“Exactly.” Adrian shook his head. “The world is not a kind place, little one. And you must learn to be more discerning with your trust.”
Melody nodded. “I will try.”
“We shall forgive it, just this once.” Adrian held out his fingertips and she pressed hers against his, looking relieved.
“Thank you.” Melody said. “Is Natalie Rokesby who is coming to live with us?”
“Yes. Lady Natalie will be my wife.” Adrian nodded.
“Will I have to call her Lady Natalie? Or should I call her mother?” Melody asked.
“I suppose you shall have to ask her.” Adrian smiled, wondering how Lady Natalie would react to his daughter calling her mother.
“She was very pretty. And nice.” Melody said.
Adrian felt relief wash over him. “Then you will not mind her living with us?”
“Will I have to share my room?” Melody asked.
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “No. She will have her own rooms.”
“Oh. Good.” Melody tugged at another strand on her doll’s dress. “What if you love her more than me?”
“I could never love another more than I love you.” He said emphatically.And are you not worried you will fall in love with me?
Lady Natalie’s words floated into his mind. There was no fear of him loving her. He saw no use for it, but he was not about to tell that to Melody.
“Will I have to go to church?” she asked.
“No. We thought we would get married here.” He gestured around them.
“In your office?” Melody frowned.
“We shall erect a tent in the garden. I think it will be too crowded in my office.” Adrian smiled encouragingly at her. “And you will get a lovely new dress. That will be exciting, won’t it?”
“I suppose.” Melody said. “Will I have to go to the modiste?”
“I can have her come here.” Adrian offered, sensing his daughter’s hesitation.
She nodded thoughtfully. “I think that would be better.”
“Do you have any other questions?” he asked.
Melody shook her head.
“Shall we stop hiding under the desk?” Adrian stood up, stretching to relieve the knot in his shoulders.
A moment later his daughter appeared. She looked up at him and for an instant, he thought she would ask for him to hold her. But she did not.
The ease and light of their conversation faded, and he watched as she seemed to draw in on herself. She let out a yawn, and glanced towards the door.
“You should go to bed.” Adrian ruffled her hair affectionately. “I will see you in the morning.”
“Good night father.” Melody pressed her finger tips to his again.
“Good night, Melody.” He moved back to his desk, and then said, “would you ask Nanny Green to come and see me after she has tucked you in?”
“Yes.” Melody nodded and departed.
