Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) (8 page)

“My
dear, why are you crying?” Iris asked. “Are you displeased with the dress?”

Georgette
wiped the tears away. “Oh no, not at all. It’s stunningly beautiful. I’m so
happy, that’s all. Happy we’re here with you, happy we have new dresses, and of
course, happy that I can share it with Isabel.”

Iris
pulled both young women to her breast. “And I’m happy you’re both here with me
as well. Did I not tell you that Mrs. Phillips was the best modiste in London?”

“Yes,
you did. She’s a wonder,” Georgette said as she hugged the older woman.

Isabel
was the first to break the embrace. She lifted her dress from the box and held
it against her as she twirled around the room. “Look at me! I’m dancing in
satin.”

That
brought a chuckle from both Georgette and Iris.

“Come,
you have more surprises to unwrap,” Iris said.

Isabel
nodded and reluctantly put her dress back in the box. They finished opening all
the packages to many ‘
ohs
’ and ‘ahs’. Each item was
lovelier than the previous one, but the satin dresses were the favorites of
both girls.

“I
know you both will be the loveliest ladies at dinner tonight. I’ll have Mrs.
Smithfield take your packages upstairs.”

Isabel
picked up her dress again. “I’ll bring it upstairs myself. I don’t want to let
it go, for I can’t believe it’s actually mine.”

Iris
smiled. “Of course it’s yours, my dear. And there will be plenty more lovely
dresses for both of you soon.”

***

A
few hours later, the carriage pulled up in front of the Stanton family home.

“Such
a grand home,” Isabel said as she peered out the window.

The
driver jumped down and opened the carriage door. One by one he helped each of
the ladies out of the carriage.

“Please
return at 11:00,” Iris said.

“Yes,
ma’am.”

At
the door, the butler took their wraps before announcing them. “Mrs. Quinn, Miss
Condiff, and Miss Knott.”

Catherine
Stanton came into the foyer to meet them. She gave Iris a kiss on each cheek.
“Iris, it’s been too long since I’ve last seen you. When Emily told me you were
coming this evening, I was overjoyed.”

“Yes,
as was I. It was delightful to see Emily again. She’s as pretty as ever. I have
two houseguests myself this Season. May I present Miss Georgette Condiff and
Miss Isabel Knott.
”

“Welcome
to my home,” Catherine said.

“Thank
you, Mrs. Stanton. We are pleased to be here,” Georgette said, speaking for
Isabel as well.

Isabel
could see where Emily got her beauty. Catherine Stanton was stunning in a pale
green dress that complimented her vibrant green eyes.

“Please
come in and meet my other guests,” Catherine said as she led them into the
parlor.

***

Colby
stood at the fireplace catching up with Ethan. “Thomas Galen sends his
regards,” he told his cousin.

“Thomas
is a good man.”

“Absolutely.
Beth has given him a fourth son.”

“Really?
He must be proud.”

Both
men looked up when Catherine came into the parlor with her three guests.

Colby
knew Mrs. Quinn, but he didn’t know the two young ladies with her. He leaned toward
Ethan. “Who are the lovely ladies with Mrs. Quinn?”

“They
must be the guests Emily told me about. She met them at the modiste earlier in
the week.”

Colby
gave an appreciative glance over the young women. One was a pale delicate
beauty with light brown hair, but her companion was the one who piqued his
interest. She was a stunning, dark-haired beauty.

Emily
stood and welcomed the guests. “Mrs. Quinn, Georgette and Isabel, it is good to
see you again. I’m so pleased that you could attend tonight.”

Ethan
moved to his wife’s side. “Good evening, ladies,” he said with a bow. “Mrs.
Quinn, a pleasure to see you again.”

Iris
inclined her head. “May I present Miss Condiff and Miss Knott,” she said. “I’m
hosting them for the Season.”

Georgette
and Isabel both gave Ethan a curtsy. “Good evening, Mr. Richardson,” Georgette
said.

“Mr.
Richardson, pleased to meet you,” Isabel chimed in.

Ethan
turned to Colby. “I’d like to introduce my cousin, Colby Tisbury.”

