My Forbidden Mentor (41 page)

The days and nights that followed their disastrous confrontation saw very little communication. Only when necessary did they speak to one another, and even then their replies remained short. Lovemaking became a distant memory as both of them withheld advances toward any sort of intimacy.

Days turned into weeks, with Melissa’s anger sustained due to John’s unreasonable attitude and his having ideas about her and Jack that simply weren’t true.

John dwelled in anger as well, but verbalizing further his thoughts would be dangerous at this point. He didn’t trust himself not to say something he would regret later so he held it inside, keeping their confrontations to a bare minimum.

Nighttime was the hardest. John had grown used to relying on his wife for comfort, used to having her soft and supple body for warmth, but unfortunately his wife had committed an act that required his forgiveness and until he could forgive her he would have to sacrifice their bond of closeness.

By now a couple of months had past and the same routine of courtesy continued to play out. Cordial at breakfast and cordial at supper was the extent of their communication these days.

“Do you have enough porridge?” John asked as his eyes skimmed over the small protruding belly of his wife.

At least he had concern for his child, Melissa thought, he’s not totally heartless. “Yes, we’re fine thank you.” She managed a quick smile.

“Good,” John said, giving her a friendly smile that quickly faded.

They proceeded to eat breakfast in silence when the bell sounded at the front door. Charles had barely gotten his greeting out when the sounds of bickering drowned him out. John and Melissa looked at each other in puzzled curiosity.

Charles popped his head inside the dining room. “My Lord?” Charles pleaded in helplessness as the entering couple carried on in high-pitched tones.

“It’s all right, Charles,” John told him, lifting from his chair with Melissa following suit.

John and Melissa both stood in the doorway of the dining room staring down the entryway at Robert and Rose.

Rose perched herself on the tips of her toes to reach Robert’s height. “You’re arrogant and selfish, Robert Gibson.”

“What? Arrogant perhaps but not selfish, Rose. How can you claim I’m selfish after everything I’ve endured.”

John glanced at Rose, whose face was turning fire red, and then to Robert, who started to cock his head with attitude. John knew then that Robert was bound for the point of no return.

Before Rose could interrupt Robert, John did. “Robert, Rose, enough,” he said, stepping toward them.

Rose and Robert both looked in John’s direction as if they were surprised that John should be there.

“What the hell is going on here?” John inquired. “Rose, you start.” John caught Robert’s glare of betrayal. “Ladies first, Robert,” he said consolingly.

“Well, I was minding my own business, coming to visit my friend Melissa, when Mr. Gibson here accused me of purposely arranging to run into him. The nerve!” Rose was ready to blast off at Robert again when John stopped her.

John held up the palm of his hand. “Rose, it’s Robert’s turn.”

Robert gave Rose a glare of insanity. “It’s Mr. Gibson, now, is it?” His focus switched to John. “Well, Miss Catley here acted like she planned on running into me. She was friendly, smiling mischievously, and lord knows what else.”

“You wish. You’re reading more into,” Rose started.

A loud whistle from John ceased further progression of arguing. Now that he had their complete attention again he looked to Robert. “Robert, Rose has been spending a great deal of time with Melissa. She’s been involved with Melissa’s petition and they have become close friends.” He switched to Rose. “Rose, perhaps Robert misinterpreted your friendly gesture.” John grinned. “Perhaps he liked running into you and doesn’t want to admit it.” Oh, revenge was sweet.

“John,” Robert warned, giving John the evil eye for saying more than he should.

Rose glanced at Robert. She had made a decision just that morning regarding Robert and was eager to share it with Melissa, which was one reason she had come over so early this morning. Melissa understood Rose’s situation with Robert and would help her if she asked. She was taking a chance but she felt it was worth it. Batting her eyelashes, she sounded humble when apologizing. “Forgive me, Robert. It was not my intention to give you the wrong impression.”

Rose had given in and Robert couldn’t believe it. She had never backed off before when they had had one of their discussions. It was refreshing but caused him to stagger in response.

“Good. Now that we’re being civil again, would you two like breakfast?” John asked, actually proud that he had helped to resolve the battle of wills between his friends, but when he chanced a glance toward his wife his pride was doused with a venomous look. She didn’t look happy, not happy at all. He turned his attention back to Rose and Robert, who seemed oblivious to Melissa’s glare of disapproval.

They both answered, “Sure,” at the same time, smiling awkwardly toward each other. As Robert and Rose headed for the dining table, John stayed behind to confront his wife. He turned to face her. “Have I said something to disturb you?”

Melissa folded her arms across her chest. “No, quite the contrary. You’ve managed to make peace between them, at least temporarily.”

“And why does that bother you?”

“Because you manage to help others with their problems but won’t deal with your own.”

“I see.”

“I’m not sure you do, John,” she unleashed, leaving him to stand alone in the entry way as she glided up the stairway to their bedchamber.

John took a moment to gather his bearings before entering the dining room. As much as anger flared in him at that moment, she’d been correct. A couple of months had passed and their future seemed as bleak as ever. In that time he’d yearned for her to trust his judgment of character, namely regarding Jack, but she still defended the scoundrel anytime his name was brought up. So why would he not think otherwise about their situation? After all, hadn’t she kept her and Jack’s reacquaintance a secret?

As he approached the dining room he heard laughter between Robert and Rose and instantly missed the laughter he use to share with Melissa. Should he give Melissa the benefit of the doubt, forget this one incident with Jack, and move on? He took his seat and joined in the laughter.

Melissa’s eyes widened as she sat up on the chaise that graced her bedchamber. Rose had just revealed her plans. “This sudden change of heart took place all because of earlier today?”

