“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be fine on my own and I don’t want to wake Georgette. She needs her rest.”
Rachel nodded and slipped out of the room.
Isabel saw to it Georgette was resting comfortably before she left her. She looked so small in the large bed. Her sister could barely keep her eyes open and there was no way she would have the energy to come down to dinner. The journey to London had tired her more than she wanted to admit, but she hoped with a good night’s sleep, Georgette would soon regain her strength.
“Goodnight, Georgette.”
Georgette barely opened her eyes and murmured, “Goodnight.”
Isabel closed the bedchamber door on her way out and bounded down the stairs a few minutes before seven o’clock. She looked in the front parlor, but Mrs. Quinn was not there. Perhaps, she was already in the dining room. She went down the hall and peeked in the next door. Success. This was the dining room. She walked in and noticed the three dinner settings already placed on the large oak table. She glanced around the room. It was tastefully decorated in shades of blue and gold and the drapes were still open, letting in the last rays of the sun. She wondered if blue was also Mrs. Quinn's favorite color.
“There you are,” Iris said.
The voice startled Isabel, and she turned as her hostess walked into the room. “Good evening, ma’am.”
“Hello, Isabel. Will Georgette be joining us?”
“No, I’m sorry, Mrs. Quinn. She is tired from our journey today and begs your forgiveness.”
“Nothing to forgive. I had hoped she would join us, but its best for her to rest and regain her strength. Has she always been so frail?”
Isabel nodded. “Yes, but she’s doing much better now. I think with some fresh air and exercise, her health will continue to improve. She has made such strides in the last few months.”
“Indeed. She’ll need more stamina if she is to endure the Season. I have no doubt once the ton see the both of you, there will be plenty of invitations sent around.”
Her eyes widened. “Do you think so?”
“Yes, of course, my dear. Now come sit and let’s enjoy our dinner.”
“Should we send invitations out for tea?”
“Probably so, but I will tell you all about the ton when Georgette can next join us.”
“Mrs. Quinn, I cannot thank you enough for hosting us. It’s a dream come true for me. Who would have thought my life could have taken such a turn? Imagine me, here in London. No one back in our village would believe I deserved to be here.”
Iris chuckled. “Nonsense, of course you deserve to be here. Besides, it’s you and your cousin who favor me with your presence. It’s been too long since I last entertained guests. This big old house can get pretty lonely sometimes. You girls will fill it with light and laughter. I dare say that I’m looking forward to the Season myself this year.”
As the seven o’clock chimes filled the air, the maid began bringing in dish after dish for their dinner. Isabel gaped at it all. She had never seen so much food served at once. When Mr. Condiff was alive, they were on strict rations. She’d always thought it was because there was a lack of funds, but it turned out that had not been the case. Mr. Condiff had been saving his money for her and Georgette. It made her sad to think that he deprived himself of so much to secure their future.
“Isabel, are you well, dear?”
Isabel looked into Mrs. Quinn’s concerned face and gave her a weak smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Was just thinking about Mr. Condiff, that’s all.”
“It’s too bad he left us so early. He was a dear friend of mine. I miss him especially now, because it’s been too many years since I last saw him. Now I’ll never have that chance to visit again. How long did you live in his household?”
Mrs. Quinn’s question caught her off-guard. Should she lie about how long she’d been there? What did Mrs. Quinn know of Mr. Condiff? She tried to filter through her memories to see if she ever remembered Mrs. Quinn coming for a visit, but she was sure she’d have remembered such a pleasant woman if she had. In the end, she thought it best not to lie.
“I’ve been in Mr. Condiff’s household since I was a small child. I don’t remember my life before that.”
“Nothing of your parents?” she asked, as she passed the potatoes.
Isabel shook her head. “No, ma’am,” she said, while piling her plate with food. Her stomach growled in response to the mouth-watering aromas.
“How sad for you, my dear, growing up never knowing your mother or father.”
