Colby’s eyes swept the room. Lord Hawkes was right. There were decidedly fewer gentlemen in attendance this evening. “There are a few things you should know. Let me explain. Young ladies are here for one thing and one thing only: that is, to find a husband. It’s their top priority, as well as their mother’s top priority. If you dally too long with any one lady, you give the impression that you are interested in her. That would be most unfair to the lady in question to give her such false hope, especially if you are not serious in your intentions toward her.”
“Oh, I see what you mean. I shall heed your advice. I certainly don’t want to step wrong in my first Season.”
“It’s better if you try to dance and chat with as many young ladies as the evening allows. You’ll have plenty of time to make up your mind about any particular young woman before the Season is over.”
“Thanks, Colby. I appreciate your advice in this.”
“Nonsense, it’s my pleasure. Now let’s go and sign some dance cards and make a few young ladies smile this evening.”
Before Colby had taken three steps, he felt a slight pressure on his arm. He turned to see who commanded his attention.
***
Nineteen-year-old Kathryn Larkinson spied Colby Tisbury chatting with Lord Hawkes. She’d been waiting along with half the ton to see if he would attend the dance tonight. She had her mind set on him. He was so handsome with curly brown hair and the most intense blue eyes she’d ever seen. She vowed this Season, she’d win a marriage proposal from him. She could think of no one else more suited for her. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Colby was the sole heir of the Tisbury fortune. No, that didn’t hurt at all. Her family had a comfortable per annum, but nothing compared to the wealth Colby would command one day. Capturing Colby’s heart and being Lady Tisbury was her sole purpose this Season. She would settle for nothing less this year.
She’d been thwarted in her plan last year when Colby suddenly dropped out of sight during the height of the Season. It wasn’t until winter when she had learned the reason why. It was shocking to think that he’d been shot over money, especially since he came from such a wealthy family. A few well placed coins here and there, and Kathryn learned the sordid details of Colby’s gambling problem and what had led to the duel that nearly killed him. It didn’t matter to her what anyone else said about him. She still wanted him for her husband. The sooner he was married, the easier it would be for him to stay away from the tables, and she was just the woman to keep him occupied. A shiver of delight coursed through her body as she thought of his strong arms around her waist and his full sensual lips kissing her.
Yes, I will have him this Season!
She took meticulous care in dressing this evening and had finally chosen a lavender silk that complimented her complexion and brown eyes. Her rich auburn hair was piled high on her head, with a cascade of curls flowing down her neck. A string of pearls graced her slender neck and brought attention to her ample bosom.
She’d been presented to society last season and had been told by many gentlemen that she was strikingly beautiful, but she longed to hear those words from Colby. So far, he’d kept her at a safe distance, never fully engaging her for an evening, but not ignoring her either. She didn’t want to be merely one of his admirers; she wanted him all to herself. Above all, she wanted to be his wife. Tonight’s dress should draw him to her where she could work on enticing him further. She would stop at nothing to make him hers this Season.
Colby turned at her touch.
She gave him her most beautiful and engaging smile, revealing straight white teeth. “Good evening, Mr. Tisbury. Such a pleasure to see you this evening,” she said, batting her eyelashes.
He bowed. “Miss Larkinson, the pleasure is mine.” He turned to Dalton. “May I introduce you to Mr. Hunt.”
Dalton gave her a bow. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Larkinson.”
Kathryn curtsied to the young men, but before she could ask Colby to save her a dance, Dalton spoke first.
“Miss Larkinson, would you do me the honor of a dance this evening?”
Colby took the opportunity to make his escape. “Well, I’ll leave you two to discuss your dancing preference. Good evening, Miss Larkinson.” He gave her a quick bow before he turned on his heel and walked away.
Kathryn fumed at his sudden departure, but there was nothing she could do as she watched his receding back. Colby had slipped her grasp, at least for now, but she would try again before the evening was over to get him alone or, at the very least, to enjoy a dance together. In the meantime, perhaps a harmless flirtation with Dalton Hunt would help stir Colby’s jealousy.