Rose sat in a chair across from her. “Of course not, but we had a good conversation at breakfast and it helped to confirm my decision.”

Melissa stared into the flames flickering aimlessly within the fireplace. How nice it would be to have a good conversation with her own husband, she thought. Her eyes found her best friend’s. “How do you think he will react?”

Rose smiled. “I’m not sure, but I think it will be good.” Rose bent forward to emphasize her suggestion. “Perhaps you could have John quiz Robert for me but not be too suspicious about it. It will make what I have to do easier.”

Melissa shook her head regretfully. “I can’t, Rose. I’m sorry. John and I barely speak as it is, much less if I ask him to spy for me.”

Rose turned solemn. “Melissa, you two need to work this out. I can’t believe it’s gone on this long. You two are married with a child on the way. You two love each other. It’s got to work out somehow.”

“I just don’t know what to do anymore, Rose. We hardly talk without angering each other.”

“You’re both stubborn is the problem, both of you, and to the point of being ridiculous.”

Melissa became defensive. “And you and Robert aren’t stubborn?”

“You’re right, we are,” she chuckled to herself, coming up with an outrageous plan. “Perhaps you could talk to Robert for me and I could talk to John for you.”

“Oh, Rose, I don’t know.”

“I was only jesting, Melissa. After all, these are extremely personal issues we’re dealing with.”

Melissa changed the subject. Her marriage was all she thought about these days and she needed a temporary diversion. Rose’s news was exciting enough to capture her attention. “So when is your last day at work?”

“After today’s episode with Robert it was yesterday.”

“Good for you.” Melissa leaned forward as well. “And your plan of seduction? When will that take place?”

“When he least expects it.”

Melissa was giddy. “I’m so happy for you, Rose. You and Robert will be back together before you know it.”

“I hope so.”

They chatted on about many things. Rose always knew how to cheer her up.

One early December morning two weeks later Melissa sat in her carriage awaiting Rose at Rose’s request. They had planned to do some shopping then have lunch together. Also, Rose had some rather exciting news to tell her. Melissa had scarcely seen her for the past two weeks so her plan must have been working.

A knock came upon the carriage door, startling Melissa out of her thoughts. Rose didn’t usually knock. Melissa leaned over, opening the curtains to find Duke Albert standing at her carriage door. I wonder what he wants?

Actually feeling sorry for the duke, she couldn’t turn him away. Ever since he and John had had their in-depth conversation he’d been trying time and time again to contact John, but John had ignored him. Melissa had hoped that John would finally come around. A father and son relationship was an important one but she had little faith that the duke would have success. John not only ignored his father these days, he ignored his wife as well.

The curtain fell back into place as she reached for the latch on the door and opened it.

“Lady Blackburn, I was wondering if I could speak with you a moment?” He gave a handsome smile accompanied with a gracious bow.

“Yes, of course.” A few moments wouldn’t hurt and she always waited on Rose anyway. If they weren’t the best of friends she wouldn’t have the tolerance for such tardiness, but as Rose accepted Melissa as she was, Melissa did the same.

Albert sat across from Melissa, still smiling. “Thank you. I’m sure you’re aware I’ve been trying to talk with my son and he’s all but ignored me.” He chuckled from nervousness. “His behavior doesn’t surprise me, nor do I blame him. I want you to understand that.”

“John’s going through a lot right now. He’s been extremely busy with work.”

“Lady Blackburn, you don’t have to make excuses for your husband. I understand. I suppose I thought by talking to you I could gain some insight into how he’s doing right now. I feel like we’re starting over with our father and son relationship. Before you know it you’ll have,” Albert’s blue eyes scanned over Melissa, and until now hadn’t noticed the pouch of her belly, “a child on the way.”

“Yes. You will be a grandfather early in the new year.” She looked down to her belly as well and her hands moved there in reaction.

“Congratulations.” Albert appeared dumbfounded.

“Thank you,” she sighed. The baby seemed to be the only joy in her life of late. “John is doing all right, Duke Albert. He’s had a lot on his mind. Just give him time.”

Albert sighed. “Yes, time. I’ve wasted so much time thinking only of myself in the past. I suppose that’s why I’m so anxious to earn John’s respect.” He smiled, glancing toward her stomach. “And I truly would like to be a part of my grandchild’s life, even if John won’t let me be a part of his.”

Melissa listened before commenting. “Duke Albert, without seeming offensive, you have to realize that John has been hurt deeply by his past. I cannot override him in the decision regarding your grandchild.”

“I understand.”

“Do you really? What I mean is, you have to know that he will not allow you to treat your grandchild the same way he was treated as a child, and I will not allow it either.”

Albert stayed silent.

“I know I’m being dreadfully honest here but your attitudes would have to change, your ways of thinking. Truthfully Duke Albert, I would like for all of us to be a family, a close family that could share holidays together and summer picnics, for you see you will be the only living grandparent our children will have.”

Albert was about to reply when her last words surprised him into silence. This changed everything. “Forgive me, I didn’t realize your parents had passed on. I see now that you understand more than I thought you did. Thank you for your insight, Lady Blackburn. John’s a very lucky man to have you. You have impressed me with your intellect, which of course competes with your beauty.”

“Thank you, Duke Albert. I’m glad we had this chat.”

“I am glad as well. Good day.”

The carriage door flew open. “I’m sorry I’m, oh, Duke Albert,” Rose acknowledge, as she slipped in beside Melissa.

Albert stood to take his leave. “Rose, I was just leaving.” He turned to Melissa again. “It’s been a pleasure,” he said, then left the carriage.

Rose rose to sit across from Melissa. “What was that all about?”