Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) (12 page)

“Mrs.
Quinn, do you think that prudent,” Georgette asked. “We both have so many
lovely dresses already.”

“Of
course, it is necessary. You two will be the most beautiful brides London has
seen in quite a long time.”

“Perhaps
we should at least wait until the engagements are made public.”

Iris
nodded. “If that is what you wish, my dear, but I will send a note to Mrs.
Phillips to be ready.”

News
of Georgette’s engagement spread quickly through the
ton.
It didn’t take long for invitations to arrive.

Mrs.
Smithfield handed Georgette a stack of letters. “These came for you in the
afternoon post, Miss Condiff.”

“Thank
you, Mrs. Smithfield.”

Isabel
put her embroidery down and sat next to her sister on the sofa. “How exciting.
Who are they from?”

Georgette
opened the first letter. “This one is from Emily Richardson, inviting us for
tea tomorrow afternoon. She has been so kind to us during our stay in London.
Shall I accept for us?”

Isabel
nodded. “Yes, I would very much enjoy seeing Emily again.”

Georgette
read through the rest of the letters. Most were
well-wishes
on her engagement.

“Is
there one from Lady Hunt?”

“No,
not in this stack. I’m sure she’s very busy.”

“Yes,
I’m sure she is, but don’t worry. An invitation for tea should be coming soon.”

Georgette
stood and walked to the desk. She pulled out a sheet of paper and penned her
reply to Emily. “I’ll just take this to Mrs. Smithfield. I’d like it to be
delivered today.”

Isabel
nodded and her thoughts wandered to Colby. It was another five days until the
Tisbury ball. She was excited and nervous at the prospect of meeting Lord and
Lady Tisbury. Would they like her? And more importantly, would they accept her
as a suitable wife for their only son? That was what worried her the most.
Colby might not have minded that she had no family, but would his parents
object?

***

The
next afternoon the coach stopped at the Richardson home. Mrs. Fullerton
received them at the door. “Mrs. Richardson is in the parlor. Please follow
me.”

“Thank
you,” Georgette said as she and Isabel followed the housekeeper.

Emily
was seated, but when she saw her guests, she stood and greeted them warmly.
“I’m so very pleased that you both could join me for tea.”

“It
was kind of you to invite us,” Georgette said.

“Nonsense,
come sit. I’ve heard your happy news, Georgette. You must be thrilled. Dalton
Hunt is a fine gentleman.”

“Do
you know him well?” Georgette asked.

“Yes,
I’ve known him for years. Our parents are great friends. I wish you much
happiness.”

“Thank
you, Emily. As you can imagine, I was surprised, especially since I’ve only
known Mr. Hunt a short while.”

“That’s
true, but love does not always have a timetable.” Emily glanced at Isabel. “And
you, Isabel. Are you enjoying the Season?”

Isabel
paused. “Yes, thank you. Will you be attending the Tisbury ball on Saturday?”

Emily
nodded. “Of course. Ethan and I wouldn’t miss Aunt Mary’s annual ball, although
I won’t be dancing much this year.”

“Oh?”

Emily
leaned forward. “Can you ladies keep a secret?”

“Of
course,” Georgette said. “Please tell us.”

“It
is the most happy news. I am with child.”

Both
Georgette and Isabel squealed in delight. “How wonderful,” Isabel said.

“It
is indeed, but I have not told anyone beside Ethan and my mother. I thought to
wait until after the Tisbury ball. Will I see you both there?”

“Yes,
we are planning to attend,” Georgette said.

Isabel
wanted to tell Emily her engagement news, but she thought it best to hold her
tongue. The engagement had not received the blessing of Colby’s parents yet and
she was afraid to say anything in case they were against the union.

“Mrs.
Quinn tells us that the Tisbury ball is the highlight of the Season,” Isabel
said.

“Oh,
indeed it is. Aunt Mary spares no expense. The musicians in past years have
been top notch. There aren’t many couples who can forego a turn around the
dance floor once they begin to play.”

“Sounds
like it will be a wonderful evening,” Georgette said.

“It
will be, I’m sure.”

The
ladies talked for the next hour non-stop until Georgette saw Emily stifle a
yawn.

“Oh,
please forgive me,” Emily said. “I find I’m quite exhausted these days.”

“We
should be going anyway,” Georgette said. “Thank you again for inviting us
today.”

