A Dream of Her Own, part 8

A few weeks had passed since Michael left Meredith with her father.  Although he thought of her more than he cared to admit, Darrin was keeping him very busy.  Just this morning, Darrin had informed him that they would be completing their trade route on the ship and heading inland to visit with a man he claimed would give them plenty of business in the coming months.  Michael loved the sea and would miss the salty air in his lungs, but a few weeks inland would be a nice change.  Once again Meredith’s face came into his mind’s eye.  If only he knew what Darrin’s affections and intentions were toward her.  Maybe he could, well he didn’t need to think about anything he could possibly do concerning Meredith.  His was a life of adventure, not the life of a man land bound by obligations to a woman.  Any woman, even if she happened to have beautiful long brown hair and big brown eyes and kissable soft lips.

Melanie Blanchard sat at her writing desk and read the latest letter from Darrin Courtland.  As she read of his undying affection, she felt a blush begin to rise from her neck to her cheeks.  He was so very insistent.  Although she had known him for many years, she wasn’t sure if he was the one for her.  Her father certainly felt he was just the man for her.  If only she knew for sure.  He claimed in the letter that he would visit her in the next few days.  Maybe she would feel something when she saw him again.  Only time would tell.  Melanie usually knew what she wanted, and this was a frustrating feeling for her.  Darrin had the qualities of a fine gentleman and a caring suitor, but he just didn’t bring out any excitement in her soul. 

As Melanie sat pondering this, she heard horses coming up the drive to their manor.  Peering out the window, her eyes caught a glimpse of a very interesting man. “Get my shawl, Linda,” she roared as she ran towards the back door.  She had just decided it was time for a stroll in the gardens, or at least the appearance of a lovely stroll in the gardens.  Something had just taken her breath away, and she was quite certain it wasn’t because of this stranger’s companion.  As soon as Linda handed her lady a shawl, Melanie flew out the back door and ran to the side of the house.  Taking a couple of breaths to slow her heartbeat and to appear calm and serene, she gave herself just enough time to accidentally stroll out into the front of the manor.  Sticking a soft smile on her face and holding a lovely rose she had plucked from a rose bush near the side yard, she turned to walk slowly up to the front of the manor. 

As Melanie strolled casually to the front stoop, she heard the butler welcome the gentlemen into the front door.  Her father, she knew, would be in his study all afternoon with these gentlemen, so she had to be quick.  “Oh, Fontley, good afternoon.  I’ve just been for a lovely walk around the gardens.  Could you be so kind as to call my maid to help me?”

Fontley, who had worked for Melanie’s father for many years, knew quite well that Melanie had not been walking in the gardens, since she never walked in the gardens, but holding his tongue, he politely agreed to call her maid.  He then turned back to the entrance and introduced their gentlemen callers to his lady.

“Ms.  Blanchard, may I introduce these fine gentlemen to you?  They have come to call upon your father. I am sure they would love to make your acquaintance.  Mr. Courtland, I do believe you have made Ms. Blanchard’s acquaintance before.”

“Yes, Mr. Fontley.  And it is a pleasure to see such beauty.” Darrin said as he reached for Melanie’s hand and placed a gentle kiss upon her knuckles.

Melanie blushed, but she knew it was not because of Darrin’s small kiss on her hand.  It was the tall gentleman standing to his left. 

Fontley, who knew better than roll his eyes at Mr. Courtland, waited patiently to introduce Courtland’s companion.  After a few uncomfortable moments watching Courtland fawn over Ms. Melanie, he proceeded to introduce the new gentleman to her.  “Ms. Blanchard, may I introduce Mr. Warren.”

Michael, whose eyes had widened when he looked at Ms. Blanchard, smiled and said, “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Melanie felt her cheeks become even brighter as she placed her hand into Mr. Warren’s hand.  He gently followed Courtland’s example and placed a gentle kiss on her hand.  Standing straight again, he smiled at her, which brought a rush of tingles through Melanie.  Yes, she knew she had made the right choice to “stroll” through the gardens this afternoon.  Linda, who had waited until the introductions were over, came forward to retrieve Melanie’s wrap.  Melanie then excused herself claiming she needed to retire before tea.  “I do hope you will remain and have tea with us this afternoon. My father loves to talk all afternoon.  I would be so delighted to share your company again." Melanie quickly excused herself.  She was quite certain her face was as red as a beet.  Mr. Warren certainly was an interesting man, and she thought she needed to get to know him better, even if that meant spending time with Darrin.