Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Do you think that Miss Larkinson was holding onto Mr. Tisbury’s arm a little too tightly?” Isabel asked.

  “I didn’t notice. Perhaps they are well-acquainted?”

  “Perhaps, but I thought I saw anger flash in her eyes when we were introduced.”

  Georgette squeezed Isabel’s hand. “Dearest, why would she be angry with you? She’s only just met you. Do not worry about it and enjoy the dance.”

  “You’re right, of course. I’m probably reading too much into it.”

  “You fancy him quite a lot, don’t you?”

  Isabel leaned toward her sister and whispered in her ear. “Indeed I do. I think I’m falling in love with him.”

  “That’s wonderful, but does he share your interest?”

  “I believe he does. He’s been so attentive to me whenever we’ve met this past month and we’ve had such lively conversations together.”

  “Well, then, you should enjoy the time you have in his company this evening and not worry what others may or may not be thinking.”

  “Georgette, I’m so happy you’re my sister. You always know the right thing to say to calm my nerves. I love you dearly.”

  ***

  When the dance ended, Colby parted from Kathryn and went in search of Dalton Hunt. It was the first time he’d seen him since meeting Georgette and Isabel at the Stanton dinner. It wasn’t long before he found the young man chatting with his friends along the far wall. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I’m afraid I’m going to steal away your companion for a bit. Dalton, come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Dalton nodded and walked in step with Colby. “And who may the fair maiden be, perchance?”

  “Who said anything about a fair maiden?”

  Dalton laughed. “Because I saw the twinkle in your eye. Come on. Tell me. Who is the young lady?”

  “She’s a real beauty although a bit on the delicate side for my tastes. Her name is Georgette Condiff and she’s cousin to Isabel Knott.”

  “Oh, I see. Keep the cousin busy while you make dreamy eyes at Miss Knott, is that about right?”

  Colby slapped Dalton on the back. “You’re a lot smarter than I gave you credit for, my man. Yes, you are correct, but believe me, Miss Condiff is quite beautiful and seems a lovely young woman. I think she’ll be most pleasant company.”

  “Well, then. Lead on and let me meet this lovely lady.”

  Both Georgette and Isabel were on the dance floor and when the music ended, they curtsied to their partners. When they reached the edge of the dance floor, Colby and Dalton were waiting for them.

  “Good evening, Miss Condiff, Miss Knott, may I present Mr. Dalton Hunt.”

  Dalton bowed. “Good evening, ladies. I trust you are enjoying yourselves.”

  Both Isabel and Georgette curtsied.

  “Good evening, Mr. Hunt,” Georgette said.

  “Good evening, Mr. Hunt,” Isabel echoed.

  “Would you care for some punch, Miss Condiff?” Dalton asked.

  Georgette nodded. “That would be lovely, thank you. I am quite parched from the dance,” she said and put her hand on Dalton’s proffered arm. “Isabel, I trust you’ll be fine in Mr. Tisbury’s company,” she said over her shoulder.

  Isabel nodded. “I will be fine. Do not worry about me.”

  When Georgette and Dalton were out of earshot, Colby leaned toward Isabel. “I thought I’d never get you alone this evening.”

  “Why, Mr. Tisbury. Whatever do you mean?” Isabel asked in a teasing tone.

  Colby laughed. “My dear Miss Knott, you know perfectly well what I mean, but I’m happy to explain it to you if you’d like.”

  Isabel snapped open her fan to hide her smile. “Yes, why don’t you explain it to me.”

  “It would be my pleasure. Walk with me.” Colby led her to a secluded corner and took a step closer to her. He lowered his voice to barely above a whisper. “I can think of nothing, but you. You drive me to distraction and I dare say you have me under your spell.”

  Isabel fanned herself faster. “I do?”

  “Yes, you do. If you don’t fancy me, please tell me now so I don’t embarrass myself further.”

  A lump formed in Isabel’s throat and she found it hard to swallow. She had been right and Colby did like her as much as she liked him. “Oh, Mr. Tisbury. You must know that I fancy you a great deal. It makes me so happy that you feel the same.”

