Love by Deception (Age of Innocence)

by Debra Elizabeth

  “May I go and choose a volume now?”

  “Of course.”

  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. 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.”

  “Well, you and your cousin are welcome to read as many books as you desire.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Quinn.”

  ***

  The next morning dawned bright. The sun streamed in through the curtains casting an intricate lacy 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 lace 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 after the cook had left. 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 Essex with her. There was also her per annum. She wouldn’t have to be anyone’s maid ever again.

  “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. Isn’t that wonderful? Our very own evening dresses made especially for us.”

  “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.”

  “No need to thank me, miss. I’m happy to have the post.”

  The girls left the room and made their way down to the dining room for breakfast.

  Mrs. Quinn was already seated at the table, sipping her tea. “Good morning. I trust you slept well?”

  “Very well, thank you,” 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 anymore.”

  “Nonsense, Isabel. Cook will be happy you’re enjoying the food.”

  “I’m looking forward to being out in London today,” Isabel said.

  Mrs. Quinn 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 10:00. 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. Help yourself.”

  “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 while,” Georgette said.

  ***

  At precisely 10:00 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.” Mrs. Quinn 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 she turned 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,” the young woman 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.”

  Mrs. Quinn nodded. “Thank you. We would be delighted to attend. I’m looking forward to seeing
your parents again. Are they well?”

  “Yes, most well. Say 7:00 o’clock, then?”

  “Perfect. Georgette, Isabel, I leave you in good hands. Mrs. Phillips is a wonder and the best modiste in London,” Emily said.

  In the background, 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.”

  “Bye, ladies,” Emily said as she left the shop.

  Mrs. Phillips turned her attention to Mrs. Quinn. “Now, what may I do for you ladies today?”

  “These 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.

  “I’m sure 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 jacket, dark gray trousers, and shiny black boots, and he cut a dashing figure. This week’s dance was being hosted by Lord Bertram Hawkes, a colleague of his father. Colby had agreed to attend and offered to give Dalton some guidance in navigating his way through the Season. “You’ll have 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. 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 Colby’s outstretched hand in a firm handshake. “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. I haven’t seen you in years, Hunt. Time flies by at my age. Welcome to my home, and please give my regards to your parents.”

  “Yes, I’ll be happy to. Thank you.”

  Lord Hawkes leaned in to whisper in Colby’s ear. “I can see the ladies have seen you come in. Be a good man and dance with them. 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?”

  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: that is to find a husband. It is 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 happy 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 the young man with the curly brown hair and the most intense blue eyes she’d ever seen, and 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. Yes, capturing Colby’s heart and being Lady Tisbury was her sole purpose this Season.

  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 said about him. She still wanted him. 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 went 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 a gentleman 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 to entice 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 couch 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, so visits would be fit in when she could. Her husband Charles provided a comfortable living for them, but they did not own a London home, so when Emily was in London, visits were far and few between.

  Emily longed to chat with Mia and hold her godson Lucas again. She’d spent a few weeks with Mia when Lucas was born, but babies grew so fast. Would he be smiling now? Had he turned over?