She smiled at Dalton. “Why, of course. I’d be delighted, Mr. Hunt.”
Chapter 8
Emily Richardson paced the front parlor of her London home. Ethan had bought the house for her last year as a gift so she could visit the city whenever she desired. It was so typical of her husband’s generosity, and it was one of things that so endeared him to her. It was not far from her parents' home and she made good use of the proximity to visit them often when she was in town.
“Mrs. Richardson, would you like some tea?” the housekeeper asked.
Emily looked over her shoulder. “No, not at the moment, Mrs. Fullerton. I’m expecting Mrs. Giles this morning. We’ll have tea once she arrives.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Fullerton said and left the room.
Emily sat on the sofa and picked up her embroidery. She tried to make her stitches even, but she could not focus and ended up pulling out all of them. She put it aside and tried to wait patiently for Mia. It had been months since she last saw her dearest friend and was thrilled when she had agreed to come to London for a visit. She missed her and their long talks together, but understood that Mia was married with a child to care for now, so visits would be arranged whenever she could. Her husband Charles provided a comfortable living for them, but they did not own a London home. When Emily was in London, visits between the two women were far and few between.
She longed to chat with Mia and hold her godson Lucas again. She’d spent a few weeks with Mia after Lucas was born, but babies grew so fast. Would he be smiling now? Had he turned over?
“My dearest, is something on your mind?” Ethan asked as he strode into the parlor.
Emily glanced at her husband. He cut a dashing figure in his well-tailored soft brown jacket, dark trousers, and gleaming black boots. The sight of him never failed to send a thrill through her. “No, not at all. I was merely wondering how much Lucas had grown since I saw him last. I can’t wait to see him again.”
“I dare say, you’ll soon find out. It shouldn’t be long now before they arrive.”
Emily stood, walked to her husband and caressed his arm. “Are you going out?”
Ethan pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her sweet lips. “Perhaps I should go later. Your lips are quite tempting, Mrs. Richardson.”
Emily chuckled and ran her finger along his strong jaw line. “Oh, Ethan, you are insatiable.”
“Indeed I am, but is that a bad thing?”
“No, my darling,” she said and kissed him again. “Never a bad thing as far as I’m concerned, but Mia should be here any time now. I’m afraid I’m otherwise engaged this morning. May I ask if you can hold your passion at bay until later?”
Ethan kissed her forehead. “Of course. I suppose I can wait until you are mine again this evening. I shall be thinking of you while I’m gone. I do have some business to attend to, but I won’t be long.”
She nodded and stepped back. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said with a tone of mischief and longing lacing through her words. “I’ll see you later.”
Ethan raised her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss before he left the room, leaving Emily alone with her thoughts again. She felt so lucky to have such a kind man who loved her. She’d never been happier and her hand rested against her belly. “Hello, little one,” she whispered. “Your fa
ther and I can’t wait to meet you.”
The sound of a carriage pulled her attention back to the window. She moved the curtain aside and was delighted when she saw the driver helping Mia descend the two stairs to the street. She was holding tightly to the sweet bundle in her arms.
She hurried to the door, but Mrs. Fullerton was there to greet her guest. Today Emily would not stand on ceremony. “Mia!”
The housekeeper stepped aside as Mia came inside and hugged her friend with her free arm. “Emily, how good to see you. You look as beautiful as ever.”
Emily kissed Mia on each cheek. “Thank you. How was your journey? Did Lucas fare well during the ride?”
“Yes, he’s fine,” Mia said, drawing the blanket away from her son’s face.
Emily peered at the sleeping infant. “He’s such a handsome boy. May I take him for a bit?”
Mia nodded and placed the baby in Emily’s arms. “He’s grown so much since you’ve seen him last.”
The housekeeper cleared her throat. “Mrs. Richardson, would you like the tea now?”
