Match For Melissa (2 page)

Though she had been bitterly disappointed, Melissa had agreed with her stepmother. Gina and Doro had been twenty-one and twenty respectively, and the longer their Seasons were delayed, the more their chances for securing successful matches would dwindle. Jane had solemnly promised that the following Season,
this
Season, would be Melissa’s debut, and Melissa had dutifully stayed behind, at Harrington Manor, while her stepmother and stepsisters had journeyed to London.

Footsteps approached and Melissa turned towards the door. Regina and Dorothea had arrived, but they had stopped at the doorway, so engrossed in their discussion that they failed to notice that Melissa was already seated in the Morning Room.

Regina, Melissa’s elder stepsister, was dressed in a dark brown dress with a high, rounded neckline, an unadorned bodice, and long sleeves. Her gown was cut in severe lines that did nothing to compliment her sparse figure and the drab color made her appear pale and wan. This was the dress that Regina donned when she was about to embark on one of her many charitable errands and Melissa surmised that her stepsister had been preparing to leave for the rectory when the summons from Jane had come.

Melissa gave a rueful smile as she gazed at her elder stepsister. While it was appropriate that one wear a subdued, serviceable gown when visiting the infirm, or delivering baskets of food to the more unfortunate members of their small rural community, she ardently wished that Regina would choose attire of a more flattering nature. With her stepsister’s nut-brown hair
arranged in a tight cap of feathery curls, her diminutive stature, and her quick, efficient movements, Regina looked like nothing so much as a small brown wren.

Regina’s younger sister, Dorothea, was a study in contrast. Dorothea had golden blond hair dressed in an elaborate style, with hundreds of tiny curls and bows that framed a face that was much too round. Dorothea’s figure was also ample, and she possessed an unfortunate tendency towards corpulence. To add to this disadvantage, Dorothea had a marked preference for ruffles and flounces that only served to make her appear larger.

On this particular morning, Dorothea was dressed in a bright pink gown of a hue so intense, Melissa found herself wincing at the sight. Dorothea’s complexion was healthy by nature, and the intense color of her gown gave one the impression that she had stayed in the sun, unprotected by a parasol, for far too long.

Melissa studied the pair for another moment and then she smiled. Dorothea’s gown would look lovely on Regina. It would serve to bring out the color in Regina’s pale cheeks and give her sparse figure the rounded curves that society preferred. Dorothea would also be well served by Regina’s gown. The dark color would set off her complexion to advantage and the severe lines would disguise her ample figure.

Though Melissa had no intention of eavesdropping, her stepsisters’ conversation had escalated in volume until it was now clearly audible. Melissa tried not to listen, but such a feat was quite impossible as she could hear every word that passed their lips.

“But you must have a second Season, Gina!” Dorothea’s voice was trembling with anxiety. “Mama wants both of us to marry well. She has told us so, over and over. And there are no wealthy and titled gentlemen anywhere in these parts!”

Regina nodded in agreement, her soft brown curls bouncing gently. “I am sensible of that fact, Doro. But marrying me off to a wealthy, titled gentleman is Mama’s intention, not mine.”

“You must be bamming me, Gina.” Dorothea’s eyes searched
her sister’s face. “Surely you want to marry well and please Mama!”

“That is a matter for Providence to decide. If such an event does not come to pass, I shall be quite content to live out my life right here at Harrington Manor.”

“And remain a…a spinster?” Dorothea’s expression was even more anxious.

“Perhaps, dear sister. It would not be the worst fate that I could envision. With no family encumbrances, I should be free to continue my chosen vocation.”

“Good works?” Dorothea paled as her sister nodded. “Oh, Gina! There’s time enough for works of charity when you’re old and grey.”

Regina laughed and took Dorothea’s hand. “Perhaps that is true in your case, Doro, but you and I are very different. You are so full of life, so ready to seek excitement from every encounter. You take pleasure in meeting new people and are not the least bit shy. I am of a quiet and more reflective nature. I shrink from the very social encounters you crave and wish only to keep my own counsel.”

“But…but that is not true, Gina!” Dorothea looked ready to burst into tears. “Think of the fun we both experienced last Season, all the balls, and the routs, and the assemblies. You must not be disappointed that no gentleman declared for you, for I did not receive an offer either!”