Colby
strolled over and gave the women a bow. “It’s my pleasure, ladies. I think the
most beautiful women in all of London are in attendance tonight.”

That
brought a giggle out of Isabel. “I see that you are quite the flatterer, Mr.
Tisbury.”

Colby
stared into the most intense violet eyes he’d ever seen and his heart thumped
in his chest. It was so out of character for him to be affected this way. He’d
met many beautiful young ladies over the years, but none had captured his
attention so fully and so quickly as Miss Knott. He flashed her an engaging
smile. “Already you have learned my secret, Miss Knott.”

“Only
one secret? Where is the challenge in that?”

Georgette
leaned toward Isabel and whispered in her ear. “Dearest, be careful of your
boldness.”

Isabel
nodded. “Mr. Tisbury, I do hope I have not offended you.”

Colby
inclined his head toward Isabel. “Not at all, Miss Knott. It’s refreshing to
have a lively conversation with a young lady.” He watched for her reaction and
was rewarded with her dazzling smile.

Emily
linked arms with Mia. “And I’d like to introduce my dearest friend, Mrs. Giles.
She’s visiting this week as well.”

“Good
evening, but please call me Mia.”

“It’s
a pleasure to meet you,” Georgette said.

“Do
you live in the country?” Isabel asked.

“Yes,
we have a lovely cottage about two hours from London. I rarely get to London
anymore, and especially not with the little one.”

“You
should see her son, Lucas. He’s the most adorable baby,” Emily gushed.

Mia
smiled. “I’m afraid Lucas’s godmother is biased, although I must admit, I find
him quite lovely myself.”

“Every
mother feels that way. I know I did,” Catherine said as she glanced at Emily.
“Why doesn’t everyone have a
seat.
Dinner will be
announced shortly,”

Colby
held out an arm to both Isabel and Georgette and escorted them to the sofa. He
took the chair opposite. “Miss Condiff, how are you finding London thus far?”

“It’s
been a wonderful experience. Our small village cannot compare to the hustle and
bustle of the city and, of course, we cannot thank Mrs. Quinn enough for
hosting us.”

He
turned his attention to Isabel. “And you, Miss Knott. Are you enjoying your
stay?” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. She was positively the
loveliest thing he’d ever seen.

“Oh
yes, it’s been so exciting. I’ve never seen so many folks on the streets
before.”

Before
Colby could ask another question, the dinner bell rang and everyone filed into
the large dining room. He was pleased when he was seated next to Isabel. It
would allow him to talk with her more privately.

The
maids brought in dish after dish and soon the table was laden with delectable
food. Lively conversations swirled around the room, but Colby had eyes for only
Isabel.

He
leaned closer to Isabel. “Miss Knott, I do hope I’ll see you more of you this
Season.”

***

Isabel
gazed into Colby’s startling blue eyes and her heart raced. He was the most
handsome man she’d ever met, and she didn’t want the dinner to end. His voice
vibrated against her skin like the strings of a fine-tuned violin and she found
herself dreaming about kissing his full lips. What would it feel like? Pressed
against those lips would be heaven on earth. She’d never been kissed before and
she longed for Colby to be the first.

“Miss
Knott?”

Isabel
blinked, banishing her daydream. “Pardon? I’m afraid I did not hear your
question.”

“Oh
dear, I must be boring you to tears.”

“No,
not at all. Please forgive me.” She couldn’t very well tell him that she was
thinking about his lips. Those sensual full lips.

“Nothing
to forgive. I was wondering if I’ll be seeing more of you this Season,” Colby asked.

“Would
you like to?” she asked.

“Very
much indeed.”

Isabel
gave him a shy smile. “Well, then I hope our paths cross often.”

***

Later
that evening when they lay snuggled in bed, Isabelle turned toward Georgette.
“Have you ever seen a more handsome man?”

“What?”

“Mr.
Tisbury, Emily’s cousin. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. Don’t you
think so?”

“Yes,
dearest. He seems the perfect gentlemen.”

“Perfect
indeed,” Isabel said. “I dare say I’m quite smitten with him.”

“Really?
You’ve just met him. I don’t want to see your heart broken if he does not share
your infatuation.”

