by Vikki Vaught
She met his gaze. “I do realize I’m fortunate. Not everyone is so lucky. Susan lost her father when she was ten. When did you and Lord Weston become such good friends?”
“When I went away to school. I attended Eton, where all the men in my family have gone. While I have quite a few friends, Weston is my best friend. When I first left for the continent, I missed him dreadfully. He couldn’t join the Army because he is the only male in his family.”
She glanced at him. “I enjoyed meeting Lord Weston. You haven’t told me what it’s like having a duke for a father. I can’t imagine what that would be like.”
“I would rather not be a duke’s son.” He reached over and stroked her hand. “But we don’t always get what we wish for. I hated it. It took me longer to make friends.”
Curious, she asked, “Can you tell me more of your time in the Army? I’m sure you’ve enjoyed seeing foreign countries.”
Pulling her hand into his, he stroked it, sending a shiver through her. “I have. You already know I went in when I turned eighteen, so I’m four and twenty. With the war over, India would be my next assignment, and I’m not sure I want to go there. Once I help my men find jobs, I’m selling my commission.”
“I know you told me you would be helping your brother. Do you have other plans?” Melody enjoyed holding his hand. She found it quite comforting, and it made her feel protected and safe.
She loved to watch Henry talk. His eyes were so expressive and filled with so much conviction as he shared his plans for the future. “I have a small estate my grandmother left me, so I plan to live there while I manage Doncaster Stables for my father. Enough talk of me. Shall we eat some of those delicious cherries?”
After popping one of them in his mouth, he offered one to her. His eyes darkened when she opened her lips to take the fruit into her mouth. As juice dripped on her chin, he wiped it off, then licked it from his finger while looking deeply into her eyes. Sensations swirled in the pit of her stomach.
After they finished eating and gathered up the picnic supplies, they strolled along the Serpentine. Millie walked several paces behind to give them privacy. As she watched the children playing by the riverbank, she told him, “I love children. That’s why I enjoy my work at the orphanage. I hope that some day I will be able to help in a more significant way.”
“That’s commendable. I hear the determination in your voice, so I am confident you will achieve that goal,” he replied.
As they continued their walk, they shared more about themselves, and Melody realized she had found someone very special.
On the drive the day before she left for Lincolnshire, Henry asked, “Would your parents mind if I came to visit you this fall? I would like to spend more time getting to know you.”
A thrill of hope ran through her. Surely, he would not ask if he were not serious. “I would love it. I’m sure my parents would be delighted to meet you.”
He glanced her way. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you immensely. Even though we’ve only known each other a few weeks, I’ve grown quite fond of you, and I want to continue our friendship.”
When they approached a secluded spot, he pulled his curricle over and turned to her. Now that bushes hid them, he pulled her in his arms and kissed her. Stroking his tongue across her lips, she parted them, and he deepened the kiss. Breathing in the scent of his sandalwood cologne, desire rose. Becoming immersed in the thrill of his lips, her body responded, sending tingles of pleasure through her.
He slowly lifted his mouth from hers. “You have the most luscious tasting mouth. I never want to let you go, but your maid is giving me the evil eye, so we need to stop.”
She looked at him and giggled. “You’re right. Thank goodness Millie is discreet. I’m going to miss you. When will you come to visit?”
He picked up the reins, and the curricle moved forward. “I need to spend a few weeks with my family, but I should be able to come around the middle of September. Is that convenient?”
“That will be fine. I will let my parents know when to expect you.”
Once they arrived at her aunt’s house, Henry helped her out of his vehicle. As he lowered her to the ground, he held her as if he never wanted to let her go. Her heart beat rapidly, and her hands shook from the emotions coursing through her. She became lost in the depths of his blue eyes. Although passion was a new sensation for her, nevertheless, she wanted him desperately. Slowly, he released her and stepped back.
Once Henry escorted her inside, he turned to her. “I shall see you soon. I’ll send you a note to let you know when I will arrive in Lincolnshire.”
“I will look forward to your visit, my lord.”
Turning to her aunt, he bowed. “I have appreciated your hospitality, and I hope to see you again.” Taking Melody’s hand, he lifted it to his lips. While gazing at her, he tenderly kissed her fingers. He released her, then departed.
Aunt Miriam turned to Melody with a gleam in her eye. “What was that about, my dear child?”
“Lord Henry has asked to visit me at my home, and of course I told him yes.”
She rushed forward and gave her a hug. “Oh, this is wonderful news. He’s falling in love with you. Mark my words, he shall ask for your hand. He would never visit if he were not serious regarding his intentions.”
“I think you may be right. I know I’m falling in love with him. Even though I’m thrilled, I am a little afraid.” She twisted her hands, showing her agitation. “What if I’m wrong about his feelings? We’ve only known each other for three weeks. Could he possibly be in love with me in such a short period of time?”
Aunt Miriam’s eyes softened. “Darling, it’s normal to be concerned. Everything has happened quickly. However, sometimes love happens that way. Relax and enjoy this. All will be well, wait and see.”