Isabel longed to tell her kind host that she had known her father, but she would not break the confidence Mr. Condiff had tasked her with. “Mr. Condiff was a kind man and, of course, I had Georgette. She seems almost like a sister to me.”
“I see. Let’s hope she’s refreshed in the morning, for we have an appointment with Mrs. Phillips. It would be best not to cancel if you’d like your wardrobe ready in short order.”
“I’ve never been to a London modiste before.”
“You’re in for a treat then,” Iris said, in between bites of food. “She’s truly a wonder.”
“I’m look forward to meeting her.”
“I’ve known Mrs. Phillips for years. No one in London can rival her creations.”
When dinner was through, Isabel followed Mrs. Quinn into the parlor.
“Do you like to read?” Iris asked.
“Yes, although we didn’t have many volumes to choose from at home.”
“Well, my dear, you may help yourself. There are plenty of books to choose from in the library, whatever strikes your fancy.”
“May I go and choose a volume now?”
“Of course. It’s the room at the end of the hallway before the kitchen.”
Isabel walked into the library and her mouth fell open. There were floor to ceiling mahogany shelves filled with volumes on two walls. She didn’t know where to look first, but moved to her right to start her inspection. After looking at numerous choices, she pulled a book from the shelf and made her way back to the parlor.
“Did you find something?” Iris asked.
“I’ve never seen so many books before. It was hard to choose one.”
Iris chuckled. “I understand. The late Mr. Quinn was a great lover of books.”
Isabel took a seat and thumbed through the book. “Wait until Georgette sees the library. She will be so pleased.”
“Does she also enjoy reading?”
“Oh yes, it was the only thing she could do for the longest time. With so few volumes available to us, we both knew the books well and could recite whole sections to each other.”
“Well, you and your cousin are welcome to read as many books as you desire while you’re here.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Quinn.”
***
The next morning dawned bright. The sun streamed in through the curtains casting an intricate lace pattern on the floor in the upstairs bedchamber. A gentle breeze blew through the trees outside the window. Spring buds were beginning to blossom and the early leaves swayed in the wind. It was neither too hot, nor too cold, but a perfect spring day in April.
Isabel woke first. Her sister was still sleeping. She slipped out of bed and padded over to the window and pulled back the curtain to survey the street below. It was full of tradespeople going about their business, along with a few gentlemen strolling along. She could hardly wait to be a part of the London crowd, although she had no idea who the London crowd was at the moment.
Mrs. Quinn had told her there would be lots of introductions and invitations to come while they were here. It promised to be the most fun she’d ever had. Her life with Mr. Condiff had been pleasant enough, mostly because of Georgette, but it had been filled with endless chores, especially before they hired the new cook and housemaid. She didn’t miss that part of her old life and was glad of the respite. She knew this adventure would end some day, but at least she’d have the memory of a Season in London to bring back to Ess
ex with her. There was also her own personal per annum. She wouldn’t have to be anyone’s maid ever again. Mr. Condiff had seen to that and she was forever grateful to him.
“What are you doing at the window, dearest?” came a sleepy voice from the bed.
Isabel turned toward her sister. She raced back to the bed and jumped under the covers. “I’m so excited. I could hardly sleep. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
Georgette stretched her arms up over her head. “No, you didn’t. Goodness me, I can’t believe I slept so long. I hope Mrs. Quinn wasn’t disappointed I didn’t join you for dinner last evening.”
“No, she understood and thought you should rest. After dinner I went into the library. Wait until you see all the volumes there. You will be most pleased.”
“Really? I look forward to it.”
“It will have to wait until later, for we have a busy day ahead of us.”
“We do?”
Isabel bobbed her head up and down. “Have you forgotten? We’re going to order new dresses today. Our very own evening dresses made especially for us. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes, it is, but I’m more excited watching the wonder on your face.”
“Do you think me too happy? You must know I was happy with Mr. Condiff, but I had dreamed of coming to London for so long. I never thought it would ever happen, and certainly not with the funds to buy new things.”