“Georgette,
it’s more than an infatuation. He talked with me all through dinner and sat
next to me while Emily entertained us on the piano. I could have listened to
his dreamy voice for hours.”

Georgette
patted Isabel’s hand. “I’m glad you like him, but please guard your heart,
dearest. Many young ladies get their hearts broken over their first crush.”

“I
will.”

“Tonight
is only the first night in many, and you’re bound to meet other young men. Who
knows? You may find yourself smitten with someone else.”

“Maybe,
but I think this could be more than a crush,” Isabel said.

“Get
some sleep and see how you feel about it in the morning. Goodnight, Isabel.”

“Goodnight.”
Isabel rolled over and snuggled down in the pillows. Her last thoughts were of
Colby Tisbury and his startling blue eyes and full, kissable lips.

The
next few weeks flew by in a series of tea invitations and dances for Georgette
and Isabel. At each dance, Colby was there to escort Isabel out on the dance
floor. Each time they met, Isabel’s heart fluttered at the sight of him. Their
lively banter only served to convince her that Colby was the perfect man for
her. She would never want to marry a dull man, and Colby was anything but dull.
Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was handsome, with a nice smile and those
striking blue eyes that totally captivated her every time he glanced her way.

Tonight
they were attending a dance being held at the Larkinson home.

The
rest of their dresses had been delivered and they had several silk creations
from which to choose from. Georgette ended up choosing a cream-colored gown
with blue ribbon accents, and Isabel wore a light pink dress with delicate lace
at the bodice.

Rachel
put the last flower in Isabel’s hair. “There you go. Do you like it?”

Isabel
glanced in the mirror, turning her head left and right to see what Rachel had
created. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“Glad
you like it, miss.” Rachel turned toward Georgette. “Are you happy with your
hair, Miss Georgette?”

“Rachel,
you seem to outdo yourself for each dance. I love the bit of ribbon you've
woven through mine.”

“Good,
glad that you like it.”

“Well,
we best be getting downstairs. We don’t want to keep Mrs. Quinn waiting,”
Isabel said.

Inside
the carriage, Isabel couldn’t keep her curiosity in check. “Mrs. Quinn, do you
know the
Larkinsons
well?”

Iris
sighed. “When my dear husband was alive, we spent many wonderful evenings
dining with Florence and Henry, but as the years rolled by, I was less and less
inclined to join them. Too many memories to contend with, I guess.”

“Yes,
sometimes that can be quite painful,”
Georgette
said.
“I can see that you still miss your husband.”

Iris
nodded. “When you find your true love, you never stopped missing them even
after they’re gone. One of the harsher realities of life, I’m afraid.”

“I’m
so sorry to have brought up a painful memory,” Isabel said. “Please forgive
me.”

Iris
patted her hand. “Nonsense, my dear. I’m looking forward to seeing them again
and also their daughter Kathryn. I haven’t seen her in years. She’s right
around your age, Isabel, maybe a year older.”

“I
do hope we can be friends,” Isabel said. “It’s been wonderful meeting so many
people so far. Everyone has been so nice.”

“Yes,
this is the perfect time for you girls to enjoy yourselves. Life will never be
so carefree again, especially after you marry.”

“Do
you think we’ll find husbands?” Isabel asked.

Iris
looked between the two young women. “I don’t see any reason that you shouldn’t.
You are beautiful young women, with grace and style to match any young lady
being presented to society. What young man wouldn’t want that?”

“Thank
you, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said. “That is high praise indeed.”

“You’re
welcome, but I only speak the truth.”

“Did
you hear that, Isabel?” Georgette asked. “Style and grace, dearest. Those are
the traits we should emulate, not boldness.”

Isabel
pushed out her bottom lip in a pout. “I dare say that Mr. Tisbury likes my
boldness. I’m sorry I cannot be someone I’m not, but I will try to make you
proud of me.”

Georgette
smiled at her sister. “I’m always proud of you.”

Their
carriage rolled to a stop in front of another grand home. The driver helped
them out and the butler met them at the door and took their wraps.

Every
head turned when Georgette and Isabel walked into the ballroom.

