A Magnificent Match Read Online Free

running off with anyone,” said Megan. She was not at all shocked by her companion’s frank assessment of her situation. She and Mrs. Tyler were scarcely a dozen years apart in age and had formed a friendship that went far beyond that of mistress and companion. Mrs. Tyler had never pretended ignorance of the cold atmosphere in the O’Connell house, nor tacitly condoned it by downplaying a young girl’s hurt. In addition, Megan and Mrs. Tyler were much alike in temperament and spirit, so that sharing of interests and confidences came easily.
    “I should hope not, indeed! I trust that you will show a bit more sense,” said Mrs. Tyler. She took up her embroidery again and set a stitch. “I must be fair to Celeste, however. She had little hope of contracting a marriage in the usual way and she knew it. It is something to be thankful for that Patrick Kennehessey turned out to be such a doting husband and father. Most such marriages are generally unhappy affairs.”
    “My father’s extreme disapprobation could not have been anything but a blight against their happiness,” said Megan. “He refused to acknowledge them for months. Yet I do not think that either Celeste or Patrick have ever held it against him.”
    “Indeed, their forbearance has been remarkable. However, it would have been so much easier on everyone if Celeste had had the advantage of a London Season and had been courted in the usual way,” said Mrs. Tyler, shaking her head as she recalled those turbulent times. Her thoughts naturally turned into common channels. “What a pity that you have not yet had a Season, Megan, for I believe that you would go off very well.”
    “Dear Gwyneth! I think that you harbor greater hopes for my future than I do,” said Megan, smiling at her companion.
    “Nonsense! Only see how excited you are at the prospect of a come-out in St. Petersburg,” said Mrs. Tyler, glancing up with a smile. “I do hope that Princess Kirov does well by you. Indeed, I pray that she does. It would be the height of anything were you to meet some eligible gentleman.”
    “I had supposed that you might wish to accompany me, Gwyneth. I own, I would feel more comfortable with a friend beside me. But if you prefer to remain here in Ireland with my mother until she returns to London, I shall not be inconsolable,” said Megan.
    There was a moment of silence. Then Mrs. Tyler said feelingly, “You are an awful girl.”
    “Then you’ll go?” asked Megan.
    “Of course I shall, as you well knew,” said Mrs. Tyler tartly. A smile hovered about her mouth. “Perhaps I shall meet a few princes myself.”
    Megan hugged the shorter woman. “I knew that you would prefer to go with me! And so I have already persuaded my mother to allow me to outfit us both with proper wardrobes. I envision a perfect orgy of shopping, Gwyneth! You cannot be a respectable chaperone and accompany me to balls and other functions without looking the part.”
    Mrs. Tyler chuckled. “I own, it does sound to be rather fun.”
    “Good! I intend to leave for England directly after the dress ball. Colin is to escort us over. We shall stay at the town house while we are in London, of course,” said Megan. “I shall write a note to that effect and put it into the post today. I do not know how long we shall be there before we depart for Russia. Indeed, it depends entirely upon the extent of our wardrobe requirements.”
    “But do you know of a decent modiste?” asked Mrs. Tyler.
    “Indeed I do.” A hint of mischief entered Megan’s smoke-gray eyes. “We are going to visit my mother’s very own modiste,” she said, rising to her feet and going to the door again.
    “Isn’t Mademoiselle Rochet rather expensive?” asked Mrs. Tyler hesitantly.
    “Shockingly so,” said Megan cheerfully. “And we are to send all of the bills to Mr. Henry for whatever we need. My mother explicitly said so.” Her eyes twinkled. “I anticipate needing a terribly lot, Gwyneth.”
    “Oh,