Age of Innocence Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “Shall we rejoin our guests?” Albert asked. “It seems I have an important announcement to make.”

  Mary slipped her arm inside her husband’s. He stiffened at her touch, but did not shake her off. “Lead the way, my dear, but let’s give Isabel and Charlotte a moment together before you announce the engagement.”

  Albert looked at Charlotte. “Of course.”

  Colby untangled himself from Isabel. “My darling, I will wait for you in the ballroom. Take all the time you need.”

  ***

  Isabel nodded and watched Colby and his parents leave, closing the door behind them. Now that her mother stood before her, she was more nervous than ever.

  Charlotte grasped her hand. “Isabel, when Dalton introduced me to Georgette, the breath nearly left my body. I never thought to hear the name Condiff again. I wanted to ask her about you, but the moment passed and I did not get another chance.”

  “Really? I only learned that Georgette was my sister in a letter Mr. Condiff for me after he died. He said he had kept it secret for fear it might expose you and harm your reputation.”

  Charlotte sighed. “Dearest George. I loved him so very much, but it was not to be. I thought I’d die from a broken heart when we had to part. It was his idea to retire to Essex County so our secret would not be discovered.”

  “From the way he wrote about you, he loved you very much, too.”

  “I must tell you that I panicked when I found myself with child.”

  “Lady Hunt, I know this may be too personal, but would Lord Hunt have known he was not the father if you had kept me?”

  “Sadly, the answer to that question is yes. Lord Hunt and I were merely sharing a residence by that time you were conceived and nothing more. I could not jeopardize my son’s inheritance by planting a question in Lord Hunt’s mind that Dalton was not his child.”

  Isabel nodded. “I understand.”

  Tears welled in Charlotte’s eyes. “Mary saved me from ruin. We went to Bath and stayed for months, citing a nagging illness, but we could not stay forever. When you were three months old, I relented and handed you over to your father. I have never cried so hard about anything as I did on my way back to London.”

  “Lady Hunt, I’m sorry for your pain.”

  Charlotte chuckled. “My darling, you needn’t be sorry. You are the innocent in all of this.”

  “I know I promised not to speak of your secret, but may I tell my sister? I cannot in good conscience keep this from her. I have never lied to Georgette before.”

  “Of course, you can. I would not put such a heavy burden on you.”

  “Thank you, Lady Hunt.”

  “I’m so looking forward to getting to know you better,” Charlotte said as linked her arm with Isabel. “What do you say we join everyone in the ballroom? I do believe there’s an important announcement to be made.”

  Isabel smiled at her mother. A sense of calm settled over her as they left the library. She had the feeling that everything would be wonderful from here on out. She had her beloved sister, she had found her mother, and she would soon be marrying the man of her dreams.

  It was a very good day.

  Chapter 17

  Kathryn Larkinson wandered around the ballroom, looking for the perfect candidate. She hoped to make Colby jealous, especially if he saw her flirting with another young man this evening. It would be a blow to his ego that she wasn’t just waiting around for him, and hopefully be the tipping point for Colby to admit his love for her. She was determined not leave tonight until she had received a marriage proposal from him.

  “Good evening, Miss Larkinson.”

  Kathryn turned to see who had addressed her. “Oh, good evening, Mr. Hunt. I did not see you there.”

  “And you know Miss Condiff.”

  “Yes, we met at my parents’ ball. Good evening, Miss Condiff.”

  “Miss Larkinson, the pleasure is mine,” Georgette said.

  “Have you heard our most special news? Miss Condiff and I are engaged,” Dalton said with a grin that split his face.

  “Yes, I did hear. How lovely for you,” Kathryn said, holding her resentment in check. With Dalton’s engagement, her plan to use him to make Colby jealous had gone awry. She had not been happy when she heard the news of their engagement.

  “Thank you. Have a good evening,” Dalton said with a bow.

  Kathryn curtsied. “Have a good evening.”

