Match For Melissa Read Free

the room.
    Lady Harrington was a poised beauty, well past the first blush of youth. No expense had been spared on her appearance and on this occasion she was wearing a pale yellow gown, the color of early morning sunlight, that served to set off her deep auburn hair to advantage. A necklace of rubies adorned her slim neck and for all appearances, she was the pattern card of a Lady of Quality.
    “You have news, Mama?” Dorothea was the first to speak.
    “I do, although I should prefer it to be of a better nature.” Jane arranged her skirts carefully as she took the chair that Melissa had vacated. “Sit down, girls. We must discuss our situation.”
    Melissa joined her two stepsisters on the sofa. She could not fail to notice that Jane was avoiding her eyes, and her suspicions began to grow. Would she have her promised Season this year? Or had her stepmother filled her with false hopes?
    “The revenues from the estate are not so generous as I had expected.” Jane’s voice was firm. “We have enough for the necessities, never fear, but our other expenses shall have to be cut to the bone.”
    Dorothea looked ready to burst into tears. “But, Mama…we shall be allowed our Seasons, shan’t we?”
    “Yes.” Jane dipped her head in a nod. “That, dear Dorothea,
is
a necessity. You shall have your Season, but you must promise to take full advantage.”
    Dorothea gave a deep sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mama. I promise I shall. And Regina? She is to have her Season as well?”
    “Of course.” Jane turned her attention to Regina. “I was notpleased with your performance during the past Season, Regina. The members of the
ton
do not regard shyness as a virtue. You must be gay and vivacious if you wish to attract a gentleman of the first rank;”.
    Regina frowned as she regarded her mother. She opened her mouth to speak, but Dorothea created a timely interruption.
    “Regina will be vivacious, Mama. I shall see to it. And she shall find her match this year, a perfect match!”
    Jane nodded in satisfaction and then she turned her attentions to Melissa. “I fear that your Season will have to be delayed another year, Melissa. Our purse is not so deep as to fund a Season for three young ladies.”
    Melissa averted her eyes. Her disappointment was so keen, she feared her stepmother could read it without a word passing her lips. As she gazed around the room to avoid looking at her stepmother, Melissa’s eyes rested briefly on the new draperies, the gilt clock on the mantelpiece, the imported Italian mirror, and the Oriental vase her stepmother had acquired at such great expense. Had Jane not seen fit to refurbish the entire manor, there would have been enough funds for her!
    “Melissa shall have her Season.” Regina faced her mother squarely. “Since I am not planning to go to London, you may use my portion of the funds for her.”
    Jane was shocked into silence for a moment, but when she recovered, her voice was sharp. “What nonsense is this, Regina? Of course you are going to London. I demand it!”
    “No, Mama.” Regina’s firm voice reflected her resolve. “I have decided not to marry and a second Season should be wasted on me. I intend to devote my life to the church and perform charitable works.”
    Jane stared at her elder daughter in utter disbelief and then she gave a most unladylike snort. “Fustian! You shall do as I say, Regina. You
will
go to London, you
will
have a Season, and you
will
make a suitable match. We are closing Harrington Manor for the duration and no one will be permitted to stay behind.”
    “Then Melissa is to go with us, even though she is not to have a Season?” Dorothea was clearly confused.
    “That is correct.” Jane nodded. “Melissa’s presence is most necessary to the success of our Season. We have no funds with which to engage an abigail and Melissa shall assume that duty.”
    Melissa did her utmost to contain the anger that threatened to consume her. Regina, who staunchly