Page 41 of A Sonata for the Fiery Lady
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“So, it seems the plot thickens, as they say,” Signore Davone said to Melisa and Oliver after the two had taken the time to speak honestly with their employer about the details of their past.
“Yes, Signore Davone. Yet, please understand that we never meant to deceive you and Signora Davone. We simply wanted to live a meaningful life together,” Melisa spoke up, hoping that Signore Davone would not be cross with them.
“Your past is your own, Lord Quinn,” Signore Davone said with a chuckle as he slowly said Melisa’s true name. “We already knew that you had come from a prestigious English family and were starting a new life together as a married couple. What else did we need to know that you are loving and passionate, and would make a wonderful tutor for our daughters.” Signore Davone shrugged as if to say that this was all no big deal.
“But,” he added. “What do you plan to do now that things are different for you two in England?”
Melisa and Oliver looked at each other as they sat with Signore Davone in his study. It was later in the evening, after everyone had gone to bed. They had spoken at great lengths with Lord Stanton about what must be done next, and though it pained Melisa to agree to it all, she knew it was for their best interest.
“Signore Davone, I must return to England to claim my father’s title. I wish to bring honour to his name and do well by his estate. I’m sure my father had reasons for abandoning it, and most likely covered his past to marry my mother, who was a commoner,” Oliver explained. “Therefore, we must return to England at once since the journey is so long. It would not be wise to wait until the baby is born because then it will be even harder to journey with the infant.” Signore Davone nodded his head, seeming to understand their situation, but he didn’t look pleased to hear that particular news.
“But, Signore Davone, we’d like to invite your family to England with us, that you may stay with us at the Prescott Estate to continue the young ladies’ lessons. Then, you shall already be in England for the next session,” Melisa said, hoping to find a compromise that would please all parties. She thought her idea suited Signore Davone well as he smiled then.
“My dear, that is a wonderful idea. But you would still tutor my daughters when you are a lady of society now?” Signore Davone asked, clearly surprised.
“Of course, Signore Davone. If you have taught me anything, it is that no matter if you are a Lord or Lady you should still treat people kindly and fairly. And it would only be fair if I fulfilled my original purpose. It is my duty to ensure that Signonias Gabrielle and Vivian are well prepared for their debut into English society, and as Lady Quinn, I should have all manner of connections in town,” Melisa said proudly as she started to like the idea of using her position in society as a way to return the favour to the Davone family.
“Well then, it seems we have much planning to do. We shall need to prepare for our travels immediately and arrange for another voyage to England,” Signore Davone said enthusiastically. Melisa couldn’t help chuckling, being filled with such happiness as Signore Davone accepted their grand idea to return to England once more.
Chapter 22
“I will miss our cottage,” Melisa said the next morning as she and Oliver sat at their small breakfast table. Oliver smiled warmly at his wife before gazing around the cottage. They hadn’t even been there a year, but it had already felt like a home they’d enjoy for years to come.
“I will miss it as well,” Oliver said as he reached across the table and took his wife’s hand. “This is our first home together. We made it our own without anyone else telling us what to do or how we should do it.”
“And I’ve come to love so many people in the neighbourhood. It will be hard to tell Padre Russo that we are leaving. The women in the village will always have a special place in my heart,” Melisa said as tears came to her eyes.
“Don’t worry, Melisa. We will come and visit again,” Oliver said, trying to reassure his wife. He was worried how all of these changes would affect Melisa since she was expecting. He didn’t want to do anything that would harm their child but knew that it would be better to travel now instead of waiting till later. A ship was no place for a child.
“Perhaps if the Davone ladies marry English gentlemen then we shall be able to visit with the whole family more often. It is very hard to think that one day we shall truly part. And yes, I know that we are all travelling back to England together; it’s just the thought of having to say goodbye,” Melisa said as tears started to slip from her eyes.
Oliver stood then and rounded the table, coming to wrap his arms around Melisa as he held her tight to his torso. “Don’t cry, my love,” he said, hoping to soothe her. “Think of Eliza and Morgan, and how excited they will be to see us again.”
Oliver leaned back and tilted Melisa’s face up to his as she gave him a small smile. “Yes, it will be nice to see Miss Thorsten again,” she agreed.
“And just because we are returning to England, and will be numbered amongst the elite, does not mean we must live like others do,” Oliver continued, knowing that Melisa would be afraid of returning to town and the life she used to live.
“I will want to reside in the country when we can,” Melisa said as she finished drying her face. “I’ll remain in town for the young ladies’ sake, but I won’t want to raise children amongst all the fuss and pressure that comes from having wealth and status.”
“After living here, the idea of returning to town does not suit me either, my dear. I shall look forward to seeing what the Prescott country seat is like,” Oliver said as he pulled Melisa slowly to her feet. He then wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips to hers, wanting her to feel every ounce of his love.
When he broke their kiss, Melisa’s face flushed with their passion, he said, “I will never do anything to risk the happiness we’ve created here. No matter what wealth or challenges will come from claiming my father’s title, I will always love you the same.”
“I will hold you to that promise, Lord Quinn,” Melisa said with a smirk as she pushed herself onto her tiptoes and continued to kiss Oliver. He could feel the passion in her kiss and quickly his ardour was rising.
“I think we are in need of some practice when it comes to our proper new titles,” Oliver said as he pulled back from Melisa and rapidly led her by the hand to their bedchamber.
“Your wish is my command, Lord Quinn,” Melisa said with a devilish grin as she began to pull Oliver’s shirt from his trousers. Though they would be expected soon to review the voyage details with the Davone family, Oliver took his time pleasuring his wife and promising to always love her forever – no matter what came next.
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Melisa and Oliver sat with Lord Stanton that afternoon as they enjoyed a cup of tea. Melisa could tell a significant difference in her father after a good night’s rest and several hearty meals. And since the Italians didn’t often drink tea, instead favouring their coffee, Melisa was thoroughly enjoying a cup from the bundle her father had brought with him.
“It is quite lovely here, isn’t it,” Lord Stanton said as they sat on the veranda overlooking the gardens. A few chairs and a table had been arranged for them, allowing them to enjoy the cooling afternoon air.
“Indeed, Father. Italy has been rather kind to us during our time here. The weather has been pleasant. I suppose by the time we return to England, it will be dreadfully cold,” Melisa said as she set her empty teacup aside.
