Love Sneaked In (Montgomery Family Trilogy) (46 page)

Melody sighed while shifting in her seat. “I wish you wouldn’t keep on about this. As I mentioned earlier, it’s too soon to be talking about a match. Goodness, we’ve only just met. I know you want me to meet someone and fall in love, but I believe it takes time to form an attachment.”

“I just want you to be happy, and there does seem to be an instant attraction between the two of you. This would be wonderful, because even though Lord Henry is a second son, he’s still in line for the title,” she said, beaming over at Melody. “Just think! You could end up a duchess. Even if that doesn’t happen, it would still be a very good match for you, and in your first season. Oh, Melody, your parents would be so pleased.”

Melody hated to see her aunt get so excited over this, but she knew it wouldn’t do any good to tell her to stop it. Aunt Miriam did this every time an attractive gentleman showed an interest in her. For the first time…Melody was interested. She hoped her aunt was right about Lord Henry, but she’d never tell her that, because then her aunt would really start dreaming of wedding bells.

As they entered the house, Melody turned to her aunt. “I think I’ll retire for the night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Aunt Miriam patted her on the arm. “Good night, my sweet girl. Pleasant dreams!”

When Melody entered her room, her maid, Millie, was waiting, and soon she was in her night rail and ready for bed. While she lay there, she started thinking about the evening, and her mind went back to her meeting with Lord Henry. He was such an attractive man. When they were dancing, she’d felt shivers run up and down her arms as he held her. She wondered what it would be like to have someone like him love her.

Could this be the one for her?

She’d never felt as attracted to anyone as she was to Lord Henry. Well, it was too soon to be thinking about love. After all, she’d just met him tonight. Soon, Melody drifted off to sleep while dreaming of seeing Lord Henry the next afternoon.

The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed and slightly giddy over the thought of seeing Lord Henry again. She wondered if he’d thought of her, as she’d been thinking of him, but Melody was a very practical young lady, so she decided to quit thinking about him. This was probably just a passing fancy, and soon she’d forget all about him. She wasn’t going to woolgather all day like some silly young girl.

After all, even though this was Melody’s first season, she was twenty years old. She had more important things to do today than lie around daydreaming. Besides, just because he was so interested last night didn’t mean that he would continue to be.

Melody got up and went about her morning ablutions. She picked out her new day dress, a white linen gown with a pink sash just below the bodice, and a matching pink flounce at the hem. Millie helped her dress, did her hair, and soon she was ready to start her day. She was due at St. Mark’s Orphanage that morning at ten o’clock, and she looked forward to playing with all the sweet little children.

Spending time at the orphanage was quite enjoyable for Melody, and she felt it was a worthwhile cause. Melody also needed to go to the bookseller to see if that new Minerva Press novel had arrived yet. Being an avid reader, she enjoyed reading more than most activities. Once she started reading a good book, the story would so enthrall her that she found it hard to put down.

Melody went down to the breakfast room and selected her usual toast and cherry preserves, with a nice cup of hot chocolate. She looked longingly at all the wonderful pastries, but she knew she needed to forgo them, since she was trying to slim down a bit. She felt she was a bit too plump and wanted to look like the other slender girls she’d met since coming to London. So, as much as she would have enjoyed the pastries, she passed them up.

She wondered if Lord Henry liked the typical tall, slender, pale blondes that were so in fashion. If so, he couldn’t be serious about her. After all, she was none of those things; she was very petite and too round to be in fashion.

Oh, she needed to quit thinking about him.

This was just wasting valuable time.

But my goodness, he’d been so handsome!

Of course, being handsome wasn’t everything. A person’s character was just as important, if not more so, because good looks would fade over time. Sitting down at the table, she began to eat her breakfast, determined to quit thinking about Lord Henry.

Miriam entered the breakfast room, and as she filled her plate, she turned to Melody and asked, “Are you going to the orphanage today? I really think you’re spending too much of your time there, Melody. By the way, don’t forget to go to the dressmaker and pick up your new riding habit. It will be ready today.”

“Oh, goodness, Aunt Miriam. I forgot all about that. What time do I need to be there?”

