[Carter Mansion—The Master Bedroom]
The night had deepened into a heavy and uneasy quiet.
Melissa sat at her dresser, removing her earrings slowly with her reflection stiff with worry.
Gregory, on the other hand, paced near the window as though every step was an argument he was having with himself.
Finally, he stopped.
"I talked to Mr. Wright today," Gregory said abruptly, without looking at her.
Melissa froze and looked at him. "Why?" she asked, but deep down she knew the answer.
Gregory continued. "His son is back from London. He is a good man, educated, well-settled and has a clean background. They are coming tomorrow to see Evelyn."
The earring slipped from Melissa's fingers and clattered softly onto the dresser. She turned sharply at Gregory and frowned. "Gregory Carter, what are you saying?"
He took a deep breath. "I am saying what needs to be said."
"No." She stood immediately. "No, Gregory. You are not doing this."
