Page 27 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“You don’t know what will happen when you live in another country. The Duke might seem like a saint compared to what you may encounter abroad,” Morgan said as he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand.
“You’re just being pessimistic because you’re upset. I understand, Morgan. But no matter what you say, this is happening,” Oliver said as he tossed a few coins on the table.
“I think this is insanity because you’ve lost your father and you don’t know how to handle your grief,” Morgan said, finally dejected. Oliver watched his friend sigh heavily as he slumped back in his chair. “But I’ll come Thursday morning to see you off at the posts.”
Oliver gave Morgan a smile as he helped his friend up from his chair and led him outside. Oliver planned to attend some business before the day was through, intending to sell what little he had left and hopefully have enough money for the journey and beyond. What he wasn’t expecting was to see Melisa walking down the street in this part of town with another young lady.
“Miss Melisa!” Oliver called, waving his hand above his head to get her attention. When her bright blue eyes met his, her face filled with such joy that Oliver couldn’t contain his own smile.
“Mr Quinn, how lovely to see you today,” Melisa said as she approached with her companion. “May I introduce you to Miss Eliza Thorsten.”
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Thorsten. This is my best friend, Mr Morgan Lockwood. He plays the flute,” Oliver said as he gestured to Morgan. But to Oliver’s surprise, instead of greeting the young ladies, Morgan simply stared at Miss Thorsten. Oliver eventually had to nudge Morgan in the side with his elbow to stop him from staring any longer.
“Good day,” Morgan squeaked out as he laughed nervously. Miss Thorsten appeared to appreciate the attention as she batted her eyes at Morgan in return.
“We were just doing a bit of shopping, and Miss Thorsten showed me her favourite spots around town. There is a lot to prepare for,” Melisa said as she looked at Oliver. He smiled at her in return, unsure of whether Miss Thorsten was aware of their plans.
“Well, we won’t keep you ladies long. But it is very good to see you, Miss Melisa. I wish you the best of luck with your preparations, and I will surely see you soon,” Oliver said as he dipped his head.
“It’s a pleasure to have met you, Mr Quinn. We’ll see each other again Thursday morning as I come to see Miss Melisa off,” Miss Thorsten spoke up, showing Oliver that she was very much aware.
“A pleasure to have met you as well, Miss Thorsten,” Oliver replied as he pulled Morgan after him, who simply waved goodbye as they travelled down the street.
“What has gotten a hold of you, man?” Oliver said in surprise once they were a bit down the street.
“I’ve never seen such a beautiful young lady in my life,” Morgan said with a long sigh.
“I do hope you’re referring to Miss Thorsten,” Oliver said, feeling a bit peeved at his friend’s odd behaviour.
“Indeed, Oliver. Eliza, was it? Yes, Eliza Thorsten. Isn’t that the most heavenly sound you’ve ever heard,” Morgan rambled on as they continued on their way.
“If you say so, my good friend. You shall see her again come Thursday morning and would do fine in comforting her. She must be losing a close friend if Miss Melisa felt comfortable in confiding in her,” Oliver said, hoping to give Morgan the hint he needed. But all Morgan did was simply nod his head and smile as they went on with their business for the day, causing Oliver to laugh good-heartedly at his friend.
~*~
“It seems you possibly have every necessity for the trip, Miss Melisa,” Miss Thorsten said. They’d returned to the Stanton townhouse later that day after enjoying a day out together while doing some last-minute shopping. Now they stood together in Melisa’s bedchamber, looking down at the small trunk they’d purchased earlier and had now filled with everything they could think of without being a burden.
“I think you are correct, Miss Thorsten. I guess I should try to pick it up,” Melisa reasoned as she bent down and picked up both handles of the trunk, lifting it with ease. She set it down then and pushed it under her bed. “I better get out of these clothes before someone discovers me dressed like a commoner,” she said next as she started to undo the laces of her boots.
“Right you are, Miss Melisa. Your mother isn’t one for privacy,” Miss Thorsten said as she helped Melisa pull the gown up and over her head. She then readied a nice evening gown for Melisa to wear to dinner with her parents. Melisa had started to become used to the simpler clothes, even though she knew they were used, and sometimes liked to picture herself sailing across open waters dressed simply instead of having to wear clothes that made it hard for her to breathe easily.
“I think Oliver’s friend took an immediate fancy to you,” Melisa said, speaking of the way Mr Lockwood had stared open-mouthed at Miss Thorsten. Her lady-in-waiting giggled as she folded the gown Melisa had been wearing earlier and set it on the side of her bed.
“That was quite unusual, wasn’t it? But I won’t deny that I didn’t mind the attention,” Miss Thorsten admitted as Melisa watched her cheeks flush.
“Well then, you must make sure to keep his company after Thursday morning. If my best friend and Oliver’s became lovers, then it would do our memory good,” Melisa declared, causing both ladies to giggle at the idea.
The dinner bell sounded below, filling the house with the soft chime. “Ah, it seems that dinner is being served, Miss Melisa. You best get to the dining room,” Miss Thorsten said as she finished pinning up Melisa’s hair.
“Thank you, Miss Thorsten. You’ve been a saving angel in all of this,” Melisa said as she rested her hand on Miss Thorsten’s shoulder. The two exchanged smiles before Melisa left her bedchamber and walked down the stairs to the bottom floor.
When she made it to the dining room, she saw that her parents were already seated at the table. She smiled pleasantly at them as she came into the room and sat across from her mother at the table.
“Good evening, my dear,” Lady Stanton said as she waved a piece of paper towards her. “We received such fantastic news from the Duke today.” Hearing the mention of her intended caused Melisa to hold her breath in her lungs, fearing what the letter might say.
“What did the Duke have to write about?” Melisa asked as she took a sip of her wine. A bowl of soup was placed in front of her, giving Melisa something to busy her hands with to hide the trembling in them.
“He’s invited us all to the opera Wednesday night,” Lady Stanton answered excitedly. She handed the letter to Melisa, giving her the opportunity to read the letter that was addressed to her father.