“Try to be there by twelve o’clock and don’t be late. You’ll need to be home in plenty of time to get ready for your drive with Lord Henry. I’m so pleased he’s shown an interest in you. You need to be sure you make a good impression on him this afternoon.”

“Yes, Aunt Miriam.” Melody knew her aunt was happy for her, but she did wish she wouldn’t go on so about Lord Montgomery.

“He’s in the army, you know, and fought during the war with France. I’m so glad that war is finally over, and that awful Bonaparte is on Elba, safely locked away. It’s sad that so many fine young men lost their lives in that terrible war. I just hate to see all those other young men who came back so horribly wounded, with missing limbs and such. I wonder what Lord Henry’s going to do now that the war has ended?”

“He mentioned this last night, as we were dancing. He said he’s on an extended leave and will soon be going to his family in Surrey. After his leave is up, he’ll be joining his regiment in Canterbury. He mentioned that he eventually plans to sell his commission, but he wants to help his men get settled back into civilian life, first. How do you know so much about Lord Henry?”

Melody’s aunt looked knowingly at her. “Oh, I have my ways. I know all about his family. After all, they’re very good ton. His father, the Duke of Sanderford, is very prominent in the House of Lords, and their family goes back to William the Conqueror. However, your family is just as respectable, if not as prominent as his is. Yes, indeed, this would be a very fine match for you, my girl!”

Starting to get up from the table, Melody said, “Aunt, please don’t get your hopes up. I’m sure that nothing will come of this. After all, it’s not as if I’m a great beauty, and I really am just a simple country girl. I’m certainly not going to get too excited about anything at this point.”

The footman entered the breakfast room. “Excuse me, my lady, but there’s a delivery for Miss Centerfield-Smyth.”

Dropping back into her seat, Melody looked up in astonishment as her aunt asked, “What is it, Charles? Do you know who the delivery is from?”

“It’s a bouquet of roses, and I believe that the livery belongs to the Duke of Sanderford, my lady. Where would you like me to put them?”

“Well, bring them in here, of course, so we can admire them, Charles! Oh, this is wonderful, my dear.” Beaming at Melody, she added, “I told you he was interested. I just know this is going to be something wonderful for you.”

Charles returned with a gorgeous bouquet. While gazing at the beautiful flowers, she softly said, “Oh my, they are certainly lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful roses in my life, but I’m still not going to get my hopes up yet. Remember, I just met the gentleman for the first time last night. I’m sure he does this all the time, and it doesn’t mean anything.”

“Well, I still say it’s a very good sign, and I, for one, am going to enjoy watching how this all comes about for you.”

Not bothering to acknowledge Aunt Miriam’s comment because she knew it wouldn’t do any good, Melody she stood up. “If I’m going to get to the orphanage in time, I need to leave now. I’ll see you this afternoon when I get back.”

While Melody turned to leave the breakfast room, Aunt Miriam called after her, “Make sure you take your maid with you. Remember, you must be very careful to protect your reputation. This isn’t the country where you had more freedom. You must be extremely cautious and make sure you don’t give anyone any reason to think poorly of you.”

Melody tried to hide her frustration because she knew her aunt meant well. “Yes, Aunt Miriam, I’ll take her with me, and I’ll be careful. I do know what is expected of me while in town.” Melody hurried to her room to get her pelisse, then left for the orphanage. Since it was such a fine morning, she decided to walk. When she arrived at St. Mark’s she saw her friend Susan Wilton and waved to her.

“Melody, I saw you dancing with a very handsome gentleman last night at the ball. How did you meet him?” Susan asked. “What’s his name? Oh, I’m so envious!”

Melody laughed. “His name’s Lord Henry Montgomery. Lady Walton introduced us last night, and then he asked me to dance, but I had actually met him earlier on the terrace. He seems to be a very pleasant gentleman, and he’s asked me to go driving with him this afternoon.”

“Oh, Melody, how exciting! I would just die for the chance to meet someone like him! Do you think he has a friend for me?”

“Susan, you sound as bad as my aunt. She already has me walking down the aisle to get married, and all because some attractive gentleman asked me to dance and go for a drive. I’m sure that it won’t amount to anything, so let’s not talk about it anymore, all right?”

