Miss Mayhem, book four
What dream would you deny yourself for the one you adored?
Over the years, Melanie Merton has used every trick and ruse to repel overeager gentlemen callers without ever revealing the real reason she won’t say yes to an offer of marriage. When neighbor Walter George jumps to her defense against slurs cast by suitor number twelve, he also pries into her past—uncovering the circumstances around a tragic loss in her childhood and her aversion to being touched by anyone. But even protective Walter must be kept at a distance for his own good, because despite a growing attraction between them, Melanie must deny him too.
Unlike other men his age in Brighton, Walter George hadn’t considered Melanie Merton for a wife because he was convinced he’d never have a chance to impress his haughty neighbor. But that was before he understood her better, before he uncovered why she kept friends and suitors alike at bay. The right husband could restore the woman he sees into some semblance of the fun-loving child of his memory, but would Walter stand a chance or become just another unlucky suitor?
Miss Merton’s Last Hope is a steamy regency historical romance novella. It is the final book in the Miss Mayhem series but can be read as a standalone.
- Beach Romance
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Opposites Attract
Read an Excerpt
High overhead, seagulls squawked but the chill in the air marked the approach of the cold season. The ocean was quiet today, but it wouldn’t be that way for long. Winter was coming and the old fishermen predicted a harsh season ahead. Walter George relished the idea of many a night home alone reading a good book, preferably his sister’s next, and writing to friends after they left for their distant homes while the wind rattled his windows. “It’s going to be quiet around here soon.”
“Not so quiet with us remaining.” Valentine Merton grinned. “Julia and I talked it over last night and have decided we will stay for Christmas. My parents need more time to accept our marriage.”
During the last summer, Valentine had accepted the challenge of racing Julia to prove that a woman could swim as fast as a man, and lost. While he had not suffered for being beaten by a mere slip of a girl, Julia had certainly not been celebrated for her success. She had been ostracized and criticized by all and sundry. Their marriage last month had lessened the scandal somewhat, but still, not everyone was prepared to let the matter rest, especially Valentine’s parents.
Mrs. Julia Merton was lovely but her habit of unconventional behavior still turned heads, even among friends. “I had hoped your sister could convince them to accept the marriage and that would be the end of it.”
To everyone’s surprise, particularly Walter’s, Melanie Merton, Valentine’s younger sister, had been a staunch supporter of the match.
“There is still some ways to go.” Valentine grinned. “I have to hand it to Melanie, she knew just what to write to bring them around to at least be civil. ‘She just needs the correct example to follow’. Despite the promises in her weekly letters, there hasn’t been one lesson to improve Julia since father left Brighton.”
Walter smothered a laugh at Valentine’s imitation of his sister’s voice. The man was a long way off. “It must be crowded for a pair of newlyweds to have a sister underfoot.”
“They seem to rub together well enough. I never imagined Melanie would hand the running of the house over to my wife so easily, but I suppose it helps that we are hardly ever at home during the day. The shop is another reason for missing out on the family festivities, if you could call them that.”
Walter would not like to spend a Christmas with the elder Mertons himself. From all he’d discerned of their gatherings, they were as merry as having a tooth pulled. “I have rarely seen you pair except in the evenings or early morning. It pleases me that you’re both so dedicated.”
“I must earn a living, and I want to.” Valentine glanced at him slyly as they strolled along. “And unfortunately, I have the most overbearing landlord to satisfy. Such a taskmaster he is. Never gives a fellow a moment of peace.”
Since he was the landlord, the new owner of Valentine’s building, Walter let the complaint roll off his shoulders. “I’ve come by less often than once a week, thank you very much.”
“I know.” Valentine smiled slowly and glanced about them. “Do you know the last month has been the most satisfying of my life?”
“You do seem uncommonly content.” Walter glanced away. The man was positively smug of late. Not that he blamed him one bit. He was newly married.
He sighed a little wistfully then shook off the sensation that he was the odd man out. He was healthy. He was wealthy. He had no need for anything except perhaps a little companionship now and then.
Valentine rubbed his hands together briskly. “All I need next is to see my sister happily married.”
Walter nodded, as he was expected to do when the subject of marrying sisters off came up in conversation. His own sister had married a neighbor and friend so he had plenty of experience in this field.
He considered the lady under discussion. She was lovely in her own way, tall, perfect complexion, a beauty, but she wasn’t the least bit approachable. “A tricky proposition, in your case. How many proposals has she turned down?”
“Oh, eleven, I think it is.”
Walter grunted, surprised by the number. He’d only heard of a handful of local beaus who had been turned down. “That many?”
“Be a friend and don’t spread that about. I’m still hoping for one more who might be acceptable before we get to unlucky number thirteen.”
Walter shook his head, unable to fathom why Miss Melanie Merton was so damn particular about choosing a husband.
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Book Info
Publish Date: October 2015
Digital ISBN: 978-1-925239-09-6
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925239-10-2
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Related Books
Miss Mayhem Series
1. Miss Watson’s First Scandal – Abigail and David
2. Miss George’s Second Chance – Imogen and Peter
3. Miss Radley’s Third Dare – Julia and Valentine
4. Miss Merton’s Last Hope – Melanie and Walter