Page 5 of Duchess By Accident (The Matchmaker’s Scheme #5)

Chapter Five

“ Y ou have a daughter?” Natalie gaped at the man in front of her.

Of the answers she had been expecting, that had not been one of them. She frowned at him, trying to see if there was some sense of shame about him, but there was nothing. She thought she saw some soft emotion cross his face, but it was gone too fast to understand.

“Yes.” He said simply.

“How?” she asked.

He gave her a sidelong look, his eyes glinting. “How does one usually have a child?”

She flushed. How does he manage to do that? “I did not. I meant…”

The Duke sighed. “My late wife. She died when Melody was still very young.”

There was something in the way the Duke said died, an odd tightness to his voice that stirred something in the corners of Natalie’s mind. It was not quite pain, that would be understandable, it was something more akin to judgement. But that makes no sense.

She shook herself and returned to the present moment, mulling over the Duke’s words. Anger flowed through her as she realised what a marriage to a man to help his daughter could mean.

She got to her feet, fists clenched and shaking. “I am not interested in marrying you so you might pop out a legitimate playmate for your daughter!”

“Sit down.” The Duke’s eyes flashed with a hard emotion, but a moment later his easy smile appeared back on his face. “I know I am an attractive specimen, tittle thief, but how many times must I tell you that I have no interest in you?”

Natalie scoffed, still moving towards the door. “You are the one who proposed to me and if you think I shall agree now, then you are sorely mistaken.”

The Duke was on his feet as well, and grabbed her hand. “Just let me explain before you do something you will live to regret.”

His touch was surprisingly gentle, the warmth of his fingers spreading through her. He released her, but did not position himself between her and the door.

He met her gaze, the cocky smile of moments before replaced by a more sombre look. “My daughter needs a mother. She needs the kind of guidance that older, female companionship offers. Someone to help draw her out of her shell. To… well, help her rediscover herself.”

“And what makes you think I would be the one to do it?” Natalie asked, searching his face. “I have no children of my own.”

“You do not. But you have many nieces and nephews. Your family is large, and you often help look after the children of your sisters, and even your close friends.” The Duke explained. “I had my informants look into you as well.”

“You had your spies look into me?” She shook her head.

“I wanted to be sure there were no unpleasant surprises waiting for me. I like to know who I am dealing with.” Duke Blackwood shrugged.

“You did not trust me.” Natalie wrapped her arms around herself.

He met her gaze, and once more she had the feeling he was seeing right through her. “I wouldn’t take it personally if I were you. I don’t trust most people.”

She fed the flame of her indignation, refusing to let him unsettle her. “So, what did you find out?”

“That you have a temper, though that is hardly news. You seem to have a long list of unusual hobbies and apparently join your brothers on the hunt with some regularity.” He said this with no particular judgement. “You are a keen naturalist. You are godmother to Duchess Warren’s son, and people say you dote on him. As you dote on all your nieces and nephews.”

“But that is not the same thing as being a mother. I am not with them all the time!” Natalie pointed out.

“From what I have heard, you are with them more often than you are not. You look after your brother’s children, arrange little scavenger hunts and such for them.” Duke Blackwood said.

“Yes but…” Natalie shook her head.

She loved her family, and all the children she was surrounded by, but motherhood. That was another kettle of fish entirely. Do I even know enough?

She frowned. “I have never even met your daughter. She might hate me.”

The Duke replied, his tone lacking any cockiness. “I find it hard to believe that anyone would hate you.”

“You sound almost sincere. But flattery is not going to distract me. You are asking me to become a mother.” Natalie felt her cheeks flush.

“Simply a statement of fact.” He made a dismissive gesture. “Besides, you have already met.”

“What?” The answer hit her like a hammer. “The little blonde girl… She was your daughter?”

“That is Melody. Yes.” Duke Blackwood said. For a moment, his features softened, and Natalie saw something she had not seen before on his face. Affection.

At that moment a servant entered the room. Natalie hastily moved out of the way, allowing the young woman to set the tray of tea and biscuits on the table.

