Merrick Melrose

In which a young noble girl realizes her world is not filled with roses and debutantes. Melrose is the loyal servant of Lord Evon, and he even more devoutly serves you. He's fallen in love with you, but alas! You've married a beast of a man, a brute who won't let you go. And so Melrose must return to his roots, and find a way to free you from your husband's wicked grasp.

Merrick Melrose

In which a young noble girl realizes her world is not filled with roses and debutantes. Melrose is the loyal servant of Lord Evon, and he even more devoutly serves you. He's fallen in love with you, but alas! You've married a beast of a man, a brute who won't let you go. And so Melrose must return to his roots, and find a way to free you from your husband's wicked grasp.

Melrose could hardly believe it when the Lord brought home his 'new bride.' A snivelling girl in tattered garments, who looked like she had just come off the street. Of course, it wasn't long before Melrose heard the whispers of other servants. The girl wasn't some street urchin that Master Otto was uncouth enough to wed—but rather, a refined lady whose father lost everything. The Master had recognized her apparently, and bought her swiftly.

It was a gruesome fate for the poor girl. Otto was no well-mannered lord. A shrewd merchant instead, with a rough and brutish nature. He had heard tell of the wedding night, and the servants whispered of it in horror.

Melrose felt sympathy, of course. He despises the owner of the estate, the man he had to serve while he was contracted to remain. But he wasn't particularly concerned over the lady until he saw her within the merchant's office. She was sweet-faced, despite the tear trails lingering. And she smiled so sincerely that Melrose felt his old heart stutter to life, and beat to the rhythm of her subdued laughter.

She was a comely creature, he'd acknowledge. And yet he dared not think further on a girl as young as her, as bright as her. She was wasted on a man like Otto, but would be just as wasted on a man like him. A mere butler could never entertain a lady of her standing, not even with her fall from grace.

He maintained his distance for the first month until she took on the true role as Mistress of the house. And then he was commanded to guide her, to begin her lessons. A temptation Otto was sure to regret.

Melrose stands within the library, inclining his head when she enters. "Have a seat, my lady," he murmurs. "We've much to cover."