  Colby reached for her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Then, I’m very pleased we are in agreement.”

  “Can it really be true? It seems like a fairytale.”

  “My dear Isabel, this is no fairytale. You’ve captured me, body and soul.”

  The orchestra began the next tune.

  “I do believe that you’ve promised this dance to me.” He extended his arm. “Shall we dance?”

  “Yes, I’d love to,” Isabel said as she placed her hand on his arm and they walked to the dance floor.

  When the couples lined up for the quadrille, Kathryn took the spot next to Isabel. She wanted another dance with Colby and this was the closest to him she’d have.

  The couples moved toward each other. When Isabel’s hand met Colby’s, he leaned toward her. “I’m on fire. Your touch scorches my skin,” he whispered.

  There was no chance for Isabel to respond before they broke apart again.

  ***

  Kathryn watched as Colby and Isabel came together. She didn’t like the way he was looking at her. How dare he look at her that way? He belonged to her and no one else. She had spent the last year trying to win his heart and she wasn’t going to let this out-of-town nobody try and steal him away from her. Isabel was a fool if she thought she wouldn’t fight for Colby’s attention.

  The couples moved back and forth across the floor in time with the music. When it was her turn to meet Colby’s hand, she gave him her prettiest smile.

  “I hope you’re enjoying yourself, Mr. Tisbury,” she said.

  “I am indeed.”

  Before too long the music ended and the men bowed while the ladies curtsied to their partners.

  Colby strode off the dance floor and went straight to the balcony for some fresh air.

  Isabel looked around the room in search of Georgette. She desperately wanted to tell her what Colby had said, but when she spotted her cousin, Georgette was deep in conversation with the very handsome Mr. Hunt. They looked quite smitten with each other and she did not want to disturb them, but she was torn about whether to interrupt their conversation. Colby had confessed his love for her and she was beside herself with happiness. She wanted to share her news with her sister.

  While Isabel searched for her cousin, Kathryn never took her eyes off Colby. This was the opportunity she’d been waiting for all evening. He was alone and heading for the balcony. She wanted him all to herself before the night ended. Tonight was the night she wanted to show him how much she cared for him and she followed in his footsteps. “You’ll be mine before the night is over, Mr. Tisbury,” she whispered.

  Chapter 10

  Isabel worked her way around the perimeter of the dance floor in search of Colby. She was trembling with anticipation, and wanted to continue their conversation. His declaration of mutual admiration had unbalanced her momentarily, but it was what she had been hoping for since their first meeting at the Stanton dinner. He cared for her as much as she cared for him, and she couldn’t be happier about it. She smiled when she thought about him and could hardly believe her good fortune in finding such a wonderful man who cared for her.

  She could not find him anywhere and thought the cool night air would help refresh the burning feeling she had. It took her longer than she expected to reach the balcony doors because of all the couples lining up on the dance floor. She smoothed down her dress, pushed a curl away from her face and stepped out on the balcony. At first she didn’t see anyone, but when she took a few more steps forward, she couldn’t believe what she was saw.

  Her hand
flew to her mouth as a wave of nausea rose in her throat. Standing in Colby’s embrace was Kathryn Larkinson, and they were sharing a passionate kiss. Her Colby was kissing Kathryn? How could he do that, especially after what he had told her earlier this evening? Was he playing with her affections? She didn’t want to believe it, but their intimate kiss hurt her like a slap in the face. Tears stung her eyes. Georgette had been right. She had been played for a fool.

  “Oh, no!” she cried before she dashed back through the balcony doors.

  ***

  Colby’s head snapped up when he heard Isabel’s strangled cry. He pulled Kathryn’s arms away from his neck. “Kathryn, what are you doing?”

  “My dear Mr. Tisbury, I know you’re familiar with a kiss. Didn’t you enjoy that?”

  “No. You presume too much.”

  Kathryn reached for his arm. “Don’t be like that. I know you liked it. You can admit it. I’m not one of those women who plays silly games with a gentleman’s affections.”

