by Vikki Vaught
“Yes, Your Grace, perfectly clear. I think it would be best if I went to my room. Please excuse me.” Melody stood, curtsied with all the dignity she possessed and fled.
When Henry entered the sitting room a short time later, she looked up. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She dashed them away with the back of her hand. He rushed over and pulled her into his arms. “What has you distressed?”
“Oh, Henry,” she cried. “Your mother said you would grow tired of me and cast me aside.”
“Never. Don’t listen to anything she said. You’re the light of my life. She’s a hateful, bitter woman, and you’re worth ten of her.”
She tried to gain her composure, but she’d been crushed by what the duchess had said. “I don’t think your parents are ever going to accept me. Perhaps marrying me was a mistake. I don’t want to cause dissention between you and your parents. I couldn’t bear it if you cast me aside.”
“Shhh, love, that will not happen. Please believe me. I’ll love you forever.”
She sniffed and began to calm down a bit as he rubbed her back in soothing strokes and gentle pats. He held her in his arms until she fell asleep. Her last thoughts were of what a fortunate young woman she was to have married such a kind, considerate husband.
When she awoke the following morning, Henry had already left her bed. The pillow on his side had a dent in it, and she could still smell his clean, masculine scent. He had slept there, and that comforted her. She recalled his mother’s harsh words. It would be best if she stayed out of the duchess’ way whenever possible. Hopefully, she could avoid future unpleasantness.
The drapes were open; the sun shone through the window, and it looked like a beautiful fall morning. She hoped they could go riding. The weather was sure to turn cold soon. She went to the bathing room and performed her daily ritual and was soon ready to face her day.
As she left her chamber, she realized she did not have any notion of how to get to the breakfast room. She wondered how she’d found her way back to her chamber last night. It was by luck she did not get lost after her conversation with the duchess.
A maid walked toward her, and she stopped her. “Excuse me, could you please direct me to the breakfast room?”
The young girl giggled. “O’ course, milady. Jus’ follow this hall t’ th’ end and then keep turnin’ right till ye get t’ th’ stairs. They’ll take ye t’ th’ right floor. At th’ bottom o’ th’ stairs, turn right, and it’s th’ first door on th’ left. Would ye like me to show ye?”
“No, thank you. I believe I shall be able to find it. I appreciate your help.” She proceeded down the hall and soon found the breakfast room. The sideboard had a huge selection of breakfast foods. She took a plate and began to fill it with coddled eggs, bacon, and a blueberry muffin. She was particularly hungry, since she’d been too nervous to eat much the previous night.
As she went to the table to take a seat, Nelson entered and filled his plate. “Good morning. I hope you had a restful night. I want you to feel at home here, so if there’s anything you need, let me know.”
“Thank you, my lord. I appreciate your kind offer, and I may take you up on it.” Then curious, she asked, “In fact, do you know where my husband is?”
“I believe he went for a ride,” he replied. “I imagine he should be back shortly. Since you’re now my sister, I think we can dispense with formality, don’t you?”
“Certainly, please, call me Melody. I don’t have a brother, but I have always wanted one, though.” While they sat talking, she began to relax. Nelson seemed pleasant, and he was certainly going out of his way to make her feel welcomed.
Once she finished breakfast and excused herself, she went to find the stable. When she turned a corner, she ran into Henry. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Good morning, love. Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Actually, I came looking for you. I hoped we could go for a ride, but Nelson told me you’ve already gone out today.”
“I’m sorry. If I had known, I would have postponed my ride. I tell you what, I’ll get the gig and we will go to town.”
Soon they were off to the village. As they drove through the countryside, Melody noticed all the pretty fall colors. Orange, red and purple leaves swirled gently across the road. There was even a nip in the air, so cooler weather was around the corner. Once they arrived at their destination, Henry helped her out of the gig, and they made their way down the street.
Cranleigh was a quaint little place, and surprising enough, it had quite a few shops. She looked forward to exploring them, especially the bookseller. They went into the confectionery and bought some candies. Afterwards, they returned to the gig and drove back to Sanderford Park.
The drive back was pleasant, and Henry had her laughing as he told her more stories of his youth. She felt better about being there as long as her husband was with her. Now when he left to go back to his regiment, that would be an entirely different kettle of fish. Always an eternal optimist, she pushed all that out of her mind. She would enjoy every moment she had with him over the next couple of weeks.
* * * *
A fortnight went by, and all went well. His parents kept their distance and were polite, if cool. Fortunately, there had been no more confrontations between Melody and the duchess. They had gone to the village several times, and he had introduced her to some of the neighbors at church. She was getting to know his sisters, especially Helen, and she seemed to be growing fond of them. At least she would have them when he left.
They rode most days. He found her a gentle, but spirited mare named Molly, and she appeared to be thrilled to have her own mount. Having the horse would help her pass the time, and he could count on Nelson to continue taking her riding.
He took her on long walks and on several picnics in the woods, where they found a secluded spot by the lake and made love, letting their passion soar. Every night, he introduced her to new delights of the flesh, and afterward they would fall asleep in each other’s arms.
