A Magnificent Match Read Free

bringing out and shepherding a daughter through her first Season.
    This invitation from Princess Kirov had come at a convenient time for Lady O’Connell. Her ladyship had developed a habit over the years of giving over the responsibility of her youngest daughter to others. Once Lady O’Connell had found a way to dispense with her maternal duties, she would conveniently forget Megan’s existence.
    Megan knew the futility of argument. Lady O’Connell was not moved by anything but her own desires. The hope of a come-out in London receded farther and farther out of reach.
    Megan was nineteen. Soon she would be considered to be on the shelf without ever having had the opportunity to see anything of the world except their own estate in Ireland and that little bit of England where her maternal relations resided. It was a pity, as Lady O’Connell had once remarked, that her aunt Leonora was bedridden or otherwise she could have enjoyed her aunt and uncle’s chaperonage for a Season by now.
    Megan had once cherished hopes that her elder sister, Celeste, upon her marriage might sponsor her, but Celeste had never shown the least desire for anything other than acquiring a large family. As for her sister-in-law, Sophronia, Megan had quite decidedly turned down that lady’s once-issued lukewarm invitation to join her in a pilgrimage to Bath. Taking the waters and walking wheezy pugs was not Megan’s notion of enlarging her scope of experience.
    On the spot, Megan decided to make the most of this particular opportunity. Half a loaf was better than none. If she was going to be shuffled off to Russia, she wanted to at least make something useful come of it. She had told her brother Colin that she was as ruthlessly selfish as any of the rest of the O’Connells and she felt that it was quite true. “I suppose that Princess Kirov has offered to bring me out into society?”
    Lady O’Connell brightened considerably. “What a wonderful idea! Of course she shall, for Elizaveta is my dearest of friends and will do anything for me. I shall write a letter at once that she must do so and you may carry it to her. My dear Megan, nothing could be more fortuitous! St. Petersburg is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. I have heard that the capital positively teems with bluebloods and well-connected diplomats. You will make your debut there and try your wings a little. And naturally you must make the most of your opportunities.” She smiled archly. “I would not be at all displeased if you were to form a suitable connection, Megan.”
    “Nor I,” said Megan with a smile. She longed to be given the opportunity to see a little more of the world and to form friendships with others who might have interests that had nothing to do with horses and horse breeding. As for acquiring a husband, that was farther afield in her thoughts just now but certainly she was not completely adverse to the notion.
    Lady O’Connell’s expression was softened by a degree of warmth. “I have always liked you, Megan, for you have never been a bit of trouble to me. So biddable, so even-tempered! I am fortunate that you are not a selfish, forward minx like so many of the daughters of my London friends.”
    “Thank you. Mama,” said Megan, a little taken aback.
    “I shall do my very best on your behalf, my dear Megan,” said Lady O’Connell, feeling expansive. “I shall particularly make known to Princess Kirov that she must act as my deputy on your behalf. Then you may be quite comfortable in consulting Princess Kirov regarding the eligibility of any offers that you might receive. There! Is that not handsome of me?”
    “Indeed, ma’am. I do not know what to say. However, I am certain that Princess Kirov shall regard your confidence just as she ought,” said Megan dryly. “Pray convey my regards to Princess Kirov and my acceptance of her gracious invitation. I shall be most happy to join her in St. Petersburg once I have acquired a suitable