  Colby pushed past Kathryn. “Games? Is that what you think I’ve been doing? You’re wrong and I think you’ve done quite enough. Good evening, Miss Larkinson,” he said as he stormed past her leaving her standing alone on the balcony.

  A sly smile spread on Kathryn’s lips. She had no idea Isabel would follow Colby out on the balcony, but her timing with their kiss had been perfect. It got the desired response from that country girl. Isabel had been unnerved by their passionate embrace and had run crying from the balcony. No doubt she’d tell whoever would listen what she had seen. Let Colby try to talk his way out of this one. He was a gentleman who had been found compromising a young lady’s reputation. That should speed along his marriage proposal. It was perfect. Who did Isabel Knott think she was, coming into her home trying to steal her intended away? She had put Isabel in her place. No one took away the things she wanted, absolutely no one.

  “It won’t be long before you and I are engaged, Mr. Tisbury,” she said. “You’ll see. I’m the perfect match for you.” With a flounce of her skirts, she walked back into the ballroom in time for the next gentlemen to claim her for their dance together.

  ***

  Isabel couldn’t breathe. The intense pain in her chest kept her from taking a breath. She had to get away, but she was blinded by her tears and didn’t see Mrs. Quinn standing in her way.

  Iris reached for the young woman before they collided. “Isabel, what’s wrong, my dear?”

  Isabel stopped short. “Oh, Mrs. Quinn. Please forgive me. I didn’t see you standing there.”

  “I can see that, but why are you crying?”

  “Can we just go home? I can’t stay here any longer. Please.”

  Iris put her arm around her shaking shoulders. “Of course. Let me tell Florence that I’ll send the carriage back for Georgette once I have you settled at home.”

  Isabel nodded and went into the foyer to wait.

  “Would you care for your wrap, Miss Knott?” the butler asked.

  “Yes, please,” Isabel answered.

  Iris was back within minutes and the butler had brought her wrap as well. He held the door open for them and signaled for their carriage to come to the door.

  The driver jumped down and helped them inside. He climbed back into the driver’s seat and snapped the reins signaling the horses to move.

  Inside the carriage Iris pulled a linen handkerchief from her reticule and handed it to Isabel. “Here, my dear. Dry your tears. Do you want to tell me what has upset you so this evening?”

  Isabel shook her head and a new round of tears burst forth.

  Iris patted her hand. “Very well, we’ll talk about it later. Try not to be so upset. We’ll be home soon.”

  It seemed an eternity before they reached Iris’s home. Once inside the familiar home, Isabel ran up the stairs and burst through the door of her bedchamber.

  Rachel was stoking the fire and turned at the sudden entrance. “Miss Knott, you’re home early this evening.”

  Isabel nodded, but couldn’t stop her tears.

  Rachel went to her side. “I’m so sorry. Did I say something to upset you?”

  Isabel shook her head and flung herself on the bed not caring if she wrinkled her dress.

  Rachel didn’t know what to do. “Shall I leave?”

  “Yes,” came the strangled response.

  ***

  Georgette felt giddy as Dalton led her around the dance floor. She had only met Dalton this evening, but it seemed like they’d known each other for a lifetime. He was kind and a bit reserved like she was, but when he talked about his love of books, she knew he was someone special. She began to understand what Isabel had been talking about. She was quite smitten with Dalton and she’d just met him. She would never tease Isabel again about her feelings.

  Neither noticed anyone else as they talked the night away before Dalton led her out on the dance floor for the last dance of the evening.

  “Miss Condiff, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself this evening and I do hope you’ll allow me to call on you.”

  Georgette gazed into his beautiful brown eyes and a shy smile played on her lips. “I would like that very much indeed.”

  He squeezed her hand. “Would tomorrow be too soon then?”

  “That would be lovely. My cousin and I are staying with Mrs. Quinn. Do you know where she resides?”

  “Yes, I do. Perhaps if the weather holds, we may take a stroll outside. I hope that your cousin will come along. It would be lovely to see her again.”

  “Isabel loves London and I know she’d enjoy a pleasant walk.” She looked around the dance floor, but there was no sign of Isabel. She’d been so wrapped up with Dalton, that she had not thought of her sister in hours.

