Match For Melissa (25 page)

The dance seemed endless and Robert did his utmost to concentrate his full attentions on Regina. Despite his best efforts, his eyes were drawn to the Princess of Winter and he found himself scowling as several young gentlemen approached her. He
had no doubt that they were inviting her to stand up with them. How could any man resist the prospect of partnering the loveliest woman at the ball? But Robert was gratified to observe that though the Princess of Winter smiled charmingly at all who sought out her company, she accepted no offers and appeared quite content to stand close to the doors and observe the dancers.

“I am to partner Lord Chadwick in this dance.”

Robert gazed down at Regina, fully aware that he had been distracted and hoping that she had not noticed. “Of course, my dear. I shall escort you to him straight away.”

“One moment, please.” Regina’s voice trembled slightly as they approached Lord Chadwick. “I…I wish to know if there will be the usual intermission.”

Robert nodded. “Yes, indeed. It will take place immediately following the second Quadrille.”

“If it pleases you, Duke, I wish to request a private moment with you at that time.”

Robert looked down at Regina in some confusion. All the color had left her cheeks and she appeared greatly distressed. “Is something amiss, my dear?”

“Oh, no. That is…I am not at all certain. I wish to discuss a matter of some importance with you. Indeed, it is of
supreme
importance and we…we must be alone.”

“Then I shall ask your mother’s permission to escort you to the observatory.” Robert smiled to set her at ease. “Despite its name, no one will observe us there.”

Regina laughed at his quip and a bit of color returned to her cheeks. “I thank you for agreeing so readily to our rendezvous and I pray you do not think me improper for requesting it. I assure you that were it not necessary, I should never have presumed to ask.”

“None could accuse you of impropriety, my dear.” Robert smiled down at her warmly. “And I shall make certain that no one ever shall.”

When he had safely delivered Regina to Lord Chadwick’s side, Robert sought out the Princess of Winter. He told himself
himself as her host, it was his duty to greet her and bid her welcome to the festivities. But Robert knew that his role as a proper host was not his sole motivation for seeking her company. There was something about this young lady that was hauntingly familiar and he was eager to discover who she was.

“I bid you welcome to the ball, Princess.” Robert was surprised to find his voice was thick with emotion as he took her hand. “Would you do me the honor of standing up with me for this dance?”

“I should be delighted, Sire.”

Her voice was low and musical, and Robert was certain that he had heard it before. But her words confused him for she had called him Sire. Surely she did not think that His Majesty, himself, approached her! Then he remembered that he was dressed as King Arthur and he laughed in amusement as he led her to the dance floor.

She fit into his arms as if she belonged there, following his lead faultlessly. His mind whirled as he held her and gazed at the portion of her face that was not covered by her mask. He knew her, he was as certain of it as he was of his own name. But the puzzle of her identity remained, and though he tried his utmost, he could not place her amongst his acquaintances.

Melissa sighed in utter contentment, her eyes sparkling to rival the diamonds that dangled brightly from her ears. She was in the arms of the man she loved once again, on this wondrous night of nights. None had recognized her or even questioned her right to attend the ball. Her ruse had been successful and she had been accepted as one of the invited guests.

Her lips parted slightly and a feeling of blissful happiness filled her being. Her dream had come true and she would not think of the morrow. This moment was magic and she would relive it, time and time again, for the rest of her life!

* * *

Damme! He knew her! Robert pulled her closer as they moved to the graceful steps of the waltz. He could remember the feel of her in his arms, the faint but compelling scent she wore, the way her hand rested so trustingly in his. He had danced with her before, he was certain. He had even kissed her on a warm summer’s eve, he could recall the sweet taste of her lips. It had been a magical moment with the stars shining brightly over their heads and the soft breeze caressing the shining curtain of her hair.

