Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman by Wareeze Woodson Page A

doctor’s been. Now she insisted we call you.”
    “I should have been notified immediately,” he snapped and bolted out of his seat, practically running down the steps. He entered his grandmother’s room with barely a knock on the door.
    Heloise lay propped against a stack of fluffy pillows, frail and pasty against the bedding. His alarm deepened. He accepted the fact of her advanced years but the thought of losing her was more pain than he could contemplate.
    “Gran, how do you feel?”
    Heloise waved one hand at him, the other clutched to her chest. “Fine, fine. Don’t fuss. I had one of my turns is all.”
    “Her cordial, Milord.” Heloise’s companion handed him a brown bottle and quietly left the room.
    “The doctor left a cordial. Here drink it down.”
    “I’m old, not sick. I don’t need a cordial but you could relieve my mind if only you will.”
    He eyed her with a wary glint in his gaze. “Let’s hear it.”
    “Melissa.”
    “Don’t start that old refrain again, Gran.”
    She held up one hand. “But I want Melissa taken care of when I pass.”
    “I won’t hear of you passing. Now, Gran . . .”
    Heloise glared at him. “Certainly I’m not gone yet awhile.” She waved her hand and snapped, “Laurel! You can’t smell of April and May then try to gull me. I’m not blind so don’t try to deny it. Don’t make her an offer.”
    “You are rather jumping to conclusions there. I haven’t mentioned the word marriage in the hearing of any lady. Nor will I be pushed by you or anyone.”
    Heloise sipped a swallow of cordial. “I’m not pushing but I want to see you married.” She coughed and continued, “Don’t doubt me, I admire Laurel but I want Melissa for you, young innocent Melissa and whole hearted I might add. Laurel certainly can’t claim the same detachment. Her heart is buried with Robert. I don’t want that for you. First love and all that. Mark my word, the heart never forgets.”
    “Gran, don’t fret. I’ll see to Melissa. Regardless. But I choose where and when I marry.” He held up his hand before Heloise could speak. “I know what I owe to my name and position but I have years yet.”
    “It would relieve my mind if you would at least spend a little time with Melissa. Give her a chance. You’ve hardly spoken a word to her since your return and little before that.”
    “Gran, that’s unfair.” He sighed and reluctantly agreed. “I’ll escort her about the rose garden, perhaps even a stroll around the lake. Will that make you happy?”
    She chuckled. “Indeed.”
    “So be it,” he said, kissed her cheek and tucked the covers over her shoulders. “To keep out the draft.”
    “Don’t forget.”
    Laughing, he strolled to the door. “Never.”
    Adron intended to keep his word to his grandmother, at least about this. It wouldn’t hurt to escort Melissa into the garden but only when he could find the time. Two hours later, Melissa tracked him down and later was at hand.
    “Adron, there you are,” she said, her voice coated in cloying sweetness.
    He checked on the threshold and grinned at her with resignation. “The very person I wanted to see.”
    “And here I am. How fortunate.”
    “Indeed. Will you accompany me on a stroll, perhaps to the garden? The day is lovely. Almost as lovely as you.”
    “You say the sweetest things,” she said with a giggle.
    He bowed his head and took her elbow, strolling toward the lake, his original destination.
    Laurel sat on the bank with Jamie in her lap, his toes trailing in the water and giggles bubbling from his mouth. Ingrid’s two young daughters were wading knee deep in the lake, splashing water at one another. Paige, Adron’s sister, swam a few yards away and called to Laurel, “Look at me.”
    Laughter reached across the lawn drawing Adron in and Melissa held his arm a little tighter as he slowly escorted her across the lawn.
    “Adron, go away,” Paige shrieked. “I’m swimming in my chemise.”
    He