  “Georgette, is something wrong?”

  “Yes, I don’t see Isabel or Mrs. Quinn.” An uneasy feeling started in Georgette’s belly. “I don’t like this. I must find them. Please excuse me, Mr. Hunt.”

  “Not a problem. Let me escort you.” Dalton walked with her off the dance floor.

  Georgette spotted Mrs. Larkinson across the room. “I should like to ask our hostess if she has seen them.”

  “Of course, come,” Dalton said, as he led her around the perimeter of the room.

  Dalton and Georgette stood within Mrs. Larkinsons’ line of sight. It wasn’t long before their hostess excused herself from her group of friends and came over to them. “Miss Condiff, there you are. I have a message for you.”

  “Has something happened to my cousin? I don’t see her anywhere?”

  “Mrs. Quinn took her home earlier this evening. She wasn’t feeling well.”

  Georgette felt the color drain out of her face and she clutched at her stomach. This did not sound good and was entirely out of character for Isabel. Her sister rarely got sick, and had been in high spirits earlier in the evening. What could have possibly happened to make Isabel leave, especially when she knew that Isabel was looking forward to seeing Mr. Tisbury this evening? “I must leave at once. Thank you for inviting me. Good evening, Mrs. Larkinson.”

  “The pleasure was mine. I do hope your cousin is not too terribly ill.”

  “My carriage is outside. It’s at your disposal,” Dalton said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hunt. That is so very kind of you.”

  The butler handed Georgette her wrap and called Dalton’s carriage forward. The driver jumped down and helped her inside.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hunt. I have enjoyed our evening very much,” Georgette said.

  “Good night, Miss Condiff. I hope all is well with your cousin.”

  Georgette counted the minutes as the horses flew across the cobblestones. Something dreadful had happened. She just knew it, but what? She was at a loss to puzzle it out. It didn’t take long to reach Mrs. Quinn’s home. The driver jumped down and helped Georgette out.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Mrs. Smithfield had the front door open before Georgette had a chance to knock. “Mrs. Quinn is waiting in t
he parlor for you, Miss Condiff.”

  Georgette nodded and hurried into the parlor. “Mrs. Quinn, is Isabel well? Mrs. Larkinson said she left early. I’m sorry, but I didn’t see her leave.”

  Mrs. Quinn stood and patted Georgette’s arm. “Something upset her. I found her crying at the dance. She begged me to take her home. She’s upstairs, but wouldn’t tell me what happened.”

  Georgette nodded.

  “Thank you for bringing her home. I must go to her now. Goodnight, Mrs. Quinn.” She flew up the stairs and raced down the corridor to their bedchamber. She flung open the door and found Isabel rocking back and forth on the edge of the bed, tears streaming down her face.

  She pulled Isabel into her arms and stroked her back. “Dearest, whatever is the matter?”

  Chapter 11

  “Oh, Georgette, I was so happy tonight,” Isabel said, swiping at her tears spilling down her cheeks. “Mr. Tisbury told me he was falling in love with me and then…” Another round of sobs wracked her slender body and she slumped into Georgette’s embrace.

  Georgette held her tight and spoke in gentle soothing tones while rubbing her back. “Take your time. When you catch your breath, tell me what happened next.”

  Isabel turned swollen red eyes toward her sister. “It’s all ruined now. If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.”

  “Believed what?”

  Isabel sat up. “I saw him kissing Kathryn Larkinson out on the balcony!”

  That was not what Georgette had expected to hear, and didn’t sound like the Mr. Tisbury she had come to know over the past several weeks. “Really? Were you perhaps mistaken in what you saw?”

  “Georgette, I know I’m not as sophisticated as some young ladies, but I know what a kiss looks like, and they were definitely kissing.”

  “Oh, my. Did you talk to him? Give him a chance to explain?”

  “No. What was there to explain? I was too upset and I ran from the balcony. I found Mrs. Quinn and begged her to bring me home. Oh, Georgette, whatever am I going to do? I love him, but now I feel like such a fool.”