Page 9 of My Blind Duke (The Twisted Dukes #5)

“ G oddamn it, not again.”

William sighed as he made yet another wrong turn down a hallway, recognizing that he was lost due to the blurry shapes he could discern to be a table and a vase filled with flowers on his left.

This was not supposed to be there and its presence only meant one thing; he was in the wrong part of the house. With a sigh, he turned around and began making his way in the opposite direction of where he had come from, irritated to be late for a meeting he had.

It was meant to be convenient, scheduling it to take place in his home, but thanks to his wandering thoughts, he could not seem to focus on where he was going. And he had told Robert he would meet him there, fully confident in his ability to make his way through the house after weeks of practice.

“All because of one mouthy woman,” he grumbled under his breath as he passed by two maids who tried to hurriedly bow at him, their presence going completely ignored.

To William, it seemed as though his mind and body had begun to yearn for the warmth of Prudence’s body. He longed to explore the dips and curves of her, to taste the sounds of her pleasure and to hear his name being gasped from her lips. She took away his ability to focus on his duties because once he imagined her in his embrace, there was nothing else he would want more and it was growing infuriatingly frustrating.

It seemed as though he was being haunted, followed by her scent whenever he was outside his chambers, unable to shake off the growing desire within him. He had never hated and wanted a woman the way he hated and wanted this duchess.

Does she bathe in her perfume?

He wished she would simply leave and give him back his clarity, but it was as though she had been put in his path to make his life difficult. Every conversation they had always ended up boiling into an argument. She was so sure she knew so much about his daughter and it infuriated him to no end.

And he still had his doubts about her character. Their first meeting might have painted her as a bashful woman, but the reproachful way she spoke to him told him that there was a fire within her. Whether or not it was capable of growing out of control in a fit of rage, and burning others was something he was still unsure of, but he knew that he did not trust her.

Yet… he spent countless hours thinking about claiming her, recalling how pliant she had been when he kissed her.

It had been remarkable, how soft she felt beneath his fingertips, how sweet she had tasted, and the pleasant sound of her breathless gasp. It made him ache with want, hungry for as much of her as he could consume whenever he could.

It was driving him insane and he despised it.

Finally, he arrived at the drawing room, walking in with a rushed apology.

“Forgive me for my late arrival. I was… preoccupied with other affairs,” he said, quickly, ignoring Robert’s sigh of relief.

“It is no problem at all, Your Grace,” the man before him replied, rising to his feet quickly.

William blinked his eyes and squinted them at the man before him, taking in the burly form and dark colors the man wore, eyeing what looked like a hat sitting on his head.

The man quickly took it off as he noticed William’s gaze was focused on it and muttered a quick apology. Robert stepped forward and made the necessary introductions.

“Your Grace, this is Inspector Hosea Burns. Inspector Burns, allow me to introduce His Grace, The Duke of Pemberly.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” the inspector said.

“Likewise, Inspector. I assume you know why I have called you here,” William stated as he took a seat.

“Lord Montclair has visited me a handful of times in the past year, so I have some idea,” the man responded with a shrug, settling back into where he had been seated.

“Well then, this makes things easier for us. But I would like to ask you for something before you begin your investigation.”

Investigator Burns nodded. “Anything, Your Grace. But do keep in mind that I cannot fabricate evidence. It would not be ethical, not to mention it is against the law.”

William shook his head immediately.

“I already know that. And I was going to request the opposite, actually. I want you to look into the former duke’s death without bias. View things from a fair perspective. I understand that the late duke’s friends and family, along with members of the ton, have a suspect in mind. Someone they hope and believe is guilty without a doubt. But I do not wish to obtain results based on their expectations,” he paused, thinking of how fiercely Prudence defended her innocence in his study. “Especially if an innocent person could end up being punished for the crime. I want everything to be done discreetly and properly. Do you understand?”

“Most assuredly, Your Grace. Do not worry, I have a reputation to protect. I will do what needs to be done, and do it well,” the inspector confirmed.

“Good,” William nodded. “Make sure to leave no stone unturned. Investigate every possible suspect. Ensure that you search every corner. I shall await the conclusion of your investigation.”

The man rose to his feet and bowed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Moments later, he left with Robert who was going to sneak him out of the estate without attracting any attention, the way he had been brought in. William did not want more people than necessary to know that he had decided to look into the former duke’s death.

When people are unaware that they are being watched, they are less likely to hide anything.

