Page 17 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“Let me see what you’ve brought with you, my dear,” Mr Colton said, opening his hand towards her. Melisa removed the diamond and sapphire necklace from her reticule first, handing it carefully over to Mr Colton.
His eyes displayed surprise once more as he handled the necklace with care. “I seem to have a memory of this necklace. I’m surprised to see it again,” Mr Colton said as he looked at Melisa suspiciously.
“Like I said, Mr Colton. It’s an unwanted gift,” Melisa said, straightening her posture and not allowing her eyes to waver from the man.
“Very well,” Mr Colton said as he examined the necklace. After a while, he said, “I will give you fifty pounds for the necklace, and whatever other pieces you’ve brought for me.”
It was Melisa’s turn to appear shocked, knowing that the necklace alone was worth three times that amount. Melisa hastily pulled the diamond earrings from her reticule, setting the pairs one by one in front of Mr Colton.
“I’ll take one hundred pounds for the lot. Any less, and as Duchess of Avertin, I will not frequent this establishment ever again,” Melisa said firmly with her chin raised.
Mr Colton gasped then as he put down his eyepiece. “My apologies, My Lady. I did not realize you were the Duke’s intended,” he said as he lowered his head.
“Understandable, Mr Colton, for we both know that the Duke must give gifts to more than one particular young lady,” Melisa said, unafraid of the man’s response, though he continued to remain silent as he started to search through his desk. He pulled out a small stack of notes and started to count them before Melisa.
“There you are, my dear. One hundred pounds. And I do hope you’ll think of me the next time you are purchasing,” Mr Colton said, refusing to meet her eyes now that he knew who she really was. Melisa collected the notes and folded them neatly before placing them in her reticule. Though she remained looking stern, on the inside she felt ecstatic for getting the amount she wanted. She was sure this small fortune would pave the way for her escape.
“I’ll be sure to keep you in mind. My mother’s birthday is soon, and I shall want to make a fine purchase from you once the wedding has come and gone in a few weeks,” Melisa said as she rose from the chair. She didn’t wait for Mr Colton as she left the room and travelled down the hallway, entering the shop once more.
Without a glance to anyone or anything, Melisa left the shop. She looked up to see Jonathan waiting beside the carriage. He quickly opened the carriage door with a smile, seeming to relax once she’d returned.
“How did it go, Miss Melisa?” Jonathan asked as he helped her up into the carriage.
“Very well, Jonathan. Thank you so much for your assistance,” Melisa said with a smile.
“Of course, Miss. It’s my pleasure,” Jonathan said as he closed the carriage door and quickly got up into the driver’s seat. As the carriage started down the road, pulling her back towards the townhouse, Melisa smiled proudly. She knew that the money she’d been able to earn today would dearly help her. It wouldn’t be enough to live on and continue her way of life, but she reasoned that she could learn to provide for herself. After all, she was highly educated and was sure that someone would hire her as perhaps a governess or tutor.
But the more Melisa thought about it, she knew that she wouldn’t be able to remain in town. She’d be found too easily and forced to marry the Duke by her parents. And though she could return to the country, of the place she grew up, she knew that there would be someone there who would recognize her and perhaps snitch on her to her parents. Melisa had a lot of planning to do if she was going to be successful.
Returning home, Melisa alighted the carriage and thanked Jonathan once more before returning inside. She was greeted at the door by Mr Moses and was surprised to find her mother quickly walking down the hallway towards her as though she’d been waiting for her.
“Ah, my dear. You’re finally home,” her mother said happily, even though she hadn’t been gone all that long. “Your father wrote to the Duke right after dinner, and not only did the Duke immediately reply, agreeing to come to the dinner party on Saturday, but he’s invited us to his own dinner party tomorrow night.”
Melisa forced herself to smile even though the thought of dining with the Duke twice this week made her feel sick to her stomach. “What marvellous news,” Melisa said through clenched teeth as she tried to keep her composure.
“Indeed, my dear child, indeed. I’ll make sure to let Miss Thorsten know to prepare your finest gown. And be sure to wear the jewels that the Duke gave you. It will be a great way to show your gratitude,” Lady Stanton said before leaving her daughter.
Fear clutched Melisa’s heart as she watched her mother walk away. She’d never thought of needing to wear the necklace when she left to sell it not even two hours ago. Melisa took the stairs to her bedchamber, needing time to be alone and settle her nerves. What would happen if her mother discovered what she’d done? And since she already expected Melisa to wear the necklace, what was she going to do when she dressed and didn’t wear it?
Panic came over Melisa as she returned to her bedchamber and stashed her reticule in a drawer. A part of her wanted to flee tonight and make her way somewhere new where she could live her life freely. But she wasn’t prepared for such a hasty journey. After all, she’d made a promise to Mr Quinn that she’d be there this Saturday to help avoid disaster. And even more than that, Melisa wanted to see him again before she left.
Melisa’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She sat in one of the wing-backed chairs as she called for the person to enter. Miss Thorsten came in then, carrying a tea tray.
“You must be famished from your travels, Miss Melisa. I’ve taken the liberty of bringing you something to eat,” Miss Thorsten said as she came into the room and set the tray nearby Melisa.
“Thank you, Miss Thorsten, that is very kind,” Melisa said as another maid came into the room then. Melisa regarded the woman, an awful idea coming to mind. “And who is this, Miss Thorsten?”
Miss Thorsten looked to the new maid and smiled. “This is Miss Price, My Lady. She just started on today,” Miss Thorsten explained.
Miss Price curtsied then as she said, “A pleasure to meet you.”
“And you, as well,” Melisa replied. “Miss Thorsten, might I have a bath prepared? I’m awfully sore from all my morning exercise.”
“Certainly, Miss Melisa. We’ll have that prepared right away,” Miss Thorsten said as both she and Miss Price curtsied before leaving her bedchamber.
Melisa took a deep breath and tried to relax. She prepared herself a cup of tea and took a long drink, hoping the warm liquid would help sooth her nerves. Not only did she continue to worry about being discovered by her mother, but also of the horrible thought that had crossed her mind in order to maintain her secret plan. As she ate, she prayed over and over again that the Lord would forgive her for what she was about to do.
Chapter 11
