Winston forced a smile to his lips. “I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I do not wish to discuss it. With you, or anyone.”
Melody didn’t seem to take offense at his refusal and continued, “Have you tried speaking to Mattie about this?”
He reared back slightly, feeling that particular question to be utterly ludicrous. “And why would I ever do that? Mattie and I are hardly friends.”
His sister seemed to consider his words before responding, “My apologies. I see that I assumed incorrectly.”
“Yes, you did,” Winston said tersely. “It would be far better to speak to a brick wall than talk to Mattie.”
“I am glad that you have started calling Mattie by her given name once more,” Melody remarked.
“She gave me leave to,” he defended.
Melody gave him an innocent look. “I don’t doubt that, considering you used to call each other by your given names when you were younger.”
“Yes, but that was a different time,” Winston said, his voice heavy with the weight of those memories. And he was a different person.
Before his sister could respond, the dinner bell rang, echoing throughout the manor.
“Well, that is our cue,” Melody remarked, rising from the bed. “Shall we?”
Winston stood up and reached for his jacket on the bed. He was grateful for the interruption since he found that Melody was far too insightful for his tastes. It had always been this way. She had a quiet strength about her that made her formidable.
After he slipped his jacket on, he walked over to the door and held it open for his sister. “As usual, I have enjoyed our chat.”
Melody gave him an amused look. “You are a terrible liar, Brother.”
“I pity the line of men that no doubt will be vying for your attention this Season,” Winston said. “They have no idea of who they are up against.”
“Was that a compliment?” Melody asked.
“It most assuredly was,” Winston said as they started walking down the corridor.
Melody glanced over at him. “Do you believe in love?”
Winston’s steps faltered for a moment, not knowing how to answer such a question. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I do,” she replied. “I want what Mother and Father have. Their love for one another is evident in every smile, every touch and every look.”
“I suppose love is possible for some,” Winston said, choosing his words carefully.
“But not for you?”
Winston felt his back stiffen under his sister’s scrutiny. “I did believe in love once, but my views have become much more jaded since then.”
“Fair enough,” she said, her tone understanding.
He looked at her with curiosity. “That is it? The interrogation is over?”
She laughed. “This was not an interrogation. I was merely makingconversation.”
Winston suspected that was not entirely true, especially since Melody was purposeful in what she said and did. But he decided to let it go. After all, he appreciated her concern even if he wasn’t ready to confront it.
As they descended the staircase together, he saw that his family was gathered in the entry hall.
“What is this?” he asked.
Elodie glanced up at him. “White informed us dinner was ready to be served so we were just waiting for you and Melody to arrive.”