He only wanted to clear the air, once and for all, tired of all the accusations flying around.

And if, perhaps, he wished to also sate a particular curiosity he had toward a particular duchess, no one else needed to know.

“Thank you for agreeing to go on a walk with me, Your Grace.”

Prudence smiled down at Melanie’s pretty face and shook her head gently.

“You have no reason to thank me, dear. I am always happy to spend time with you,” she told the girl softly, happy when she was rewarded with a smile.

It had been a little over a week since she had promised to help the child rebuild her relationship with her father, and truthfully, Prudence had begun to feel a little hopeless about making such a declaration when she recalled how difficult of a person the duke was.

But ultimately, she wished to help the little girl who was greatly hurt by the situation. As such, they had begun to spend even more time together, from the free time she had between her lessons to even inviting Melanie to her chambers so they could engage in their mealtimes together.

She had grown so fond of the child, happy when she was smiling and expressive and proud when Melanie told her of the compliments she had gotten from her tutors. It was as though a part of her heart had been carved out and Melanie had fit perfectly into the vacancy that was left behind.

“How were your lessons today? Did you have any problems?” she asked as they strolled through the garden, watching Melanie poke at flowers and leaves.

“No,” Melanie stated, sounding a little distracted. “All three of them were fine. I am getting better at answering advanced arithmetic questions. My tutor says I am quite smart for my age.”

Prudence felt inclined to agree, knowing from the time she had spent with the little girl that she often sounded as though she had experiences beyond her years. She was truly bright, and many of their conversations left Prudence feeling impressed by the girl.

“He is right, you know. You are extremely smart and I am left speechless, nearly every time we speak.” Prudence nodded in agreement.

Melanie blushed and pressed her hands to the sides of her face, trying to hide her pink cheeks from the duchess. Prudence laughed at the adorable display. Then she realized that something the girl had said was odd and recalled why, gently bringing it up to her moments later.

“You usually have four lessons a day. But you only spoke about enjoying three of them. Could the last one be your music lesson?”

Melanie paused, and then she nodded. “I do not want to have it.”

“Why do you refuse to go for that lesson? Do you not like music? I have noticed you avoid your tutor and sneak out of the house when it is about to start,” Prudence gently said, hoping that the girl would feel comfortable enough to tell Prudence what was on her mind.

“It is not as though I do not like music. I like it. It is just… Papa used to love music. He was famous for the music he made! And he used to play all day, with me. But now… he refuses to teach me like he used to. I do not want to learn with a tutor. I want my papa to teach me,” Melanie said solemnly.

Prudence felt her heart begin to hurt for the child, terribly sad for the amount of hurt Melanie carried on her shoulders daily.

It was one thing to have lost a parent in a tragic accident. But it was another to still have one well and breathing, but acting as though he had perished in the fire as well.

It was incredibly unfair to Melanie, who was merely a child who might as well have been abandoned to fend for herself.

But also, her curiosity had been piqued.

The duke… was a musician? The man who looked as though he should not be expected to understand emotions knew how to make music?

It was so incredibly surprising, and it reminded Prudence of how little she knew of the man who now shared a roof with her. What other secrets did he have? What sort of person was he truly?

She felt overcome with the urge to learn more about him, hoping it might help her understand the relationship between the duke and his daughter better.

“I am sorry sweetheart. I wish there was something I could do to help matters,” Prudence apologized with a frown.

Melanie shook her head, putting on her brave smile, clearly trying to make Prudence believe she was all right.

“Papa is busy now. I understand. And I will keep doing my best to stay out of trouble, so he will not be upset with me anymore,” she stated with conviction.

Actually, your father could stand to behave better, himself. It is only fair that he make some new resolutions and stick to them, just as you are. But she knew that would not help matters much by making any such comment and decided to try another approach.

“Perhaps he would be pleased with you if we made him a gift,” Prudence suggested, looking around.

“A gift? What sort of gift?” Melanie asked, her wide blue eyes shining as her attention was captivated by the suggestion.

“Erm…” Prudence hummed in thought, grinning when she spotted some colorful flowers. “How about a wreath? To brighten up his study and fill the air with pleasant scents!”

Melanie jumped and clapped excitedly.

“Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea! Can we get started on it now?” she asked adorably.

“I do not see why not,” Prudence smiled gently, nearly overcome with fondness.

Melanie giggled and began to dart around the garden, excitedly chattering about how pretty the wreath would be and how she could not wait to show her papa.

