Page 34 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
“It seems like divine intervention that our paths crossed. All I felt was despair during the engagement ball. But you certainly gave me up after we stumbled upon each other the next morning,” Melisa confessed.
“I’ve never been very religious; I’ll be honest with you, Melisa. But I can’t argue that fact with you. I am indeed thankful to be here with you now,” Oliver replied as he began to place soft kisses on her neck. Melisa giggled as she felt her own passion start to rise.
An idea came across Melisa’s mind then even though she was starting to get very distracted by the way Oliver was kissing her. She opened her eyes as she turned over in bed to face him.
“I think we should start using a different name,” Melisa suggested. “That way, it will be harder for anyone to find us.”
Oliver smiled as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I think that will be a brilliant idea. After all, we are both starting over together. We should choose a name that suits us both. But, Captain Vanderbilt already knows us as Mr and Mrs Quinn. I’m sure there is documentation of it,” Oliver said.
“Hmm, that could be possibly true. We might have to speak to him about the matter,” Melisa said as she thought about that important fact. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t introduce ourselves to the others aboard by a different name.”
“Well then, my dear, what name do you think we should take on?” Oliver said with a smirk.
“What do you think of me calling you Mr Michael Trenton? He was a character from one of the novels I enjoy reading,” Melisa suggested, causing Oliver to chuckle.
“Is this Mr Trenton a handsome fellow?” Oliver asked.
“According to the novel, yes. But I would say that you are much more handsome than what is described in the book,” Melisa explained.
“Well, as long as you are thinking of me when we make love and not this fictional Mr Trenton,” Oliver said, causing Melisa to giggle.
“Then what shall you call me if I shall call you Mr Michael Trenton?” Melisa asked, enjoying this little game and anxious to hear what Oliver would think of.
“How about Isabella Trenton? My mother’s name was Isabella, and it sounds rather Italian. It would fit you perfectly since you already know the language and I do not,” Oliver said. Melisa thought the name was rather pleasant, and it made her feel loved that Oliver would want to call her after his mother.
“Isabella Trenton it is,” Melisa agreed. Melisa had just leaned in to kiss Oliver soundly, hoping to pass the afternoon in each other’s arms, when a call from down the hallway broke the silence.
“Passenger check! Everyone to the main deck!” called the voice.
Oliver grumbled as he gave Melisa a quick kiss on the lips. “We’ll continue that thought later,” he said with a smirk. Melisa couldn’t help giggling as she leaned up and slid off the bed. She made haste in smoothing out her gown.
“You look lovely, Melisa. Don’t worry too much about appearances while we are travelling. After all, you are no longer a lady of high society. You are a woman of your own destiny,” Oliver assured as he got off the bed, the small space forcing them to stand close together. Melisa was so overcome with love that she wished they had time for her to show Oliver just how much she cared for him. But as Oliver opened the door for them, she turned her focus to the task at hand.
Back on the main deck, Melisa and Oliver were able to get a good look at who all was travelling on the packet ship headed for Italy. Melisa noticed the Italian family again standing at the front of the group next to Captain Vanderbilt. The captain was nodding his head to everyone on deck as the rest of the passengers assembled.
“Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you are all getting settled into your cabins. No doubt most of you are feeling the effects of seasickness,” Captain Vanderbilt said, a low chuckle being heard from all. Melisa held onto Oliver’s arm, feeling the sway of the ship and praying that soon the seasickness would leave her. It was easier to deal with when she was laying down.
“I would like you all to meet Signore and Signora Davone. It is thanks to their patronage that this voyage is made possible. I hope that you will all show your gratitude towards them during our travels,” Captain Vanderbilt explained as he gestured towards the Italian family.
“Next, you’ll notice that my men are now searching every cabin on this ship. This is a routine check done every time we enter and leave a port. This is to ensure there are no stowaways aboard. And I can assure you that your things will be left untouched,” Captain Vanderbilt said then, causing Melisa to fear that her fortune would be discovered. She only hoped that the captain was speaking truthfully and that she could trust him and his crew.
“Furthermore, there will be three meagre meals a day that will be provided in exchange for assistance. I expect everyone on board to contribute to the workload of ensuring this voyage is a success. It will be four weeks till we reach Italy, and there is plenty of work to go around,” Captain Vanderbilt explained, making Melisa fear what kind of work she’d be expected to do. Though she had never worked a day in her life, Melisa knew that she would be subjugated to some sort of labour if she was going to take care of herself the rest of her life.
“Are there any questions at this time?” Captain Vanderbilt asked, looking through the small number of families. “Well then. Make sure you speak to Mr Hopkins for your daily assignments.”
And with that, Captain Vanderbilt departed after giving a bow to Signore and Signora Davone. Melisa watched as every member in each family followed suit. But when it came time for Oliver to pay his respects to the Italian family, Melisa went with him and curtsied before the couple.
“Grazie per il vostro patrocinio,” Melisa said as she curtsied. As she rose again, she noticed the surprised look on Signore and Signora Davone’s faces.
“You speak Italiano?” Signore Davone asked in English as he observed Melisa.
“Yes, Signore Davone. I speak Italiano, French, and Spanish,” Melisa replied with a proud smile.
“But you are just a common woman,” Signora Davone spoke up, gesturing to Melisa’s gown.
“Indeed, Signora Davone. I am a commoner. But once I was a lady of a fine, prestigious English family that provided me the best education. I have descended the ranks in order to pursue true love,” Melisa explained as she laced her fingers with Oliver’s, giving him a proud smile.
“I see,” said Signore Davone. “And now you and your lover are sailing to Italy?”
