Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  Georgette kissed her sister’s cheek. “Thank you, but I think my rival is sitting right in this chair.”

  Rachel came into the bedchamber. “Are you ready to have your hair done, Miss Isabel?”

  Isabel nodded. “Yes, I would like curls with a few wisps around my face like you’ve done before.”

  “Of course. That won’t be a problem,” the maid said.

  For the next hour Rachel worked her magic until Georgette and Isabel were absolute visions of loveliness.

  “There you go, misses. You both look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Rachel,” Georgette said.

  Isabel glanced in the vanity mirror. “Yes, you’ve really outdone yourself tonight. Thank you so much.”

  “Are you ready, Isabel?” Georgette asked.

  “As ready as I can be, but I must confess I’m a bundle of nerves.”

  Iris was seated in the parlor when the girls came down the stairs. She looked up and her eyes welled with tears. “Oh, my dears. You both look so lovely.” She came over and hugged them. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Indeed we are,” Georgette said.

  ***

  Colby paced the parlor and checked the time again.

  “What are you waiting for?” Mary Tisbury asked her son. “That’s about the tenth time you glanced at the clock.”

  “Have I?”

  “Yes, you have. Now do you want to tell me what’s on your mind?”

  “Mother, what makes you ask that?”

  “I think I know my son well enough to figure out when something is bothering you.”

  Colby sat next to his mother on the sofa. “There is something and it is wonderful news.”

  “Really? Now I’m intrigued. Pray tell.”

  “There is someone I want you to meet tonight.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, she is…”

  Lord Tisbury coughed as he entered the room. “Good evening, Colby. I trust you’ll be at the ball this evening?”

  “Of course, Father. Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Good. Good to hear.” Lord Tisbury did not linger and promptly left the room.

  Mary rolled her eyes at her husband’s quick exit. She could count on one hand the times that Albert had desired her company. It was of no consequence now. “So, what were you saying, Colby?”

  Colby glanced at his watch. “Mother, I have no time now. We will talk soon, I promise. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go change,” he said as he kissed his mother’s cheek and strode out of the room.

  Chapter 15

  Isabel took a deep breath as they walked into the ballroom. She had never been to the Tisbury home and it was magnificent. Candles lit up every corner of the room and the air was scented with the aroma of fresh flowers. The musicians played a lively tune while smartly dressed gentlemen led lovely ladies in beautiful dresses around the dance floor. She had never seen such a sight before and it set her nerves on edge. This was wealth on a grand scale. How could she possibly fit into this world? Her father was a gentleman, but not titled and certainly not wealthy on this scale. And what of her mother? Was she a Lady? She wished her father had at least given her a tiny clue in his last letter to her. She hoped Colby was correct and his parents would overlook her lack of connections, but now that she was here and immersed in their world, she had her doubts. It might be too much to ask of them to accept a poor country girl as a daughter-in-law.

  “Isabel, are you listening?” Iris asked.

  Isabel turned. “I’m terribly sorry, Mrs. Quinn. I was taken by surprise with the splendor here in the ballroom. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

  “Indeed. It is one of the most beautiful ballrooms in London. The annual Tisbury ball is the highlight of the Season. Everyone wants to be invited.”

  “I can see why.”

  “I was telling Georgette that there will be quite a few of my old friends in attendance this evening and I’m looking forward to chatting with them, most especially Mrs. Stanton.”

  “She was so lovely and both Isabel and I enjoyed our visits with Emily,” Georgette said.

  Iris nodded. “Yes, Emily is a lovely young woman.”

  “Iris, how wonderful to see you again,” came a voice from behind them.

  They turned to see Mr. and Mrs. Stanton behind them. Georgette and Isabel curtsied to Mr. Stanton. “Lovely to see you both again,” they said in unison.

  “Georgette, I heard your wonderful news. Dalton Hunt is a lucky young man. We must have tea soon.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Stanton. That would be lovely,” Georgette said.

  While Iris talked with the Stantons, Georgette and Isabel wandered farther into the ballroom.