The day finally came for him to go back to his regiment. On their last night together, he held Melody close, loving her and taking her several times during the night.
As dawn broke, he woke her and gently kissed her. “I need to leave if I’m going to get there in time. I shall return in a month. If you need anything, ask my brother. Try not to miss me too much, though God knows I’ll miss you.”
She yawned as she drowsily opened her eyes. “Of course I’ll miss you. I don’t want you to worry over me, I’ll be fine. Let me get up so I can see you off.”
“There’s no need. I would rather remember you lying in bed with a welcoming smile on your face. Let me get you back to your room.”
He tenderly picked her up and carried her to her bed. Gently lying her down, he kissed her one last time. Melody had already slipped back to sleep with a sweet smile on her face. Then drinking in the sight of his wife one last time, he turned and left her room.
He went back to his room, and Mansfield helped him with his ablutions. His valet had packed his belongings, so he was ready to leave. Not being able to resist the temptation, he returned to her room for another look. He gazed upon her, curled up with her hand under her cheek, fast asleep. His heart thumped erratically. Kissing his fingers, he gently touched her forehead and quietly left her room.
In the stable yard, he mounted Jupiter and turned east toward Canterbury. The wind blew through his hair, and he felt a huge sense of satisfaction as he rode along the countryside. Most of the leaves had fallen. Great piles of them had blown against the fencing, and he recalled all the times as a young lad when he would throw himself in them while Nelson watched. Those were such good memories.
Thank God he could count on his brother to run interference between Melody and his mother. He had asked him to watch over her and make sure she was all right.
As difficult as it had been to leave Melody, he looked forward to being with his men. Times were going to be particularly hard econom
ically, now that the war had ended. He hoped his men could find employment. In the spring, he would put his military career behind him, and they could move to his estate in Yorkshire.
Melody would love it there, and she would be closer to her parents. While a small estate, it had a wonderful old manor house. It was in a beautiful valley, so the weather was better than in many of the other areas of the north. It would be a great place to raise children. In his mind’s eye, he could see a beautiful little girl who looked like Melody running toward him.
He hoped his parents would continue to be civil to his wife. His mother could be so cruel sometimes that he worried Melody would be hurt. She had such loving parents; she was not used to being treated badly.
The trip went well, and he arrived at the garrison late in the evening. Upon entering his quarters, he quickly put away his belongings, then went looking for his fellow officer, Edward Hayden. Finding him, he smiled broadly. “How are you?”
“Doing well,” Hayden told him. “Good to see you, Montgomery. I’m having a hard time believing you are leg-shackled.”
“Believe it.” He grinned. “Married life is much better than I ever expected. How are our men? Have many of them left yet?”
Hayden clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, let us go find out, all right?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
November 1814
Melody awoke later than usual. Her first thought was of Henry and that he had left to join his regiment. She would miss him terribly. They had grown so much closer over the last few weeks.
What will I do for an entire month without him?
The thought of living with his parents was disconcerting, especially his mother. After that incident the first night, she had stayed as far away as possible. At least with Henry there, he formed a buffer between them.
She enjoyed spending time with his sisters, and she had grown quite fond of both of them. Helen was a true beauty with Henry’s red-gold curls and his brilliant blue eyes. Clearly, when she made her bow next spring, everything would go well for her. Her vivacious attitude would surely draw men like bees to a honey pot.
Kathryn was shy, but so sweet-natured. She was all arms and legs, with carrot red hair that curled riotously around her delicate face. She looked like a typical young girl, beginning her teen years.
While Melody rushed through her morning ablutions, Millie laid out one of her new morning gowns, a particularly fetching sage green with delicate flowers embroidered around the neck of the bodice and along the bottom of the skirt. Henry had picked it out for her and told her it complimented her eyes. She felt a prick of tears in her eyes, but she stiffened her spine and finished dressing. Henry would not want her to grow melancholy, so she put a smile on her face before she left her room.
The breakfast room was empty when she arrived. She went to the sideboard and filled her plate. Even though the pastries looked delicious, she passed them up. She took a seat and began eating, Nelson entered and filled a plate. “May I join you?”
She took a sip of her hot chocolate, then returned her cup to the saucer. “I would enjoy some company. It looks like it will be a beautiful day, even though we are well into the fall.”
“I agree. How are you feeling this morning?” he asked. “I know Henry left, so I suspect you’re already missing him.”
“I am, but I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “I started a new book, and that should keep me entertained for a few days. I also have letters to write. I’ve neglected my correspondence since my marriage. I hope to spend some time with you and your sisters.”
He took the seat across from her. “I know I can speak for them when I say we already look upon you as part of our family. Henry asked me to help you while he’s away. Please let me know if you want anything at all.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “You have already helped make me feel welcomed. Henry told me some stories about you and the mischief the two of you used to get into. I’m sure you have some interesting tales as well. I would love to hear them.”