“Thank you.” Duke Blackwood murmured to the servant.

“Of course, your Grace.” The servant smiled and left the room.

Natalie murmured her thanks as well, starting to pace as soon as the door was closed. She could feel the Duke’s gaze on her almost as though it were a hand on her shoulder. She ignored the prickles that spread through her skin.

“Just to be clear. You wish me to be your wife, not for your own sake, but your daughter’s?” Natalie glanced over her shoulder at him, and he nodded.

“Melody.”

She looked out of the window and caught sight of the little girl she had stumbled upon those many weeks ago. She was leaning against a tree, her knees drawn up to her chest. The sight broke something in Natalie.

She did not think she could ever remember seeing one of her nieces or nephews sitting alone. The castle, their own homes were always full of other children and a handful of adults always there to support them.

“I know what it is like to grow up with only one parent.” Natalie murmured. “Though my brother has always been something of a father to me. I cannot imagine how hard it would have been to lose my mother as well.”

“Then you will accept my proposal?” The Duke canted his head towards her.

Natalie turned to him , folding her arms across her chest. She ran through the options in her mind. On the one hand, she could turn him down and likely remain a scandalised spinster and social outcast. That did not see a particularly tempting option. Not when it will impact my family as well.

If she accepted the Duke’s proposal, he would win. He would get what he wanted, but she would hardly be left with nothing. She would be the wife of one of the most powerful men in the ton. And he did not seem to want a full marriage, but rather a mother for his daughter.

She pictured the small, blonde face and something within her slid into place.

She nodded to the Duke. “I will accept, but you must ask me to marry you properly. On bended knee.”

The Duke stood up and moved towards her, closing the distance between them. She swallowed, but did not move away from him.

“I will ask you to marry me, once I have spoken to Duke Emberly.” He reached towards her face, and for a moment, she thought he was going to stroke her cheek.

His fingers simply moved a stray lock of hair out of her eyes, brushing against her neck as he did so. “But I don’t kneel.”

He stepped away and Natalie shook her head, trying to clear it. He smirked and gestured to the tea.

“Would you like to pour? After all, I would hate for the tea to get cold.” He sat down.

Natalie moved towards him and took the tea pot, breathing deeply to steady her hand. She poured two cups.

“To the lady of the house.” The Duke lifted his cup to hers.

She hoped that this was not another mistake.

“I do not think I have ever known such happiness.” Peter swanned into the library, placed a hand to his forehead and pretended to swoon as he collapsed into the chaise lounge. “I am in love, dear sister.”

Natalie did not bother to look up from her embroidery. “Let me guess, you have found ‘the one,’ the perfect woman, and your heart will know no joy unless you can have her.”

He sat up from his affected swoon and looked at her in confusion. “How did you know?”

Natalie sighed and put her embroidery down, giving her twin a flat look. “Because you say this every few months. And not once has it ever been true.”

“I do not.” Peter frowned at her.

“You do.” Natalie retorted. “Honestly, it is surprising there is a single woman left in England you have not fallen in love with.”

“Well, excuse me for having the heart of a romantic.” Peter sighed theatrically and clutched his heart.

“And the attention span of a squirrel.” Natalie laughed.

“That was a low blow, sister.” Peter gave her a wounded look. “I shall have you know, I really am in love this time.”

“Of course you are.”

“I am. And this time it is different –” Peter began, standing up but Natalie interrupted him.

“ - she is different. There is a connection between us, I just know it. She is the one .” Natalie imitated her brother’s voice and then laughed. “I’ll wager you do not even know her name.”

“Aha! Well you would be wrong. Her name is-” Peter began but before he could say more, the door to the drawing room swung open.

The waft of amber, cinnamon and myrrh told her exactly who it was even before he entered the room. The Duke of Blackwood strode into the room, behind Alexander, smiling like a cat who had found the cream.

Natalie swallowed.

“It was good to speak to you, Sir. But I am afraid I must take my leave of you, I have business to attend.” Alexander shook the Duke’s hand. “I trust you have things to discuss with my sister.”