  “Are you ready, Isabel?”

  Isabel nodded. “I guess as ready as I’ll ever be. Do you see Mr. Hunt or Mr. Tisbury anywhere?”

  “No, but the room is quite crowded. I’m sure we’ll find them quickly enough,” Georgette said as they strolled around the perimeter of the room.

  “There’s Kathryn Larkinson. Do you know who she’s dancing with?” Isabel asked.

  Georgette shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

  “She looks beautiful tonight, don’t you think?”

  Georgette squeezed Isabel’s hand. “Not as beautiful as you do. Have courage, dearest. Remember, Colby chose you, not Kathryn.”

  “I know. You’re right. Every time I see her, I think…”

  “Hush, no more talk of that. It is over and you shouldn’t dwell on it any longer.”

  “Of course, you’re right. I will put it out of my mind.”

  ***

  Colby searched the ballroom trying to locate Isabel. He had seen Mrs. Quinn chatting with friends so he knew she had arrived. He was anxious to find her before any more mishaps could occur. Until he got his parents' blessing for their engagement, nothing could be announced and he had wished to do that this evening. He wanted everyone to know that he loved Isabel and chose her for his wife.

  His gaze soon found her. She looked even more beautiful than he’d ever seen her look before and his heart raced at the sight of her. This stunning creature loved him. It was a heady notion and he chuckled to himself when he remembered how he had dreaded the Season this year. If he had not promised to take Dalton Hunt under his wing, he might have missed ever meeting Isabel Knott. That was something he didn’t even want to think about.

  He saw Dalton walking toward the girls and he made his way to the group. “Good evening, ladies,” he said with a bow. “I must say that you both are the most beautiful women in the room. Wouldn’t you agree, Dalton?”

  Dalton bowed. “Indeed, I most heartedly agree with you.”

  Both Georgette and Isabel curtsied. “You flatter us so,” Georgette said.

  “Nonsense. I only speak the truth,” Colby said with a twinkle in his eyes. “Miss Knott, may I steal you away from your cousin for a while? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

  “Of course,” Isabel said and placed her hand on Colby’s proffered arm.

  “We shall find you later,” Georgette said, before turning her attention to Dalton.

  As Colby steered Isabel around from the dance floor, he noticed she was trembling. “Isabel, what is the matter? Why do you tremble so?”

  Isabel swallowed hard. “I’m very nervous about meeting your parents. I’ve never met a lord before. What if they don’t approve of me?”

  He patted her hand. “Don’t be silly, they will love you. Are you ready?”

  Isabel nodded. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

  ***

  Lady Mary Tisbury glanced around the ballroom and was pleased to see such a tremendous turnout for her annual ball. Every year the invited guest list seemed to grow tenfold, but even though it was stressful preparing for such an event, she had to admit that she loved every minute of it. It was wonderful to see the fresh new faces that turned out every Season. To witness newly formed attachments as the young men and women worked at finding husban
ds and wives was a pleasure that she’d never tire of.

  She had the feeling that Colby was on the verge of telling her of his own attachment. She had been sorely disappointed when Albert had interrupted Colby earlier, but she felt confident she’d know of his choice before the evening was over.

  “Mother.”

  Mary turned to see her son standing with a stunning young woman. She wore a stunning lavender dress that set off her violet eyes and dark hair to perfection. She inhaled sharply before she could cover her surprise.

  “Mother? Is there something wrong?” Colby asked.

  Mary composed her face. “No, not at all, my dear. I was a little startled, that’s all.”

  “I’m sorry. I certainly didn’t me to startle you. I would like to introduce you to Miss Isabel Knott.”

  “Good evening, Miss Knott. I’m so pleased you could attend this evening.”

  Isabel curtsied. “Good evening, Lady Tisbury. Thank you for the invitation. I’ve never seen anything so grand before. It is all very beautiful.”

  “Well, Colby. Who do you have here?” Albert Tisbury asked as he joined his wife.