Robert stepped back, into that moment, allowing his memories to guide his mind. They had danced to the strains of a far-away orchestra and the grass had been soft and fragrant beneath their feet, a green carpet that had been recently clipped. Light streamed out from windows in the distance, but it had not reached so far as to reveal her face. She had asked him for a promise on that magical night and…

The scales fell from Robert’s eyes and he gazed down at the lovely young lady in his arms with astonishment. She was the lady that he had partnered on Aunt Sarah’s balcony and kissed in his own gardens on the night of his dinner party. She was his very own goddess Diana!

Robert’s startled gaze swept the ballroom until he located Regina, dancing with Lord Chadwick. Regina was not his goddess Diana. His true ancient huntress was in his arms in the guise of the Princess of Winter!

Perhaps he had tightened his arm around her, Melissa wasn’t certain. Some instinct, some premonition of disaster, made her glance up into the duke’s face. What she saw there caused her heart to pound and then miss a beat. He knew!

They were nearing the French doors to the garden. Melissa prayed that her expression would not give her away as she waited for her opportunity. She must leave, and quickly, or she would ruin her dear stepsister’s life!

As if in answer to her prayer, the final strains of the dance
were played. As everyone turned to applaud the orchestra, Melissa tore herself from her love’s arms and slipped through the crowd so swiftly, the duke was not able to follow.

The cool night air revived the sudden wave of faint-headedness that threatened to overcome her. Melissa took a moment to slip off her dancing pumps and then she ran through the gardens, as if the furies were pursuing her, winding her way through the maze of walkways. She knew the paths well as she had come out to admire the blooms on almost every day that she had spent at Oakwood House. In very short order, she arrived at a spot on the garden wall where the stones were low enough to allow her to climb over and gain access to the street.

The street was deserted, but Melissa would not have noticed had it been filled with carriages. The tears in her eyes blinded her to her surroundings as she slipped on her shoes and wearily trudged the distance to Belgrave Square.

Once she had arrived home, Melissa began to think more clearly. Mary would be certain to mention it if she answered the door and saw Melissa garbed in the costume of the Princess of Winter. Rather than enter in the usual way, Melissa let herself in the side gate that led directly into the garden. From there it was possible to open the doors that led into her stepmother’s Drawing Room and gain access to the hall.

Her heart beating rapidly, Melissa crept noiselessly up the staircase. Only when she had gained the safety of her bedchamber without discovery, did she sink down on the side of her bed and give way to her anguished sobs.

Robert returned to the ballroom in a brown study. His Diana had disappeared once again. He had followed her into the gardens, hoping that he could capture a glimpse of her, but all he had found were several embarrassed couples who had been taking full advantage of the darkness.

It was not until Robert stepped into the ballroom and caught sight of Regina, dancing with Lord Beckworth, that he realized
he was in a distressing tangle. He had led dear Regina to believe that he would declare for her. Indeed, he had even been so foolish as to intimate to her mother that it was his true purpose for hosting the ball. In view of his actions, Regina’s expectations had been raised to the highest level and if he failed to offer for her, she would be understandably overset.

Robert sighed. He could not offer for Regina when he was in love with another. It would be unfair to the delightful woman he had come to respect so greatly. There was no doubt that their marriage would be happy. Robert was quick to admit that they would rub along famously together. But Robert wanted more than commodious companionship. He wanted his Diana and no other, not even Regina, would do.

Regina arrived at his side, her color high from the figures of the Quadrille. “The intermission is about to begin.”

Robert nodded, well aware of his obligations to this lovely young lady. “You are right, my dear. I shall address your mother straight away.”

The request was duly made and answered in the affirmative. Robert sighed as he led Regina to the staircase that led to the observatory. From the predatory gleam in Lady Harrington’s eye, he knew she fully expected him to discuss marriage with her daughter.

The moment the door to the observatory closed behind them, Regina turned to him with a sigh. “There is something of great import that I must tell you. I most fervently wish that we might be friends at the conclusion of our discussion, but I am prepared to take full blame for what I am about to say.”

“You must sit down, Regina.” Robert led her to a chair and pushed her down gently. The dear girl looked ready to crumple at his feet. “I shall light the candles.”

“No! Please, I beg of you not to do so. This will be easier said if I cannot see your features.”