“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Fullerton. And please ask Cook for some refreshments.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She turned toward Mia. “Mrs. Giles, I’ll have the driver bring in your chest.” Mrs. Fullerton stepped to the door and gave instructions to the coach driver. “Please have her things brought to the front bedroom.”
The driver nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Come Mia. Let’s sit where when can talk in comfort,” Emily said, as she led Mia into the parlor.
Mia followed Emily and sat next to her on the sofa. “Oh, this is such a lovely room.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful. I especially like the different shades of blue you’ve chosen. It is a well-appointed room, indeed.”
“Thank you. Ethan had the workman working all winter to make sure it was ready for the Season, and now you’re here – my first guest. It couldn’t be any more perfect than this. How long can you stay?”
Mia untied the ribbons on her bonnet and pulled off her gloves. She set them aside and pushed a wayward wisp of brown hair off her face. “Only a week, I’m afraid. Charles will be home by then and I’d like to be there to greet him. I’ve missed him dearly.”
Emily stroked the baby’s head. “I can imagine. I find myself missing Ethan when he’s only gone for the day. I don’t know how I’d fare if he left on business for a week.”
“Is Ethan here?”
“No, but he’ll return shortly. He’s looking forward to seeing you again. Cook has a special dinner planned, as well.”
“Oh, wonderful, but you know you shouldn’t have gone to any trouble on my account.”
Emily squeezed Mia’s hand. “It’s no trouble at all.”
The baby stirred in Emily’s arms. “Mia, I cannot hold this inside any longer. I have a secret to tell you.”
Mia looked at Lucas before returning her gaze to Emily. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Have I guessed it? Are you with child?”
A wide grin split Emily’s pretty face. “Yes. I’m so thrilled.”
Mia reached over and hugged her friend. “There is no blessing that can rival having your own child. It’s been an absolute joy having Lucas and soon you’ll know the same. I’m so very pleased for you.”
Emily kissed the soft down on the baby’s head. “It will be wonderful indeed. By winter, I’ll be able to experience that joy myself.”
Mrs. Fullerton came into the room carrying a tray of tea and refreshments. “Would you like your tea at the table, Mrs. Richardson?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Mrs. Fullerton put the tray on the table near the side window and poured the tea for her and Mia. “Anything else, ma’am?”
“No, we’re fine for now. That will be all. Thank you, Mrs. Fullerton,” Emily said as she and Mia settled at the table.
The housekeeper nodded and left the room, leaving the two friends to talk in private and enjoy each other’s company.
“I’m glad you’ll be here Friday. Mother is hosting a dinner and she’d be sorely disappointed if she didn’t get to see you while you’re in London.”
“How is your mother? And your father?”
“They are both well, but you know Mother. She sees to it that Father doesn’t stress himself too much. He does not always welcome her fussing, but I know that he appreciates her good intentions.”
“I don’t blame her. It must have been a terrible shock when he took ill last year.”
“Yes, it was the most horrifying experience for both of us.”
Mia took a sip of her tea. “I cannot even imagine what I would do if anything happened to Charles. I worry when he leaves on business, but he must go and I realize that. Doesn’t mean I like it, though.”
“I understand. It is our lot to worry about our men, but it is worth every minute when they return to us safely, don’t you agree?
“Indeed.”
“Mia, you look more beautiful than ever. Are you happy?” Emily asked while sipping her tea.
Mia nodded. “I could not be happier. Charles is a wonderful man and I find myself loving him more each day.”
“I feel the same way about Ethan. He continues to surprise me with little things and I daresay that I love every one of them.”
Lucas began to fuss in Emily’s arms. “I think your little one is hungry.” She handed the baby to Mia. “Here you go, Lucas. Mama will make it all better.”
Mia smiled broadly as she took her baby back in her arms.
