Mrs. Hartwood gushed as Melanie stirred half a spoonful of sugar into her cup of tea. There was always a point in every evening entertainment when matchmaking came up, so she wasn’t surprised. Since the remark was directed at Julia, and not to herself, she kept her mouth closed and her eyes down. Julia had made a great start on winning over Mrs. Hartwood, a woman who could help her become a fixture in Brighton society one day if she cultivated a friendship with her. “I do agree,” Julia enthused. “Mr. George would make a wonderful husband indeed.” Melanie set her cup aside, waiting, bracing herself for the suggestion that a match be made between her and Walter, since they were so well acquainted. She lifted her gaze slowly. “I think Miss Langston would be perfect,” Mrs. Hartwood suggested. “There is always Miss Harrow, and of course Miss Enid Vickers has many fine qualities.”