She left for Lincolnshire the next day. While the trip was long and boring, it gave her time to think. When she remembered his kisses, delightful tingles spread throughout her body. Every time she saw him, her heart raced, and when he smiled, it sent shock waves to her belly. She had no doubts. She loved Henry. Her belly grew queasy. What if she was wrong and he did not return her love? If he did, how would it change her life? Even though she was still quite young, she wanted to dedicate her life to helping children left without parents, and if Henry asked her to marry him, that might be difficult to achieve.
Oh goodness, I’m getting ahead of myself.
It’s not as if he had asked her to marry him, and he could change his mind about visiting anyway. She would put it out of her mind until he wrote, and then she might believe he cared.
Settling back against the seat, she looked at the passing scenery. The gorgeous red, gold and purple leaves on the trees signaled that fall would soon be upon the land. In a matter of weeks, the barren branches of the trees would take on the stark appearance of winter on its way. For now, she would enjoy the spectacular colors of fall surrounding her. She breathed in the clean country air and felt at peace with the world.
Over the next five days of the trip, Melody lost herself in a new Minerva Press novel, and Millie did needlework. On the last morning of her journey, she kept looking out of the window, anxious for the first glimpse of home. When the coach turned into the drive, her heart swelled at the sight of her parents, ready to greet her.
Her mother wrapped her in her arms. “Darling, we’re so thankful you have returned to us safe and sound. You must tell us about your first season. I’m sure you met several young people.”
She returned her mother’s hug, secure in her welcoming arms. “I enjoyed London above all things. Aunt Miriam was a delightful hostess and kept me extraordinarily busy. I felt as if I were in a whirlwind most of the time. Susan convinced me to volunteer at St. Mark’s Orphanage, and I adored spending time with the children.”
“It all sounds delightful. I’m sure you did enjoy volunteering. You have always loved little ones so much. What else did you do?” she eagerly asked.
“We went to the Royal Opera House in Covent Gardens. All the performers had incredible voices. Oh, Mama, the plays were divine, and all the museums, just marvelous to say the least. I wish you could have been there.”
Her mother put her arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m pleased you had a good time. Now, for the important question. Did you meet any young men?”
Trepidation triggered the acceleration of her heart. “I did meet Lord Henry, the Duke of Sanderford’s younger son, shortly before the season ended. We spent quite a bit of time together over the last few weeks I was in town. He mentioned he might come for a visit. His father has property in Doncaster, which isn’t too terribly far from here. He said he would stop by on his way there, if that will be all right?”
Her mother patted her arm. “My, my, haven’t you been moving among the upper ten thousand? All teasing aside, I’m sure Lord Henry is a nice young man, and we shall be happy to have him visit. Let us get you inside. I’m sure you would love a bath after all the traveling. You can tell us more once you are settled. Honey, it’s so good to have you home where you belong.”
She let out the breath she had not realized she was holding. Her parents would welcome Henry when he came. Now, she would have to wait until she received a letter, telling her when he would be arriving.
Oh, please, Lord, don’t let him change his mind.
CHAPTER THREE
While dressing for bed the night after Melody had left for Lincolnshire, a smile graced his face as he pictured her on their picnic. Henry came to a decision. He had fallen in love with her, and when he went to visit her in September, he would ask her father for permission to pay his addresses. After everything he’d been through with the war, he did not want to waste any time. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Even though he had not planned to marry for years, sometimes life sent someone so special you had to act or miss the chance for lasting happiness. His friends would be shocked when he told them he planned to wed.
Whenever he was with Melody, he fought the temptation to make her his own. Just thinking of her sent frissons of desire racing down his spine. While he was not a rake, he had enjoyed the pleasures of a few widows and courtesans. None of them lit a fire in him as Melody did. He’d found it difficult to end their last kiss, but he refused to frighten her with his passion.
After all, she was an innocent, and his honor demanded he protect her. Of course, it was not only sexual. He found everything about Melody enchanting. Her loving nature called to him. He believed she returned his regard. He could tell by the way she looked at him when she did not realize he watched her.
He did worry over how his father would feel regarding his decision. The duke was so high in the instep. Henry refused to let anything get in his way. It really did not matter anyway since he never pleased his father, no matter how hard he tried. He had no idea why he did not like him. It had been that way from his first memories as a young child. The duke was harder on him than his brother, even though he tried so hard to live up to his high expectations.
Neither one of his parents had much time for him when he was a child. As an adult, he refused to let that matter any longer. If they did not like Melody, then too bad, because he would marry her regardless of their feelings. Perhaps he worried unnecessarily. They rarely took much interest in anything he did, so they might not care enough to say anything.
His father had talked of him marrying Lady Penelope, the daughter of the Earl of Stanton. The man’s estate bordered Sanderford Park. He had told the duke he had no interest in her the last time he’d been home two years ago. Lady Penelope was a shrew, and he would never marry her, no matter what his father wanted.
Of course, he rarely spent much time with either of his parents since he had joined the Army. Buying him his commission was the best thing his father had ever done for him. He loved the military and would miss it.
Now that he had decided to wed, staying in the Army would keep him from Melody for long periods of time unless she followed the drum. He would never put her through such a dismal way of life. It was time to settle down, and the idea of having her in his life sent warmth rippling through him.
