Page 15 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“I understand, Miss Thorsten. I’ve simply come to enjoy these early morning hours alone,” Melisa said as they walked.
“Then please, Miss Melisa, let me at least accompany you. I’d be happy to help you rise early and dress that you may enjoy the park at your leisure, but surely not alone,” Miss Thorsten said. Melisa knew that her lady-in-waiting was only doing her job, so Melisa decided to hold her tongue.
As they walked back together, Melisa started to yearn for her time again with Mr Quinn. She hoped that she could meet him again the next morning, but now that Miss Thorsten had come looking for her, she feared that a third attempt would not be successful. The more she thought about how overbearing her life felt, the more she reasoned that perhaps running away on her own would be the best path for her. At least then she could have more control over her future, even if she could never live again with the same wealth she currently had access to.
Once they’d returned to the house, Melisa thanked Miss Thorsten and made her way to the dining room, intent on having breakfast with her parents in order to convince them of her design for Saturday night. She’d have to think more on how she’d escape this life later on, and first take care of the matter of Magistrate O’Reilly.
“Good morning, my dear,” Lady Stanton said cheerfully as she sat next to her husband at the table.
“Good morning, Mama, Papa,” Melisa said, looking to her father for only a moment before sitting at the table. She didn’t feel up to looking him in the eyes after the way he’d made her feel yesterday. “I’ve just received a letter from Miss Mary Winters. She’s invited me to dine with her family this Saturday night. But I was not sure if we already had plans for that evening.”
“Indeed, Melisa, we’ve been invited to Magistrate O’Reilly’s dinner party. Your father has already accepted the invitation since they are good acquaintances,” Lady Stanton said.
“Why don’t I attend as well and invite Lord Smithers? I’m sure Magistrate O’Reilly would love the company of the Duke,” Melisa said as a maid came to fill her teacup.
Lady Stanton looked at her daughter with wide eyes as a smile came to her face. “Why, that is such a lovely idea, my dear. What do you think?” Lady Stanton said, turning to her husband.
Lord Stanton observed Melisa closely. Melisa knew that her request was out of the ordinary, especially after what she’d said to her father only yesterday. “I think it is a wise idea to spend social time with Lord Smithers. It will give you two experience of being together as a couple,” Lord Stanton said pointedly to Melisa. She only nodded her head in return.
“Then it is agreed,” Lady Stanton said happily. “You must write to the Duke right away and then let Magistrate O’Reilly know that we’ll have an extra in our numbers for Saturday night,” she said to her husband. Lord Stanton only nodded his head as he focused on his breakfast.
“Then I shall call on Miss Mary this morning and explain to her why I can’t attend dinner with her family on Saturday. And I’m sure that Miss Mary will want to hear the details of the wedding,” Melisa spoke up, thinking quickly of a cover she could use to leave the house for a few hours.
“Oh, don’t you worry, my dear. Your father and I have determined all the wedding plans. And Madam Fontaine still has your measurements. I’ll have a wonderful wedding dress made up for you just in time for the wedding. But I’m sure that young ladies will still enjoy speaking of such things,” Lady Stanton said, causing Melisa to become angry at the idea that she had no control over her own wedding as well. Melisa turned her focus to her food, trying to keep her composure and not lash out like she wanted to. After all, if she angered her parents now, she would lose her opportunity to take the carriage.
When the meal was finished, she bid her parents farewell as she returned to her room. She’d need to dress in a more formal gown if she was going to convince her parents that she was indeed calling up Miss Mary. She pulled the servants’ cord and waited for Miss Thorsten to arrive so she could have assistance with her task.
“Yes, Miss Melisa?” Miss Thorsten asked as she came into the bedchamber and shut the door behind her.
“I’ll be calling on a friend this morning and would like assistance dressing for the occasion,” Melisa explained as she pulled off her leather, ankle-high boots.
“Of course, Miss Melisa. Let me gather the ideal gown for the occasion. Would you prefer the beige gown or the caerulean one?” Miss Thorsten asked as she crossed the room to the wardrobe, pulling open the doors to reveal her many gowns.
“Caerulean, Miss Thorsten. It’s for a special occasion,” Melisa replied as she set her reticule aside on top of her jewellery box that rested on her dresser. The moment she was dressed and without her lady-in-waiting, she planned to fill her reticule with items to sell.
“Indeed, Miss Melisa. This gown will look lovely on you with your beautiful blue eyes,” Miss Thorsten replied as she gathered the gown and the other undergarments to go with it.
“Thank you, Miss Thorsten. You’ve always been so kind,” Melisa replied as she stood with her arms outstretched like she’d done a million times before as she allowed her maid to dress her.
“You deserve all the kindness in the world, Miss Melisa. I’ve never before met such a fine lady in your disposition,” Miss Thorsten replied as she pulled the walking gown from Melisa and helped her change her stay and sift.
Melisa didn’t respond to Miss Thorsten’s comment because it hurt too much to speak. How was it her lady-in-waiting could see her character, but others could not? Perhaps only she and Mr Quinn had ever paid her so much kindness. The thought of Mr Quinn rolling through her mind brought a smile to her face. She didn’t know how she’d see him again tomorrow, but she hoped that a miracle would provide her a way.
After being dressed in the fine silk gown and having her hair pinned back in curls, Melisa thanked Miss Thorsten before the other young lady departed. Once alone, Melisa collected her reticule once more and then lifted the lid to her jewellery box. Before her were several fine pieces that had been gifts for varies occasions, though she rarely had the opportunity to wear them.
She picked up the sapphire and diamond necklace that the Duke had gifted her, knowing that this would be the first piece she’d want to be rid of. She let it fall into her reticule, clanging with the few coins she carried. She placed a few sets of earrings in with it as well before synching it closed and pulling it up her arm to sit comfortable in the crook of her arm.
Feeling as ready as she’d ever be, Melisa left her bedchamber and descended the stairs. At the front of the house, she met Mr Moses, ready at the door to open it for her.
“Good morning, Miss Melisa,” Mr Moses said with a dip of his head. “I have the carriage prepared for you. Jonathan is waiting for you to take you to Miss Winters’ home.”
“Thank you, Mr Moses. You’ve been very helpful,” Melisa replied as the door was opened for her. She travelled down the front walkway, her heart beating in her chest as she approached the driver, knowing she’d have to convince him next.
“Good morning, Jonathan,” Melisa said as she approached the carriage. Jonathan stood at the side, holding the door open for her.
“Good mornin’, Miss Melisa. We’re all set to head to Miss Winters’,” he replied.
“Actually, Jonathan, I had a different plan in mind. You see, I want to purchase something special for my mother but couldn’t tell my parents that I wanted to visit the jewellers without giving my surprise away. Would you mind taking me there instead so I can surprise her?” Melisa said sweetly, making sure to smile brightly in hopes of winning over Jonathan.