  “Father, this is Miss Isabel Knott.”

  Isabel curtsied. “Good evening, Lord Tisbury.”

  Colby took Isabel’s small hand in his own. “Mother, Father, we have happy news. Miss Knott and I are engaged.”

  “You’re what?” Albert exclaimed.

  “Engaged, Father. This is the young woman I plan on marrying.”

  Albert turned an icy blue stare on Isabel. “Knott? I don’t know that name? Where are you from?”

  “A small town in Essex County, my lord.”

  “And your people? Where are they from?”

  Isabel glanced at Colby before she answered his father. “I’m afraid I don’t have any people, my lord.”

  “No family? No connections? This will not do,” Albert said, his voice rising.

  “Father, it doesn’t matter to me about lack of connections. I love Miss Knott and intend to marry her.”

  “Well, it matters to me. You will not marry without my approval.”

  Mary could hear the anger in both her husband and son’s voices. Their argument was escalating, and she would not have it play out here in public. She grabbed Albert by the arm and nodded toward Colby. “Come with me. Let’s not discuss this in the ballroom. Please, let’s go into the library for some privacy.”

  As they walked to the library, Isabel whispered to Colby. “I had a terrible feeling this was going to be a problem.”

  Colby squeezed her hand. “Do not worry. I will not give you up, no matter what my father says.”

  As soon as they were in the library, Mary excused herself. “Please take a breath and calm down the both of you. I’ll be back in a moment.” Neither her husband nor son spoke as she slipped out of the room.

  This situation was worse than she could have ever imagined. Of all the young ladies Colby could have fallen in love with, why did it have to be Isabel Knott? She hurried back to the ballroom and frantically searched for her friend.

  Lady Charlotte Hunt turned when she felt a light tap on her arm. “Mary, how delightful to see you. I was just looking for you to commend you on another beautiful affair.”

  Mary leaned in and whispered. “You must come quickly. I don’t know how long I can keep them apart.”

  “What are you talking about? Keep who apart?”

  “Albert and Colby,” Mary said as she led Charlotte from the ballroom back to the library.

  “Mary, you’re not making any sense. What’s going on?”

  “It’s Isabel. She’s here.”

  Charlotte’s step faltered and her hand flew to her mouth. “Isabel?” she whispered in a strangled cry. “Could it be true?”

  “Yes, quite true. She’s your mirror image and is the young lady my son is in love with, but Albert is opposing the union because Isabel has no social status or family connections.”

  As the two women neared the library, they heard the argument growing louder.

  “Kathryn Larkinson is a much more suitable match for our family,” Albert said.

  “I do not love Kathryn,” Coby said, his voice rising.

  “Love. What does love have to do with it? I’ll not have the next Lord Tisbury marry some nobody from the country. You’ll marry a woman with connections as befitting your station.”

  Isabel was mortified listening to Lord Tisbury disparage her family. Tears welled in her eyes. “I should go. I’m only causing trouble for you.”

  Colby slipped his arm around her waist. “No, you should stay.”

  “She’s an orphan, Colby. This young woman is entirely unsuitable. She doesn’t even know who her parents are,” Albert shouted.

  Charlotte burst into the room with Mary close on her heels. “Albert, stop arguing about her parentage.”

  Albert turned toward Charlotte, his face livid with rage. “This is none of your affair, Lady Hunt. How dare you interrupt me?”

  “I dare because you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “And you do? This young woman of questionable birth has set her sights on my son, a gentleman of title and wealth to raise herself above her own lowly station. This is what I see and I’ll not have it.”

  “She’s not of questionable birth. She is a gentleman’s daughter of good standing.”

  “And how would you know that?”

  “Because she’s my daughter.”

  Chapter 16

  Every head swiveled to Charlotte and the silence was deafening.

  “Your daughter? You have no daughter,” Albert argued.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I do not have a daughter with Gilbert, that is true, but Isabel is my daughter, nonetheless.”