Susan and Melody went into the orphanage and started helping with the children. Soon she forgot all about Lord Henry and had a very pleasant morning. Before she realized it, the time had flown by, and it was time to leave. Melody and Susan hugged each other as they said good-bye, and agreed to meet again in two days.

The bookseller was on the way to the dressmakers, so she stopped in to see if the new Minerva Press novel was in and, finding it in stock, she purchased it. Next, she went on to the dressmaker and picked up her new emerald riding habit. Green was a good color for her, because it brought out the green flecks in her eyes. Melody could hardly wait to wear it on her morning rides.

Melody loved to ride, but she’d never had much opportunity when she lived at home. Lady Helton had several horses and encouraged her to ride as often as she wished. Taking advantage of this, she’d gone riding several times this season with some of her gentlemen callers. Noticing the time, she hurried home, since she needed plenty of time to get ready for her drive with Lord Henry.

Arriving back at Lady Helton’s house, she hurried upstairs and changed into her sprigged muslin daffodil yellow gown. It was one of her favorite gowns, and she hoped Lord Henry would think she looked pretty in it. Millie fixed her hair, braiding a matching ribbon through it.

As Melody turned to leave her room, she glanced over at the beautiful yellow roses. Again, she grew excited about seeing Lord Henry. Would he look at her the same way he’d looked at her last night, or would he realize she was too short and plump to be of interest to him? Melody heard someone knocking on the front door, and the footman came to let her know Lord Henry was waiting for her in the drawing room.

Once she arrived downstairs, she stopped at the door to take a deep breath, hoping it would slow her heartbeat down. She didn’t want to appear too anxious, so she calmly opened the door and entered the room. Lord Henry was standing by the mantle and looked up as she entered. Their eyes met, and that odd sensation arose in the pit of her stomach, just like she had felt the night before. Lord Henry bowed to her as she curtsied.

Lord Henry asked, “Are you ready for our drive? I thought we could go to Hyde Park this afternoon, if that’s agreeable with you?”

“That sounds delightful, my lord. It’s a lovely spring day, and for a change, there’s not a cloud in the sky. I noticed that this morning on my walk.”

Lord Henry turned to Lady Helton. “My lady, we’ll leave for the park now. I’ll return Miss Centerfield-Smyth within the hour.” Lord Henry offered Melody his arm. He escorted her out to his curricle, and then they were off. The traffic was extremely heavy. Dozens of carriages filled the street, so Lord Montgomery had to give his full attention to driving.

Melody looked around and noticed all the people walking along the street. There were street vendors hawking their wares, and little street urchins running up to carriages trying to earn a coin or two. She realized she’d miss all the hustle and bustle of London when she returned home.

Melody sighed deeply as she thought about leaving London. Now that she’d met Lord Henry, she wasn’t as anxious to go home as she had been. She surreptitiously glanced over at Lord Henry and noticed his strong masculine hands handling the reins. She imagined those hands touching her, and with this thought, her face grew warm, wondering why she would think about something like that.

By the time they arrived at the park, the traffic had cleared out. Lord Henry turned to Melody. “You look lovely today, even lovelier than you did last night. Did you have a pleasant morning?”

“I had a very pleasant morning. I volunteer at St. Mark’s Orphanage, so I spent part of my morning there. I want to thank you for the roses—yellow roses are my favorite.”

“The roses reminded me of your smile, all sunny and bright. I’m glad you like them.” As Lord Henry continued to gaze at her, he added, “I’m glad you could come driving with me today. I’d like to get to know you better. Have you always lived in Lincolnshire?”

“I’ve lived in Lincolnshire my entire life, and until I came to London, I had no idea how wonderful all the entertainments could be that are available here.”

“Yes, London does have quite a few amusements, doesn’t it? I’ve enjoyed being back here. I’ve been able to spend some time with my friends. How much longer are you going to be in London?”

“I’m supposed to leave in three weeks. I’ll miss it terribly. Of course, I do look forward to seeing my parents again. My lord, you told me last night that you’d recently returned from the continent.”

“Yes, and I’m so relieved that we’ve finally defeated Bonaparte. War’s brutal, and I lost several close friends over there, men that I fought and served with for years.”