Match For Melissa Read Free Page A

maintained she did
not
want a Season, was to have one foisted upon her. And Melissa, who
did
want a Season, was to be denied once again. To make matters even more unpalatable, her stepmother intended for Melissa to act as their servant!
    Regina spoke up in her soft, firm voice. “I beg you to reconsider, Mama. Such a plan is not just. Lissa is not a servant and it is unfair of us to treat her as such.”
    “Melissa has offered no objection.” Jane favored her step-daughter with a speaking glance that brooked no dissent. “That is correct, Melissa, is it not?”
    For one brief moment, Melissa thought about giving voice to her rebellion, but better sense prevailed. What purpose could possibly be served other than to vent her spleen? She dropped her eyes to the carpet and nodded her acquiescence mutely. At least she would be carried to London and not left behind, as she’d been last Season.
    “There! You see?” Jane turned to Regina. “Think of the advantage this plan will provide for Melissa. Though she will not be formally presented this Season, she shall have the opportunity to mingle with the best of London society. Perhaps your dear stepsister will even form a
tendre
for one of your rejected suitors.”
    Melissa kept her lips pressed firmly together to stifle her urge to laugh derisively. Jane was desperate to find suitable matches for Regina and Dorothea. If she saw fit to reject any gentleman, he would be the most miserable of husbands, indeed!
    “We shall depart at daybreak tomorrow.” Jane rose gracefully to her feet. “Come, girls. There is much to do in preparation. We must begin straight away.”
    “Yes, Mama.” Dorothea’s eyes began to glow with excitement as she rose from her place on the sofa. “Regina and I shall select the gowns we wish to take.”
    Jane nodded her approval and swept toward the door, but she turned for one last word with Melissa. “Go up to the attics and collect the holland covers for the furniture. When you’ve put them in place, you may begin the packing. Everything must be in readiness before we sleep tonight.”
    Dorothea followed in her mother’s wake, but Regina placed her hand on Melissa’s arm to detain her. When her mother and sister had left the room, Regina spoke up, in a voice that trembled with emotion. “I hope you’re not overly disappointed in me, Lissa. I’m truly sorry I failed to convince Mama to give you my Season.”
    “Your mother is a very difficult woman to convince.” Melissa favored her stepsister with a forgiving smile. “You tried your utmost, Gina, and that does signify.”
    “But I know how much you wanted to be presented this Season! I should have argued longer.”
    “To what purpose? Your mother’s mind was firmly set. Any further disagreement from your quarter would only have served to anger her.”
    “Perhaps you’re right.” Regina nodded thoughtfully. “Mama is easily angered, and when she is overset, it causes distress for all who are…oh, Lissa!”
    Melissa gasped as her stepsister sank back down on the sofa. Regina’s complexion had paled and her hands were trembling. “What is it, Gina?”
    “I gave my promise to Mr. Watson!” As Regina uttered his name, color flooded over her pale complexion. “I assured him that I would accompany him when he visits the sick, and now I shall be unable to do so. I do so hate to break a promise, Lissa! He will think badly of me, I know.”
    Melissa reached out to pat Regina’s hand. “I am certain he will not. Breaking this promise is in no way your choice. You must go to him and explain.”
    “But what if he should suppose that I desire this Season?” There was anguish in the depths of Regina’s brown eyes. “I should hate for him to believe that I am as frivolous as the other young ladies who court favor with the
ton”
.
    “He could not think that, Gina. The reverend is aware of your commitment to good deeds and I am certain he would not suspect you of being in the least bit