Page 48 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“I hope you are happy, my dear,” Oliver whispered into Melisa’s ear as they sat close together on the settee.
“I truly am, Oliver,” Melisa replied as she looked at him. “I never imagined having a second wedding ceremony and will always treasure our marriage in Italy. But it seems like this could be a joyous occasion for all.”
“I can’t imagine a more suitable way to celebrate the holiday season by declaring my love for you to all of English society,” Oliver said as he placed a quick kiss to her cheek.
“And the Prescott estate is truly in good condition?” Melisa asked, hoping that Oliver wasn’t pretending to please her parents.
“Yes, my dear. Fear not for Mr Reed has done well over the years. We shall never have to worry about our finances for it seems I’ll be receiving ten thousand pounds a year as the Earl of Prescott,” Oliver said softly, surprising Melisa so that she almost dropped her glass of brandy.
“I would have never imagined,” Melisa confessed, warmth coming to her cheeks at the very thought of such a fortune.
“Nor would I, my dear. But it seems my father was a very intelligent man and knew how to invest well,” Oliver assured as he steadied his wife’s hand.
At that point, all that Melisa could do was smile happily as she joined once more in the conversation about the upcoming wedding. It seemed there was plenty to do and prepare, and all Melisa could think was that their future seemed to be brighter than she could ever have hoped for. She knew that leaving England behind would grant Melisa the freedom she sought after, but she never knew that her life would come full circle, allowing her to live happily in England once more.
Chapter 26
Melisa walked along the busy street with her arm tucked securely in Oliver’s. She was beyond excited as they neared the tavern, knowing that in just a few more feet they’d come in contact with their good friends again.
“Darn this cold,” Oliver mumbled underneath his breath, the day chilly from the falling snow. He was quick to hold the tavern door open for Melisa, allowing her to step inside to avoid the cold. Oliver pulled the door securely behind them, the warmth of the tavern and its many patrons greeting them as their eyes quickly searched for familiar faces.
“My goodness, there they are!” Melisa exclaimed as she led Oliver by the hand towards the back of the room.
“My dear Melisa!” Eliza called as she quickly stood from her seat and embraced Melisa. Melisa never thought it would feel this good to see her dear friend again, and as she stepped back from Miss Thorsten, she realized that the young lady had changed quite a bit.
“I feel that there is a story here, Eliza,” Melisa said as she glanced down at her friend’s growing middle.
“Indeed, Melisa. Come and sit, and let us tell you all about it,” Eliza said as they sat at the table. Melisa watched as Oliver and Mr Lockwood exchanged warm handshakes.
“It is good to see you again, my friend. I was certain we’d never see each other again after that day on the docks,” Mr Lockwood said as he held Miss Thorsten’s hand over the table. Melisa looked down at their joined hands, noticing a ring on Eliza’s finger.
“Much has happened since we departed England this past summer,” Oliver agreed as he looked at Melisa with love in his eyes.
“And it seems I should not refer to you as Miss Thorsten any longer,” Melisa said happily as she gestured to Eliza’s ringed finger.
“Indeed, you shall never call me that again. I am happily Mrs Lockwood now,” Eliza explained as she exchanged a happy smile with Mr Lockwood. “We were married two months ago after a long courtship.”
“And I was certain she wouldn’t agree at first. Your friend can be quite stubborn sometimes,” Mr Lockwood said with a chuckle.
“I wonder where she learned it from,” Oliver spoke up, giving Melisa a wink.
“Oh, come now, you two. Don’t be picking on me so,” Melisa said good-heartedly. The two couples continued to laugh and tease throughout their meal with Eliza sharing the exciting news that they would be expecting soon.
“But tell us about Italy,” Eliza spoke up. “We certainly didn’t expect to see you two back this winter. When we received your letter addressed from here in town, it surprised us both deeply.”
“Yes, I never thought I’d ever set foot in England after we made our great escape. But it seems that fate has smiled upon us. My father ended up discovering us in Italy and explained that not only had Lord Smithers been jailed for his heinous crimes, but that Oliver’s father was actually the Earl of Prescott,” Melisa explained in a low voice so that the other patrons did not overhear them. Melisa watched as shock and surprise crossed Mr and Mrs Lockwood’s faces.
“Oliver, does that mean you are an Earl now?” Mr Lockwood asked. Oliver nodded his head in return as he regarded his friend.
“I am, indeed, Lord Quinn now Earl of Prescott,” Oliver confirmed, causing Mr Lockwood to laugh in surprise.
“My goodness, what a change of events,” Mr Lockwood said as he patted Oliver on the shoulder heartily.
“I’m sure Lord and Lady Stanton are pleased to know you married well,” Eliza said with the roll of her eyes. Melisa couldn’t help laughing at the gesture.
“Indeed, my parents are quite pleased. But you wouldn’t believe the change in them, Eliza. Ever since they’ve been shunned from society, they’ve become quite humble people. I’ve never been shown such affection, and that was before Oliver was instated to his title,” Melisa explained.
“You are right, my dear. That would be hard for me to believe,” Eliza replied as she took a sip of her ale.
