Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) (7 page)

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.”

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.”

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?

“My
dearest, is something on your mind?” Ethan asked as he strode into the parlor.

Emily
glanced at her husband. He cut a dashing figure in his well-tailored soft brown
jacket, dark trousers, and gleaming black boots. “No, not at all. I was merely
wondering how much Lucas had grown since I last saw him. I can’t wait to see
him again.”

“I
dare say, you’ll soon find out. It shouldn’t be long now before they arrive.”

Emily
stood and went to her husband. “Are you going out?”

Ethan
pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her sweet lips. “Perhaps I should go
later. Your lips are quite tempting, Mrs. Richardson.”

Emily
chuckled and ran her finger along his strong jaw line. “Oh Ethan, you are
insatiable.”

“Indeed
I am, but is that a bad thing?”

“No,
my darling,” she said and kissed him again. “Never a bad thing as far as I’m
concerned, but Mia should be here any time now. I’m afraid I’m otherwise
engaged. May I ask if you can hold your passion at bay until later?”

Ethan
kissed her forehead. “Of course. I suppose I can wait until you are mine again
this evening. I shall be thinking of you while I’m gone. I do have some
business to attend to, but I won’t be long.”

She
nodded and stepped back. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said with a tone of
mischief and longing lacing through her words. “I’ll see you later.”

Ethan
raised her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss before he left the room, leaving
Emily alone with her thoughts again. She felt so lucky to have such a kind man
who loved her. She’d never been happier and her hand rested against her belly.
“Hello, little one,” she whispered. “Your father and I can’t wait to meet you.”

The
sound of a carriage pulled her back to the window. She moved the curtains aside
and was delighted when she saw the driver helping Mia descend the two stairs to
the street. She was holding tightly to the sweet bundle in her arms.

She
hurried to the door, but Mrs. Fullerton was there to greet her guest.

Today
Emily would not stand on ceremony. “Mia!”

The
housekeeper stepped aside as Mia came inside and hugged her friend with her
free arm. “Emily, how good to see you. You look as beautiful as ever.”

Emily
kissed Mia on each cheek. “Thank you. How was your journey? Did Lucas fare all
right during the ride?”

“Yes,
he’s fine,”
Mia
said, drawing the blanket away from
her son’s face.

Emily
peered at the sleeping infant. “He’s such a handsome boy. May I take him for a
bit?”

Mia
nodded and placed the baby in Emily’s arms. “He’s grown so much since you’ve
last seen him.”

The
housekeeper cleared her throat. “Mrs. Richardson, would you like the tea now?”

“Oh
yes, thank you, Mrs. Fullerton. And please ask cook for some refreshments.”

“Yes,
ma’am.” She turned toward Mia. “Mrs. Giles, I’ll have the driver bring in your
chest.” Mrs. Fullerton stepped to the door and gave instructions. “Please have
her things brought to the front bedroom.”

The
driver nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Come
Mia, let’s sit where when can talk,” Emily said as she led Mia into the parlor.

Mia
followed Emily and sat next to her on the sofa. “Oh, this is such a lovely room.”

“Do
you like it?”

“Yes,
it’s beautiful. I especially like the different shades of blue you’ve chosen.
It is a well-appointed room, indeed.”

“Thank
you. Ethan had the workman working all winter to make sure it was ready for the
Season, and now you’re here – my first guest. It couldn’t be any more
perfect than this. How long can you stay?”

Mia
untied the ribbons on her bonnet and pulled off her gloves. She set them aside
and pushed a wayward wisp of brown hair off her face. “Only a week, I’m afraid.
Charles will be home by then and I’d like to be there to greet him. I’ve missed
him dearly.”

Emily
stroked the baby’s head. “I can imagine. I find myself missing Ethan when he’s
only gone for the day. I don’t know how I’d fare if he left on business for a week.”

“Is
Ethan here?”

“No,
but he’ll return shortly. He’s looking forward to seeing you again. Cook has a
special dinner planned, as well.”

“Oh,
wonderful, but you know you shouldn’t have gone to any trouble on my account.”

Emily
squeezed Mia’s hand. “It’s no trouble at all.”

The
baby stirred in Emily’s arms. “Mia, I cannot hold this inside any longer. I
have a secret to tell you.”

Mia
looked at Lucas before returning her gaze to Emily. Her hand flew to her mouth.
“Have I guessed it? Are you with child?”

A
wide grin split Emily’s pretty face. “Yes. I’m so thrilled.”

Mia
reached over and hugged her friend. “There is no blessing that can rival having
your own child. It’s been an absolutely joy having Lucas. I’m so very pleased
for you.”

Emily
kissed the soft down on the baby’s head. “It will be wonderful I’m sure. By
winter, I’ll be able to experience that joy myself.”

Mrs.
Fullerton came into the room carrying a tray a tea and refreshments. “Would you
like your tea at the table, Mrs. Richardson?”

“Yes,
thank you.”

Mrs.
Fullerton put the tray on the table near the side window and poured the tea for
her and Mia. “Anything else, ma’am?”

“No,
we’re fine for now. That will be all. Thank you, Mrs. Fullerton,” Emily said as
she and Mia sat down at the table.