***
Isabel looked out the window for tenth time in the past hour. Their first week in London had gone by in blur and she had never enjoyed herself more. Today was Friday and tonight was the Stanton dinner, but their dresses had not been delivered from Mrs. Phillips' shop yet.
“Isabel, if you don’t stop pacing, you’ll wear a hole in the carpet,” Iris said.
Isabel stepped away from the window and plopped down in the chair. “Do you think the dresses will be here in time? What will we wear if they do not come? Can we even go to the Stanton dinner without an evening dress to wear?”
Iris held up her hand. “So many questions. Calm yourself, my dear. Mrs. Phillips has never missed a deadline before, and I doubt if today will be her first. There is plenty of time yet for the order to arrive.”
Isabel pushed a wayward dark curl away from her face. “I suppose so, but…”
A knock at the door interrupted Isabel. She jumped out of her seat and rushed to the window. Standing at the door was a courier with several boxes in his hands. “Oh, they’re here!”
Iris smiled. “Didn’t I tell you that Mrs. Phillips would not fail us?”
“Oh, yes indeed. I shall never doubt her again.”
Mrs. Smithfield opened the door. “Yes, may I help you?”
“A delivery for Miss Condiff and Miss Knott.”
“Please, come in,” the housekeeper said leading the courier to the parlor.
Isabel waited in the doorway, bouncing from foot to foot. “Bring the packages in here, please,” she said.
The courier nodded and put the packages on the table.
“Thank you,” Isabel said.
The courier gave her a short bow and left the room.
Mrs. Smithfield waited in the hallway and escorted him to the door. “Please thank Mrs. Phillips for the delivery.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the courier said as he went down the front walk.
“Mrs. Quinn, may I open the packages?” Isabel asked.
Iris smiled. “Of course, dear. But why don’t you see what Georgette is up to. It may be fun to open the packages together.”
“Of course. I’ll go find her,” Isabel said as she rushed out of the parlor and up the stairs.
She burst into the bedchamber she shared with her sister. “Georgette, they’re here!”
Georgette looked up from the small lady’s desk in the corner. “What? Isabel, why are you so flustered, dearest?�
��
“The dresses from Mrs. Phillips. They’re here. The courier delivered them and just in time, too. Come down and see what she’s sent us.”
“Can you give me a moment? I’m finishing up some correspondence that I would like delivered today. Mrs. Quinn was right about invitations arriving for us. We’ve received three invitations for tea thus far and we haven’t even gone to a dance yet.”
Isabel nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, but couldn’t quite sit still as her foot bounced up and down.
It didn’t take Georgette long to finish writing out her replies. “There, see, that didn’t take long. Let’s go and see what grand treasures Mrs. Phillips has made for us,” she said as the two young women went down the stairs and hurried into the parlor.
“There you are,” Iris said. “I dare say that I’m almost as excited as Isabel to see what Mrs. Phillips has sent.”
All three of them crowded around the table. With great anticipation, Isabel and Georgette peeled the paper back and began to open their packages.
Isabel stared open-mouthed at the gorgeous lavender satin dress lying amongst the paper wrappings. “Oh my, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I’m almost afraid to touch it.” She reached out and ran her finger along the delicate lace at the bodice and sleeves.
“It’s lovely, Isabel and you will look beautiful in it,” Iris said. “It’s a perfect color for you.
“Georgette, open your package,” Isabel said.
Georgette nodded and tore the paper away, revealing a light blue satin evening dress. “It’s stunning,” she said. Her eyes filled with tears and spilled down her cheeks.
“My dear, why are you crying?” Iris asked. “Are you displeased with the dress?”
Georgette wiped the tears away. “Oh no, not at all. It’s stunningly beautiful. I’m so happy, that’s all. Happy we’re here with you, happy we have new dresses, and of course, happy that I can share it with Isabel.”
Iris pulled both young women to her breast. “And I’m happy you’re both here with me as well. Did I not tell you that Mrs. Phillips was the best modiste in London?”
Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 23