  Mary stood beside Charlotte and squeezed her hand. “She speaks the truth. The child was born in Bath, and I witnessed the birth.”

  “You did what--?” Albert stopped in mid-sentence, and from the contortions his face went through, it was evident that he remembered something from the past.

  Mary went to her husband’s side. “Albert, Isabel is not a poor orphan from the country looking to better herself. She is the daughter of a fine gentleman and Lady Hunt. Surely, you cannot object to the union now?”

  “Of course, I can. She was born out of wedlock and is illegitimate. I didn’t think this situation could be worse, but it is. How will it look if Colby marries her? No one will know her parentage and the scandal would be most unpleasant.”

  Charlotte took a deep breath. “Is that what concerns you? A scandal? You would stand in the way of their happiness because of what others might think? I’m disappointed in you, Albert.”

  “You know perfectly well what others think matters a great deal in this town,” he said.

  “Very well, then. If that is your position, I shall go out to the ballroom and announce to the ton this instant that Isabel is my daughter. No one would dare speak ill of her to your face. Will that satisfy you?” Charlotte spun on her heels and reached for the door.

  ***

  Isabel could hardly believe what she was hearing. Lady Hunt was her mother? A grand lady such as she was truly her mother? The words from Mr. Condiff’s letter tumbled into her mind. He had been right to keep her mother’s identity a secret. Society would not have forgiven Lady Hunt for her indiscretion, and Isabel couldn’t let her ruin her life now, either.

  “Lady Hunt, wait,” Isabel said, stepping forward.

  Charlotte turned.

  Isabel reached for her hands. “Please don’t go out there. I could never forgive myself if my happiness was wrought on the back of your social ruin. It would not be right and I cannot allow it.”

  Charlotte pulled Isabel into her arms and hugged her fiercely. “Oh, my beautiful daughter. You have no idea how it nearly killed me to give you up all those years ago. I loved your father with all my heart and it gave me a small measure of comfort to know that at least you would grow up with him.”

>   Tears flowed down Isabel’s cheeks. “I have a mother, that’s what matters to me. I thought I was alone in the world, but here you are. My mother. I will gladly keep this secret. You must never worry about that.”

  “You can be assured the secret will not leave this room, isn’t that true?” Mary said, looking between her husband and son.

  “It is unacceptable. I don’t know…,” Albert said.

  “Albert, need I remind you that I will be more than unhappy if you ruin Colby’s chance at a wonderful marriage and a lifetime of happiness. I shall not condemn my son to a loveless marriage. Am I understood?”

  Albert glared at his wife. “You would challenge me on this?”

  Mary stood tall when she answered her husband. “I will. I have borne your disdain for too many years now, but do not question my resolve in this matter. None of us are innocent in the secrets we harbor. Charlotte’s reputation is not the only thing in jeopardy here. There is no need for any secrets to leave this room. Is that understood?”

  Albert opened his mouth to argue further, but wisely nodded instead.

  Colby nodded his agreement as well. “Of course. It matters not to me who her parents are. I love her dearly. That’s all I care about,” he said.

  Charlotte wiped away her daughter’s tears. “Isabel, my darling sweet girl. I lost you once. I will not lose you again.”

  “And you won’t. Georgette is marrying Dalton. There will be ample time for us to visit and get to know one another.”

  Mary stood next to her husband. “Albert, give them your blessing. It’s a good match for Colby and you know it. They love each other and that’s important in a marriage.”

  Albert cleared his throat instead. “Colby, perhaps your mother has a point. In light of these new disclosures, my previous objections to the marriage have dissolved. You have my blessing.”

  Colby offered his hand to his father. “Thank you, Father. You’ve made me very happy indeed.”

  Isabel smiled at the man she loved. “I feel like I’m in a fairytale marrying the handsome prince while my beloved mother looks on. Truly, it is a most wonderful day.”

  Colby reached for Isabel and she slid into his embrace. “I’m so happy, my darling Isabel. Did I not tell you everything would be work out well?”