***

Kathryn
Larkinson had spent hours getting ready for the dance this evening. She had
selected an ice blue gown to wear with her hair pulled up to show off her shoulders.
That should get Colby’s attention. She was pleased at his expression when he
greeted her.

“Good
evening, Miss Larkinson,” he said.

“Mr.
Tisbury. I do hope…”

She
saw his head swivel toward the door. She wanted to stomp on his foot for his
inattentiveness, but mostly especially when his face lit up with a smile. She
followed his gaze and saw Mrs. Quinn enter the ballroom with two young women
she’d never seen before. Who were they? And why was Colby so captivated with
them? She didn’t like this turn of events and was determined to find out who
they were.

“Mr.
Tisbury, who are those young ladies with Mrs. Quinn?”

Colby
never took his eyes off the trio. “That’s Miss Condiff on the right and Miss
Knott to her left.”

“I
don’t believe I’m acquainted with them.”

“They’ve
been in town for barely a month. Mrs. Quinn is hosting them for the Season.”

“Well,
then. I must go and greet them.”

Colby
offered his arm. “Let me escort you.”

She
placed her hand on his arm, determined to let the newcomers know that Colby
Tisbury belonged to her. They made their way across the dance floor where
Kathryn’s mother was greeting Mrs. Quinn.

“Iris,
I’m thrilled you came tonight,” Florence said. “It’s been too long since we’ve
seen you. I have missed you, dear friend.”

Iris
kissed her on each cheek. “Thank you for the invitation, Florence. I’ve missed
you as well.” She turned to her guests. “May I introduce you to Miss Georgette
Condiff and Miss Isabel Knott. They’re staying with me for the Season. Ladies,
this is Mrs. Larkinson.”

Florence
smiled at the young women. “How delightful to meet you both. Welcome to my
home. I hope that you’re enjoying your stay in London.”

“Thank
you, Mrs. Larkinson. Indeed we are,” Georgette said. “My cousin and I are so
very pleased to be here this evening.”

“Mother,
I don’t know our newest guests,” Kathryn said as she walked up to the group.

Florence
turned to her daughter standing behind her. “Of course, dear. This is Miss
Condiff and her cousin, Miss Knott. Ladies, this is my daughter, Kathryn.”

Kathryn’s
gaze rolled over each young woman. “Good evening.” She saw Isabel look beyond
her and land on Colby. She was not pleased when a beautiful smile lit up
Isabel’s face.

She
tightened her grip on Colby’s arm. “And this is Mr. Tisbury.”

Georgette
and Isabel curtsied to Colby. “A pleasure to see you again, Mr. Tisbury,”
Isabel said.

Kathryn’s
head swiveled between Isabel and Colby. “You two know each other?”

Colby
nodded. “Oh, yes, I’ve had the pleasure of Miss Knott’s company on a number of
occasions since she’s been in London.”

“I
see. You didn’t mention that, Mr. Tisbury.”

He
tore his gaze from Isabel and focused on Kathryn. “No indeed, I did not.” He
turned back to Isabel. “Miss Knott, I do hope that you’ll save me a dance this
evening.”

A
blush rose on Isabel’s cheeks. “Yes. Of course, I’d be delighted.”

Kathryn
tugged on Colby’s arm. “Mr. Tisbury, I do believe you’ve promised the next
dance to me.”

Colby
bowed. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Georgette,
Isabel, I trust you girls will be fine by yourselves for a bit. I’d like to
catch up with Florence,” Iris said.

“Of
course, Mrs. Quinn,” Georgette said.

The
two young women walked along the perimeter of the dance floor.

“Do
you think that Kathryn was holding onto Mr. Tisbury’s arm a little too
tightly?” Isabel asked.

“I
didn’t notice. Perhaps they are well-acquainted?”

“Perhaps,
but I thought I saw anger flash in her eyes.”

Georgette
squeezed Isabel’s hand. “Dearest, why would she be angry with you? She’s only
just met you. Do not worry about it and enjoy the dance.”

“You’re
right, of course. I’m probably reading too much into it.”

“You
like him a lot, don’t you?”

Isabel
leaned toward her sister and whispered in her ear. “Indeed I do. I think I’m
falling in love with him.”

“That’s
wonderful, but does he share your interest?”