“Pick all your favorite colors and the flowers you think are pretty. Or smell nice,” Prudence encouraged as she plucked a few flowers she thought would look good.

“I will!” Melanie shouted from somewhere on her right.

Prudence was happy that she had managed to uplift the girl’s spirits a little, looking forward to working on the task with her. It was almost painful, seeing her so determined to win her father’s attention, whilst William was so set in his ways, determined to have results he felt mattered, by his own terms.

She wished he would look at his daughter for once and see, not with his eyes but his heart, how much she needed him. Melanie did not need to lose all that she had. Not when the gap between them could be so easily bridged.

I will make him listen , Prudence declared to herself, humming as she continued to pluck flowers from bushes and branches.

After a few minutes, she decided to check on Melanie, noting that the girl had gotten a little far from where she was.

“Melanie?” Prudence called out, dropping her flowers into a small heap on the grass.

“Over here! I found a lot of yellow flowers! They are my favorites!” the girl responded from a corner of the garden.

Sighing in relief, Prudence began to walk over toward her.

“That is wonderful! Pick as many as you like – especially the pretty ones, so that…”

Horror filled Prudence’s veins as she finally set her eyes on Melanie.

The child was fine, reaching for flowers on a branch that hung low above her, cheeks flushed with excitement. Completely unaware that there was a snake, making its way to her steadily.

Prudence wanted to scream at her to move, but she feared that she might startle the snake and cause it to hurt Melanie even more, or that she might distract the girl and cause her to be bitten.

And so, she made a quick decision and ran to her, quickly lifting Melanie into her arms.

Just as she had started to step back, she felt a sharp sting on the calf of her left leg, and kicked back, managing to fling the snake off her leg.

Melanie watched it crawl away in horror as Prudence took them both away from the spot it had been.

“Are you all right, darling? Were you hurt?” Prudence fussed, patting the girl’s hair and face.

Melanie shook her head. “I-I am fine, but Prudence… were you bitten?”

Prudence had thought about lying and saying she was fine, but the pain in her leg was growing by the moment, so she tried to be encouraging instead.

“I was, but it is merely a small bite. I will be fine.”

“But – but –”

“Do not worry. Let us leave our flowers here, hmm? I will send someone to come and fetch them later,” She promised through gritted teeth, barely able to mask the pain anymore.

“All right,” Melanie nodded with a sniff, putting her arm around Prudence. “Lean on me. I will help you back inside.”

“Aw, how sweet of – oh!” Prudence screamed, feeling the pain suddenly become even more intense.

“Sorry, sorry! I am so sorry,” Melanie began to cry, guiding her toward the door.

Prudence shook her head but could not speak, starting to feel light-headed. They managed to hobble together to the house and Melanie urged the duchess to sit down at the front steps.

“I-I will go get help!” Melanie said, before running into the house.

While Prudence waited, doing her best to endure the searing pain that was spreading through her leg, Melanie ran through the halls, relieved to find someone in the first room she had checked inside.

Lady Clementina was having a cup of tea and Melanie approached her hurriedly, her words tumbling out before she arrived near the woman.

“Lady Clementina, Prudence – I mean the duchess! She was bitten by a snake! Please, you must come immediately–”

But she stumbled, lost her balance, and bumped into the older woman, causing her tea to spill onto her dress.

Outraged, Clementina rose to her feet and slapped Melanie across her face.

“You horrid little creature! Look what you have done!” she screamed, gesturing at herself. “Is this a way for a lady to conduct herself? Rolling all day in the dirt and then spewing such outrageous tales?”

With a hand pressed to her stinging cheek, Melanie started to cry even more, running out of the room to find someone else who could help.

She had not gotten too far when she bumped into someone else.

“What on earth… Melanie! How many times have I told you not to–”

“Papa! You must come quick!” she cried, tugging at his hand. “The duchess and I were in the gardens and we saw a snake! Please help!”

It felt like ages before Prudence heard footfalls coming in her direction, relieved to have gotten help. She had barely managed to stay away, overwhelmed by the need to lay down but she did not want to frighten Melanie any more than she already had been.

“Duchess!” she heard the duke snap and struggled to stand, desperately clinging to a pillar. “What were you thinking, exposing Melanie to such danger? What if she had been bitten?”

Prudence managed to mutter.

“She is safe, Your Grace.”

And then she slumped forward, barely acknowledging the arms that wrapped around her before she was consumed by darkness.