Emily
hugged them both. “It was lovely to see you both. I look forward to seeing you
both again at the ball.”

“Good-bye,”
Isabel chimed in.

On
the carriage ride home, Isabel wondered what would happen at the Tisbury ball.
Would it be her dream come true, or something out of a nightmare if Lord and
Lady Tisbury rejected her because of her parentage or lack thereof?

“Would
you care to share your thoughts?” Georgette asked.

Isabel
sighed. “I guess I’m nervous what the
Tisburys
will
think of me.”

“They
will love you, of course.”

“You’re
sweet to say that, but I don’t know if that is true. As far as they’re
concerned, I’m
a nobody
from the country. I cannot
tell them who my father was and, of course, I don’t know who my mother is. Do
you think I’m reaching too far?”

Georgette
squeezed her sister’s hand. “No, I don’t think so. Remember that out of all the
young ladies, Mr. Tisbury chose you.”

“I
suppose you’re right, but I can’t help but wonder.”

“Do
not fret on it. I’m sure all will be well.”

***

The
next five days crawled by for Isabel. By the time the day of the Tisbury ball
rolled around, she was a bundle of nerves. She sat at the vanity waiting for
Rachel to come and attend to her hair.

Georgette
rubbed her shoulders. “Relax, dearest. Everything will be fine this evening, I
just know it.”

Isabel
reached up and patted Georgette’s hand. “I hope you’re right. I don’t know how
I will cope if I cannot marry Colby. I love him dearly, and heaven help my poor
heart if we are parted.”

“Let’s
not worry about that. Have you decided what dress to wear?”

“Yes,
the lavender one.”

“Oh,
you will look stunning in that one.”

“And
you? Will it be the ice blue for you tonight?”

“How
did you know?” Georgette asked.

Isabel
giggled. “It wasn’t hard to guess. Your favorite color is blue and I’ve never
seen a more beautiful shade of blue than in the dress that Mrs. Phillips
designed for you.”

“I
know. I love it. I do want to look my best, since this is the first outing
since our engagement was announced.”

“You
will be the most beautiful woman at the ball tonight.”

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.”

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’s wonderful.”

“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.”

“Now
if you and Mother will excuse me, I’ll go change,” Colby said as he kissed his
mother’s cheek and strode out of the room.

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 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 not 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 letter to her.

“Isabel,
are you listening?” Iris asked.

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

“Yes,
it is one of the most beautiful ballrooms in London. The annual Tisbury ball is
the highlight of the Season. Anyone who is anyone wants to be invited.”

“I
can see why.”

“I
was telling Georgette that there are quite a few of my old friends in
attendance this evening that I’d like to chat with before we leave for home. I
haven’t seen them in such a long time. I trust that you girls will be fine on
your own.”

“I’m
sure we will. Enjoy yourself, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

“Thank
you, my dears,” Iris said as she walked away.

“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 crowded. I’m sure we’ll find them quickly enough.”

Georgette
and Isabel strolled around the perimeter of the room.

“Look,
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. Have courage, dearest.
Remember, Colby chose you, not Kathryn.”

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

“Hush,
no more 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 the
engagement, nothing could be announced and he had wanted to do that this
evening. He wanted everyone to know that he loved Isabel.

His
gaze found her. She was looking 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 Georgette and Isabel 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 bit? 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.

As
Colby steered Isabel away from the dance floor, he noticed that she was
trembling. “Isabel, what is the matter? Why do 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 like 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 husbands 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
beautiful lavender dress that set off her violet eyes and dark hair to
perfection. She inhaled sharply.

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

Mary
composed her face. “No, not at all, my dear.”

“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.”

“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,
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. 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’s
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. 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 told you this was
going to be a problem.”

Colby
patted 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.

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

Lady
Charlotte Hunt turned when she felt the 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 is going on?”

“It’s
Isabel. She’s here.”

Charlotte
faltered and her hand flew to her mouth. “Isabel?” she whispered in a strangled
cry. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,
quite sure. She is your mirror image and the young lady that Colby 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.”

“Love.
What does love have to do with it? I’ll not have the next Lord Tisbury marry a
nobody from the country.”

Isabel
was mortified listening to Lord Tisbury
disparage
her
family and tears welled in her eyes. “I should go.”

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

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

Charlotte
burst into the room. “Albert, stop arguing about her parentage.”

Albert
turned toward Charlotte, his face livid with rage. “This is none of your
concern, 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.”