A light knock on the door interrupted the girls’ conversation.
“Yes?” Georgette said.
The door opened and Rachel entered. “Good morning, Miss Condiff, Miss Knott. Are you ready to dress or shall I come back later?”
Isabel jumped out of bed. “Oh, we’re ready.”
The maid went to the wardrobe and began to pull out petticoats and stays. She turned to Georgette. “Do you have a preference for the dress you’ll wear today?”
“No, whatever you choose is fine. Thank you for taking care of my cousin and I while we’re in London.”
Rachel nodded and went back to her work. Within the hour, both Georgette and Isabel were dressed with their hair neatly pulled back in matching chignons.
“Thank you, Rachel,” Georgette said. “You have made us quite presentable today.”
“No need to thank me, miss. I’m happy to have the post.”
“We’ll see you later then.”
The girls left the room and made their way down to the dining room for breakfast.
Iris was already seated at the table, sipping her tea. “Good morning. I trust you slept well?”
“Very well, thank you, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.
Isabel echoed her sister’s sentiment.
“Good. Come join me. You girls need to eat more to gather your strength. You’re both rather slender.”
Both Georgette and Isabel sat down and began to sample all the dishes the maid brought to the table.
Isabel chatted non-stop about how delicious the food was. “If I keep eating like this, I’m afraid I’m won’t be slender any longer.”
“Nonsense, Isabel. Cook will be most happy you’re enjoying the food.”
“I’m looking forward to being out in London today,” Isabel said.
Iris chuckled at her enthusiasm. “I need to attend to a few household affairs before we leave for Mrs. Phillips’s shop. The carriage will be brought around at ten. In the meantime, feel free to look around my home. Georgette, there are a number of volumes in the library that you may be interested in reading. Please do help yourself to whichever books interest you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Quinn. Isabel mentioned it to me earlier. I shall be most happy to look in the library. I’m an avid reader, but haven’t had anything new to read in quite a long while,” Georgette said.
At precisely ten o’clock, the three women were helped into the carriage and on their way to visit the modiste.
Isabel stared out the window, thoroughly enchanted by all she saw. London was a myriad of sights and sounds, with people scurrying this way and that doing their errands. It was a short carriage ride to the shop. The driver hopped down and helped the ladies descend the two stairs to the street.
“Please return in two hours,” Mrs. Quinn said.
“Of course, ma’am,” the driver said, with a short bow before climbing back up to his seat. With a flick of the reins, the horses trotted away.
“Come, ladies.” Iris led her guests into a tidy shop.
The owner, Mrs. Phillips, was chatting with another customer when they entered.
“Very good, Mrs. Richardson. I’ll see to it.”
The customer nodded at the modiste before turning to leave. Her face split in a welcoming smile when she saw who had entered the shop. “Mrs. Quinn, how delightful to see you. It’s been too long,” Emily Richardson said. She went to the older woman and kissed her on each check.
“Emily, dear, what a pleasant surprise. You look lovely as always.”
“Thank you. I trust that you are well?”
“Yes, very well. May I present my two guests, Miss Georgette Condiff and Miss Isabel Knott. I’m hosting them for the Season. Ladies, this is Mrs. Richardson.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, but please call me Emily,” she said.
Isabel stared at Emily, momentarily forgetting her manners. She was the most beautiful woman Isabel had ever seen, with golden brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her brilliant smile revealed straight white teeth and she seemed to have an inner glow about her.
Georgette spoke up for her tongue-tied sister. “It’s our pleasure to meet you, Mrs…I mean, Emily.”
That pulled Isabel out of her stupor. “Yes, indeed. Our pleasure.”
Emily turned back to Mrs. Quinn. “I’m glad I ran into you today. Mother is having a dinner party Friday next. She would be delighted if you and your guests would join us.”
Iris nodded. “Thank you. We would be delighted to attend. I’m looking forward to seeing your parents again. Are they well?”