The
housekeeper nodded and left the room, leaving the two friends to talk in
private and enjoy each other’s company.

“I’m
glad you’ll be here Friday. Mother is hosting a dinner and she’d be sorely
disappointed if she didn’t get to see you while you’re in London.”

“How
is your mother? And your father?”

“They
are both well, but you know Mother. She makes sure that Father doesn’t stress
himself too much. He does not always welcome it, but I know that he appreciates
her good intentions.”

“I
don’t blame her. It must have been a terrible shock when he took ill last
year.”

“Yes,
it was the most horrifying experience for both of us.”

Mia
took a sip of her tea. “I cannot even imagine what I would do if anything
happened to Charles. I worry when he leaves on business, but he must go and I
realize that. Doesn’t mean I like it, though.”

“I
understand. It is our lot to worry about our men, but it is worth every minute
when they return to us safely, don’t you agree?

“Indeed.”

“Mia,
you look more beautiful than ever. Are you still happy?” Emily asked while
sipping her tea.

Mia
nodded. “Oh yes, Charles is a wonderful man. I find myself loving him more each
day.”

“I
feel the same way about Ethan. He continues to surprise me with little things
and I daresay that I love every one of them.”

Lucas
began to fuss in Emily’s arms. “I think your little man is hungry.” She handed
the baby to Mia. “Here you go, little one. Mama will make it all better.”

Mia
smiled broadly as she took her baby back in her arms.

***

Isabel
looked out the window for tenth time in the past hour. It was Friday and
tonight was the Stanton dinner, but their dresses had not been delivered from
Mrs. Phillips' shop yet.

“Isabel,
if you don’t stop pacing, you’ll wear a hole in the carpet,” Iris said.

Isabel
stepped away from the window and plopped down in the chair. “Do you think the
dresses will be here in time? What will we wear if they do not come? Can we
even go to the Stanton dinner without an evening dress to wear?”

Iris
held up her hand. “So many questions. Calm yourself, my dear. Mrs. Phillips has
never missed a deadline before, and I doubt if today will be her first. There
is plenty of time yet for the order to arrive.”

Isabel
pushed a wayward dark curl away from her face. “I suppose so, but…”

A
knock at the door interrupted Isabel. She jumped out of her seat and rushed to
the window. Standing at the door was a courier with several boxes in his hands.
“Oh, they’re here!”

Iris
smiled. “Didn’t I tell you that Mrs. Phillips would not fail us?”

“Oh
yes. I shall never doubt her again.”

Mrs.
Smithfield opened the door. “Yes, may I help you?”

“A
delivery for Miss Condiff and Miss Knott.”

“Please
come in,” the housekeeper said as she led the courier to the parlor.

Isabel
waited in the doorway, bouncing from foot to foot. “Bring the packages in here,
please,” she said.

The
courier nodded and put the packages on the table.

“Thank
you,” Isabel said.

The
courier gave her a short bow and left the room.

Mrs.
Smithfield waited in the hallway and escorted him to the door. “Please thank
Mrs. Phillips for the delivery.”

“Yes,
ma’am,” the courier said as he went down the front walk.

“Mrs.
Quinn, may I open the packages?” Isabel asked.

Iris
smiled. “Of course, dear. But why don’t you see what Georgette is up to. It may
be fun to open the packages together.”

“Oh
yes, of course. I’ll go find her,” Isabel said as she rushed out of the parlor
and up the stairs.

She
burst into the bedchamber she shared with her sister. “Georgette, they’re
here!”

Georgette
looked up from the small lady’s desk in the corner. “What? Isabel, why are you
so flustered, dearest?”

“The
dresses from Mrs. Phillips. They’re here. The courier delivered them and just
in time, too. Come down and see what she’s sent us.”

“Can
you give me a moment? I’m finishing up some correspondence that I would like
delivered today. Mrs. Quinn was right about invitations arriving for us. We’ve
received two invitations for tea thus far and we haven’t even gone to a dance
yet.”

Isabel
nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, but couldn’t quite sit still as her foot
bounced up and down.

It
didn’t take Georgette long to finish writing out her replies. “There, see, that
didn’t take long. Let’s go and see what grand treasures Mrs. Phillips has made
for us,” she said as the two young women went down the stairs and into the
parlor.

“There
you are,” Iris said. “I dare say that I’m almost as excited as Isabel to see
what Mrs. Phillips has sent.”

All
three of them moved over to the table. With great anticipation, Isabel and
Georgette peeled the paper back and began to open their packages.

Isabel
stared open-mouthed at the gorgeous lavender satin dress lying amongst the
paper wrapping. “Oh my, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I’m almost
afraid to touch it.” She reached out and ran her finger along the delicate lace
at the bodice and sleeves.

“It’s
lovely, Isabel and you will look beautiful in it,” Iris said. “It’s a perfect
color for you.

“Georgette,
open your package,” Isabel said.

Georgette
nodded and tore the paper away, revealing a light blue satin evening dress.
“It’s stunning,” she said. Her eyes filled with tears and spilled down her
cheeks.