Page 67 of The Scarlet Lady's Duke of Desire
Even when the tea arrived it did nothing to warm the icy environment that Melody suddenly found herself in. Being forced into pleasantries and scheming with two women who had never sought to acknowledge her before was not Melody's idea of fun.
"We do so hope that your wedding plans are going smoothly," Lady Faversham said, taking a sip of her tea before she asked, "Does the duke have much say in things or is he happy to let you both get on with it as most men do?"
"James has been quite attentive to the entire process so far," Melody assured her aunt, revelling as she saw the shock in the woman's eyes. Her aunt was clearly surprised at how informal Melody was towards her future husband already. No doubt if her own daughter were to be marrying the man, they would still be quite proper in using titles.
James and I are to spend the rest of our lives together,Melody thought smugly,I shall not be so formal with him.And she knew without a doubt he would not have wanted her to.
Melody saw the way that Lady Faversham's knee moved, and lady Florence jerked as if she had been kicked. She had to purse her lips to stop from laughing when Florence said through gritted teeth, "I am sure that the two of you shall produce a wonderful wedding together."
"And beautiful grandbabies besides," Melody's mother put in with a huge smile, and the two other women barely seemed to veil their disgust.
The conversation continued on, much the same way; strained and entirely forced, and by the time that Lady Faversham and her daughter made their excuses to leave, Melody was so tense that she thought she might never be able to relax again.
She quickly learned that she could though, as the moment the two women were gone, shown out by Jenkins, she and her mother burst into fits of laughter.
"Oh, can you imagine?" Her mother exclaimed through her laughter. "How humiliating to have to come crawling to the maid and her daughter!"
"Indeed," Melody agreed wiping away amused tears. "Can you imagine the gumption that had to have taken?"
Her mother shook her head, still laughing though not quite as fiercely. "Who would have thought that your marrying a duke would change things so entirely?"
Melody quivered at her mother's words.I am marrying a duke!It was perhaps the first time she had truly thought about it. To her, she was simply marrying James, the man that she loved. But now, after seeing how her aunt and cousin had practically fallen over themselves to please, she knew all too well how much her life was about to change.
"How much do you believe we shall be able to make them squirm?" Her mother asked but Melody shook her head. Though the thought of a little payback was sweet, she knew that would involve actually having to share company with the women.
"It is of little consequence that they have come crawling," Melody announced, adjusting her gown as a way not to meet her mother's gaze directly. "I shall not waste the breath on them that it would take to make them regret all they have done to us over the years."
Her mother shocked her then. She leaned over so fast and took her into her arms in such a way that Melody was entirely unprepared. "Melody, you have no idea how truly proud I am of you!"
Melody's heart swelled and she embraced her mother in return. "It is I who ought to be proud of you, Mama. No matter what you and papa had to overcome, you did it and I can only hope that James and I shall measure up."
Her mother pulled back with tears in her eyes. Cupping her daughter's cheek, she looked at her deeply and said, "I have seen the way that the duke looks at you. I fear his love surpasses even your father's."
Tears pricked Melody's own eyes then and instead of laughing, the two women began to cry. Melody wasn't sure she had ever been so happy.
She and her mother were just beginning to calm when Jenkins came to them again. "Ma'am, miss, The Duke of Haston has arrived."
Melody and her mother glanced at each other.
"Were you expecting him?" Her mother asked. Melody quickly shook her head before instructing Jenkins to show him through.
She met him in the centre of the room, her heart fluttering when he kissed her cheek. "Forgive my coming without notice. I was merely passing and wished to see if I could be of any assistance."
He inclined his head towards the pamphlets on the table. Melody leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek in gratitude.
Her mother dipped into a low curtsey and said, "I think perhaps I shall give you two some privacy."
The woman glanced at the maid with silent instruction to remain before she made herself scarce.
James waited only until she was gone, and the maid had dipped her gaze to ask, "Did my eyes deceive me or was that Lady Faversham and Lady Florence I saw leaving?"
The way he held Melody's hands allowed her to feel the way he tensed upon mentioning the women.
"They did not deceive you," Melody admitted.
"I do hope that they did not come to cause any trouble," James said, looking concerned.
Melody smiled back at him and shook her head. "They did not and while they were here, I had a thought."