“I
believe he does. He’s been so attentive to me whenever we’ve met this past
month and we have such lively conversations together.”

“Well,
then, you should enjoy the time you have in his company this evening and not
worry what others may or may not be thinking.”

“Georgette,
I’m so happy you’re my sister. You always know the right thing to say to calm
my nerves. I love you dearly.”

When
the dance ended, Colby parted from Kathryn and went in search of Dalton Hunt.
It wasn’t long before he found the young man chatting with his friends along
the far wall. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I’m afraid I’m going to steal away your
companion for a bit. Dalton, come with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Dalton
nodded and walked in step with Colby. “And who may this fair maiden be,
perchance?”

“Who
said anything about a fair maiden?”

Dalton
laughed. “Because I saw the twinkle in your eye. Come on. Spill it. Who is the
young lady?”

“She’s
a real beauty, that’s for sure, although a bit on the delicate side for my
tastes. Her name is Georgette Condiff and she’s cousin to Isabel Knott.”

“Oh,
I see. Keep the cousin busy while you make dreamy eyes at Miss Knott, is that
about right?”

Colby
slapped Dalton on the back. “You’re a lot smarter than I gave you credit for,
my man. Yes, you are correct, but believe me, Miss Condiff is quite beautiful
and seems a lovely young woman.”

“Well,
then. Lead on and let me meet this lovely lady.”

Both
Georgette and Isabel were on the dance floor and when the music ended, they
curtsied to their partners. When they reached the edge of the dance floor,
Colby and Dalton were waiting for them.

“Miss
Condiff, Miss Knott, may I present Mr. Dalton Hunt.”

Dalton
bowed. “Good evening, ladies. I trust you are enjoying yourselves.”

Both
Isabel and Georgette curtsied.

“Good
evening, Mr. Hunt,” Georgette said.

“Good
evening, Mr. Hunt,” Isabel echoed.

“Would
you care for some punch, Miss Condiff?” Dalton asked.

Georgette
nodded. “That would be lovely, thank you. I am quite parched from the dance,”
she said and took Dalton’s proffered arm. “Isabel, I trust you’ll be fine in
Mr. Tisbury’s company.”

Isabel
nodded. “I will. Do not worry about me.”

When
Georgette and Dalton were out of earshot, Colby leaned toward Isabel. “I
thought I’d never get you alone this evening.”

“Why,
Mr. Tisbury. Whatever do you mean?” Isabel asked in a teasing tone.

Colby
laughed. “My dear Miss Knott, you know perfectly well what I mean, but I’m
happy to explain it to you if you’d like.”

Isabel
snapped open her fan to hide her smile. “Yes, why don’t you explain it to me.”

“It
would be my pleasure. Walk with me.” Colby led her to a secluded corner and
took a step closer to her. He lowered his voice to barely above a whisper. “I
can think of nothing but you. You drive me to distraction and I dare say you
have me under your spell.”

Isabel
fanned herself faster. “I do?”

“Yes,
you do. If you don’t fancy me, please tell me now so I don’t embarrass myself
further.”

A
lump formed in Isabel’s throat. “Oh, Mr. Tisbury. You must know that I fancy
you a great deal. It makes me so happy that you feel the same.”

Colby
reached for her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Then, we are in agreement. I’m
very pleased.”

The
orchestra began the next tune.

“I
do believe that you’ve promised this dance to me.” He extended his arm. “Shall
we dance?”

“Yes,
I’d love to,” Isabel said as she placed her hand on his arm and they walked to
the dance floor.

When
the couples lined up for the quadrille, Kathryn took the spot next to Isabel.
She wanted another dance with Colby and this was the closest to him she’d get
in awhile.

The
couples moved toward each other. When Isabel’s hand met Colby’s, he leaned
toward her. “Meet me on the balcony when the dance ends,” he whispered.

There
was no chance for Isabel to respond before they broke apart again.

Kathryn
watched as Colby and Isabel came together. She didn’t like the way he was
looking at her. How dare he look at her that way? He belonged to her and no one
else. She had spent the last year trying to win his heart and she wasn’t going
to let this out-of-town nobody try and steal him away from her.