“And you. Until we meet again.” Duke Blackwood replied inclining his head towards to her brother.

Alexander returned the gesture and left. A part of Natalie almost called out to him, half wanting her brother to stay, before the Duke turned his attention to her. His eyes stole the breath from her.

“Good afternoon, Lady Natalie.” The Duke swept into a graceful bow. “It is good to see you again.”

“Duke Blackwood.” Natalie stood and inclined her head towards him.

“Shall we walk about the gardens?” He smiled at her and held out his arm.

“Of course, a walk would be most welcome.” Natalie moved trying to ignore the flutter of her heart, unsure whether or not to take the Duke’s offered arm.

Peter stood, moving between them, frowning at the Duke and then her. “I think I shall join you. I could do with a good leg stretch.”

Duke Blackwood raised an eyebrow. “If you wish.”

“I do.” Peter replied, and Natalie only just managed not to roll her eyes.

The Duke met her brother’s gaze, and Natalie could see the familiar look of amusement in them. He turned and began to walk towards the gardens, with Natalie and Peter a little behind him.

“What are you doing?” she hissed.

Peter raised an eyebrow at her. “What? I can hardly let you wander about the grounds unchaperoned. He is a single man and you an unmarried woman.”

Just tell him you are engaged. Yet the words stuck in her throat. “You have never cared before.”

“You have always had at least a maid, and those men were always family friends!” Peter grimaced and then glanced at the Duke who was almost at the door that lead to the gardens. “And you have never looked at a man the way you looked at him.”

Natalie frowned at him. “You are imagining things.”

“I am not.”

She knew it would be no good arguing. “Fine. If you are going to insist on following us, at least give us some distance. There are some things I would like to discuss without you butting in.”

“Such as?”

Natalie prodded him in the chest. “If I wanted to discuss them with you, I would tell you.”

“Fine. But I will be watching you.” Peter glared at her.

“Men!” Throwing her hands up in frustration, Natalie left her brother behind and caught up to the Duke.

From the way he was studiously surveying the gardens around them, Natalie had no doubt he had watched her entire exchange.

“Shall we walk?” Natalie asked, and without waiting for an answer, strode into the garden.

The Duke made no attempt to offer her his arm, but easily matched her stride. “Your brother has given our union his blessing.”

Natalie nodded. “I assumed that was why you looked so pleased.”

“And why not assume it was not the sight of you that brought such a smile to my face?” The Duke canted his head towards her, his eyes dancing with mischief.

“Because I am not half so vain as you are.” Natalie replied, irritated at the flush spreading across her cheeks. “I doubt you enjoy my face anywhere near as much as you enjoy winning.”

“Come now, I would say I enjoy them equally.” Duke Blackwood laughed. “Though as much as I enjoy your flirting with me, we have more serious business to discuss.”

“I was not flirting with you!” \

“Of course you were not.” He gave her a patronising look and gently patted her hand.

“Believe me, wh–if–” Natalie caught herself and continued, “ if I ever flirt with you, you will know it.”

She tried to ignore the little voice that pointed out that she had barely flirted with anyone, and even if she were to flirt with him, (which she definitely would not do) she would not know what to do.

At the very least, she hoped her uncertainty did not show on her face.

“Will I?” The Duke gave her a measuring look, half challenge and half appraisal.

“Unless you are too blind to see.” She met his gaze, very aware that her cheeks were quite possibly the deepest shade of scarlet they had ever been. “Now what is this important business?”

“Our marriage. Or rather the arrangements once we are married.” The Duke moved away from her. “It will be a marriage on paper only.”

“I shall try to contain my disappointment.” Natalie said sarcastically, as relief and sadness spread through her body. He is my only option, even with what happened at the wedding, half the ton still whispers about me. “I take it this means we will lead separate lives.”

“You shall have your own quarters, and shall be free to do as you please. Except when it comes to my daughter. She is the reason for all of this. The only place our lives will converge will be Melody.”

