Sending up a silent prayer of thanks, she slipped inside.
THE APOLOGY
Closing the door behind her, Melanie wandered into the quiet, dragging her fingertips along the back of a leather settee, only vaguely aware of the crackling fire in the hearth and the towering shelves filled with endless books.
Instead of finding comfort, however, she felt jumpy inside.
She’d only been interested in the duke because of the baby—nothing more. But seeing him surrounded by all those women, fluttering and fawning over him… It shouldn’t have bothered her. It didn’t bother her. Not really.
She shook off the feeling, forcing herself to focus on the stillness. She should be grateful to be alone in such a lovely place before having to return to her mother’s side. A brief reprieve from the ball she’d been forced to attend.
A tremor shook her small form, and she moved closer to the hearth. Covering her face with both hands, she blew out a heavy sigh.I cannot continue like this.
That was as far as she got into her little breakdown, however, before the sharp click of the library door jolted her upright.
Her hands dropped, clasping nervously below her chin as she tensed. Then a figure emerged from the shadows—a familiar one—and her breath caught.
“It’s you,” she said.
The moment she recognized him, her whole body started to relax. Her fists and her jaw unclenched; even the muscles around her eyes loosened. She hadn’t noticed it the previous times she’d been in the duke’s presence, but now that she was paying attention, it was impossible to ignore. There was something about… him—that put her at ease.
Laughing softly, his silver gaze met hers. He didn't seem at all surprised to find her here. Rather than march into the room, he paused, as though waiting for permission.
She gave a subtle nod and then watched him stride inside. Although he took a few seconds to take in their surroundings, most of his attention was on her.
“Society missed you. Clearly,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady.
Her words made him pause. One corner of his mouth quirked—not quite a smile, but close. “Shocking, isn’t it?”
“Not really,” Melanie replied. Her eyes darted to the door, in the general direction of the ballroom. “And I don’t suppose they’ll leave you alone for long, now that you’ve returned.”
“No. Likely not.” But he didn’t look concerned. “I was looking for you, actually. I have a few questions.” He tilted his head and gestured toward the settee. “Sit with me?”
Only after she lowered herself onto the cushion did she realize that there was something about his voice that brushed over her nerves like a soothing balm.
She found herself staring at him boldly. He was the reason she’d been forced to endure Society again. And he’d only helped Reed after he’d first blackmailed him.
She couldn’t trust him.
Sheshouldn’ttrust him.
But the nervousness she’d felt with others didn't come. "How is Ernest?” she asked.
“Much better, and well cared for now… thanks to you.” The duke looked away then and cleared his throat.
She wasn’t sure what to say to that.
“I’m glad,” she finally managed, and curious as to what questions he might have, lifted her chin. “You said you had questions for me…”
“Yes.” Seated in the chair adjacent to her, the duke raised one hand and thoughtfully stroked his chin. “You don’t really want to be here.”
It wasn’t a question.
“No.” Melanie rolled her lips together. She wouldn’thaveto be here if not for him.
His wince surprised her, and then he sighed. “I won’t apologize for telling Helton about your visit to theDomus. What you did was reckless—dangerous—and your family needed to be informed.” He paused, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. “I am sorry, however, that you’ve been punished for your act of kindness.”
It was a rather poor apology in Melanie’s opinion, and part of her wanted to argue that her safety wasn’t any of his business. But arguing wouldn’t be worth the effort. Besides, she’d sensed that her family would have demanded more of her eventually even without his meddling.