He laughed. “After breakfast, we shall take a walk in the garden, and I’ll endeavor to entertain you with stories I’m sure he failed to mention.”
After she finished eating, she stood. “I will go to my room and get a shawl.”
“Why don’t we meet outside, and we can start our walk there?”
“I’ll be there. Give me ten minutes to get my wrap.”
Nelson waited on the terrace when she stepped through the French doors. She could not get used to his strong resemblance to Henry. “Henry told me there’s a maze, but we never found time to explore it. May we go there?”
“It would be my pleasure.” He offered his arm, and they headed toward the enclosure. As they walked along, he told Melody of the time Henry fell into the lake. “He climbed up a tree, trying to hide from me. Suddenly, the tree limb gave way. I fetched him out of the lake since Henry had not learned to swim yet.”
She laughed. “Thank goodness you were with him. How old was Henry?”
“Only six, and he was shivering by the time I got him out. That’s when I decided to teach him how to swim. We spent that entire summer at the lake. By fall, he could swim as well as I.”
After several minutes of delightful conversation, they had arrived at the maze. Nelson told her some of the history as they strolled along. A fountain with the Greek god Apollo was in the center, surrounded by dozens of rose bushes. She looked forward to seeing it in the spring, once all the roses were in full bloom.
“Goodness, this is lovely. I’m glad I didn’t try to come into the maze by myself. I’m sure I would have become lost and never found my way out again.”
“There’s a secret—all you do is keep turning left, then right at each turn, and that will lead you to the center, reverse it to get back out.”
“I still think I would get lost, so I think I’ll stay out of it, unless you or Henry are with me.”
As they continued their conversation, Melody enjoyed looking at the various plants and shrubs decorating the center of the maze. It would be spectacular next summer.
Nelson glanced at her with devilment in his bright blue eyes. “In my youth, I used to bring girls here for a romantic interlude. I’m sure Henry would be happy to bring you here anytime you want. He could show you the many delightful alcoves scattered throughout.” He offered his arm, and they continued their walk through the gardens.
As they approached the terrace, Helen waved to them. “I wondered where you were. I’m going into Cranleigh to get some new hair ribbons. Would you like to come?”
“That would be lovely. I need a new straw bonnet. Can we find one in the village?”
“Of course. I’ll order the gig and meet you in front in ten minutes.”
As Helen rushed off, Melody called after her, “I’ll be there.” She turned to Nelson. “Thank you for showing me the gardens. I hope we can do it again some time.”
“My pleasure. Now, let us go around to the front. I warn you, my sister loves to shop. She will take you to every establishment in town before the day is out.”
Helen met her in front with the gig, and soon they were on their way. She had already been to the village several times with Henry and knew there was a bookshop there. She hoped they would have time to visit it. Helen was always so cheerful and full of life. Melody enjoyed her company a great deal.
They went to the dressmaker and then to the bookshop. They also decided to go to the confectionery. She picked out some delicious chocolate sweetmeats to have later while she read her book. They also enjoyed a light luncheon at a tea shop. By the time they returned to the park, it was time for tea.
Simpson took their wraps, and they went to the drawing room, where the rest of the family gathered. When they entered, the duke and duchess were already seated drinking their tea.
The duke looked at Melody with his usual disdain. “You are late. Where have you been, gel? It is inconsiderate of you to keep us waiting. I like everyone here, sharply at
four o’clock, not three minutes after. Make sure you do not let this happen again.”
“I apologize, Your Grace. We went to the village and misjudged the time. I shall be much more careful in the future.” She sat, and the duchess handed her a cup of tea and some biscuits. She could never do anything right in Henry’s parents’ eyes. She tried to make herself as pleasant as possible, but they seemed to find fault with everything she did.
Nelson turned to Helen. “Did you and Melody have an enjoyable time in the village? And did you find those hair ribbons you were looking for?”
She nodded. “We did. Melody found a wonderful new novel, and we’re both going to read it. She lent me some of her books, and now I just adore Mrs. Radcliffe’s novels. We also went to the confectionery for some chocolates.”
The duchess turned to Melody and looked her up and down, disgust clearly showing on her face. “It appears to me you do not need any sweets. You need to watch your figure, or you will turn to fat, and let us see how Henry likes that.” Melody’s cheeks grew hot as mortification filled her. Although she realized she was a little plump, she had never had anyone infer she was fat.
Helen whispered, “Don’t listen to Mother. She’s critical of everyone.”
Melody excused herself and went up to her rooms. She remembered what the duchess had told her and wondered if Henry thought she was fat. He had never said anything. Of course, he was so kind, he would not want to hurt her feelings, even if he did think she was too plump. Perhaps she should refrain from eating sweets.
That evening, she requested a tray for her room, instead of joining everyone for dinner. She had a slight headache, so she needed a quiet evening alone. She also wanted to finish her book, so she could start the new Radcliffe novel she had purchased. She tucked her feet under her and began to read. Finally, she grew sleepy. She crawled into bed and started to think about Henry.
Does he miss me, as I am missing him?