Natalie nodded. He wants a mother for his daughter, not a wife for himself. She tried to find comfort in the words, even as trepidation filled her. She could not let him see how unsure she felt.

The Duke continued. “You will be given an ample allowance. Your brother has assured me you are good with numbers, and I have enough money that I doubt even the most financially incompetent person could bankrupt me.”

“It is so refreshing to be with someone as humble as yourself.” Natalie muttered, rolling her eyes.

“I know.” The Duke gave her a mocking bow, and then met her gaze, a sombre expression on his face. “Which brings me to my last and most important condition. Under no circumstances must you allow yourself to fall in love with me.”

She laughed and then realised he was being serious. “And you are not worried you might fall in love with me?”

“Men do not fall in love so easily. Especially me.” Duke Blackwood said, his brows lowering for the briefest of moments.

“You have never spent any time with my twin.” Natalie glanced over her shoulder at Peter. “But do not concern yourself, your grace, you have no need to fear the impossible. You are not my type.”

“Dashingly handsome, charming and witty?” Duke Blackwood winked at her.

Natalie gave him a flat look. “Arrogant, vain and predictable.”

She continued before the Duke could say another word, not wanting to be put on the back foot again. “If those are your only conditions, then I think we are in safe territory. Shall we discuss the wedding preparations?”

“Yes.” Duke Blackwood nodded. “We shall marry by special license.”

Special license? “What, your Grace, are you so desperate to be my husband you cannot wait for the reading of the banns?” If she could annoy him into changing the subject, she wouldn’t have to deal with those uncomfortably piercing eyes.

“Melody struggles with crowds, and I have no desire to have her gawped at by strangers. A special license will allow us to be married somewhere private and to restrict the guest list.” There was no levity in his voice. “I have no desire to have everyone in the ton and neighbouring villages gawp at us.”

“Is it only at other people’s weddings you enjoy the limelight?” Natalie asked, the words tumbling from her mouth before she could stop them.

Why do I seem determined to goad him? And yet, even more irritatingly, he seemed completely unflappable.

“Perhaps I simply like an appreciative audience.” He said, his voice like smooth honey. “You will send me a guest list by tomorrow at the latest.”

His command immediately irritated her. “And will you have your spies look into all of them?”

“Do you not think I have already looked into your family and friends?” he murmured, his whisper somehow like a touch against her skin. “That leaves the date. I think ten days is ample time to have a dress commissioned and such.”

“Are you planning on marrying in a dress, your Grace? I am sure you would look most fetching.” She laughed, imagining this man in a pretty pink frock.

To her irritation and surprise, he laughed with her, an impish glint in his eyes. “I would hate to outshine the bride.”

Natalie shook her head. “Then I see no reason for a dress to be commissioned. I already have a wedding dress.”

“What do you mean?” The Duke stopped walking so suddenly, that Natalie almost walked into him.

She hastily side stepped and gave him a frank look. “I will simply wear the one made for my last wedding.”

“No,” the Duke said flatly, a hint of a growl in his voice.

Natalie opened her mouth to tell him he was being ridiculous, but stopped when she saw the dark look on his face. She swallowed.

“I was only thinking of the expense. It seemed a waste to have a new dress,” she muttered.

“Do I look like some pauper to you? I will not marry a woman in a dress made for another man. I will not have his leftovers.” The Duke looked at her. “You will wear a new dress, do I make myself clear?”

Natalie met the Duke’s gaze, anger warring with fear within her. Some reckless part of her wanted to refuse, to say that if that was how he felt, she would not marry him. But she knew this was the best offer she would get.

“Crystal.” She said, sweetly. “I believe you said you would give me a proper proposal.”

“I did.” The Duke’s anger seemed to fade, and the more familiar arrogance returned to his face. “Would you do the honour of being my wife, Lady Natalie?”

He did not kneel, his eyes full of challenge. Natalie smiled. “I will.”

“Then it is settled.” The Duke held out an arm to her, and she took it.

She would let him think he had won. He won the battle, she would admit that. But she intended to win the war.