quickly as the thought had come, Melody pushed it away.
"Why are you truly here, Lady Florence?" Melody asked through gritted teeth, unable to bear another moment under the pretence that all might be well between them.
"As I said, our family feud has gone on long enough," Lady Florence explained, "Our fathers have been ever so stubborn in it all these years, even since dear old grandpapa's death and I have decided that my wedding shall be the grand occasion to bring us all back together again!"
Lady Florence threw her hands wide in a gesture of elated welcome and Melody's stomach twisted so painfully that bile threatened to choke her.
"Excuse me?"
At the words, Lady Florence smirked. "Haven't you heard the news?"
"I…I had heard of the incident at Lady Fyling's luncheon, yes," Melody stated carefully. Her heart ached painfully at the reminder.
"Yes, well, then you must know it is only a matter of time before The Duke of Haston comes to his senses and when he does you and I must be prepared to finally bring this family back together," Lady Florence explained and Melody struggled to swallow past the lump in her throat.
"How…how can you be so certain?"
Lady Florence cocked her head to one side, furrowed her brow and offered Melody a very pointed expression. "Come now, Melody, if the duke has to choose between the likes of you and I, who do you honestly believe he should choose?"
Melody need not have answered the question aloud. They both knew very well who the likely choice was between them both. Melody was always the last choice no matter whom she was up against, she had long since learned that.
"I…I did not mean it like that," Melody stammered. "I have no designs upon the man. I just…"
The look on Lady Florence's face, the expectant expression and over-exaggerated smile told Melody all she needed to know. Lady Florence had not come out of a concern for family or even to extend the olive branch on behalf of her father. She had come to cause trouble.
Maybe they are made for each other after all,Melody thought bitterly, remembering again her first dance with The Duke of Haston.
"Come, Melody, we both know there was talk of the duke’s supposedaffectionfor you," Lady Florence insisted, "But I also wish you to know I hold no ill will against you and when the duke and Idomarry, I should like it to be a grand celebration, one in whichallof my family can take part."
It was in that moment that Melody knew exactly how much of a sadist her cousin truly was. The pleasure she took from the thought of having Melody watch her marry the duke was all too clear upon her face.
Melody was about to lose herself, to scream at her that she needed to leave, when Jenkins surprised her with a knock upon the door.
He entered just seconds before she could make a huge fool of herself.
"Miss Thornton, Lady Florence, forgive the interruption but I am afraid Miss Thornton has another caller," Jenkins explained even as Melody noticed his lack of tea tray.
"Well, cousin, aren't you the socialite?" Lady Florence exclaimed, her tone mocking.
Melody gritted her teeth. She had already guessed quite easily who had come to call. He had been calling every day for the past week or so. But for the first time, as Lady Florence rose to her feet, Melody was actually glad of his visit and his timing.
"Who is it, Jenkins?" Melody asked, to be sure she hadn't gotten it wrong. She never took her eyes off Lady Florence.
"Mr Andrew Colton, Miss," Jenkins explained and as though he believed that was his cue, the man entered the room.
"Forgive me, Miss Thornton, I was not aware you were already entertaining."