  When Dalton and Georgette were out of sight, Kathryn blew out her breath. Nothing was going her way this Season. She was nearly twenty and tired of waiting for Colby to propose. She wanted to move forward with their life together. She had already turned down a marriage proposal from a perfectly suitable gentleman this Season and her mother had been furious about it. She didn’t understand that Kathryn loved Colby and would be happy with no one except him. How could anything else compare to being Lady Tisbury?

  And what was with Isabel Knott? Why hadn’t she denounced Colby when she saw him kissing her? That should have worked brilliantly, but not a word had been said nor was there a rumor racing through the ton that she was caught alone with Colby. Nothing was going as planned.

  Where was Colby? She hadn’t seen him at all this evening. It would do no good for her to flirt with someone else if he was not there to witness it. Her eyes took in the ballroom floor once again. From the corner of her eye, she saw Colby and his parents appear.

  “Finally. Now, who can I flirt with to make Colby jealous?”

  Before Kathryn had time to find a gentleman to carry out her scheme with, Lord Tisbury signaled the musicians to stop playing. The music wound down and the ton turned expectant eyes to their host.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming this evening. Lady Tisbury and I do hope everyone is enjoying themselves.”

  A series of nods could be seen throughout the room and murmurs of delight filled the air.

  Kathryn threaded her way through the guests to stand near the front. She saw Lady Tisbury move to stand next to her husband. “This is indeed a special evening and I’m ever so glad that you’re all here to witness it,” she said.

  What’s going on? What’s so special about tonight? Oh, maybe Isabel did denounce Colby after all? My plan worked.

  She shivered with delight.

  Lady Tisbury motioned for Colby and Isabel to join them.

  Kathryn narrowed her eyes when she saw Isabel Knott standing by Colby’s side. What was she doing there? Hadn’t she’d been scared off witnessing her kiss with Colby? She had heard Isabel’s pitiful cry when she came upon them, so what had changed?

  Lord Tisbury cleared his throat. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that my son Colby, the future Lord Tisbury, is engaged to marry Miss Isabel Knott.”

  “Nooooooo--”

  Every head in the ballroom turned to stare at Kathryn. Her protest had escaped her lips before she realized she had opened her mouth. She felt the heat rise up her neck and face and her hand flew to her mouth.

  “Kathryn dear, is there something wrong?” Lady Tisbury asked.

  Kathryn shook her head. “No, Lady Tisbury. I’m terribly sorry, but I’m feeling quite ill at the moment.” Before her embarrassment grew any worse, she fled the ballroom, her silk skirts rustling as she ran out of the room.

  ***

  Isabel was as shocked as everyone else when Kathryn had cried out in protest. She could hear the anguish in her voice and felt sorry for her. She knew the pain she had felt when she thought she and Colby were finished. The heartbreak and grief of never seeing him again was not something she would wish on anyone, not even Kathryn.

  Colby leaned toward her and whispered. “I don’t think Kathryn was very happy with our announcement.”

  “It’s sad though, don’t you think? I feel for her pain.”

  “Isabel, she deliberately sought to hurt you when she kissed me. She does not deserve your sympathy.”

  “I know, but we have a happy ending and Kathryn
does not. I suspect that no one will let her forgot her humiliation anytime soon.”

  The music began to play. “Well, she brought this all upon herself. Come, my dear. I want to dance with my future wife.” Colby led her to the dance floor. “Let’s put the business with Kathryn behind us, shall we?”

  Isabel bit her bottom lip as Colby guided her around the dance floor. “May I ask you something?”

  “Of course, you can ask me anything. What’s troubling you?”

  “What did you think of Lady Hunt’s declaration earlier? Has your opinion of me changed?”

  “What do you mean? Why would it matter to me who your mother is?”

  “Well, I thought maybe now that you know my mother holds a title, you would be happy that I’m not an orphan with no connections, but somehow I fear the situation is made worse with me being illegitimate. It is a serious matter and your father was none too happy about it. It is a secret that could ruin your family if it were discovered.”

