“Nevertheless,” Adrian insisted.“If you ever need anything and I’m somehow able to help, please let me know.”
Both men thanked him and left.The nurses bustled about, removing bloodied linens, replacing them with clean ones, and helping Melody cover Samantha’s nakedness so she looked more presentable.
Melroy had said she ought to regain consciousness in a couple of hours.In the meantime, Adrian would stand vigil while admiring the two most important people in his life.
The love he knew in that moment could not be described.It filled him to overflowing and instilled in him the fiercest need he’d ever known, to safeguard and protect.
He'd kill for them both and die if need be.
14
It was almost two by the time Melody arrived home with Edward.When they’d left Saint George’s, Samantha was propped up in bed and devouring a fragrant chicken soup while her daughter, who would later be christened Alexandra, slept in her father’s arms.
It had been a turbulent night, filled with so many different emotions, Melody’s heart and soul both felt exhausted.And yet, it wasn’t quite over.There was still so much for her and Edward to discuss.
Her stomach tightened as she preceded him into the foyer.His words from earlier gave her hope.They filled her with joy and relief.But what would it be like now when they were alone, free from fear and the panic one felt in times of stress?Would he still feel the same?
Neither of them had spoken much during the ride except for reiterating how happy they were on behalf of Adrian and Samantha.Awkward was the word that best described it.A difficult state that required addressing if they were to find their way past it and make a true effort at living together as husband and wife.
“If it’s all right with you,” Edward said, “I’d rather not wake the servants.”
“Of course,” she agreed.“I believe we can easily manage without.”
He closed the door behind them and locked it for the night, then began removing his gloves while she did the same.
“I um…I meant what I said earlier.”The comment came as he set his hat on the hallway table.He sent her a sidelong glance, appearing to weigh his next words while she untied the bow that held her bonnet in place.“If you’re willing, I’d like to start over.I realize there’s no forgetting how our marriage began, but in time, I hope a more positive experience will eventually overshadow it.”
She removed her bonnet, placed it next to his hat, and turned to face him directly.“I am more than willing to do as you suggest.Indeed, I would welcome it with all my heart.”
He took a step toward her, then stopped, uncertainty crinkling the corners of his eyes and furrowing his brow.“Forgive me but…after everything I’ve done — the hell I put you through – I’ve no wish to overstep.”
Understanding him and sympathizing, Melody closed the distance between them and set her hand to his cheek.“I forgive you, Edward.”
Endless sadness filled his gaze.“Then you are kinder than I, for I’m not sure I can ever forgive myself.I’m a monster.No better than Adrian’s father — a man I swore I’d never bear any resemblance to.”
“In time, once the guilt passes, you’ll see that you’re treating yourself unfairly.Though I know next to nothing about Adrian’s father, I can tell you that you are no monster.Had you been, you would have no remorse.You certainly wouldn’t have apologized to me, nor would you be willing to forgive the wrong I caused you.”
“Melody, I—”
“We are both to blame for what happened between us.Trust was broken and in order for it to be restored, I’ll need to be fully transparent with you.”
“And I with you,” he murmured.
She smiled.“I’m sure you’ll find my past and all my endeavors more shocking than I’ll find yours.Tomorrow, I’ll tell you everything there is to know about me.”
“And until then?”The question was hushed, yet with an underlying hint of hope.
Determined to get her marriage back on an even keel, Melody rose up onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his, then whispered, “We never had our wedding night.”
No sooner were the words spoken, than Edward wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss.It was heated and desperate, a prelude to everything Melody had dreamed they would one day share.
It ignited not only passion, but also the certainty that all would be well between them from this moment on.
* * *
James Murry stretched out on the bed he’d slept in the last three nights while staying at The Mad Bull Tavern.Remaining here saved him from having to trek back and forth between the East End and Portman Square twice a day.Instead, he used a messenger boy named Kip to relay whatever messages needed relaying to Mr.Croft.
The interview he’d conducted of Mr.Henshaw’s servants the same night Mrs.Croft went into labor had offered no leads.With Croft’s own family affairs demanding his attention, James had taken charge of the search for Lady Edwina.