Robert pulled a second chair close to hers and when he had settled himself, he took her hand. “Come now, Regina. What you are to tell me cannot be so drastic as to ruin our friendship.”

“Yes, it can! My mother has told me that you plan to offer for me this evening. Is this true?”

Robert hesitated for a moment and then he nodded. “Yes, Regina. It is true.”

“Please do not follow your plans! For you see…I…oh, Robert! I cannot bear to disappoint you so!”

Robert felt himself start with surprise. This was the first time that Regina had used his Christian name. Then the full impact of her words struck him and he realized why she had requested this private moment with him. “Are you about to tell me that you will not accept my offer?”

“Yes! I am so sorry, Robert! I know that I have appeared to return your affections, but…”

“Yes, Regina?” Robert smiled into the darkness. If Regina could be coaxed into speaking the words he anticipated, his dilemma would be solved. “You must not be afraid to tell me, my dear. I promise you that nothing you can say will cause me to regard you with less affection.”

“I…I cannot marry you because I am in love with the Reverend Mr. Watson.”

“Mr. Watson?” Robert repeated the name. “The young cleric with whom you do your charity work?”

“Yes. I truly did not mean to mislead you, Robert. I did not know my true feelings for him until he wrote to say that he wished to declare for me. The letter arrived only this evening and…I am so dreadfully sorry, Robert!”

“Hush, my dear.” Robert gathered the shaking girl into his arms. “All will be well. You shall see.”

“Then you are not upset with me?” Though Regina’s voice was tearful, a current of hope ran through it.

“How could I be? You have entrusted me with your deepest emotions and that is as sacred a bond as the one we came so very close to making.”

Regina sighed and laid her cheek upon his chest. “You are so good, Robert, and I feel so terribly guilty for causing you
this distress. If I did not love Mr. Watson, I should be so very proud to be your wife.”

“And if I did not love another, I should be so happy to have you.”

“Oh, Robert!” Regina sat up quickly. “You are also in love with another?”

Robert sighed. He had not meant to tell her, but the confession had sprung from his lips before he could call it back. “Yes. And like you, dear Regina, I did not know of it until this very evening. I am so very grateful that you had the courage to tell me of your love for Mr. Watson.”

“The Princess of Winter!” Regina breathed the words. “I know I have the right of it, Robert. I saw how you gazed down at her before your dance with her ended. Who is she? And does she know that you love her?”

Robert sighed and lit the candles. He called for refreshments and when they were seated comfortably again, he told Regina all about the mystery woman whom he had mistaken for her. In the end, both of them were laughing at the dreadful mistake they had come so dangerously close to making. Regina promised to go over the guest lists to identify the lady for Robert. She was certain that they could find Robert’s Diana if they both set their minds to it.

“This is indeed a remarkable evening!” Regina’s voice was filled with joy. “We are both to follow our hearts and no one is to be disappointed.”

Robert shook his head. “You are forgetting about your mother. She will be in quite a taking over this whole affair.”

“Mama!” Regina gasped. “What am I to do, Robert? Mama expects me to marry you. She has her heart set on making a match for me with a wealthy, titled nobleman. She will never accept the Reverend Mr. Watson in your stead.”

Robert thought for a moment and then he took Regina’s hand. “Your mother does not know it but she has already arranged one successful match. Chadwick has confided that he intends
to declare for your sister at the closing of the Season. Do you think that will be enough to satisfy her?”

“Perhaps.” Regina did not sound convinced. “But she will not accept Mr. Watson in any event. She will say that he has nothing to offer and she will be correct. While it is true that his parish is poor and we will have little to sustain us, I am of an age to marry without her permission and I vow I shall do so.”

Robert reached out to hug her. “Perhaps you are my Diana, after all. It will take great courage to disobey your mother. She is a very determined woman.”

“Yes, indeed.” Regina giggled. “Mama is every bit as formidable a force as Wellington’s best troops!”

“What would your mother say if you were to marry a vicar who is certain to become a bishop?” Robert began to smile as a plan occurred to him.