  “Isabel, I love you no matter who your parents are. Nothing has changed for me. Whatever secrets were spilled in that room will forever stay buried behind closed doors. My parents will make sure of it.”

  Isabel gazed into his intense blue eyes. “I love you so much, Mr. Tisbury.”

  “And I love you more than words could ever express. Never forgot that. Promise me?”

  Isabel nodded. “That’s an easy promise to keep.”

  When the dance ended, Emily was one of the first to offer her congratulations to the happy couple. “How wonderful, we will be cousins now.”

  “I am so looking forward to it,” Isabel said.

  Ethan slapped Colby on the back. “Someone finally tamed the elusive Colby Tisbury. I never thought I’d see the day when that happened.”

  Colby laughed at his cousin’s remarks. “I can tell you that I’m very happy to be tamed.”

  “You and Isabel must come and visit soon. Emily and I would both enjoy it, not to mention Hannah. She’ll love having another lady cousin.”

  “How is your sister? I have not seen her this evening.”

  “No, the poor dear caught a cold and had to take to her bed. She was sorely disappointed that she had to miss this ball.”

  “I can imagine, especially since we know how much Hannah loves to dance.”

  “Did I tell you that my parents will allow her to come out next Season? She had badgered them relentlessly until they agreed. Your mother has promised to host her.”

  Colby chuckled. “That sounds like Hannah, but I’m afraid I will always think of her as my little cousin.”

  “She is blossoming into a fine young woman. I don’t envy your parents next year,” Ethan said.

  ***

  Charlotte stood with her dearest friend Mary as they watched Colby and Isabel dance together. “Oh, Mary, can you believe this turn of events?”

  “No, I was as shocked as you with how it all worked out, although the minute I saw Isabel, I knew she was your daughter.”

  “Do you think Albert will keep my secret?”

  Mary let out a hearty laugh. “Do not worry yourself on that account. Albert will not dare breathe a word of it. I will see to that. That man has his own secrets that should never be revealed. He knows the consequences of revealing yours.”

  “I told Isabel she could tell Georgette, though. It would be too much for her not to share such news with her sister.”

  Mary nodded. “Speaking of Miss Condiff, it would seem that both our sons are engaged. Shall we plan for a double wedding?”

  “That would be wonderful. I would very much like to see both my children wed with no one the wiser, don’t you think?”

  “Exactly my plan.”

  Tears welled in Charlotte’s eyes and she squeezed Mary’s hand. “My dearest Mary, what would I ever do without you? Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me. I would enjoy seeing a double wedding myself.”

  Chapter 18

  On the carriage ride home, Isabel could not keep the smile off her face.

  “What a lovely evening,” Iris said as she took hold of Georgette’s hand. “My dears, I could not be happier for the way the Season has gone for both of you. I’m so very glad for you.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said. “But none of this would have been possible without your generous offer to host my cousin and I.”

  “Yes, thank you so much,” Isabel chimed in.

  Iris reached across the carriage to squeeze Isabel’s hand. “Nonsense, my dears. You’ve given this old woman more pleasure than you can imagine. To hear the sound of laughter once again in my home is all the thanks I need. It has indeed been wonderful and I will miss you both terribly.”

  The carriage stopped and the driver helped them out.

  Mrs. Smithfield met them at the door. “Welcome back, ladies. I trust you had a pleasant evening.”

  “Very well, indeed.” Isabel said. “Mrs. Smithfield, I have such happy news.”

  “Oh, do tell, Miss Knott.”

  “I am engaged to Mr. Tisbury.”

  The housekeeper hugged Isabel to her breast. “I’m so very pleased for you. Mr. Tisbury is a fine young man.”

  “Two engagements in one Season,” Iris said. “Can you believe it, Mrs. Smithfield?”

  “It is indeed happy news.”