“Yes, most well. Dinner is at seven. May I tell them you will attend?”
“We would be most delighted,” Iris said.
“Perfect. Georgette, Isabel, I leave you in good hands. Mrs. Phillips is a wonder and the best modiste in London,” Emily said.
Mrs. Phillips blushed at Emily’s compliment. “Mrs. Richardson, I’ll have that fabric for you to look at next week.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Phillips. Good day.”
“Good day, Mrs. Richardson.”
“Good day, ladies. See you soon,” Emily said as she left the shop.
Mrs. Phillips turned her attention to Mrs. Quinn. “Now, what may I do for you today?”
“Miss Condiff and Miss Knott are the young ladies I’m hosting for the Season. They are in need of evening dresses, Spencer jackets and pelisses.”
“Yes, of course. That will not be a problem,” Mrs. Phillips said as she eyed Georgette and Isabel. “Both of you look to be about the same size, but let me take measurements to be sure.”
“Is it possible to have one evening dress for each of them plus the pelisses done by Friday next? I’d like them to have new ones to wear to the Stanton dinner.”
“That will not be a problem. Please follow me and we can select the fabrics. I’ll have my girls start working on them today.”
Isabel was nearly bouncing with joy as she and Georgette followed Mrs. Phillips into the back room. She squeezed her sister’s hand. “Isn’t this fun?”
“Yes, dearest,” Georgette said. “Come now, let’s pick the best color that will bring out your beautiful violet eyes.
Mrs. Phillips pulled out several bolts of fabric for them to choose from.
“They’re all so beautiful. I don’t know how to choose,” Isabel said.
“Mrs. Phillips can help you with your selections,” Iris said. “I trust her judgment implicitly.”
Chapter 7
Colby strolled into the ballroom with Dalton Hunt by his side. He was smartly dressed in a soft gray j
acket, dark gray trousers, and shiny black boots. He cut a dashing figure and more than a few female heads turned his way. This week’s dance was being hosted by Lord Bertram Hawkes, a colleague of his father. He had agreed to attend and offered to give Dalton some guidance in navigating his way through the Season. “You’ll have the young ladies very interested in you, I’m sure of that,” he had told Dalton at his parent’s dinner party a few nights earlier.
He had been surprised to see how much Dalton had grown since the last time he’d seen him. Back then, he had been a gangly youth. Now, he was a sturdy young man of twenty-one, with an easy smile that hinted at mischief. Colby had no doubt he would be a favorite of the ladies this Season, with his broad shoulders, strong jaw line, and soulful brown eyes.
The two men looked around for Lord Hawkes.
Colby saw him first and tapped Dalton on the shoulder to follow him. “Lord Hawkes, it’s a pleasure to see you this evening. My father sends his regards,” he said, extending his hand.
Lord Hawkes grasped his outstretched hand firmly. “Glad you could attend, Tisbury. I heard the ladies twittering in the corner wondering if you’d show up tonight.”
Colby chuckled. “I’d like to introduce you to Dalton Hunt. I believe you know his father, Gilbert”
“Good evening, sir,” Dalton said.
“Yes, yes, of course. Hunt, I haven’t seen you in a number of years. I believe the last time was more than five years at a dinner party your mother hosted. Time flies by at my age. Welcome to my home, and please give my regards to your parents.”
“Yes, I’ll be happy to relay your message. Thank you,” Dalton said.
Lord Hawkes leaned in to whisper in Colby’s ear. “I can see the ladies have seen you. Be a good man and dance with as many of them as you can. We seem to have a shortage of gentlemen here this evening.”
“Yes, of course. It will be my pleasure, Lord Hawkes,” Colby said. He turned and headed toward the edge of the dance floor with Dalton in tow.
“Dalton, be courteous and engaging, but do not let a young lady corral your attention for too long,” Colby instructed.
Dalton furrowed his brow. “Why is that? What if I’m enjoying her company?”
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 22