He would not tell his father about her until after they married. He certainly did not need his permission to wed. Thank God his grandmother left him an inheritance, so he did not have to depend on the duke for money. Although he was certainly not wealthy, he could support a wife and any children they might have.
His brother would adore Melody. In many ways, she reminded him of Nelson’s late wife. Nora and Melody were the sincerest and most kind-hearted young women he had ever met. His heart ached when he remembered his brother’s wife. Nelson was devastated last year when Nora died trying to give him an heir. Not only had his brother lost his wife, he’d lost his son.
He looked forward to spending time with Nelson while he was at his ancestral home. He also wanted to see his two sisters as well. He could only imagine how much they must have changed since he’d last seen them.
The day before he left for Sanderford Park, Henry went to Garrard’s, his favorite jeweler, to purchase a ring for Melody. When he looked over the selection of rings, he found a large, square cut emerald with baguette diamonds on each side of the brilliant gem. The green stone would enhance her lovely hazel eyes. After he paid for the ring, he returned to Montgomery House for a quiet evening before his trip the next day.
Once he had packed his belongings the following morning, he decided to stop by his club to see Weston on his way out of town. He had neglected his friend lately. Melody had occupied most of his time over the last three weeks. He found his friend at White’s, as he expected.
Weston sat reading a newspaper when Henry approached. His friend laid his paper down. “Good morning, Montgomery. Where have you been keeping yourself? I haven’t seen much of you in the last few weeks. Have you been too busy with your new love to have time for your friends?”
He stepped forward and shook Weston’s offered hand. “You know I’m courting Miss Canterfield-Smyth. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I hold her in high regard. In fact, I’m going to visit her in Lincolnshire after I spend time with my family.”
His friend gave him an appraising look. “I enjoyed meeting your young lady at the ball the other week. How in the world did you get her to talk to you? She seemed terribly shy.”
“She really isn’t,” he retorted. “She’s only reserved when she meets someone new. Once she gets to know you, she’s charming and has a great sense of humor.”
“Well, as long as she makes you happy, that’s all that matters.” Weston cocked his brow. “Are you sure you want to visit her at her home? That will raise her expectations. It’s definitely how her parents will see it.”
As they walked outside, Henry stated, “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to ask her to marry me, so I’m not troubled over that. I know it seems fast, but I know Melody’s the one for me.”
His friend stopped in his tracks and stared at him, astonishment clearly showing in his gray eyes. “I must say I’m surprised. You have vehemently proclaimed you would not wed until you were well into your thirties, if ever. I wish you the best. However, I’m glad it’s you and not I getting leg shackled. When are you leaving town, old friend? Do you have time for a rematch? You trounced me at Gentleman Jackson’s the last time we went a few rounds.”
Henry threw him a devilish grin as they reached his horse. “I did, did I not? I dare say you sported that bruised chin for several days. Sorry, my friend, it will have to wait until spring. I’m leaving town. I shall see you next year, and hopefully I will be a married man by then.” He mounted Jupiter, and Weston waved farewell as he rode away, heading toward his ancestral home.
He made excellent time and arrived in Surrey late in the afternoon. As he came over the hill, he saw Sanderford Park for the first time in two years. How he had always loved it here. A lump formed in his throat just seeing it agai
n. The gentle, rolling hills and the woodlands surrounding the lake brought back fond memories of the times he had spent there with his brother, splashing in the water and fishing at its banks. He galloped down the hill, and when he arrived, Freddie, one of the grooms, came forward to take his horse.
“Good to see you, lad. Take Jupiter to the stables and give him plenty of oats. I’ve ridden him hard for several hours, and he deserves special treatment.”
Freddie called out as he led Jupiter away, “I’ll takes ’im fer ye, sir. I’ll make sure he gets plenty o’ them oats. It’s good t’ see ye home.”
Henry dashed up the steps, opened the door and ran into the butler. “Simpson. It’s a pleasure to see you. Where is everyone?”
The butler bowed. “The family is in the drawing room, my lord. It’s good to have you home. It’s been quite some time since you have been here.”
“It’s good to be here. I shall go right up.” He took the steps, two at a time, and rushed into the drawing room. His mother sat on the settee with his sisters. Nelson stood by the hearth, and his father sat in his favorite chair. Henry looked at his family and smiled. “Good afternoon, I’m home at last. I’ve missed all of you tremendously.”
His father’s silvery blue eyes turned to ice as he stood. “I see you still have not learned respect. Why do you have to be in such a hurry all the time? It is not dignified to rush. A gentleman enters a room at a leisurely pace, not dashing in like an overgrown schoolboy.”
He kept his disappointment from showing at the reception he received. “Sorry, Your Grace. I’m so pleased to be home, I forgot myself for a moment.” Glancing at his mother, he bowed. “Your Grace. I hope all is well with you?”
His mother took in his less than pristine attire, and disdain shadowed her face. “So, you have finally decided to come home. I happen to know you returned from the continent quite some time ago, yet you chose to ignore your family. You should have returned immediately upon your arrival in England. Instead, you stayed in town to carouse with your friends, no doubt.”