  “Good night, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said as she and Isabel went up the stairs.

  “Good night, my dears. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day.”

  Isabel turned on the stairs. “What’s happening tomorrow?”

  “My dear Isabel, you and Georgette are each engaged to marry a lord’s son. You will need a wedding dress and a trousseau.”

  “But is that really necessary?”

  Iris smiled. “Of course, it’s necessary. Now, we have to hope that they don’t want special licenses. It will be hard enough for Mrs. Phillips to finish everything in four weeks.”

  “Four weeks?”

  “Yes, my dear. The banns must be read. Now off to bed with both of you.”

  Isabel nodded and followed Georgette up the stairs and to their bedchamber. Rachel was waiting for them.

  “Good evening, Miss Isabel. I could not help but overhear you discussing the lovely news with Mrs. Smithfield.”

  “Thank you, Rachel. It is happy news indeed.” Isabel held her tongue while their maid helped them into their nightdresses and brushed out their hair.

  “Will you be needing anything else?” Rachel asked.

  “No, thank you, Rachel. We are tired and wish to retire,” Georgette said.

  The maid nodded and left the room closing the door behind her.

  “Finally alone,” Isabel said.

  Georgette brought the candle to the small table beside their bed. “What do you mean, dearest?”

  Isabel climbed into bed and waited until Georgette was settled beside her. She turned on her side to face her sister. “You will not believe what happened this evening before the announcement of my engagement was made.”

  “What? Don’t keep me in suspense any longer.”

  Isabel recounted everything that had happened in the library.

  Shock registered on Georgette’s face. “Lady Hunt is your mother?”

  “Yes, I can hardly believe it myself. I have found my mother. I’m not an orphan.” As soon as Isabel said the words, she regretted them. “Oh, Georgette, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to slight you.”

  Georgette squeezed her hand. “Do not trouble yourself, dearest. I knew who my parents were, so it’s hardly the same thing.”

  Isabel smiled. “Lady Hunt is such a grand woman.”

  “Yes, she is, and lovely as well. I can see why Father loved her.”

  Isabel nodded. “I’m looking forward to getting to know her.”

  “That will certainly not be a problem once Dalton and I are married. No one will be the wiser for your frequent visits. After all, everyone believes us to be cousins and Lady Hunt and Lady Tisbury are great fr
iends. It could not be easier.”

  Isabel hugged Georgette. “I’m so happy. Can you believe our good fortune? To marry the men we adore and gain new families.”

  “I know, dearest. I agree with you wholeheartedly, but now you must get some sleep. You heard Mrs. Quinn. I believe our days of leisure shall be over for quite some time.”

  Isabel kissed her sister’s cheek. “Goodnight, my dearest sister.”

  “Goodnight.”

  ***

  The next four weeks flew by for both Georgette and Isabel. Their dresses had been delivered in plenty of time and both young women marveled at the magnificent creations Mrs. Phillips had made for them.

  Georgette’s dress was a beautiful cream-colored satin with lace along the sleeves and the hemline. White embroidery decorated the bottom of the dress sprinkled with splashes of blue in the design. Isabel’s gown was the palest lavender and had a double row of lace at the sleeves and hem.

  Isabel smoothed her dress. “Have you ever seen such beautiful dresses?”

  “No, I dare say I have not,” Georgette said as she tied the ribbons on her bonnet. “Are you ready, dearest?”

  “Yes, I’ve never been more ready in my life,” she said, slipping on her gloves.

  Iris was waiting at the bottom of the stairs and her hand flew to her mouth when she saw the girls. “Oh my, I’ve never seen such visions before. Both of you look absolutely stunning.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

  ***

  Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman and this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church.

  Charlotte sat with Mary as they watched their children recite their vows. “What a special day,” she whispered.

  “Indeed, it is. I’m so very happy that we have found Isabel. I cannot imagine what you must have felt all those years without her and wondering every day how she fared.”