Regina smiled. “I am not disappointed, Doro, for I did not expect to take. I found I had very little liking for the gentlemen I met in London.”

“It will be better this Season, Gina.” Dorothea did her best to convince her sister. “This year we will know what we’re about. Mama has promised to buy us new gowns in the latest styles, and we’ll receive invitations to the finest parties. Titled gentlemen will ask us to stand up with them, and they’ll come to pay calls on us in droves. We’ll take this year, Gina. I’m certain of it!”

“I am certain that
you
will take, sister.” Regina smiled at Dorothea kindly.

“And so will you! You must not give up hope, Gina. There will be new gentlemen to meet this Season and I am convinced that you shall find one who will take your fancy. Surely you don’t wish to forgo this grand opportunity!”

Regina nodded. “But I
do
wish to forgo it, Doro. The pleasures of London cannot entice me in the slightest when my true calling is here, with the church.”

“I truly do not understand, Gina! Only last Season, you were enthralled with the prospect of meeting eligible gentlemen of the first stare. What has happened since then to so drastically change your outlook?”

Regina smiled kindly. “Perhaps I have seen the folly of my ways. I have come to realize that there is more to my existence than new gowns, and lavish parties, and making an exemplary match. I wish to devote my life to helping others who are less fortunate than I am.”

“It is the new parson’s influence. He said those very words this past Sunday!” Dorothea seemed certain that she had discovered the cause of her sister’s uncharacteristic rebellion. “But you have taken them too much to heart, dear Gina. The Reverend Mr. Watson was merely seeking donations, not asking you to give your life over to the church!”

Regina smiled. “I know that, sister. But his words struck a chord within me. My place is here, giving what aid I can to the needy. It is not in London, seeking a match.”

“Hush, Gina!” Dorothea’s expression was panic-stricken. “If Mama were to hear you speak this way, she would accuse you of having windmills in your head. She would forbid you to see Mr. Watson again and insist that your first duty is to her.”

Regina gave an amused chuckle. “I am in little danger of forgetting that, Doro. And if, by chance, I happened to do so, Mama would be certain to remind me. Come let us take our places in the Morning Room. You know how overset Mama becomes when we are late.”

The two girls entered the Morning Room and sat down on the sofa. Regina nodded a greeting to Melissa and then continued their conversation. “You know how important the church is to me, Doro. I truly feel I’d be remiss in leaving now, so soon after I’ve started my first reading class.”

“But you
have
to come to London for the Season!” Dorothea was truly in a panic as she turned to Melissa. “You must help me, Lissa! Gina is refusing to go to London and Mama will surely take her to task for her obstinacy!”

Melissa studied her elder stepsister. Regina was a quiet person, but she had a strong will and she seemed adamant about not wishing to have another Season. “Is this true, Gina? Have you reached that decision?”

“I have, and Mama will simply have to bow to my wishes. I had my Season and I did not take. A second Season would be a waste of her purse and my efforts.”

Melissa wasn’t sure what to say. She knew that Regina had not enjoyed the social whirl in London. Several months ago, while they were having a comfortable coze in Regina’s bedchamber, she’d confessed to Melissa that she’d found most of the members of the
ton
to be shallow and only interested in the pleasures of the moment.

“Lissa?” Regina broke the long silence. “You do not think that I’m in the wrong, do you?”

Melissa quickly shook her head. “No, Gina. I am sensible of your feelings and I applaud you for speaking them, but…I am not certain that your mother will have the same understanding.”

“That is
truly
understating the case!” Regina gave a rueful laugh. “Mama will fly into the boughs, you may be certain of that! Perhaps we should fetch her vial of aromatic vinegar before I make my wishes known to her.”

Regina and Melissa shared a smile, but Dorothea was too distressed to appreciate their humor. “I know that Mama will somehow contrive to blame me in all this. Must you tell her now, Gina?”

“I am sorry, Doro, but I am obliged to inform her without delay so that she may revise her plans. You must take heart, sister. It is my decision and I shall gladly shoulder the blame.”

The fates conspired to prevent any reply that Dorothea might have made. At that exact moment, they heard footsteps approaching and a moment later, Jane Harrington swept into 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 not
pleased 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 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.